The Preamble – Episode Summary

Episode Title: If Court Orders Don’t Matter, Nothing Does, Banning Books, and How to Find Hope
Host: Sharon McMahon
Guests: Jodi Picoult (author), Adam Kinzinger (former Congressman)
Date: February 9, 2026

Overview

This episode of The Preamble explores the erosion of the rule of law in America, particularly in the context of federal agencies defying court orders, and dives deep into the dangers and consequences of book banning in schools and libraries. Host Sharon McMahon, joined by bestselling author Jodi Picoult and former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, brings clarity and calls for civic engagement against the backdrop of complex contemporary issues. The conversations also address political polarization, the future of the Republican Party, and how average citizens can find hope and stay engaged during turbulent times.

Segment 1: The Rule of Law and Federal Agencies ([03:34]–[10:12])

Key Points & Insights

• Civic Emergency in Minnesota: Sharon discusses a recent case in Minnesota, where Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz publicized that ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) violated 96 federal court orders in 74 cases within one month.
  • Quote: “ICE has likely violated more court orders than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence.” (Sharon, quoting Judge Schiltz, [03:56])
• Threat to Democracy: Treating court orders as optional undermines the legitimacy of government and the rule of law.
  • Quote: “A government that asks the public to respect the law must model respect for the law. This is not a partisan complaint.” ([05:00])
• Call to Action:
  • Operational Protocols: DHS & ICE must implement transparent compliance checklists.
  • Independent Oversight: DOJ should investigate and publish findings on violations.
  • Congressional Oversight: Lawmakers must ensure executive agencies comply with judicial rulings.
• Bigger Implications: Ignoring court orders risks widespread civic cynicism, vigilantism, and the erosion of public trust: “When courts lose their power to command compliance, democracy loses one of its quiet miracles, the ability to restrain power using words on a page.” ([08:48])

Segment 2: Banning Books with Jodi Picoult ([12:08]–[28:07])

Why Are Jodi Picoult’s Books Targeted?

• Popularity and Bans: Picoult is currently the second most banned author in the U.S., after John Green.

  • Memorable Moment: In Martin County, FL, one parent had 20 of Picoult’s books removed, claiming, “I write porn. Here is a news flash for you. I don't write porn. I'm so sorry. You know, many of my books don't even have a kiss in them.” (Jodi Picoult, [12:38])

• The Real Targets: Books dealing with racism, LGBTQ+ issues, abortion, and gun rights are the ones most frequently banned.

  • Motivation: Many bans are issued by individuals who haven’t even read the books: “The mom who actually banned those 92 books admitted she had never read any of my books. That's what really blows my mind.” (Jodi Picoult, [13:37])

The Impact on Students and Society

• Critical Thinking vs. Permission Seeking:
  • Sharon: “Book bans actually create a nation of permission seekers rather than a nation of critical thinkers.” ([14:48])
  • Jodi: “That is terrifying to a certain subset of Americans right now.” ([13:09])
• Censorship Consequences: Bans especially harm marginalized students, worsen empathy gaps, and disproportionately target BIPOC and LGBTQ+ content.
• Parent Rights and Overreach: Parents have the right to choose books for their children, “The problem comes when that parent decides what is appropriate for anyone else’s children.” (Jodi Picoult, [14:30])

Libraries as Spaces for All Ideas

• Sharon: “Libraries are not museums of acceptable ideas.” ([16:40])
• Jodi: “When you endorse free speech, you have to acknowledge that there's gonna be some speech you don't like...there is a difference between free speech and hate speech.” ([16:57])

The Deeper Agenda Behind Book Bans

• Control of Narrative: “The way you control a nation is by controlling what it reads. We have seen that playbook before. Right. Happen with the Nazis.” (Jodi Picoult, [20:31])
• Information Restriction as a Political Tool: Book bans progress to textbook sanitization and other forms of restricting historical and social truths.
• First Amendment Emphasis: “The First Amendment protects your right to free expression, it doesn't protect your right to be free from offense.” (Sharon McMahon, [23:21])

What Can Listeners Do?

• Argue against normalization/minimization of book bans.

• Run for school board or attend meetings to support free expression.

• Start or stock a “little free library” with banned books, especially in high-censorship states.

• Support organizations like PEN America and publishers fighting bans.

  • Quote: “Above all, be loud about this. Because we know that the vast majority of Americans do not want book bans. But we are catering to a very vocal minority, so we have to be louder than they are.” (Jodi Picoult, [25:14])

Notable Quotes

• "Book banning has never led us anywhere worth going. And children need access to literature in their school libraries." (Sharon, [26:47])
• "It’s simpler and faster to control the supply of information than to raise citizens who can think for themselves." (Sharon, [21:43])

Segment 3: Finding Hope & Political Renewal with Adam Kinzinger ([30:03]–[40:50])

The Current Political Landscape

• Unprecedented Times: Both remark on the abnormality of American politics (“Make government boring again, Adam.” —Sharon, [30:23])
• No Accountability for Elites: Discussion of the Epstein files, and how scandals are used as political weapons across both parties, with real accountability still elusive.
  • “It is not what they were suggesting, where it's every Democrat you've ever heard of that went to Epstein island, it's more or less Republicans, with a few exceptions.” (Adam Kinzinger, [32:01])
  • “Who cares what letter is behind your name? Everyone should go to jail.” (Sharon, [32:23])

Is the Republican Party of the Past Coming Back?

• Adam predicts the return of a more principled GOP, but only over a long timeline: “Is it ever coming back? Yes, someday...But is that going to be anytime soon? I don't think so. I think it has been so infected with ... conspiracy theories. It's been corrupted with hate...” ([33:50])
• Sharon and Adam criticize tribalism and the demand for ideological purity on both sides, but especially the transformation of the GOP.

The Role of Civic Engagement and Managing Exhaustion

• Action Focused on Elections and Voice:

  • “Our moment to have the biggest impact is elections.” (Adam Kinzinger, [37:33])
  • “When people show up in Minneapolis to defend their neighbors just by having a voice. You're part of a growing loud megaphone, and that is essential.” ([37:45])

• Avoiding Burnout:

  • "The most important thing I'll tell you, though, is that burden that we all carry on our shoulders right now, right? Just drop it. ... You and I get exhausted by chaos. And so we're already at a bit of a disadvantage because the crazier it gets...That's what we can't have." (Adam Kinzinger, [38:10])
  • Take turns, take rest, and stay engaged as part of a broader community effort — illustrated with a military analogy ([40:00]–[40:50]).

Notable Quotes

• “We're all in this together. Take the burden off your shoulder and stay engaged, because if you get disengaged and exhausted, then you're not helping at all.” (Adam Kinzinger, [39:34])
• “You can never learn to critically think if you are never confronted with information with which you disagree.” (Sharon, [26:37])

Key Timestamps for Reference

• [03:34] – Sharon’s op-ed and the Minnesota court order violations
• [12:08] – Introduction to Jodi Picoult and book banning discussion
• [13:09] – Jodi discusses the real reasons behind her books being banned
• [16:40] – Libraries as spaces for all ideas
• [17:46] – What is a ‘real’ book ban?
• [20:31] – History and intent behind controlling access to books
• [24:19] – How listeners can combat book bans
• [30:03] – Adam Kinzinger interview begins
• [32:01] – Political scandals and accountability
• [33:50] – Future of the Republican Party
• [37:33] – Advice for most effective civic action
• [39:34] – How to avoid burnout and stay hopeful

Tone & Language

Sharon maintains an informative but deeply engaged and compassionate tone, encouraging civic participation and understanding. Jodi Picoult is candid, sometimes wry, and passionate in her defense of the freedom to read and write. Adam Kinzinger is frank, occasionally self-deprecating, and earnest about the need for reform and participation.

Conclusion

This episode deconstructs the critical importance of respecting the rule of law, the deeper forces and consequences behind book bans in America, and the challenges—and necessity—of political and social engagement in times of chaos and cynicism. Sharon, Jodi, and Adam each call for hope, resilience, and practical action, making a compelling case for why thoughtful citizenship matters now more than ever.