brentlythomas
@brentlythomas.bsky.social
jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none, as my dear sainted mother used to say
somewhere between slappy the squirrel and dorothy zbornak
“Is it any wonder that no truly respectable society has ever trusted its artists?”
Ursula K. Le Guin
they/them
🏳️🌈✊🖤🍉
somewhere between slappy the squirrel and dorothy zbornak
“Is it any wonder that no truly respectable society has ever trusted its artists?”
Ursula K. Le Guin
they/them
🏳️🌈✊🖤🍉
Pinned
brentlythomas
@brentlythomas.bsky.social
· Sep 29
coming out story: ex-mormon, my 1st thanksgiving home was spent w/ a sister missionary from my mission; everyone thought we would get married. we went to watch the remake of “miracle on 34th street”, and as i looked deeply into dylan mcdermott’s crystal blue eyes, i knew it would never work.
Reposted by brentlythomas
A reminder that the US killed 80 people in Venezuela, and it would be nice if the US media cared enough to think that the life of a grandmother in Caracas whose building is destroyed by a US bomb matters as much as the life of a person in the US.
January 5, 2026 at 5:54 PM
A reminder that the US killed 80 people in Venezuela, and it would be nice if the US media cared enough to think that the life of a grandmother in Caracas whose building is destroyed by a US bomb matters as much as the life of a person in the US.
Reposted by brentlythomas
I have a new paper w Andrea Prat & Jake Spitz. We show that Republican appointed Supreme Court Justices vote in favor of the richer party by over 70% today, as compared to D’s at 30%. In the 1950s and both were at 50%. This strong trend may contribute to rising inequality. www.nber.org/papers/w34643
Ruling for the Rich: the Supreme Court over Time
Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, an...
www.nber.org
January 5, 2026 at 9:14 AM
I have a new paper w Andrea Prat & Jake Spitz. We show that Republican appointed Supreme Court Justices vote in favor of the richer party by over 70% today, as compared to D’s at 30%. In the 1950s and both were at 50%. This strong trend may contribute to rising inequality. www.nber.org/papers/w34643
Reposted by brentlythomas
I wrote about reporters’ refusal to use “act of war,” “invasion” or “coup” when covering Trump’s brazen attacks on Venezuela, instead echoing WH-approved euphemisms, and the broader trend of our press dutifully giving Trump’s lawlessness the vague whiff of international legitimacy when it has none.
By framing this brazen act of aggression in euphemistic terms, the media is falling in line with Trump.
The Media Refuses to Call Trump’s Venezuela Attack an Act of War
By framing the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro in euphemistic terms, the media is falling in line with Trump.
interc.pt
January 4, 2026 at 11:17 PM
I wrote about reporters’ refusal to use “act of war,” “invasion” or “coup” when covering Trump’s brazen attacks on Venezuela, instead echoing WH-approved euphemisms, and the broader trend of our press dutifully giving Trump’s lawlessness the vague whiff of international legitimacy when it has none.
Reposted by brentlythomas
These are the real victims of Trump's unending crimes, as always its everyday people.
The New York Times has just confirmed that 40 civilians died in President Trump's invasion.
This is the aftermath in one area
This is the aftermath in one area
January 4, 2026 at 4:00 AM
These are the real victims of Trump's unending crimes, as always its everyday people.
Reposted by brentlythomas
Happening now: several hundred people are pouring into Chicago's downtown Federal Plaza.
It's 25 degrees outside.
Organizers are leading the crowd in a chant of, "no boots on the ground, no bombs in the air!"
Two protesters hold a large banner reading, "no war for Venezuela oil."
It's 25 degrees outside.
Organizers are leading the crowd in a chant of, "no boots on the ground, no bombs in the air!"
Two protesters hold a large banner reading, "no war for Venezuela oil."
January 3, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Happening now: several hundred people are pouring into Chicago's downtown Federal Plaza.
It's 25 degrees outside.
Organizers are leading the crowd in a chant of, "no boots on the ground, no bombs in the air!"
Two protesters hold a large banner reading, "no war for Venezuela oil."
It's 25 degrees outside.
Organizers are leading the crowd in a chant of, "no boots on the ground, no bombs in the air!"
Two protesters hold a large banner reading, "no war for Venezuela oil."
Reposted by brentlythomas
Yes, this is exactly the time to demand Democrats "do something."
They can denounce Trump's actions as unconstitutional. They can state that he must be impeached and removed. They can make clear that all involved will be held accountable.
These are the core duties of a role they all signed up for.
They can denounce Trump's actions as unconstitutional. They can state that he must be impeached and removed. They can make clear that all involved will be held accountable.
These are the core duties of a role they all signed up for.
January 3, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Yes, this is exactly the time to demand Democrats "do something."
They can denounce Trump's actions as unconstitutional. They can state that he must be impeached and removed. They can make clear that all involved will be held accountable.
These are the core duties of a role they all signed up for.
They can denounce Trump's actions as unconstitutional. They can state that he must be impeached and removed. They can make clear that all involved will be held accountable.
These are the core duties of a role they all signed up for.
Reposted by brentlythomas
the administration wants to frame this (bizarrely) as law enforcement. but if law enforcement conducted a raid for a suspect and killed 40 people, including an unknown number of unarmed civilians, it would be treated as a clear disaster like Waco.
NYT:
At least 40 people were killed in the US attack on Venezuela, including military personnel and civilians.
At least 40 people were killed in the US attack on Venezuela, including military personnel and civilians.
January 3, 2026 at 11:32 PM
the administration wants to frame this (bizarrely) as law enforcement. but if law enforcement conducted a raid for a suspect and killed 40 people, including an unknown number of unarmed civilians, it would be treated as a clear disaster like Waco.
Reposted by brentlythomas
The Chicago protest against the U.S. attack on Venezuela has stepped off to march through the downtown area. Hundreds have joined the march.
January 3, 2026 at 11:51 PM
The Chicago protest against the U.S. attack on Venezuela has stepped off to march through the downtown area. Hundreds have joined the march.
Reposted by brentlythomas
It’s not about drugs. If it was, Trump wouldn’t have pardoned one of the largest narco traffickers in the world last month.
It’s about oil and regime change.
And they need a trial now to pretend that it isn’t. Especially to distract from his sinking under Epstein and skyrocketing healthcare costs.
It’s about oil and regime change.
And they need a trial now to pretend that it isn’t. Especially to distract from his sinking under Epstein and skyrocketing healthcare costs.
January 3, 2026 at 3:34 PM
It’s not about drugs. If it was, Trump wouldn’t have pardoned one of the largest narco traffickers in the world last month.
It’s about oil and regime change.
And they need a trial now to pretend that it isn’t. Especially to distract from his sinking under Epstein and skyrocketing healthcare costs.
It’s about oil and regime change.
And they need a trial now to pretend that it isn’t. Especially to distract from his sinking under Epstein and skyrocketing healthcare costs.
Reposted by brentlythomas
NO WAR. FULL STOP.
Trump has already launched an unconstitutional war for oil. We’re organizing now.
Join us TODAY for a protest sign–making party at campaign HQ as we prepare for the larger Emergency Day of Action downtown opposing war on Venezuela.
🕝 2:30–3:30 PM
📍 7016 N Clark St, Rogers Park
Trump has already launched an unconstitutional war for oil. We’re organizing now.
Join us TODAY for a protest sign–making party at campaign HQ as we prepare for the larger Emergency Day of Action downtown opposing war on Venezuela.
🕝 2:30–3:30 PM
📍 7016 N Clark St, Rogers Park
January 3, 2026 at 8:04 PM
NO WAR. FULL STOP.
Trump has already launched an unconstitutional war for oil. We’re organizing now.
Join us TODAY for a protest sign–making party at campaign HQ as we prepare for the larger Emergency Day of Action downtown opposing war on Venezuela.
🕝 2:30–3:30 PM
📍 7016 N Clark St, Rogers Park
Trump has already launched an unconstitutional war for oil. We’re organizing now.
Join us TODAY for a protest sign–making party at campaign HQ as we prepare for the larger Emergency Day of Action downtown opposing war on Venezuela.
🕝 2:30–3:30 PM
📍 7016 N Clark St, Rogers Park
Reposted by brentlythomas
Call your reps + please read the thread. Do it now, please.
Script.
Script.
![A Canva-mocked up call script re: calling electeds Trump Administration's actions in Venezuela
YOU: Hi, my name is [NAME]. I’m calling from [ZIP CODE].
YOU: I’m calling [MOC] to demand they condemn the U.S.’s actions in Venezuela tonight. The Trump administration has carried out an illegal attack and capture of Maduro that is a clear violation of international sovereignty and will impact relationships will alienate international allies, and [ELECTED] must speak out about this.
YOU: I am also calling on [MOC] to:
1. Speak plainly about this to their constituents. They can acknowledge the Maduro regime’s abuses AND recognize this as an unlawful extraterritorial detention,
2. Demand a legal written justification from the Administration,
3. Hold IMMEDIATE House/Senate Foreign Affairs hearings on the the decision-making, legality, and diplomatic risks of the Maduro operation,
4. Demand an immediate classified briefing for the Gang of Eight.
YOU: What happened tonight will have ramifications across the world in the days, weeks and months to come, and we need answers and action taken.
YOU: [OPTIONAL COMMENTS - DEMAND A RESPONSE]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:vdabazxnghujbebpi2ektqgi/bafkreiekz6akttflsgwcc74eyuq6m6e2lrbgxzouhdmvi5lds4qm6x4fou@jpeg)
January 3, 2026 at 10:48 AM
Call your reps + please read the thread. Do it now, please.
Script.
Script.
Reposted by brentlythomas
I'm deeply sorry to the people of Venezuela. There is no opposition party in the United States to counter the fascist regime's actions and the population is easily demagogued.
January 3, 2026 at 7:53 AM
I'm deeply sorry to the people of Venezuela. There is no opposition party in the United States to counter the fascist regime's actions and the population is easily demagogued.
Reposted by brentlythomas
Ever relevant, this poem by Mary Oliver, especially today.
January 3, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Ever relevant, this poem by Mary Oliver, especially today.
introduce yourself as what almost killed you:
hello, i’m a bee 🐝
hello, i’m a bee 🐝
Introduce yourself as what almost killed you:
Hello, I’m a lift.
Hello, I’m a lift.
Introduce yourself as what almost killed you:
Hello, I’m a twink.
Hello, I’m a twink.
January 2, 2026 at 8:41 PM
introduce yourself as what almost killed you:
hello, i’m a bee 🐝
hello, i’m a bee 🐝
Reposted by brentlythomas
If Dems were smart (the dream!), they had a clear lane to stand for getting shit done and against political violence.
Instead we all know the name Erika Kirk while 95% of the country doesn't even know who Melissa Hortman was or how they were hunted down. Just another episode of the show.
Instead we all know the name Erika Kirk while 95% of the country doesn't even know who Melissa Hortman was or how they were hunted down. Just another episode of the show.
one of whom was literally fucking assassinated. the person responsible for the agenda he got to run on as a VP candidate.
melissa hortman said they weren’t going to sit on their hands with a trifecta. she said lets fucking go and she led one of the most impactful legislative sessions ever.
melissa hortman said they weren’t going to sit on their hands with a trifecta. she said lets fucking go and she led one of the most impactful legislative sessions ever.
Say this louder for the people in the back! Walz is a moderate, and while I appreciate that he's governor, let's not forget that he gets pushed by the WOMEN in this state.
January 2, 2026 at 3:22 AM
If Dems were smart (the dream!), they had a clear lane to stand for getting shit done and against political violence.
Instead we all know the name Erika Kirk while 95% of the country doesn't even know who Melissa Hortman was or how they were hunted down. Just another episode of the show.
Instead we all know the name Erika Kirk while 95% of the country doesn't even know who Melissa Hortman was or how they were hunted down. Just another episode of the show.
Reposted by brentlythomas
Also I’m a bit of an asshole … but white Millennials done wore out my empathy in patches
But .. sometimes you’re neurotic and worried because you do treat people badly and expecting the work to be “everyone being nicer to you” rather than developing healthy coping isn’t progressive just entitled
But .. sometimes you’re neurotic and worried because you do treat people badly and expecting the work to be “everyone being nicer to you” rather than developing healthy coping isn’t progressive just entitled
January 1, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Also I’m a bit of an asshole … but white Millennials done wore out my empathy in patches
But .. sometimes you’re neurotic and worried because you do treat people badly and expecting the work to be “everyone being nicer to you” rather than developing healthy coping isn’t progressive just entitled
But .. sometimes you’re neurotic and worried because you do treat people badly and expecting the work to be “everyone being nicer to you” rather than developing healthy coping isn’t progressive just entitled
Reposted by brentlythomas
This is a great thread from @chadstanton.blacksky.app. My own thought: The sudden glorification of Greene by the nyt (ofc) and others ignores this one fact:
She is a committed and longtime bigot who uses inflammatory language that treats people as less than human. It’s a Jim Crow tactic
She is a committed and longtime bigot who uses inflammatory language that treats people as less than human. It’s a Jim Crow tactic
Like the idea greeting MTG is a no risk, no cost move simply isn’t true for trans people who are currently being targeted by her and experiencing a push with the Democratic party in the name of pragmatism.
December 30, 2025 at 2:28 PM
This is a great thread from @chadstanton.blacksky.app. My own thought: The sudden glorification of Greene by the nyt (ofc) and others ignores this one fact:
She is a committed and longtime bigot who uses inflammatory language that treats people as less than human. It’s a Jim Crow tactic
She is a committed and longtime bigot who uses inflammatory language that treats people as less than human. It’s a Jim Crow tactic
Reposted by brentlythomas
King of Falafel is one of the gems of Astoria. They even catered our baby shower!
Their owner Freddy has stood unapologetically for Palestine. So now, the city is fining him thousands for his “Stop Genocide, #FreePalestine” sign.
Help Freddy pay these hefty fines: www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with...
Their owner Freddy has stood unapologetically for Palestine. So now, the city is fining him thousands for his “Stop Genocide, #FreePalestine” sign.
Help Freddy pay these hefty fines: www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with...
Donate to Stand with Freddy: Help King of Falafel and Shawarma, organized by Kyra Sorkin
Since 2002, Freddy Zeideia has owned and operated King of Falafel and… Kyra Sorkin needs your support for Stand with Freddy: Help King of Falafel and Shawarma
www.gofundme.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:36 AM
King of Falafel is one of the gems of Astoria. They even catered our baby shower!
Their owner Freddy has stood unapologetically for Palestine. So now, the city is fining him thousands for his “Stop Genocide, #FreePalestine” sign.
Help Freddy pay these hefty fines: www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with...
Their owner Freddy has stood unapologetically for Palestine. So now, the city is fining him thousands for his “Stop Genocide, #FreePalestine” sign.
Help Freddy pay these hefty fines: www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with...
Reposted by brentlythomas
Well *this* extremely bleak paragraph is gonna haunt me for a while. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/o...
December 30, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Well *this* extremely bleak paragraph is gonna haunt me for a while. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/o...
Reposted by brentlythomas
I need to show you this nativity scene from the Church of San Geremia e Lucia in Venice.
December 30, 2025 at 1:19 PM
I need to show you this nativity scene from the Church of San Geremia e Lucia in Venice.
Reposted by brentlythomas
White dude with camera arrives at daycare and demands to see kids.
Daycare workers keep doors and windows closed.
White dude alleges fraud.
Every Republican backs white dude.
That's the current story in Minnesota.
Daycare workers keep doors and windows closed.
White dude alleges fraud.
Every Republican backs white dude.
That's the current story in Minnesota.
December 30, 2025 at 12:13 PM
White dude with camera arrives at daycare and demands to see kids.
Daycare workers keep doors and windows closed.
White dude alleges fraud.
Every Republican backs white dude.
That's the current story in Minnesota.
Daycare workers keep doors and windows closed.
White dude alleges fraud.
Every Republican backs white dude.
That's the current story in Minnesota.
Reposted by brentlythomas
Reposted by brentlythomas
this seems specifically designed to break mail-in voting (where deadlines are defined by postmark)
As of 12/24/25, USPS changed policy on when they postmark mail. Mail dropped off is no longer guaranteed a same-day postmark. Tax returns & other time-sensitive items are now stamped when they reach a regional processing center, which may be days later. Plan deadlines accordingly to avoid penalties.
USPS Announces Changes to the Postmark Date System
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has adopted a final rule (FR Doc.
share.google
December 29, 2025 at 9:51 PM
this seems specifically designed to break mail-in voting (where deadlines are defined by postmark)
Reposted by brentlythomas
Just watched the new Knives Out and I think it's really important you know that the scene in the Seminary's Gym is filmed in the same place Rick Astley filmed the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
December 29, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Just watched the new Knives Out and I think it's really important you know that the scene in the Seminary's Gym is filmed in the same place Rick Astley filmed the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.