Brett Sur
@brettsur.bsky.social
Links to come. Here to read and muse on politics or culture. I only post when I have something of value to add to the discourse.
Reposted by Brett Sur
I was a sensitive kid. I loved cats. I had OCD, undiagnosed.
When I was 9, a fraternity brother tortured a cat to death in my hometown. The details even now are beyond imagination. archive.is/xdmUL
I was traumatized for years from reading the news story.
The torturer? Now the head of the NRA.
When I was 9, a fraternity brother tortured a cat to death in my hometown. The details even now are beyond imagination. archive.is/xdmUL
I was traumatized for years from reading the news story.
The torturer? Now the head of the NRA.
January 25, 2026 at 4:55 AM
I was a sensitive kid. I loved cats. I had OCD, undiagnosed.
When I was 9, a fraternity brother tortured a cat to death in my hometown. The details even now are beyond imagination. archive.is/xdmUL
I was traumatized for years from reading the news story.
The torturer? Now the head of the NRA.
When I was 9, a fraternity brother tortured a cat to death in my hometown. The details even now are beyond imagination. archive.is/xdmUL
I was traumatized for years from reading the news story.
The torturer? Now the head of the NRA.
Reposted by Brett Sur
Walz: "I call on all Americans to see the decency this state is exhibiting, and the horrific cruelty, unprofessional, absolute abomination that is passing for what these f--- ICE agents are doing on our streets."
January 24, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Walz: "I call on all Americans to see the decency this state is exhibiting, and the horrific cruelty, unprofessional, absolute abomination that is passing for what these f--- ICE agents are doing on our streets."
Reposted by Brett Sur
Say their names: Reps. Henry Cuellar (Texas), Jared Golden (Maine), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.), Laura Gillen (N.Y.), Don Davis (N.C.), Tom Suozzi (N.Y.) and Vicente Gonzalez
January 24, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Say their names: Reps. Henry Cuellar (Texas), Jared Golden (Maine), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.), Laura Gillen (N.Y.), Don Davis (N.C.), Tom Suozzi (N.Y.) and Vicente Gonzalez
Reposted by Brett Sur
Just staggered by the complete moral void of not even *pretending* to wait for more information before pivoting to “the opponent of the state deserved it.” It is so insanely depraved. Soulless.
January 24, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Just staggered by the complete moral void of not even *pretending* to wait for more information before pivoting to “the opponent of the state deserved it.” It is so insanely depraved. Soulless.
Reposted by Brett Sur
It is long past the time for a national general strike. 'This is not a government by consent of the governed. It is oppression.
I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening.
The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.
The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.
January 24, 2026 at 6:49 PM
It is long past the time for a national general strike. 'This is not a government by consent of the governed. It is oppression.
Reposted by Brett Sur
I am trying not to post on these events in this state of mind but: I hope people understand what the observers are doing is brave and dangerous.
January 24, 2026 at 4:51 PM
I am trying not to post on these events in this state of mind but: I hope people understand what the observers are doing is brave and dangerous.
Reposted by Brett Sur
I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening.
The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.
The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.
January 24, 2026 at 4:04 PM
I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening.
The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.
The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.
Reposted by Brett Sur
I told the White House the state must lead the investigation.
Let state investigators secure justice. As we process the scene, stay peaceful and give them space.
The State has the personnel to keep people safe – federal agents must not obstruct our ability to do so.
Let state investigators secure justice. As we process the scene, stay peaceful and give them space.
The State has the personnel to keep people safe – federal agents must not obstruct our ability to do so.
January 24, 2026 at 5:53 PM
I told the White House the state must lead the investigation.
Let state investigators secure justice. As we process the scene, stay peaceful and give them space.
The State has the personnel to keep people safe – federal agents must not obstruct our ability to do so.
Let state investigators secure justice. As we process the scene, stay peaceful and give them space.
The State has the personnel to keep people safe – federal agents must not obstruct our ability to do so.
Reposted by Brett Sur
This clip got lost in what has been a truly gruesome week. But it deserves a home.
How Tears for Fears developed “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”. 🎸
How Tears for Fears developed “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”. 🎸
January 24, 2026 at 1:20 PM
This clip got lost in what has been a truly gruesome week. But it deserves a home.
How Tears for Fears developed “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”. 🎸
How Tears for Fears developed “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”. 🎸
Reposted by Brett Sur
In October, ICE grabbed Maher Tarabishi.
He was a 24/7 caregiver for his disabled son Wael.
At the time of Maher’s detention, disability advocates warned that taking away Wael’s caregiver put his life at risk.
Wael died on Friday at age 30.
ICE caused his death.
They didn’t get to say goodbye.
He was a 24/7 caregiver for his disabled son Wael.
At the time of Maher’s detention, disability advocates warned that taking away Wael’s caregiver put his life at risk.
Wael died on Friday at age 30.
ICE caused his death.
They didn’t get to say goodbye.
Disabled son of ICE detainee dies after 30 days of hospitalization
It had been months since Wael Tarabishi seen his father. The family is calling on ICE to release Maher Tarabishi so he may attend his son's funeral.
www.wfaa.com
January 24, 2026 at 3:01 AM
In October, ICE grabbed Maher Tarabishi.
He was a 24/7 caregiver for his disabled son Wael.
At the time of Maher’s detention, disability advocates warned that taking away Wael’s caregiver put his life at risk.
Wael died on Friday at age 30.
ICE caused his death.
They didn’t get to say goodbye.
He was a 24/7 caregiver for his disabled son Wael.
At the time of Maher’s detention, disability advocates warned that taking away Wael’s caregiver put his life at risk.
Wael died on Friday at age 30.
ICE caused his death.
They didn’t get to say goodbye.
Reposted by Brett Sur
"What stayed with Amundson most, she said, was not the adrenaline of the moment but the realization that came while she was holding the agent’s head in her hands and keeping his airway open.
“I was hit so hard with the fact that this man would not do this for me,”" this got me
“I was hit so hard with the fact that this man would not do this for me,”" this got me
January 24, 2026 at 2:15 AM
"What stayed with Amundson most, she said, was not the adrenaline of the moment but the realization that came while she was holding the agent’s head in her hands and keeping his airway open.
“I was hit so hard with the fact that this man would not do this for me,”" this got me
“I was hit so hard with the fact that this man would not do this for me,”" this got me
Reposted by Brett Sur
WHO removing Us Flag
January 23, 2026 at 9:45 PM
WHO removing Us Flag
Reposted by Brett Sur
The FBI agent who tried to investigate the ICE officer who shot Renee Good to death has resigned after the bureau leadership in Washington pressured her to discontinue a civil rights inquiry into the killing. @alanfeuer.bsky.social @glennthrush.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/u...
F.B.I. Agent Who Tried to Investigate ICE Officer in Shooting Resigns
www.nytimes.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:49 AM
The FBI agent who tried to investigate the ICE officer who shot Renee Good to death has resigned after the bureau leadership in Washington pressured her to discontinue a civil rights inquiry into the killing. @alanfeuer.bsky.social @glennthrush.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/u...
Reposted by Brett Sur
We're not allowed to see the faces of the taxpayer-funded goon squad who is committing crimes in the streets, but the goon squad is allowed to record the faces of taxpayers who have committed no crimes.
“We have a nice little database, & now you’re considered domestic terrorists” says an ICE agent after photographing a civilian who was videotaping them. Posted today by Brian Allen on X. h/t @allenanalysis.bsky.social
January 23, 2026 at 7:15 PM
We're not allowed to see the faces of the taxpayer-funded goon squad who is committing crimes in the streets, but the goon squad is allowed to record the faces of taxpayers who have committed no crimes.
Reposted by Brett Sur
Don't forget the Supreme Court's role facilitating ICE's brutality and racism in Minneapolis. SCOTUS lifted an injunction that limited racial profiling in immigration enforcement on Sept. 8. The federal assault on Chicago began the next day. Then came the Twin Cities. SCOTUS greenlit these horrors.
January 23, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Don't forget the Supreme Court's role facilitating ICE's brutality and racism in Minneapolis. SCOTUS lifted an injunction that limited racial profiling in immigration enforcement on Sept. 8. The federal assault on Chicago began the next day. Then came the Twin Cities. SCOTUS greenlit these horrors.
Reposted by Brett Sur
they are actively trying to get these officers killed and have been for some time
BREAKING: Immigration officers are asserting sweeping power to enter homes without a judge’s warrant, a memo obtained by AP says.
Immigration officers assert sweeping power to enter homes without a judge's warrant, memo says
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo obtained by The Associated Press reveals that the agency allows immigration officers to forcibly enter homes to make arrests without a judicial warrant.
bit.ly
January 21, 2026 at 9:49 PM
they are actively trying to get these officers killed and have been for some time
I can’t watch this. Unbearable to hear the boy cry. My stomach fell and I can’t. There is no longer a mystery in my mind about how the foot soldiers of oppression become willing to oppress; those who gleefully carry out sadistic orders. They are your garden variety, basic and ignorant bros.
SEEING IS BELIEVING
DHS claims the car being chased rammed the ICE vehicle. The video shows the opposite.
📌 A father and son, a US citizen, are chased. The teen is beaten and seriously injured. The father is deported.
DHS lied. The video tells the truth. Excellent reporting by Antonia Hylton.
DHS claims the car being chased rammed the ICE vehicle. The video shows the opposite.
📌 A father and son, a US citizen, are chased. The teen is beaten and seriously injured. The father is deported.
DHS lied. The video tells the truth. Excellent reporting by Antonia Hylton.
January 22, 2026 at 3:15 PM
I can’t watch this. Unbearable to hear the boy cry. My stomach fell and I can’t. There is no longer a mystery in my mind about how the foot soldiers of oppression become willing to oppress; those who gleefully carry out sadistic orders. They are your garden variety, basic and ignorant bros.
Reposted by Brett Sur
Also, this story illustrates a fundamental truth: Trump's opinions are shaped by the last person he spoke to
So it was Badenoch *personally* who stabbed Britain in the back during the Greenland crisis! Simply unbelievable. Ought to be a resignation matter.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
How Badenoch’s meeting with Mike Johnson led to Trump’s Chagos deal rant
A brief encounter set off a chain of events that culminated in a public rebuff to the US president from Keir Starmer
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:14 AM
Also, this story illustrates a fundamental truth: Trump's opinions are shaped by the last person he spoke to
Reposted by Brett Sur
Please help us bring Liam Adrian Cornejo Ramos (he’s only 5 years of age and is currently in pre-K. Yesterday, he and his father were kidnapped by ICE. This will help the family with legal services to help reunite Liam and his dad with their family.
gofund.me/be8a1b2ab
gofund.me/be8a1b2ab
Donate to Help Bring 5-Year-Old Liam Home, organized by sarai Orquiz
Liam Adrian Cornejo Ramos is just 5 years old and currently in pre-K. Yesterday, he and h… sarai Orquiz needs your support for Help Bring 5-Year-Old Liam Home
gofund.me
January 22, 2026 at 2:44 AM
Please help us bring Liam Adrian Cornejo Ramos (he’s only 5 years of age and is currently in pre-K. Yesterday, he and his father were kidnapped by ICE. This will help the family with legal services to help reunite Liam and his dad with their family.
gofund.me/be8a1b2ab
gofund.me/be8a1b2ab
Reposted by Brett Sur
NEWS: While Hakeem Jeffries has announced he's opposing the DHS/ICE funding bill tomorrow, his team is not whipping the vote. Several frontliners are expected to vote yes. There's a difference in leadership between personal vote decisions & unifying the caucus.
From me:
prospect.org/2026/01/21/j...
From me:
prospect.org/2026/01/21/j...
Jeffries Won’t Whip Vote Against ICE Funding - The American Prospect
While the House Democratic leader announced personal opposition to a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, he won’t pressure his colleagues to do the same.
prospect.org
January 21, 2026 at 8:22 PM
NEWS: While Hakeem Jeffries has announced he's opposing the DHS/ICE funding bill tomorrow, his team is not whipping the vote. Several frontliners are expected to vote yes. There's a difference in leadership between personal vote decisions & unifying the caucus.
From me:
prospect.org/2026/01/21/j...
From me:
prospect.org/2026/01/21/j...
Reposted by Brett Sur
Trump has made at least $1.4 billion as president. The country has gotten poorer, he’s gotten richer.
The level of corruption is truly unprecedented…
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
The level of corruption is truly unprecedented…
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Opinion | How Trump Has Used the Presidency to Make at Least $1.4 Billion
The president took an oath to serve the American people. Instead, he’s focused his second term on enriching himself and his family.
www.nytimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Trump has made at least $1.4 billion as president. The country has gotten poorer, he’s gotten richer.
The level of corruption is truly unprecedented…
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
The level of corruption is truly unprecedented…
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Brett Sur
WATCH — @repgreglandsman.bsky.social : “How much have David & Larry Ellison given to the Trump coin? Trump businesses?
FCC chair Brendan Carr: 🤷🏼
LANDSMAN: “You’re going to weigh in on these acquisitions… It’s important for us to know how much these people are giving the president.”
FCC chair Brendan Carr: 🤷🏼
LANDSMAN: “You’re going to weigh in on these acquisitions… It’s important for us to know how much these people are giving the president.”
January 22, 2026 at 4:15 AM
WATCH — @repgreglandsman.bsky.social : “How much have David & Larry Ellison given to the Trump coin? Trump businesses?
FCC chair Brendan Carr: 🤷🏼
LANDSMAN: “You’re going to weigh in on these acquisitions… It’s important for us to know how much these people are giving the president.”
FCC chair Brendan Carr: 🤷🏼
LANDSMAN: “You’re going to weigh in on these acquisitions… It’s important for us to know how much these people are giving the president.”
Reposted by Brett Sur
This video filmed by Ben Luhmann shows the moment a federal agent sprayed chemical irritants directly into a man's face in south Minneapolis.
Three agents already had the man pinned to the ground when a fourth agent walked up and sprayed the irritants.
Three agents already had the man pinned to the ground when a fourth agent walked up and sprayed the irritants.
January 22, 2026 at 1:41 AM
This video filmed by Ben Luhmann shows the moment a federal agent sprayed chemical irritants directly into a man's face in south Minneapolis.
Three agents already had the man pinned to the ground when a fourth agent walked up and sprayed the irritants.
Three agents already had the man pinned to the ground when a fourth agent walked up and sprayed the irritants.
Reposted by Brett Sur
At Davos, Trump called the liberation of Europe “stupid” & allies “ungrateful.” As a former U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council member, I find this rhetoric dangerous. It recasts the defeat of fascism as a failed real estate deal & undermines the alliances that have kept the world stable for 80 years.
January 21, 2026 at 11:26 PM
At Davos, Trump called the liberation of Europe “stupid” & allies “ungrateful.” As a former U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council member, I find this rhetoric dangerous. It recasts the defeat of fascism as a failed real estate deal & undermines the alliances that have kept the world stable for 80 years.
Reposted by Brett Sur
Liam is one of four Columbia Heights, MN school district students who have been taken by ICE in the last two weeks, the school district said. Liam's teacher: “He is so kind and loving, and his classmates miss him. He ... just brightens the room. All I want is for him to be back here and safe.”
January 22, 2026 at 3:25 AM
Liam is one of four Columbia Heights, MN school district students who have been taken by ICE in the last two weeks, the school district said. Liam's teacher: “He is so kind and loving, and his classmates miss him. He ... just brightens the room. All I want is for him to be back here and safe.”