Alan Neff
@alanneff.bsky.social
Law, current events, and/or humor. Lapsed litigator. Tiresome empiricist. Not terminally online, but asymptotically approaching it. BLUESKY user #: 1,492,816. He/him. My recent writing can be found here:
https://www.justsecurity.org/author/alanneff/
https://www.justsecurity.org/author/alanneff/
Pinned
Alan Neff
@alanneff.bsky.social
· Feb 19
How Trump “Won”
The Anesthetized Anti-MAGA Majority
substack.com
Every time I read this, I learn new things from this thought-provoking, data-based analysis of voters' behavior in the 2024 election as compared to the 2020 election.
I urge everyone to read it.
Thanks to @mikepod.bsky.social for writing it and sharing it.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
I urge everyone to read it.
Thanks to @mikepod.bsky.social for writing it and sharing it.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Reposted by Alan Neff
if you dislike gerrymandering, the best thing to do is vote D across the board. Democrats have repeatedly put forward anti gerrymandering legislation at the national level, which Rs continually block.
Some thoughts:
1. Gerrymandering is terrible and a betrayal of fundamental democratic principles
2. Democrats, unfortunately, had to betray those principles to prevent the country from falling further into auth-right politics
3. The self-own by Trump is, yes, absolutely hilarious
1. Gerrymandering is terrible and a betrayal of fundamental democratic principles
2. Democrats, unfortunately, had to betray those principles to prevent the country from falling further into auth-right politics
3. The self-own by Trump is, yes, absolutely hilarious
February 6, 2026 at 7:11 PM
if you dislike gerrymandering, the best thing to do is vote D across the board. Democrats have repeatedly put forward anti gerrymandering legislation at the national level, which Rs continually block.
Reposted by Alan Neff
1. It was not an accident.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
February 6, 2026 at 5:42 PM
1. It was not an accident.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
Reposted by Alan Neff
From 1982-2018, the Republican National Committee was barred from "ballot security measures" because of their record of using state actors to intimidate minority voters.
(H/t @rickhasen.bsky.social)
www.npr.org/2018/01/09/5...
(H/t @rickhasen.bsky.social)
www.npr.org/2018/01/09/5...
February 4, 2026 at 8:19 PM
From 1982-2018, the Republican National Committee was barred from "ballot security measures" because of their record of using state actors to intimidate minority voters.
(H/t @rickhasen.bsky.social)
www.npr.org/2018/01/09/5...
(H/t @rickhasen.bsky.social)
www.npr.org/2018/01/09/5...
Reposted by Alan Neff
i think people should consider the extent to which bannon, a known bullshit artist, knows that you will see this and panic. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
Steve Bannon says ICE will ‘surround the polls’ as Trump doubles down on taking over elections
Trump doubled down on his comments to nationalize voting Tuesday during an Oval Office press conference. “If you think about it, a state is an agent for the federal government in elections,” Trump sai...
www.democracydocket.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:58 AM
i think people should consider the extent to which bannon, a known bullshit artist, knows that you will see this and panic. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
Reposted by Alan Neff
I’m not a fancy big city businessman but it’s called The Washington Post and to nuke local dc coverage, coverage of official Washington’s actions at home and abroad, roll back coverage of insignificant things that nobody cares about like *checks notes* sports(?!?!?)seems like a bad business decision
February 4, 2026 at 2:47 PM
I’m not a fancy big city businessman but it’s called The Washington Post and to nuke local dc coverage, coverage of official Washington’s actions at home and abroad, roll back coverage of insignificant things that nobody cares about like *checks notes* sports(?!?!?)seems like a bad business decision
Reposted by Alan Neff
a good day to tap this sign!
3. Here's a page you should bookmark: It's the directory of nonprofit newsrooms that belong to the Institute for Nonprofit News. You can look for locality covered, including national newsrooms. It's so rich: explore! Find your niche!
findyournews.org/explore/
findyournews.org/explore/
February 4, 2026 at 3:25 PM
a good day to tap this sign!
Reposted by Alan Neff
I’ve known Sam as an outstanding neuroscience researcher, and have followed his subsequent career as an insightful (and evidence-based) commentator on US politics. He deserves support from fellow scientists!
News from central Jersey: I'm running to represent New Jersey's 12th Congressional District.
By entering the fray, I hope to bring ideas of repairing our frayed republic. Not only to defend it in 2026, but to build something stronger, for generations to come!
samwang.substack.com/p/entering-t...
By entering the fray, I hope to bring ideas of repairing our frayed republic. Not only to defend it in 2026, but to build something stronger, for generations to come!
samwang.substack.com/p/entering-t...
February 5, 2026 at 1:03 AM
I’ve known Sam as an outstanding neuroscience researcher, and have followed his subsequent career as an insightful (and evidence-based) commentator on US politics. He deserves support from fellow scientists!
As @ruthmarcus.bsky.social notes, establishing a trust w/ 1% of Bezos's fortune (~$250B) could fund the Post to continue its tradition of great journalism in the service of small-d democracy. Sadly, it seems that strengthening democracy is not one of his interests.
www.newyorker.com/news/annals-...
www.newyorker.com/news/annals-...
How Jeff Bezos Brought Down the Washington Post
The Amazon founder bought the paper to save it. Instead, with a mass layoff, he’s forced it into severe decline.
www.newyorker.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:36 PM
As @ruthmarcus.bsky.social notes, establishing a trust w/ 1% of Bezos's fortune (~$250B) could fund the Post to continue its tradition of great journalism in the service of small-d democracy. Sadly, it seems that strengthening democracy is not one of his interests.
www.newyorker.com/news/annals-...
www.newyorker.com/news/annals-...
Reposted by Alan Neff
I don't know if non-lawyers understand how insane this statement is. I honestly can't think of anything remotely comparable in non-lawyer speak. I guess the closest would be a surgeon saying "Imagine if I had to wash my HANDS before doing surgery!"
Mike Johnson speaks out against the use of judicial warrants in immigration cases:
"Imagine if we had to go through the process of getting a judicial warrant"
"Imagine if we had to go through the process of getting a judicial warrant"
February 3, 2026 at 4:08 PM
I don't know if non-lawyers understand how insane this statement is. I honestly can't think of anything remotely comparable in non-lawyer speak. I guess the closest would be a surgeon saying "Imagine if I had to wash my HANDS before doing surgery!"
Reposted by Alan Neff
Huge shout-out to the solo practitioners and small firm lawyers, along with non-profits, who have stepped up to try to get people free while the nation's biggest firms were busy either capitulating to or collaborating with the fascists.
h/t @jesspish.bsky.social
elpasomatters.org/2026/02/01/e...
h/t @jesspish.bsky.social
elpasomatters.org/2026/02/01/e...
El Paso, West Texas federal courts deluged with challenges to immigration detention
Federal judges in El Paso are increasingly ordering bond hearings and releases for ICE detainees as a surge in habeas corpus filings challenges the Trump administration’s immigration detention policie...
elpasomatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Huge shout-out to the solo practitioners and small firm lawyers, along with non-profits, who have stepped up to try to get people free while the nation's biggest firms were busy either capitulating to or collaborating with the fascists.
h/t @jesspish.bsky.social
elpasomatters.org/2026/02/01/e...
h/t @jesspish.bsky.social
elpasomatters.org/2026/02/01/e...
Reposted by Alan Neff
Trump said he’d bring down costs on day one.
His tariffs are costing you an additional $1,400 per year.
His tariffs are costing you an additional $1,400 per year.
February 3, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Trump said he’d bring down costs on day one.
His tariffs are costing you an additional $1,400 per year.
His tariffs are costing you an additional $1,400 per year.
Reposted by Alan Neff
Of the biggest scandals in US history just this week, I think I’d rank them:
1) Federal paramilitaries invade US city based on racist lies, murder US citizens
2) Slush fund for the president from stolen foreign resources held in Qatar
3) Whatever FBI and DNI are doing re: 2020 election in Georgia
1) Federal paramilitaries invade US city based on racist lies, murder US citizens
2) Slush fund for the president from stolen foreign resources held in Qatar
3) Whatever FBI and DNI are doing re: 2020 election in Georgia
January 29, 2026 at 2:52 AM
Of the biggest scandals in US history just this week, I think I’d rank them:
1) Federal paramilitaries invade US city based on racist lies, murder US citizens
2) Slush fund for the president from stolen foreign resources held in Qatar
3) Whatever FBI and DNI are doing re: 2020 election in Georgia
1) Federal paramilitaries invade US city based on racist lies, murder US citizens
2) Slush fund for the president from stolen foreign resources held in Qatar
3) Whatever FBI and DNI are doing re: 2020 election in Georgia
Reposted by Alan Neff
HEY. MICHIGANDERS.
Important action you need to do tonight (other than calling our Senators do that too).
Senate bills to support/protect our immigrant community up for Committee tomorrow. Submit a card in support. h/t @acluofmichigan.bsky.social. TY.
secure.ngpvan.com/b5uPjgQQNkGq...
Important action you need to do tonight (other than calling our Senators do that too).
Senate bills to support/protect our immigrant community up for Committee tomorrow. Submit a card in support. h/t @acluofmichigan.bsky.social. TY.
secure.ngpvan.com/b5uPjgQQNkGq...
Submit a Card of Support for Senate Bills 508, 509 and 510
Take action with ACLU!
secure.ngpvan.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:39 AM
HEY. MICHIGANDERS.
Important action you need to do tonight (other than calling our Senators do that too).
Senate bills to support/protect our immigrant community up for Committee tomorrow. Submit a card in support. h/t @acluofmichigan.bsky.social. TY.
secure.ngpvan.com/b5uPjgQQNkGq...
Important action you need to do tonight (other than calling our Senators do that too).
Senate bills to support/protect our immigrant community up for Committee tomorrow. Submit a card in support. h/t @acluofmichigan.bsky.social. TY.
secure.ngpvan.com/b5uPjgQQNkGq...
Reposted by Alan Neff
We just got the first public poll I've ever seen of this referendum on restoring voting rights in Virginia.
It's by Christopher Newport University, just out, and it shows the YES leading 64% to 30%. (mailchi.mp/60b2cb28338a...)
The referendum is in November.
Details here:
It's by Christopher Newport University, just out, and it shows the YES leading 64% to 30%. (mailchi.mp/60b2cb28338a...)
The referendum is in November.
Details here:
JUST IN: Virginia's legislature just adopted a constitutional amendment that would end Virginia's rules that ban people from voting for life.
Virginia currently is the only state that strips people of voting rights for life for any felony. Youngkin rolled back reforms.
Now going to a referendum.
Virginia currently is the only state that strips people of voting rights for life for any felony. Youngkin rolled back reforms.
Now going to a referendum.
Virginia Lawmakers Ask Voters to Repeal a Jim Crow-Era Lifetime Ban on Voting - Bolts
Voters will decide this year whether to end Virginia’s uniquely harsh felony disenfranchisement rules. They'll also vote on abortion, gay marriage, and redistricting.
boltsmag.org
January 28, 2026 at 3:41 PM
We just got the first public poll I've ever seen of this referendum on restoring voting rights in Virginia.
It's by Christopher Newport University, just out, and it shows the YES leading 64% to 30%. (mailchi.mp/60b2cb28338a...)
The referendum is in November.
Details here:
It's by Christopher Newport University, just out, and it shows the YES leading 64% to 30%. (mailchi.mp/60b2cb28338a...)
The referendum is in November.
Details here:
Reposted by Alan Neff
This is why I have real fucking problem with blithe criticisms of "polarization" or "congressional dysfunction." We have a Republican member blaming his colleague for being attacked.
The problem isn't polarization or dysfunction. It's the Republican Party.
The problem isn't polarization or dysfunction. It's the Republican Party.
Rep. Randy Fine on Ilhan Omar getting attacked: "I blame Ilhan Omar for what happened"
January 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM
This is why I have real fucking problem with blithe criticisms of "polarization" or "congressional dysfunction." We have a Republican member blaming his colleague for being attacked.
The problem isn't polarization or dysfunction. It's the Republican Party.
The problem isn't polarization or dysfunction. It's the Republican Party.
Reposted by Alan Neff
This needs to happen at the very least
January 28, 2026 at 4:56 PM
This needs to happen at the very least
Reposted by Alan Neff
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 5:02 PM
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Reposted by Alan Neff
This is how “straight” reporting distorts the news. Trump says he wants an “honest” investigation. But the DOJ is not doing an independent investigation, and, instead, CBP will be investigating its own officers. Sounds like it could be a rigged inquiry. Trump’s “vow” is worthless PR.
January 28, 2026 at 2:25 PM
This is how “straight” reporting distorts the news. Trump says he wants an “honest” investigation. But the DOJ is not doing an independent investigation, and, instead, CBP will be investigating its own officers. Sounds like it could be a rigged inquiry. Trump’s “vow” is worthless PR.
👍👍 on the historic use, and utility, of anti-masking laws, from @kevinmkruse.bsky.social:
New post at CAMPAIGN TRAILS on the movement to unmask ICE and the lessons we can take from the earlier, successful movement to unmask the KKK.
Masks Off
Over the past year and, in particular, over the past month, the United States has suffered an alarming rise in the number of verbal threats, physical assaults, and even murders committed by agents of ...
campaign-trails.ghost.io
January 28, 2026 at 4:48 PM
👍👍 on the historic use, and utility, of anti-masking laws, from @kevinmkruse.bsky.social:
Reposted by Alan Neff
Heyo, Chicago pals: Quick note that the executive vice president of the Bob Loquercio Auto Group is vociferously defending the murder of Alex Pretti.
The auto group has 16 locations in and around Chicago, listed below. Please take your business elsewhere.
www.blautogroup.com/locations/in...
The auto group has 16 locations in and around Chicago, listed below. Please take your business elsewhere.
www.blautogroup.com/locations/in...
January 25, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Heyo, Chicago pals: Quick note that the executive vice president of the Bob Loquercio Auto Group is vociferously defending the murder of Alex Pretti.
The auto group has 16 locations in and around Chicago, listed below. Please take your business elsewhere.
www.blautogroup.com/locations/in...
The auto group has 16 locations in and around Chicago, listed below. Please take your business elsewhere.
www.blautogroup.com/locations/in...
Reposted by Alan Neff
Paid agitators don't do 30 below zero.
January 23, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Paid agitators don't do 30 below zero.
Reposted by Alan Neff
Reposted by Alan Neff
AND because they think it will be be easier to control Portland ME than Chicago or Los Angeles or NYC.
They want to LOOK stronger than they are.
If they were really powerful, they wouldn’t need the theatrics.
It’s a parade of fear-mongering.
They want to LOOK stronger than they are.
If they were really powerful, they wouldn’t need the theatrics.
It’s a parade of fear-mongering.
Portland Maine is not Chicago. It’s not Los Angeles or nyc, it’s not dc or Baltimore
There is no conceivable reason it should be this high on the list for a Trump invasion except for hysteria over some brown people existing within our borders.
There is no conceivable reason it should be this high on the list for a Trump invasion except for hysteria over some brown people existing within our borders.
January 23, 2026 at 10:14 PM
AND because they think it will be be easier to control Portland ME than Chicago or Los Angeles or NYC.
They want to LOOK stronger than they are.
If they were really powerful, they wouldn’t need the theatrics.
It’s a parade of fear-mongering.
They want to LOOK stronger than they are.
If they were really powerful, they wouldn’t need the theatrics.
It’s a parade of fear-mongering.
Reposted by Alan Neff
“No one man can terrorize a whole nation, unless we are all his accomplices.”
-Edward R. Murrow
-Edward R. Murrow
January 23, 2026 at 8:01 PM
“No one man can terrorize a whole nation, unless we are all his accomplices.”
-Edward R. Murrow
-Edward R. Murrow
This is heartwarming news. (Source: phoebewallhoward.substack.com/p/patriot-mo...)
January 17, 2026 at 9:38 PM
This is heartwarming news. (Source: phoebewallhoward.substack.com/p/patriot-mo...)