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The right to privacy in the wake of Dobbs

Opinion

Abortion rights protest

Supporters of abortion rights protest outside the Supreme Court on June 24, 2023.

Sha Hanting/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

In the latest episode of The Afakasi Podcast, host KJ Mauwong delves into a crucial topic: the right to privacy and its implications in the wake of recent developments in the Supreme Court.

Mauwong and his guests talked about Roe v. Wade and the Dobbs decision that reversed it. The discussion revolved around the broader context of personal rights, autonomy and the shadow of the law known as "penumbra." The podcast explores the Supreme Court's role, potential judicial overreach, and the constant evolution of interpretations.


The conversation takes a contemporary turn as the trio delves into the impact of technology on privacy rights, considering the intrusion of companies into personal lives, data collection, and the challenges posed by the democratization of information. The conversation prompts listeners to think about the complexities of privacy, especially in the digital age.

As the dialogue unfolds, the participants touch on historical cases, from Dred Scott to present-day challenges, emphasizing the ongoing struggle to define and protect privacy rights. The discussion evolves into a call for civic engagement, urging listeners to be informed voters, to scrutinize their elected officials, and to actively participate in the democratic process.

In the closing remarks, Mauwong emphasized the importance of education and encouraged listeners to be proactive in shaping their democracy. This episode serves as a reminder that democracy is a living entity, requiring constant care and engagement from its citizens.

Remember to check out The Democracy Group Podcast Fellowship, where passionate individuals, especially college and high school students, can learn to launch their podcasts. Apply at democracygroup.org/fellowship. The fellowship is sponsored by the Bridge Alliance, which operates The Fulcrum.


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New Year’s Resolutions for Congress – and the Country

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) (L) and Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) lead a group of fellow Republicans through Statuary Hall on the way to a news conference on the 28th day of the federal government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol on October 28, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Getty Images, Chip Somodevilla

New Year’s Resolutions for Congress – and the Country

Every January 1st, many Americans face their failings and resolve to do better by making New Year’s Resolutions. Wouldn’t it be delightful if Congress would do the same? According to Gallup, half of all Americans currently have very little confidence in Congress. And while confidence in our government institutions is shrinking across the board, Congress is near rock bottom. With that in mind, here is a list of resolutions Congress could make and keep, which would help to rebuild public trust in Congress and our government institutions. Let’s start with:

1 – Working for the American people. We elect our senators and representatives to work on our behalf – not on their behalf or on behalf of the wealthiest donors, but on our behalf. There are many issues on which a large majority of Americans agree but Congress can’t. Congress should resolve to address those issues.

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Donald Trump Jr.' s plane landed in Nuuk, Greenland, where he made a short private visit, weeks after his father, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, suggested Washington annex the autonomous Danish territory.

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Trump’s ‘America First’ is now just imperialism

In early 2025, before Donald Trump was even sworn into office, he sent a plane with his name in giant letters on it to Nuuk, Greenland, where his son, Don Jr., and other MAGA allies preened for cameras and stomped around the mineral-rich Danish territory that Trump had been casually threatening to invade or somehow acquire like stereotypical American tourists — like they owned it already.

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The Common Cause North Carolina, Not Trump, Triggered the Mid-Decade Redistricting Battle

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