Ken Dircks’ Post

Here is a truly despicable post from john morgan. Donald Trump is not david duke. Shame on morgan for planting that seed at this divisive time in our Country's history. Shame on morgan for planting that seed after Trump almost just took a bullet. America fought a civil war over race and human rights over 160 years ago. We didn't collapse into a race war at any other trying time in our nation's history. The fact that john sees a presidential election between a white man and a black woman and immediately spouts "a race war is coming" is absolutely heinous, and it's dangerous. What does this say about morgan's psychology? What does it say about how he views Americans? What type of people is morgan spending time with for him to believe this election is going to incite a race war? Which side will he be fighting on - "the klan" or "k hive"? Oh i forgot, he already "bowed out" (https://lnkd.in/ea84XggZ). Ain't he such a fighter for the people . . . (I'm being facetious). john morgan, who has led the race to the bottom in American Law for decades, feels entitled to claim the words of Abraham Lincoln (https://lnkd.in/eWeUNTBH) for his corporate law firm. He feels entitled to speak vulgarly and offensively on behalf of an American President (https://lnkd.in/e2Re9dSX). I'm starting to worry that john morgan considers himself a member of a very elite class of American leaders. I wish he would just once follow through with his constant threats about running for office. It would be a humbling experience for john to step outside of his own echo chamber to see how the American people really feel about him. He's toxic to American Law, he's toxic to American politics, and he's toxic to American Democracy. #American #law #politics #democracy #wethepeople #forthepeople #forjohnmorgan #hubris

#FreedomofSpeech: a personal primer to the #FirstAmendment. References to the unlimited power and license of #FreeSpeech are being thrown around cavalierly (and inaccurately) in the media and in daily gatherings. I’m not a constitutional scholar but there is little doubt about these limits to constitutionally protected Free Speech. No matter how righteous the cause, or pure the motive, freedom of speech is NOT unlimited. It does Not mean that anyone can say: …..Whatever they want, …..Whenever they want, …..Wherever they want, and at …..Whatever volume they want. Speech can (and should) be regulated by limiting the time, place, or manner in which it is made. One individual’s freedom of speech never trumps the rights of others to personal safety, freedom of movement, and fear from physical harm. You can’t say or write things that falsely injure someone’s reputation (libel or slander), or are “fighting words”, or that present a clear and present danger of causing violence. A major function of #government (towns, cities, #universities) is to enforce symmetry, i.e. people’s right to freedom of speech, while simultaneously enforcing the clear limits on people who are creating harm by abusing that right. The constitutional equation is currently unbalanced. Limits need to be powerfully restored by public and private #leadership and respected by all.  It’s our individual and institutional obligation and privilege to do so. Get on with it. Dan Moulthrop Ryan Alshak Kira Bellocq Danielle Lackey Scott Reckard Nathaniel Popper Buddy Arnheim David Hornik Todd Federman Howard Bobrow Mike de Windt Annie Tsai Jakki Nance Kevin Czinger Coleman Cannon Joel Hyatt April Miller Boise Kelly Byrnes Rupert Cocke Margot Copeland Michael Cristal Paul Clark Dominic DiPuccio Tom Embrescia Jason Therrien Troy Foster Dean Draznin ✊🏽 Niket Desai Jeremy Fiance TIM MUELLER Scott D. Roulston Harshil Goel Jef Fowler Lee Fisher Scott Monaco Rick Tocquigny George Veras Eric Hurwitz Hugh McKay Lance Hill #lawyers #Constitution #Taft #JonesDay #PerkinsCoie #EY #Calfee #Cooley #WilsonSonsini

Issue #48 | Download https://lnkd.in/ds3yJErc From his unexpected rise after the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner to his shocking 2016 presidential victory, his journey has been nothing short of dramatic. The article, “White House Correspondents’ Dinner” dives deep into the key moments —his with policies on China and Russia, the unprecedented legal challenges he faces today, and two assassination attempts. Whether you see him as a disruptor or defender of democracy, Donald Trump’s impact on American politics is undeniable. Turn of events as President Biden hands over to VP Kamala Harris, changes in campaign strategies also occurred. Do we see an Obama Playbook being used out by VP Kamala Harris? The U.S. justice system reveals its complexity: the trials of Robert ‘R. Kelly’ Kelly, William H. Cosby, and Alec Baldwin show a deep divide in how the system treats celebrities—especially when race plays a role. Kelly and Cosby, both Black men, faced intense scrutiny, media pressure, and harsh legal outcomes. Baldwin, a White actor, was handled with more leniency, focusing on professional responsibility rather than racial narratives. Are these disparities about accountability, or does race amplify the focus? What do these cases say about justice in America?

Today, as the Civil Rights Act turns 60, we can’t help but reflect on how it happened. Not just the marches, meetings, and bill signing, but also that Dr. King breached a gaping hole in America’s power structure. He didn’t just challenge discrimination laws; he challenged elected office holders, including two presidents whose powers were protected by those laws. It is hard to imagine that approach in today’s world where the modern consulting class so often works, undoubtedly without intention, to the detriment of bold vision and calculated risk. As King biographer, Jonathan Eig wrote in the New York Times last year, “Americans prefer a version of history in which most decent people did the right thing in the end.” But as is now well documented, the idea of federal civil rights policy was forced onto Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson and others in Washington who did not believe it was an idea whose time had, or should, come. Imagine the rooms where it happened; King, Rustin and so many others negotiated among themselves the ways to persist without becoming arrested in concern over their access to the Oval Office. They knew it was a tool, not the prize. They did not have to maintain status at the White House. Even as they represented a political thorn, King knew that his movement was marshaling the attention and energy of the people to keep a standing invitation. Consultants to movements have a responsibility to counsel in service of the mission, and to discard the notion that the business imperative is to maintain their own standing. We cannot sell our services by professing commitment to missions and recommend lukewarm strategies and tactics that stall and undermine them. So much depends on our ability to help leaders define achievable, bold missions; clarify goals; decide upon the next right move; and then act, learn and refine. Yes, our relationships matter, but there is no business development strategy quite like winning.

After you made sure your taxes are filed with the IRS, make sure you check out Black in Blue Live this coming Monday, April 15th, for another law enforcement panel discussion. I’ll host 4 dynamic law enforcement leaders from across the country to discuss leadership, recruitment, diversity & inclusion, accountability, and whatever else comes to mind. This discussion will be streamed exclusively on the Black in Blue Podcast’s YouTube channel. So make sure you head over there to be a part of this compelling event. YouTube link in the COMMENTS. #Leadership #Accountability #Police #Chief

Hard to believe it's been 10 years! From 2012-2014, I worked as a Trial Defense Attorney in Bamberg, Germany. When describing the role to friends and family, I often described myself as a (very) poor man's Tom Cruise in 'A Few Good Men'. In a nutshell, I was responsible for defending US Army personnel in the military justice system. Today, I work in a completely different role and industry but I still draw from that experience nearly every day. Here are three takeaways: 1. Mentorship - When I started the job, I had no real trial experience. I felt the weight and responsibility immediately. Thanks to many gracious JAGs (especially Richard Kirkendall & Rory Thibault), I was able to learn and grow every day of that two-year assignment. I also learned an incredible amount from my many skilled paralegals (especially Bryan McCool, pictured below!). 2. Experiential Learning - Before this job, I learned from Patrick Sandys that a great military attorney could not afford to isolate themselves in the office pushing paperwork. You must get out and spend time with commanders, Soldiers, and staff in their place of duty. Go to the range; join the ruck; pursue the GAFPB. Not only did this help with building relationships (as detailed below), but it also aided my understanding of their day-to-day realities. 3. Relationships - as a TDS attorney, you are not subject to the typical chain of command. It is tempting therefore to 'go rogue' and do your own thing. However, to be an effective advocate, leader, learner, etc., I needed to be involved with the military community. By attending 'optional' unit/office functions, hail & farewells, and building real relationships, I came to know both decision-makers and my prosecutorial counterparts. I also gained a deep sense of appreciation for their motivations, pain points, and operating realities.

I’m excited to share that I will soon be joining Medical Teams International to serve as President & CEO. Fundamental to even the notion of “human rights” is the deeper truth of equality—that all humans, simply because they are human, are entitled to certain basic rights. Not because of what they have done, or the color of their skin, or where they live. Simply and only because of who they are—human. Likewise, a core tenet of my faith is that every human is divinely created, made in the image of their Creator. The vast diversity of humankind is itself a reflection of the vastness of God. And because of this, every human, as an image bearer of God, is of eternal significance and worth. Every single one. We live in an age where the competition for our eyes, our hearts, and our minds is unrelenting. So if you are anything like me, it is easy to forget in the swirl of news feeds and stories the very brutal reality faced by millions of humans. Over 120M humans have been forcibly displaced from their homes because of war, persecution, violence, and natural disasters. That figure has been increasing every year for well over a decade. Over 120M humans who find themselves stateless, homeless, often pushed into the most remote and isolated areas where they can so quickly be forgotten. I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead an organization that, for nearly 50 years, has not forgotten. Medical Teams goes the literal last mile to draw near to millions of suffering and vulnerable humans, providing world-class and life-saving care to the whole person, honoring their humanity, equality, and dignity. With over 2,500 staff and a vast network of volunteers and partners around the world, Medical Teams provides direct care and services to over 4M humans a year. As I embark on this transition, I am filled with deep gratitude, especially for the place I am leaving. IJM has been a foundational part of my life for over 20 years, and my employer for almost 11 years. My experiences with and at IJM have shaped me deeply, both personally and professionally. While it’s hard to leave such a special place, I feel a great sense of peace and excitement for the future, and I am eager to lead Medical Teams into its next chapter!

Yesterday, the media reported that the First Gentleman of the United States has withdrawn from the 2024 re-election race. This decision was undoubtedly challenging for him and his party, as many within his party still had faith in his leadership abilities and character. Despite this support, a significant portion of Americans who value his leadership qualities and integrity expressed concerns about his age and mental acuity. Joe’s decision to step down, despite his moral values of honesty and integrity, likely reflects his commitment to putting the interests of Americans first. His withdrawal highlights the importance of assessing one’s effectiveness and leadership suitability in light of current circumstances. For African leaders, this situation presents a critical lesson. It raises the question of whether they will follow suit by honestly evaluating their own performance and stewardship. Will they consider stepping aside if it becomes clear that their continued leadership might not be in the best interest of their country? It is essential for leaders to prioritize the well-being of their nations and, when necessary, make the courageous decision to relinquish power in favor of those who might better serve their country’s needs and uphold strong moral standards.

Moral Clarity 101

I recently took a break from work to travel to Washington DC with some friends. All the adults had been before, but none of the 5 boys had. I was curious to see what the atmosphere would be like under the cloud of the presidential debate, recent Supreme Court rulings, and just general political climate we're in. As we walked around the monuments there was some nastiness; signs with 'F##k Trump and his voters' and 'F##k the police' and some loud rallies going on. I found it all very off-putting, regardless of my own political sentiments. In that way it was a bit like the workplace. At work we're all on the same team, yet hold different views how things should be done. There might even be colleagues you strongly disagree with, maybe even dislike. So how how do we hold things together? How do we disagree with each other while still functioning as a team? For a comprehensive answer look to President Lincoln's 2nd inaugural address, given while the Civil War was still raging, and now etched above his statue at the Lincoln Memorial. I think it boils down to focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us. There will always be disagreements at work and in politics. We must disagree respectfully and in the proper way, always giving grace to the other person. But to function as a team we must focus on what we share in common. For the crowd at the Lincoln memorial the most unifying moment was when a man dropped down on one knee and proposed to his lady. In that moment we all united around them; their success became success for us all (she said yes!). How do you and your team handle disagreements? How do you focus the team on unity?