At one level this is a very technical, dry case about when deference is owed (to an executive interpretation of federal law). But Kennedy is trying to rise above the technicalities to make a point...

A parade is defined by who is in it. Its identity consists of who is in it. The inclusion of any political group — even one not trumpeting its point of view — might detract...

If the trial court was wrong in letting her serve as her own counsel, that’s not a mistake that’s immune from appellate review. The system has to have a way to protect people from themselves.