Aaron Huertas
@aaronhuertas.bsky.social
Carpenter and woodworker. Democracy and unions liker. Building and fixing things: capehenlopencarpentry.com. Writing and editing: aaronhuertas.com.
Reposted by Aaron Huertas
so, some personal news
Was this very mid-2000s emo person press-ganged into ICE servitude?
February 6, 2026 at 4:33 AM
so, some personal news
Even Sanders keeps invoking imaginary reasonable Republicans instead of just attacking the R brand. One of the biggest asymmetries in party rhetoric.
Donald Trump is withholding billions of dollars in New York infrastructure unless he gets Penn Station and Dulles Airport named after him.
This is not only brazenly corrupt. It is sick, twisted and egomaniacal. The time is long overdue for sane Republicans to stand up to Trump.
This is not only brazenly corrupt. It is sick, twisted and egomaniacal. The time is long overdue for sane Republicans to stand up to Trump.
February 6, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Even Sanders keeps invoking imaginary reasonable Republicans instead of just attacking the R brand. One of the biggest asymmetries in party rhetoric.
Tempting to say that Democratic members of Congress still mucking around on Twitter are clueless but I think it’s more that they don’t prioritize communications strategy enough to do any collective action to move, data and operative expertise be damned.
Trump job approval rating by news platform
🟢 Twitter/X: +9
🔴 Facebook: -7
🔴 Cable TV: -10
🔴 Podcasts/YouTube: -14
🔴 Local TV: -17
🔴 Instagram: -21
🔴 Broadcast TV: -28
🔴 TikTok: -28
🔴 Newspapers/news sites: -33
🔴 Reddit: -40
www.theargumentmag.com/p/twitter-is...
🟢 Twitter/X: +9
🔴 Facebook: -7
🔴 Cable TV: -10
🔴 Podcasts/YouTube: -14
🔴 Local TV: -17
🔴 Instagram: -21
🔴 Broadcast TV: -28
🔴 TikTok: -28
🔴 Newspapers/news sites: -33
🔴 Reddit: -40
www.theargumentmag.com/p/twitter-is...
February 6, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Tempting to say that Democratic members of Congress still mucking around on Twitter are clueless but I think it’s more that they don’t prioritize communications strategy enough to do any collective action to move, data and operative expertise be damned.
You definitely want to take unsolicited political advice from the people who wrote this headline.
very weird “I am Spartacus” thing happening right now with the worst people on earth
February 5, 2026 at 4:54 PM
You definitely want to take unsolicited political advice from the people who wrote this headline.
In 2020, there were a number of democracy defense actions that seamlessly moved from get-out-the-vote to dance parties at polling locations to observation outside election administration offices where ballots were processed.
People who like democracy vastly outnumber fascists in this country.
People who like democracy vastly outnumber fascists in this country.
as i keep saying, the things to do to secure elections are to volunteer to work the polls or to serve as an observer, & to pressure your *state representatives* to take steps to further secure voting locations and ballots. you should also learn about how election administration works in your area.
February 5, 2026 at 2:15 PM
In 2020, there were a number of democracy defense actions that seamlessly moved from get-out-the-vote to dance parties at polling locations to observation outside election administration offices where ballots were processed.
People who like democracy vastly outnumber fascists in this country.
People who like democracy vastly outnumber fascists in this country.
I also tend toward this view based on past experience and the feds’ lack of manpower.
A lot of voter suppression tactics are met with counter-mobilization and also suppress some R-leaning groups, reducing their impact. They remain illegal and immoral but thankfully they are also often ineffective.
A lot of voter suppression tactics are met with counter-mobilization and also suppress some R-leaning groups, reducing their impact. They remain illegal and immoral but thankfully they are also often ineffective.
My expectation for this is they'll make a big show of rolling out the goon squad outside a handful of locations, the states will seek and likely get emergency injunctions, and meanwhile the whole spectacle will only motivate way more people to show up and vote in defiance than are scared away.
I understand folks are scared but I want you to think about the mechanics of this.
There are more polling places (>100k) than ICE and CBP agents combined, so they can only pick a few districts to try to intimidate.
Now what happens when cell phone footage of that goes online in the early morning?
There are more polling places (>100k) than ICE and CBP agents combined, so they can only pick a few districts to try to intimidate.
Now what happens when cell phone footage of that goes online in the early morning?
February 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM
I also tend toward this view based on past experience and the feds’ lack of manpower.
A lot of voter suppression tactics are met with counter-mobilization and also suppress some R-leaning groups, reducing their impact. They remain illegal and immoral but thankfully they are also often ineffective.
A lot of voter suppression tactics are met with counter-mobilization and also suppress some R-leaning groups, reducing their impact. They remain illegal and immoral but thankfully they are also often ineffective.
Regardless of intra-coalition ideology, the class of '18 House members had a ton of workhorses who came in from outside traditional political careers and want to get stuff done in government.
y’all know I was skeptical but Spanberger has been great. Her people have been great. Had a meeting earlier today with some of her folks and they’re saying exciting things about employee rights and enforcement.
very happy so far.
very happy so far.
NEW: Abigail Spanberger this afternoon ordered that all state agencies leave ICE's 287(g) program.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
February 5, 2026 at 3:01 AM
Regardless of intra-coalition ideology, the class of '18 House members had a ton of workhorses who came in from outside traditional political careers and want to get stuff done in government.
Actual content analysis! One loves to see it. So much media discourse is missing this most basic element and if you've ever done a content analysis it's hard not to notice the absence when folks are debating specific outlets and shows.
New from @ymriofficial.bsky.social : Is Rogan really turning on Trump? Ehh...
Rogan is now more critical of Trump. But his overall framing of immigration is still negative. Fundamentally he is a pushover, and this benefits rightwing guests.
youngmenresearchinitiative.substack.com/p/is-joe-rog...
Rogan is now more critical of Trump. But his overall framing of immigration is still negative. Fundamentally he is a pushover, and this benefits rightwing guests.
youngmenresearchinitiative.substack.com/p/is-joe-rog...
February 5, 2026 at 2:48 AM
Actual content analysis! One loves to see it. So much media discourse is missing this most basic element and if you've ever done a content analysis it's hard not to notice the absence when folks are debating specific outlets and shows.
Core political tension for Democrats here. If you get a deal, you own it and now your rhetoric about how Republicans are doing anti-democratic authoritarianism remains true, but doesn't seem as sincere since you keep making deals with them. 1/2
Schumer & Jeffries lay out the Democratic demands for a DHS funding deal in a letter to the top Republican leaders
February 5, 2026 at 2:42 AM
Core political tension for Democrats here. If you get a deal, you own it and now your rhetoric about how Republicans are doing anti-democratic authoritarianism remains true, but doesn't seem as sincere since you keep making deals with them. 1/2
Wyden to CIA: bruh
February 4, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Wyden to CIA: bruh
Non-doomerist Supreme Court ruling for the midterms, though obviously one hopes this leads to some redistricting reform once the public trials and Truth and Reconciliation commissions are up and running.
BREAKING: The Supreme Court has cleared the way for California to use its new congressional map for this year’s midterm election. Voters approved it as a Democratic counterresponse to Texas’ new map, which could help Republicans win five more U.S. House seats
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
February 4, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Non-doomerist Supreme Court ruling for the midterms, though obviously one hopes this leads to some redistricting reform once the public trials and Truth and Reconciliation commissions are up and running.
Reposted by Aaron Huertas
No matter the breed, every dog has one of three default dispositions:
1. Dipshit
2. Has a Job
3. Trying to Pick a Fight with God
1. Dipshit
2. Has a Job
3. Trying to Pick a Fight with God
February 4, 2026 at 3:35 AM
No matter the breed, every dog has one of three default dispositions:
1. Dipshit
2. Has a Job
3. Trying to Pick a Fight with God
1. Dipshit
2. Has a Job
3. Trying to Pick a Fight with God
Reposted by Aaron Huertas
Anyone know how we can reach her?
MacKenzie Scott has the chance to do the funniest thing right now.
February 4, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Anyone know how we can reach her?
Reposted by Aaron Huertas
Kind of amazed she had it turned on? I only turn it on when I'm crossing borders or am visiting a country controlled by a repressive regime ahhh shit
New from 404 Media: the FBI has been unable to get into the iPhone of raided Washington Post journalist because the phone had Lockdown Mode enabled. Apple markets Lockdown Mode mostly to stop spyware like NSO. Here, a real world example of it stopping access too www.404media.co/fbi-couldnt-...
FBI Couldn’t Get into WaPo Reporter’s iPhone Because It Had Lockdown Mode Enabled
Lockdown Mode is a sometimes overlooked feature of Apple devices that broadly make them harder to hack. A court record indicates the feature might be effective at stopping third parties unlocking some...
www.404media.co
February 4, 2026 at 3:52 PM
Kind of amazed she had it turned on? I only turn it on when I'm crossing borders or am visiting a country controlled by a repressive regime ahhh shit
Costco CEO launching a hostile takeover of Amazon:
i am going to roast jeff bezos over an open flame like a rotisserie chicken
February 4, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Costco CEO launching a hostile takeover of Amazon:
Reposted by Aaron Huertas
Guy who doesn’t understand how money works: What if we cut the sports page?
February 4, 2026 at 2:29 PM
Guy who doesn’t understand how money works: What if we cut the sports page?
Reposted by Aaron Huertas
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
February 4, 2026 at 2:34 PM
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
Finally! State employees doing this is an excellent supplement to volunteer networks and will make everyone safer.
NEW: Letitia James, the New York attorney general, announced that her office will deploy "legal observers" to document ICE activity in NY.
Her office says the effort is the first of its kind by an AG.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/n...
Her office says the effort is the first of its kind by an AG.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/n...
New York Attorney General to Deploy Observers to Document ICE Raids
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Finally! State employees doing this is an excellent supplement to volunteer networks and will make everyone safer.
Said this before but if you want to do propaganda shutting down Sports and Metro is totally backwards. That’s what’s brings in people who would otherwise ignore your political spin.
This is just destruction.
This is just destruction.
February 4, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Said this before but if you want to do propaganda shutting down Sports and Metro is totally backwards. That’s what’s brings in people who would otherwise ignore your political spin.
This is just destruction.
This is just destruction.
Oh wow I have most of the day off vs. oh shit I need to work on my own house
February 4, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Oh wow I have most of the day off vs. oh shit I need to work on my own house
Reposted by Aaron Huertas
Solidarity with the staff at WaPo this morning. I've been working in advocacy media relations for nearly a decade and have watched as countless journalists of the highest integrity are treated at best like cattle and at worst like pests in the homes of their billionaire employers.
February 4, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Solidarity with the staff at WaPo this morning. I've been working in advocacy media relations for nearly a decade and have watched as countless journalists of the highest integrity are treated at best like cattle and at worst like pests in the homes of their billionaire employers.
Reposted by Aaron Huertas
hate to see Bezos run the Post into the ground. but you can support billionaire free DC News:
@51st.news
@streetsensedc.bsky.social
@washingtoninformer.com
@wcp.bsky.social
@ethiopique202.bsky.social
@51st.news
@streetsensedc.bsky.social
@washingtoninformer.com
@wcp.bsky.social
@ethiopique202.bsky.social
News: The Washington Post is preparing to slash upwards of 300 staffers, incl sports, metro and foreign desks @nataliekorach.bsky.social reports.
“The newsroom is being punished for absolute incompetence from the owner and publisher,” one staffer told @status.news
www.status.news/p/washington...
“The newsroom is being punished for absolute incompetence from the owner and publisher,” one staffer told @status.news
www.status.news/p/washington...
Post Parting Depression
Looming cuts at The Washington Post threaten to decimate key coverage areas as staffers question the motives and commitment of billionaire owner Jeff Bezos.
www.status.news
January 26, 2026 at 3:06 AM
hate to see Bezos run the Post into the ground. but you can support billionaire free DC News:
@51st.news
@streetsensedc.bsky.social
@washingtoninformer.com
@wcp.bsky.social
@ethiopique202.bsky.social
@51st.news
@streetsensedc.bsky.social
@washingtoninformer.com
@wcp.bsky.social
@ethiopique202.bsky.social
Not much more can be said about what a brutal industry journalism has become and I hope folks can continue to work on new models, new outlets and new ways of reaching people that aren't controlled by capricious, worker-hating oligarchs.
New: Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray and HR Chief Wayne Connell tell employees to stay home for a zoom webinar ahead of “significant actions across the company.” Widely expected layoffs are scheduled to begin today.
February 4, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Not much more can be said about what a brutal industry journalism has become and I hope folks can continue to work on new models, new outlets and new ways of reaching people that aren't controlled by capricious, worker-hating oligarchs.
Peak 99% Invisible defense of the emdash in light of LLMs copying high quality human-written, emdash-laden writing
99percentinvisible.org/episode/658-...
99percentinvisible.org/episode/658-...
The Em Dash - 99% Invisible
Last summer, Bryan Vance found himself in an argument with a stranger on Reddit. Vance, a Portland-based journalist who runs Stumptown Savings, a newsletter covering local grocery deals, had been accu...
99percentinvisible.org
February 4, 2026 at 1:17 PM
Peak 99% Invisible defense of the emdash in light of LLMs copying high quality human-written, emdash-laden writing
99percentinvisible.org/episode/658-...
99percentinvisible.org/episode/658-...
Reposted by Aaron Huertas
I’m semi-joking but I do think if rational people take back ostensible control of the government at some point that a genuine attempt to reckon with the unchecked power of obscene wealth is maybe second to “Nuremberg the mfers” on the priority list
A law that says you can have more than a billion dollars but once you do you can’t buy any company anyone has heard of
February 4, 2026 at 2:50 AM
I’m semi-joking but I do think if rational people take back ostensible control of the government at some point that a genuine attempt to reckon with the unchecked power of obscene wealth is maybe second to “Nuremberg the mfers” on the priority list