Letters from an American January 23, 2026
46 snips
Jan 24, 2026 Coverage of a massive below-zero protest against ICE and CBP occupation in Minneapolis–St. Paul. Discussion of claims that the administration is attacking constitutional rights across amendments. A retelling of Lincoln’s Cooper Union speech and reflections on founders’ protections like the Bill of Rights. Reporting on visa revocation over a Gaza op-ed and concerns about expanding domestic-terrorism labels and warrantless ICE home entries.
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Mass Protests In Bitter Cold
- Tens of thousands of Minnesotans marched in subzero wind chills to protest ICE and CBP occupations in Minneapolis–St. Paul.
- A protester compared ICE to the KKK and warned the administration sought to suspend constitutional rights.
Lincoln Recasts Conservatism
- Abraham Lincoln framed defenders of equality as true conservatives at his 1860 Cooper Union speech.
- He argued those rewriting founding principles to justify white supremacy were the real radicals.
Founders Built Protections Against Tyranny
- The Declaration and Constitution were invoked as bulwarks against tyranny from King George III onward.
- The framers included a Bill of Rights to prevent future despotism and protect long-standing liberties.