The stark reality of our broken news media is that only the “successful” terror plots capture our attention. We are bombarded with headlines about violent psychopaths who manage to kill or injure their targets, while the stories of those who fail to enact their horrifying plans are relegated to mere wire-service blurbs, allowing society to sweep them under the rug as if nothing significant happened. But the foiled plot that emerged recently is not just another blip on the radar; it reveals the deep-rooted issues within our judicial and political systems, exacerbated by a Supreme Court that has turned a blind eye to the very principles of justice and equality.
On a Sunday in October 2025, Louis Geri, a New Jersey man, was arrested for attempting to intimidate Supreme Court justices by setting up a tent outside St. Matthews Cathedral in Washington, D.C., claiming it was filled with grenades. This disturbing incident occurred during the Red Mass, an event attended by all Supreme Court justices, which raises significant questions about the intersection of church and state and the broader implications of such gatherings in our secular democratic society. The very existence of the Red Mass violates the precious principle of separation of church and state, yet it continues to take place, unchecked.
Inside Geri’s tent, authorities discovered components necessary for making an explosive device. His nine-page manifesto expressed disdain for various groups, including Catholicism, Judaism, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While Geri is now in custody, where he remains without bond, one cannot help but note the larger context of violence in this country—a violence that is often incited or ignored by those in power, including the Supreme Court itself. The justices’ absence from the Red Mass in the wake of Geri’s arrest underscores a chilling reality: they are aware that their decisions have consequences, and the public’s frustration is boiling over.
However, it is crucial to assert that violence is not the answer. The Supreme Court’s actions, particularly those that embolden theocratic ideologies and threaten fundamental rights, must be challenged through legislative reforms, not through acts of violence that only serve to further entrench power and diminish our moral standing. The lazy and misguided thinking that leads individuals to threaten violence against the court needs to be confronted with decisive accountability. True change comes through civic engagement and robust activism, not through bombs or bullets.
The underlying issue here is a systemic failure to offer true accountability and reform. Should a Supreme Court justice be assassinated in a politically motivated act, the response must not be to perpetuate a cycle of violence or to further political agendas based on retaliation. Instead, any replacement justice should reflect the same political ideology as the one lost, regardless of which party is in power at that moment. This is not just about maintaining political balance; it is about preserving the integrity and functionality of our judicial system and ensuring that it serves the people rather than the whims of a few.
As we navigate this tumultuous political landscape—where the government is shut down, where members of the military face delayed paychecks, and where the Supreme Court’s decisions threaten to dismantle voting rights—our focus must remain on accountability. The Republican-controlled government has a responsibility to address the pressing needs of the nation rather than engage in petty, politically motivated indictments against figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James. The ongoing harassment faced by those who oppose the status quo, such as James, only highlights a broader pattern of using the legal system as a weapon against dissent.
Moreover, recent temporary restraining orders issued by district court judges in Illinois, aimed at preventing ICE from using excessive force against journalists and protesters, demonstrate the urgent need to safeguard the rights of those who challenge oppressive systems. Yet, we can anticipate that the Supreme Court will likely overturn such rulings without explanation, leaving marginalized groups further vulnerable to state violence and oppression.
In the face of these systemic injustices, it is imperative that we collectively strengthen our resolve to advocate for the rights of all individuals, particularly those who are most at risk. This includes ensuring that we protect journalists trying to do their jobs, activists fighting for social justice, and vulnerable communities facing deportation or violence.
Meanwhile, as a different district court judge in Illinois has blocked Trump from deploying National Guard troops to Chicago, we must recognize that these judicial decisions are often met with threats of Supreme Court intervention that reflect a lack of regard for the rule of law and democratic principles. The court’s willingness to hear arguments that threaten to undermine mail-in voting rights only adds to this troubling narrative of a judiciary that is increasingly willing to sacrifice democracy on the altar of partisanship.
In this context, we must also confront the troubling reality of the Supreme Court’s handling of cases like *US Postal Service v. Konan*, which could have dire implications for mail-in voting and the integrity of our electoral process. As more people turn to mail-in ballots, any intentional nondelivery by the Postal Service could disenfranchise countless voters, particularly marginalized communities who rely on these methods to exercise their democratic rights.
Justice Alito’s trivialization of potential disruptions to democratic processes—comparing delays in receiving holiday cards to the systemic denial of access to ballots—reveals a shocking disconnect from the real-world implications of his decisions. His disdain for mail-in voting reflects a broader conservative agenda aimed at suppressing voter turnout, particularly among those who do not align with their political views.
The stakes have never been higher. We are witnessing the erosion of democratic values as the Supreme Court dismisses the needs and rights of the people in favor of ideological pursuits. It is crucial that we stand resolutely against these injustices, demanding accountability from our leaders and a recommitment to the principles of equality and social justice that must underpin our democracy. The fight for a just and equitable society hinges on our collective action and unwavering resolve to ensure that every voice is heard and every vote counts.
This article highlights the importance of AND SYSTEMIC FAILURE.
