Brent Anderson
@brentjanderson.com
Pinned
Brent Anderson
@brentjanderson.com
· Dec 9
Words to live by for those of us building machines:
“We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity; more than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost.”
~ Charlie Chaplin
“We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity; more than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost.”
~ Charlie Chaplin
I don’t really know what I expect in posting this, but maybe some people see it and can learn from it.
I’ll call it “lessons from an unwilling immigration attorney.”
1/
I’ll call it “lessons from an unwilling immigration attorney.”
1/
February 12, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Reposted by Brent Anderson
This part. The underlying economic need is, if anything, greater than it was two weeks ago.
The economic need has not changed but the fundraising on a national basis has dropped off at least to some extent, leaving us relying on local networks which are a bit tapped out right now. Local networks were always going to be robust but it was good when national resources were pouring in.
February 11, 2026 at 1:36 PM
This part. The underlying economic need is, if anything, greater than it was two weeks ago.
@ralexanderson.com yet another!
I recently tried to use Github Projects and got so mad I started another side-project: skyboard.dev!
Skyboard is Trello but on the AT Protocol, a collaborative kanban board where all the data lives in your atproto repo so you control your boards forever
Skyboard is Trello but on the AT Protocol, a collaborative kanban board where all the data lives in your atproto repo so you control your boards forever
Announcing Skyboard - A collaborative kanban board on the AT Protocol
Skyboard is a collaborative kanban board on the AT protocol so you control your boards forever.
leaflet.pub
February 9, 2026 at 8:03 PM
@ralexanderson.com yet another!
There's a lot going on in Minnesota, including an effort to allow mining operations next to Voyageurs National Park aka the Boundary Waters. This wilderness is pristine and untouched. It won't be if we don't preserve it.
Ask your senators to vote NO: www.rei.com/action/netwo...
Ask your senators to vote NO: www.rei.com/action/netwo...
www.rei.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:20 PM
There's a lot going on in Minnesota, including an effort to allow mining operations next to Voyageurs National Park aka the Boundary Waters. This wilderness is pristine and untouched. It won't be if we don't preserve it.
Ask your senators to vote NO: www.rei.com/action/netwo...
Ask your senators to vote NO: www.rei.com/action/netwo...
💔
The two children who returned to MN today say they saw one of their Valley View schoolmates at a detention center in TX. This is a child whose family was last in contact with the school on January 9. No one has known where they were until now.
February 5, 2026 at 2:11 AM
💔
www.cato.org/white-paper/...
30 years of data shows that all immigrants (documented and otherwise) are massively net-positive to the US economy.
30 years of data shows that all immigrants (documented and otherwise) are massively net-positive to the US economy.
Immigrants’ Recent Effects on Government Budgets: 1994–2023
Our analysis in this paper shows that immigrants generated a fiscal surplus of about $14.5 trillion from 1994 to 2023, that the average immigrant is much less costly than the average US-born American,...
www.cato.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:54 PM
www.cato.org/white-paper/...
30 years of data shows that all immigrants (documented and otherwise) are massively net-positive to the US economy.
30 years of data shows that all immigrants (documented and otherwise) are massively net-positive to the US economy.
Reposted by Brent Anderson
I am usually a very behind the scenes person but I stepped outside of my comfort zone because I hope reading this will inspire other people just to step up and do the thing.
You never know what your impact can be.
You never know what your impact can be.
‘We have to keep showing up for each other’: In Minnesota, caregiving is a form of resistance
School pickups, diaper runs and mutual aid funds are central to how many Minnesotans are challenging the militarization of their state.
19thnews.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:40 PM
I am usually a very behind the scenes person but I stepped outside of my comfort zone because I hope reading this will inspire other people just to step up and do the thing.
You never know what your impact can be.
You never know what your impact can be.
Reposted by Brent Anderson
The number of detainees getting put on ICE flights at MSP has been relatively low the last few days.
I believe this is not on account of ICE pulling back - they still outnumber local police in many towns - but on account of vulnerable people staying home, observer pressure, and lawyer organization.
I believe this is not on account of ICE pulling back - they still outnumber local police in many towns - but on account of vulnerable people staying home, observer pressure, and lawyer organization.
February 3, 2026 at 5:07 AM
The number of detainees getting put on ICE flights at MSP has been relatively low the last few days.
I believe this is not on account of ICE pulling back - they still outnumber local police in many towns - but on account of vulnerable people staying home, observer pressure, and lawyer organization.
I believe this is not on account of ICE pulling back - they still outnumber local police in many towns - but on account of vulnerable people staying home, observer pressure, and lawyer organization.
Reposted by Brent Anderson
Greetings from inside the economic blockade zones of Minneapolis and St Paul! Don’t look away, please. We need you. It’s been a month and they’re trying to destroy us.
February 2, 2026 at 12:25 PM
Greetings from inside the economic blockade zones of Minneapolis and St Paul! Don’t look away, please. We need you. It’s been a month and they’re trying to destroy us.
Look for the helpers.
January 30, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Look for the helpers.
Want to help someone in Minnesota? www.standwithminnesota.com can get you started. Rent assistance goes a long way right now.
ottergoose.net/dashcam/ is sourcing dash cams for everyday people trying to help their neighbors and community stay safe.
Thank you for helping my neighbors and friends. 🙏
ottergoose.net/dashcam/ is sourcing dash cams for everyday people trying to help their neighbors and community stay safe.
Thank you for helping my neighbors and friends. 🙏
Stand With Minnesota Donation Directory
Stand With Minnesota is a hub for supporting, learning, and taking action to support Minnesotans impacted by ICE and federal enforcement.
www.standwithminnesota.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Want to help someone in Minnesota? www.standwithminnesota.com can get you started. Rent assistance goes a long way right now.
ottergoose.net/dashcam/ is sourcing dash cams for everyday people trying to help their neighbors and community stay safe.
Thank you for helping my neighbors and friends. 🙏
ottergoose.net/dashcam/ is sourcing dash cams for everyday people trying to help their neighbors and community stay safe.
Thank you for helping my neighbors and friends. 🙏
Reposted by Brent Anderson
The purpose of a system is what it does.
Even if you say the purpose of the system is to keep people safe and enforce the law, if that system is harming people and breaking the law, then the purpose of that system is to harm people and break the law.
Abolish ICE.
Even if you say the purpose of the system is to keep people safe and enforce the law, if that system is harming people and breaking the law, then the purpose of that system is to harm people and break the law.
Abolish ICE.
January 24, 2026 at 4:44 PM
The purpose of a system is what it does.
Even if you say the purpose of the system is to keep people safe and enforce the law, if that system is harming people and breaking the law, then the purpose of that system is to harm people and break the law.
Abolish ICE.
Even if you say the purpose of the system is to keep people safe and enforce the law, if that system is harming people and breaking the law, then the purpose of that system is to harm people and break the law.
Abolish ICE.
Reposted by Brent Anderson
50,000 people. -15°F.
January 23, 2026 at 11:46 PM
50,000 people. -15°F.
This a million times over is everything good I’ve seen in Minnesota.
January 24, 2026 at 1:57 AM
This a million times over is everything good I’ve seen in Minnesota.
Reposted by Brent Anderson
January 24, 2026 at 12:16 AM
What the pictures don’t show is the wind chill trying to freeze every bit of exposed skin in ten minutes or less.
Minnesota knows how to show up.
Minnesota knows how to show up.
January 24, 2026 at 1:09 AM
What the pictures don’t show is the wind chill trying to freeze every bit of exposed skin in ten minutes or less.
Minnesota knows how to show up.
Minnesota knows how to show up.
Reposted by Brent Anderson
Tomorrow’s front page of the Minnesota Star Tribune: Jan. 23, 2026
January 22, 2026 at 11:19 PM
Tomorrow’s front page of the Minnesota Star Tribune: Jan. 23, 2026
Reposted by Brent Anderson
Talked to a Somali man today who said his mosque last night was surrounded by neighbors ready to protect them against ICE if needed. Made me feel proud to live in this city.
January 17, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Talked to a Somali man today who said his mosque last night was surrounded by neighbors ready to protect them against ICE if needed. Made me feel proud to live in this city.
Reposted by Brent Anderson
"I'm not in Minnesota -- what can I do to help?"
A list of ideas!
A list of ideas!
January 11, 2026 at 10:33 PM
"I'm not in Minnesota -- what can I do to help?"
A list of ideas!
A list of ideas!
"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." ~ 1984
No one who follows me doesn't know this already, but it's worth a read and a share anyway.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/o...
Opinion | I’m the Mayor of Minneapolis. Trump Is Lying to You.
www.nytimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:54 PM
"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." ~ 1984
Each lake in Minnesota is different. And together they make the land of many waters.
January 9, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Each lake in Minnesota is different. And together they make the land of many waters.
Reposted by Brent Anderson
If you're a US citizen and have issues with the way the government is conducting itself *gestures wildly*, a great place to start is calling or emailing your representatives.
democracy.io is a great way to do that quickly and conveniently.
Let them know you're not okay with the status quo.
democracy.io is a great way to do that quickly and conveniently.
Let them know you're not okay with the status quo.
Democracy.io - Contact your Members of Congress
Democracy thrives when people’s voices are heard. Send a message to your legislatures using EFF's simple new tool.
democracy.io
January 7, 2026 at 9:14 PM
If you're a US citizen and have issues with the way the government is conducting itself *gestures wildly*, a great place to start is calling or emailing your representatives.
democracy.io is a great way to do that quickly and conveniently.
Let them know you're not okay with the status quo.
democracy.io is a great way to do that quickly and conveniently.
Let them know you're not okay with the status quo.
Lazy batsignal Q - where is ATProto but for marketplaces? Think FB marketplace, buy nothing, Craigslist, Etsy. I’m a novice here, but it seems like it would’ve very doable.
cc @jessmart.in @danabra.mov @bmann.ca or anyone who might know. Bonus points for a list of other AT systems eg for elections.
cc @jessmart.in @danabra.mov @bmann.ca or anyone who might know. Bonus points for a list of other AT systems eg for elections.
December 27, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Lazy batsignal Q - where is ATProto but for marketplaces? Think FB marketplace, buy nothing, Craigslist, Etsy. I’m a novice here, but it seems like it would’ve very doable.
cc @jessmart.in @danabra.mov @bmann.ca or anyone who might know. Bonus points for a list of other AT systems eg for elections.
cc @jessmart.in @danabra.mov @bmann.ca or anyone who might know. Bonus points for a list of other AT systems eg for elections.
@jellyfin.org + @manetapp.bsky.social + @bandcamp.com + qobuz.com + @tailscale.com
Mix well on a VPS or home server. Add an olive. Enjoy some Christmas cheer while ditching Spotify.
Higher quality streaming, no ads, and it just works.
Mix well on a VPS or home server. Add an olive. Enjoy some Christmas cheer while ditching Spotify.
Higher quality streaming, no ads, and it just works.
December 23, 2025 at 7:48 PM
@jellyfin.org + @manetapp.bsky.social + @bandcamp.com + qobuz.com + @tailscale.com
Mix well on a VPS or home server. Add an olive. Enjoy some Christmas cheer while ditching Spotify.
Higher quality streaming, no ads, and it just works.
Mix well on a VPS or home server. Add an olive. Enjoy some Christmas cheer while ditching Spotify.
Higher quality streaming, no ads, and it just works.