John Amaruso articles on Democracy Chronicles

John Amaruso is a filmmaker and writer based in the greater New York area. His interests include politics, film, and travel. You can find his other writings on his website Mind Under Matter or by following him on Twitter @MindUnderMattr or on Facebook. John is the director of DC's documentary film "Design of a Broken System", currently filming.

The NDAA Lives On: US Constitution in Peril

By John Amaruso - December 21, 2012 Leave a Comment

Patriot Act openly disregarded fundamental rights in the Constitution and sought to alter what is “reasonable” search and seizure.

Growing Challenges to Democracy in a Reforming Myanmar

By John Amaruso - December 11, 2012 Leave a Comment

Like many countries before it, Myanmar is experiencing growing pains of democratic rule. Can Myanmar become a democracy? It can. With right circumstances.

On Amazon’s Success

By Jack Jones

I think people are now apathetic about the success of American companies unless you are employed by them or you have money in the market. Most of the gains made by modern efficiency has gone to the top.

Impeachment — From the Federalist Papers to the Whistleblower

By Jenna Spinelle

Michael Berkman and Michael Nelson discuss the constitutional framework for impeachment and what the Framers had in mind when they set it up. They also discuss how impeachment is a unique cooperation between the three branches.

Trump Political Kin Don’t Like Liars

By Steve Schneider

Members of the Florida clan of the Trump political dynasty insist Amendment 4 backers lied to get voters to approve restoring voting rights for many former felons who complete the terms of their sentences.

This Stupid Moral Panic About Vaping

By David Anderson, J.D.

Nicotine is an addictive but harmless drug which gives people pleasure and legitimate vaping is a relatively safe way to experience that pleasure. These are facts that taunt the fanatics.

Climate Change is a Serial Killer

By Aydasara Ortega

A serial killer is a term describing a type of killer who kills a number of people over a long period of time. Then climate change is a serial killer.

Podcast: China’s threat to democracies around the world

By Jenna Spinelle

Larry Diamond joins the Democracy Works podcast this week to talk about the threat China’s model of authoritarian capitalism poses to liberal democracy in the United States and around the world.

Florida Not Yet Land of Lincoln for Former Felon Voting Rights

By Steve Schneider

Governor signs a 2019 law, which was passed in a party-line vote by the Republican-controlled state Legislature. It requires returning citizens to pay all fees, fines and restitution ordered by a judge before they can register to vote.

Democrats Slam Engage Texas over advocacy on Texas Driver License Grounds

Democrats have slammed GOP-affiliated Engage Texas over advocacy at Texas Driver License offices but DPS says grounds open to political speech.

Florida: felon voting restrictions to finally have day in court

Florida felon voting restrictions to finally have day in court. This comes after suing over Florida GOP-controlled legislature hook on felon voting rights