Brian Cook
@2ndadminstate.bsky.social
Tinkering with the Constitution has failed. The American commercial republic must be reconstructed.
Professor Emeritus, Public Administration & Policy, Virginia Tech.
"Democracy is for friends and citizens, not masters and slaves"
Wilson Carey McWilliams
Professor Emeritus, Public Administration & Policy, Virginia Tech.
"Democracy is for friends and citizens, not masters and slaves"
Wilson Carey McWilliams
Pinned
Brian Cook
@2ndadminstate.bsky.social
· Feb 25
Here is the essence of the American republic’s dilemma. Those with considerable wealth and control over productive assets do not necessarily need a regime of self-government to sustain their lifestyle and wealth-generating pursuits. But the republic needed them if was to prosper over time.
Force her to sit for 24 hours straight in front of all the crying children in an immigration detention center.
February 11, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Force her to sit for 24 hours straight in front of all the crying children in an immigration detention center.
Reposted by Brian Cook
Job growth in the supposedly terrible Biden economy of 2023-24 averaged 192k per month. With 2021-22 it's even higher.
In the supposedly great pre-COVID Trump economy of 2/17-2/20, it averaged 181k.
Now one month of 130k is praised as strong growth, because standards are lower for one special boy.
In the supposedly great pre-COVID Trump economy of 2/17-2/20, it averaged 181k.
Now one month of 130k is praised as strong growth, because standards are lower for one special boy.
February 11, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Job growth in the supposedly terrible Biden economy of 2023-24 averaged 192k per month. With 2021-22 it's even higher.
In the supposedly great pre-COVID Trump economy of 2/17-2/20, it averaged 181k.
Now one month of 130k is praised as strong growth, because standards are lower for one special boy.
In the supposedly great pre-COVID Trump economy of 2/17-2/20, it averaged 181k.
Now one month of 130k is praised as strong growth, because standards are lower for one special boy.
Reposted by Brian Cook
Bondi should be impeached based solely on her conduct today. Talking money when the topic is Epstein victims should earn her contempt of Congress and disbarment as well. She is a disgrace to the legal profession.
February 11, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Bondi should be impeached based solely on her conduct today. Talking money when the topic is Epstein victims should earn her contempt of Congress and disbarment as well. She is a disgrace to the legal profession.
Reposted by Brian Cook
The news folks is that only 181,000 jobs in 2025. Try to keep up.
Today, the January #JobsDay numbers came out and show the labor market rose with payrolls increasing by 130,000 & unemployment ticking down to 4.3%. Payroll growth was driven again by jobs in the health care sector (+82K). (1/6)
February 11, 2026 at 5:47 PM
The news folks is that only 181,000 jobs in 2025. Try to keep up.
Reposted by Brian Cook
This makes no sense. People need to stop assuming there’s a huge genius strategy behind this. It’s effectively obeying in advance, it empowers evil people with intelligence and guile they lack. They’re doing this because number went up. GPUs are not helpful in that way.
Aren’t they just going to end up being subsumed into the colossal digital Stasi that MAGA are building to control their entire population 24/7? Won’t that be their primary use?
February 10, 2026 at 11:45 PM
This makes no sense. People need to stop assuming there’s a huge genius strategy behind this. It’s effectively obeying in advance, it empowers evil people with intelligence and guile they lack. They’re doing this because number went up. GPUs are not helpful in that way.
Reposted by Brian Cook
@hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social, what are you waiting for?
February 10, 2026 at 8:23 PM
@hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social, what are you waiting for?
Reposted by Brian Cook
This is part of a pattern that is impeachable: Trump cuts previously appropriated Congressional funds, but only to states led by Democrats (California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota).
The Trump administration plans to rescind $600 million in public health funds from four states led by Democrats because it finds the grants “inconsistent with agency priorities,” according to documents reviewed by the NYT
Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/h...
Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/h...
Trump Administration to Cut $600 Million in Health Funding From Four States
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:12 PM
This is part of a pattern that is impeachable: Trump cuts previously appropriated Congressional funds, but only to states led by Democrats (California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota).
Reposted by Brian Cook
Tear gas is banned in international warfare, yet classified as a “riot control agent” that law enforcement can use for crowd control.
“It just doesn’t work well, and it hits the weakest people the most, and causes the most complications in them,” an anesthesiology professor at Duke University said.
“It just doesn’t work well, and it hits the weakest people the most, and causes the most complications in them,” an anesthesiology professor at Duke University said.
Tear Gas Is Way More Dangerous Than Police Let On
In the middle of a respiratory pandemic, law enforcement agencies have used tear gas in especially dangerous ways. The chemical agent also seeps into homes, contaminates food, furniture, skin and surf...
www.propublica.org
February 3, 2026 at 2:40 AM
Tear gas is banned in international warfare, yet classified as a “riot control agent” that law enforcement can use for crowd control.
“It just doesn’t work well, and it hits the weakest people the most, and causes the most complications in them,” an anesthesiology professor at Duke University said.
“It just doesn’t work well, and it hits the weakest people the most, and causes the most complications in them,” an anesthesiology professor at Duke University said.
Reposted by Brian Cook
ICE actively preying on more small children to abduct and send to concentration camps.
Every single person responsible for this should be sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in one of their own camps, with the same crowding, rancid food, etc. You built it, enjoy it forever.
Every single person responsible for this should be sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in one of their own camps, with the same crowding, rancid food, etc. You built it, enjoy it forever.
NEW: School hallways are silent. Grandparents patrol outside in shifts. Two more kids taken from Liam Ramos' school.
Trump isn't deescalating ICE at all at MN schools.
“I stopped wearing my high heels to work. I wear my boots to work because I have had to run." www.huffpost.com/entry/ice-mi...
Trump isn't deescalating ICE at all at MN schools.
“I stopped wearing my high heels to work. I wear my boots to work because I have had to run." www.huffpost.com/entry/ice-mi...
ICE Is Circling Minnesota Schools, Looking For Children to Take
Liam Ramos, 5, isn’t the only child in detention. Teachers and parents describe kids being hunted by federal agents.
www.huffpost.com
January 31, 2026 at 5:57 PM
ICE actively preying on more small children to abduct and send to concentration camps.
Every single person responsible for this should be sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in one of their own camps, with the same crowding, rancid food, etc. You built it, enjoy it forever.
Every single person responsible for this should be sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in one of their own camps, with the same crowding, rancid food, etc. You built it, enjoy it forever.
Reposted by Brian Cook
How is it possible to be considered a political expert in this country if you’re not demanding an end to this regime every day?
How?
How?
A drawing by a 5-year-old girl detained at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas with her mother Hayam El-Gamal. “I am 5 years old” is written at the top of the page. Lower down, next to stick figures, are the words “let us go.” Courtesy of Eric Lee, Lee & Godshall-Bennett, LLP
January 30, 2026 at 9:04 PM
How is it possible to be considered a political expert in this country if you’re not demanding an end to this regime every day?
How?
How?
“This must end” and so you will…what?
You and your entire caucus support doing nothing about it. Why do you even serve in the US Senate, @markey.senate.gov?
You and your entire caucus support doing nothing about it. Why do you even serve in the US Senate, @markey.senate.gov?
"You raise your voice, I erase your voice."
That was an ICE officer in Minnesota, clearly violating the First Amendment. From threatening onlookers with violence to telling people recording them that they are going into a “domestic terrorist” database.
This must end.
That was an ICE officer in Minnesota, clearly violating the First Amendment. From threatening onlookers with violence to telling people recording them that they are going into a “domestic terrorist” database.
This must end.
January 30, 2026 at 3:04 AM
“This must end” and so you will…what?
You and your entire caucus support doing nothing about it. Why do you even serve in the US Senate, @markey.senate.gov?
You and your entire caucus support doing nothing about it. Why do you even serve in the US Senate, @markey.senate.gov?
Reposted by Brian Cook
You can’t deport citizens. Some naturalized citizens can be denaturalized after a felony conviction.
He is describing expulsion, a crime against humanity. It should not be subject to negotiation.
Primary the entire leadership. Get them out of office if they won’t defend our rights.
He is describing expulsion, a crime against humanity. It should not be subject to negotiation.
Primary the entire leadership. Get them out of office if they won’t defend our rights.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Thursday said House Democrats will demand a ban on the deportation of American citizens as a condition of winning their support for legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Jeffries demands ban on deportation of US citizens as part of DHS reforms
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Thursday said House Democrats will demand a ban on the deportation of American citizens as a condition of winning their support for legislation fun…
www.kget.com
January 30, 2026 at 2:24 AM
You can’t deport citizens. Some naturalized citizens can be denaturalized after a felony conviction.
He is describing expulsion, a crime against humanity. It should not be subject to negotiation.
Primary the entire leadership. Get them out of office if they won’t defend our rights.
He is describing expulsion, a crime against humanity. It should not be subject to negotiation.
Primary the entire leadership. Get them out of office if they won’t defend our rights.
Reposted by Brian Cook
Prof Mark A Graber gets into this in his amicus brief for Trump v Anderson (a case about 14As3, where he reviews the history of the Treason Clause to show how it informed the meaning of “insurrection” for the framers of 14A): www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23...
January 30, 2026 at 12:19 AM
Prof Mark A Graber gets into this in his amicus brief for Trump v Anderson (a case about 14As3, where he reviews the history of the Treason Clause to show how it informed the meaning of “insurrection” for the framers of 14A): www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23...
Reposted by Brian Cook
It’s pretty hard to say you’re a “law enforcement agency” when you are likely the greatest lawbreaker in the country.
“ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence,” U.S. Chief District Judge Patrick Schiltz wrote.
Minnesota chief federal judge cancels hearing requiring ICE director’s appearance, tears into agency
U.S. Chief District Judge Patrick Schiltz had more sharp words for ICE in his order canceling a hearing requiring the agency’s director to appear.
www.startribune.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:56 PM
It’s pretty hard to say you’re a “law enforcement agency” when you are likely the greatest lawbreaker in the country.
Reposted by Brian Cook
Not a single senator gives a shit about doing anything real about ICE. They all would be behaving extremely differently otherwise.
Schumer has no formal floor powers. He has one vote like everyone else.
Schumer has no formal floor powers. He has one vote like everyone else.
January 29, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Not a single senator gives a shit about doing anything real about ICE. They all would be behaving extremely differently otherwise.
Schumer has no formal floor powers. He has one vote like everyone else.
Schumer has no formal floor powers. He has one vote like everyone else.
Reposted by Brian Cook
That this same poll finds Trump approval at 37%—while approval of his *policies* is at Bush II nadir levels of 27%—reminds us once again that his appeal has little to do w policy.
I'd add that it also suggests a technocratic view of politics as fundamentally about policy cannot make sense of Trump.
I'd add that it also suggests a technocratic view of politics as fundamentally about policy cannot make sense of Trump.
Confidence in Trump dips, and fewer now say they support his policies and plans.
Read more here:
Read more here:
Confidence in Trump Dips, and Fewer Now Say They Support His Policies and Plans
Only 27% of Americans say they support all or most of Trump's policies – down since last year, with the change coming entirely among Republicans.
www.pewresearch.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:13 PM
That this same poll finds Trump approval at 37%—while approval of his *policies* is at Bush II nadir levels of 27%—reminds us once again that his appeal has little to do w policy.
I'd add that it also suggests a technocratic view of politics as fundamentally about policy cannot make sense of Trump.
I'd add that it also suggests a technocratic view of politics as fundamentally about policy cannot make sense of Trump.
Reposted by Brian Cook
This feels like the very least Democrats should be rallying around?
In @nytopinion.nytimes.com
“We need to rip ICE down to the studs and start over,” Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota writes. “In the wake of this catastrophe, there is no reason we can’t come up with a way of enforcing our laws that doesn’t trample on our values and our Constitution.”
“We need to rip ICE down to the studs and start over,” Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota writes. “In the wake of this catastrophe, there is no reason we can’t come up with a way of enforcing our laws that doesn’t trample on our values and our Constitution.”
Opinion | Senator Tina Smith: I Won’t Vote to Fund ICE Until It Gets Out of My State
Minnesotans have stood up for common decency and our founding principles.
nyti.ms
January 29, 2026 at 9:19 PM
This feels like the very least Democrats should be rallying around?
Reposted by Brian Cook
Democracy has collapsed in America. Stop saying “we must protect our democracy.” It will be restored, but how long will it take and will the New Democrats be ruthless enough to jail the thugs and defund the oligarchs?
We’re just not a free country.
Any American watching this play out between regime forces and journalists overseas would recognize it for what it is.
Any American watching this play out between regime forces and journalists overseas would recognize it for what it is.
January 29, 2026 at 8:26 PM
Democracy has collapsed in America. Stop saying “we must protect our democracy.” It will be restored, but how long will it take and will the New Democrats be ruthless enough to jail the thugs and defund the oligarchs?
"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort."
Defacto president commits treason. Impeach, remove, punish.
Defacto president commits treason. Impeach, remove, punish.
Trump and his members of administration have repeatedly referred to Americans - especially those in states that didn't vote for him - as enemies.
They use the language of war against the people they're supposed to represent constantly.
It is anti-American.
They use the language of war against the people they're supposed to represent constantly.
It is anti-American.
"In theater" is a military term that refers to a wartime theater of operations. ICE and CBP agents are in Minnesota, which is one of the United States. The enemy in this military operation are citizens of Minnesotans and the United States.
January 29, 2026 at 7:40 PM
"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort."
Defacto president commits treason. Impeach, remove, punish.
Defacto president commits treason. Impeach, remove, punish.
Reposted by Brian Cook
January 29, 2026 at 4:13 PM
The entire American political economy has been organized around rent seeking since 1980 when the majority of national elected officials chose to abandon trying to balance the public good against business political privileges.
New at Can We Still Govern: Here is one thing I wish more people understood about government. There is a lot of rent-seeking by private vendors in our social safety net. Trump's policies will make this worse.
@lukef.bsky.social breaks it down. 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-means-...
@lukef.bsky.social breaks it down. 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-means-...
The Means-Testing Industrial Complex
The vendors getting rich from putting administrative burdens on the poor
donmoynihan.substack.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:54 PM
The entire American political economy has been organized around rent seeking since 1980 when the majority of national elected officials chose to abandon trying to balance the public good against business political privileges.
For those of us less courageous, still much we can do. Again, pour whatever resources and help you can as if you are on the northern home front in the Civil War.
Opposing ICE happens at every scale and for every person and every risk tolerance. If you cannot patrol, can you donate to a grocery fund? Volunteer at a food bank? Support your neighbors who are patrolling, watch kids, take people to the doctor, hang a sign in your window? All of it is the fight
It's not just "stand up to ICE when you see them," it's building many vast networks of support and trust to
- create safe spaces
- protect schools
- get kids TO school
- check on neighbors
- deliver groceries
- help pay the rent
- let people know of danger
- feed the helpers, too!
- and on and on
- create safe spaces
- protect schools
- get kids TO school
- check on neighbors
- deliver groceries
- help pay the rent
- let people know of danger
- feed the helpers, too!
- and on and on
January 29, 2026 at 4:50 PM
For those of us less courageous, still much we can do. Again, pour whatever resources and help you can as if you are on the northern home front in the Civil War.
Reposted by Brian Cook
Something concrete Schumer should asking for is tying the assertion of federal immunity to the reforms members of the caucus have reached consensus on: "an employee may not claim immunity by reason of federal law for any offense that arises out of a violation of this section" etc.
Violating 96 court orders is why Democrats are insane for thinking that they can get ice to hold to any kind of “reforms.”
Much of what they’re doing is already against DHS policy. @durbin.senate.gov @duckworth.senate.gov @laurenunderwood.bsky.social
Much of what they’re doing is already against DHS policy. @durbin.senate.gov @duckworth.senate.gov @laurenunderwood.bsky.social
"ICE is not a law unto itself," Judge Schiltz says, scolding it for violating 96 court orders. "ICE has every right to challenge the orders of this Court, but, like any litigant, ICE must follow those orders unless and until they are overturned or vacated." storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
January 28, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Something concrete Schumer should asking for is tying the assertion of federal immunity to the reforms members of the caucus have reached consensus on: "an employee may not claim immunity by reason of federal law for any offense that arises out of a violation of this section" etc.