Two voices have followed me into this moment: one from history, and one from my own home. A few weeks ago, my daughter April wrote a simple message on her bedroom chalkboard: Welcome. You are amazing. In a world that feels heavy and divided, her words felt like an anchor. |
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Death Readiness Dispatch January 23, 2026 |
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Hi there, Two voices have followed me into this moment: one from history, and one from my own home. A few weeks ago, my daughter April wrote a simple message on her bedroom chalkboard: Welcome. You are amazing! In a world that feels heavy and divided, her words felt like an anchor. They lead into the other voice I share in today’s episode, that of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking on the eve of his assassination, reminding us that even in darkness, hope still exists. “The nation is sick. Trouble is in the land. Confusion all around […] But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.” Today’s episode is a heavy one, but an important one. It starts with one very important question: What happens when someone is killed by a federal officer—and no investigation follows? |
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On January 7, 2026, Renée Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot by a federal ICE agent in Minneapolis. An independent autopsy found she was shot three times — in her head, chest, and forearm. She leaves behind children who are 15, 12, and 6. Many of us have seen the videos and heard the arguments. But one fact is not in dispute: Renée Good is dead as the result of gunshot wounds inflicted by a federal officer. And yet, the Deputy Attorney General has said there is “currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation.” So where does accountability go from there? |
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Most people don’t realize how constrained accountability becomes when federal officers are involved: - Absolute immunity protects judges, prosecutors, legislators, and even the President, but only for specific functions. Federal agents like ICE officers do not have absolute immunity.
- Qualified immunity shields federal officers from personal civil liability unless a court has already ruled that nearly identical conduct was unconstitutional. If no prior case exists, the claim is dismissed, even when harm is real.
- Supremacy clause immunity can block state criminal prosecutions of federal officers when they are arguably acting within the scope of federal duties. States may only proceed if the officer clearly acted outside lawful authority, a high and often disputed bar.
- And when individual officers cannot be sued or prosecuted, the Federal Tort Claims Act may be the only remaining path. It allows families to sue the United States itself for the wrongful acts of its employees, as a civil remedy.
These doctrines aren’t abstract. They determine whether families like Renée’s ever get real answers, or even a chance at justice. We need a full and transparent investigation. When federal authorities investigate, their job is not to secure a conviction. Their job is to find the truth, wherever it leads. |
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Death readiness isn’t just about wills and trusts. It’s about truth, accountability, and clarity in how our systems treat human life. This episode is not about sensationalism or accusations. It’s about understanding where the law actually stands so you can decide what you believe should change. If you’ve felt confused, discouraged, or overwhelmed by what you see in the news, this episode is for you. |
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Thank you for being here and for being willing to look at hard things with courage and heart. |
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