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counterpoint4.bsky.social
Bill Johnson
@counterpoint4.bsky.social
1.3K followers 490 following 5K posts
Former rocket scientist and professional photographer who is passionate about nature, critters, music, art, hockey, helping kids be the best they can be and saving our democracy ...

Photography portfolio available @Wishyouwerehere.ifp3.com
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counterpoint4.bsky.social
Bill Johnson @counterpoint4.bsky.social · May 13
Welcome to Democracy 2025 Perhaps I can’t fix all the problems going on … but I come from a bygone era when a single candle could light up the darkness … so here’s a journal to empower you with the facts to help you decide if it really should matter. I come from a bygone era when ignorance was not an excuse for hiding from the truth … when morals and integrity were not just hollow words … and when complacency implied consent. I come from a bygone era when the news media objectively reported the real facts and let the viewers/readers develop their own opinions. I come from a bygone era when we tried to have mutual respect for one another regardless of our political, ideological, racial, religious or sociological differences. I come from a bygone era when left-wing and right-wing referred to two wings of the same national bird who through mutual respect and compromise found a way to synchronize their agendas and allow our country to soar rather than flap around aimlessly in the muck. It’s too bad ignorance isn’t painful …
counterpoint4.bsky.social
Simplifying the Arrest Warrant for ICE … Cartoon depicting an ICE agent holding up a skin color chart and handcuffs while towering over a terrified little girl and her ragdoll. Cartoon by Mike Luckovich @mluckovich.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 5:41 PM
counterpoint4.bsky.social
Obliterating our American Heritage Our forefathers weren’t smart enough to anticipate a tenant like Trump … who would not even think of asking his landlord for permission prior to demolishing a house he didn’t own!!! Legally there are established consultation and review processes with the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts for the construction phase of a White House renovation project … but Trump has not yet even submitted any ballroom architectural plans for review … Surprisingly, the commissioners don’t have any jurisdiction over the demolition phase and no lengthy zoning approvals or permits are required … so Trump just called in the excavators!!! Yes, Trump lied when he said, “It won't interfere with the current building … it'll be near it but not touching it and pay total respect to the existing building”
October 23, 2025 at 4:18 PM
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U.S. Code Title 18: Crimes and Criminal Procedure Section 1361: Government property or contracts Image of the East Wing of the White House being demolished without prior review and approval “Whoever willfully injures or commits any depredation against any property of the United States, or of any department or agency thereof, or any property which has been or is being manufactured or constructed for the United States, or any department or agency thereof, or attempts to commit any of the foregoing offenses, shall be punished as follows: If the damage or attempted damage to such property exceeds the sum of $1,000, by a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than ten years, or both …”
October 22, 2025 at 11:43 PM
counterpoint4.bsky.social
A simple truth in the words of Barton Dalton: An image of Barton Dillon wearing a 'Appalachians Against Fascism' hat “Hey Mike Johnson and other *men* of the House and Senate … I’m a straight, white, Christian, southern man who loves beer, burgers, Bama football, real country music, AND my country. I’ll be at this weekend’s No Kings March and the next and the next until y’all find your manhood and either defend our constitution alongside us, your fellow Americans, or you step aside. Cowards, collaborators, or conmen. All of you. Prove me wrong.”
October 19, 2025 at 3:42 PM
counterpoint4.bsky.social
Persistence Is Portland Image of Portland, Oregon citizens dressed up in frog costumes protesting ICE detentions in their city Caption: United we ribbit ... divided we croak!
October 12, 2025 at 7:24 PM
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Hiding Behind the Badge Image of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) badge. On January 20th, Trump revoked President Biden’s Executive Order #14074 in order to decommission the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD). Established in 2023, it was a central repository for current and former federal law enforcement officers’ records regarding criminal convictions and civil judgements … sustained complaints of serious misconduct … suspensions and terminations … resignations or retirements while under investigation for serious misconduct … etc. At the time, it didn’t make sense why neither the White House or Department of Justice offered any explanation or rationale as to why the NLEAD was deleted. It now appears that it was a very conscious and calculated strategy to remove any permanent record of accountability for the ruthless and lawless behavior of Kristi Noem’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Now, if an agent is unlucky enough to get caught and disciplined in their current role or jurisdiction … they can easily hide their misconduct history when applying for a new job elsewhere ... how convenient!!! Just another way that Trump, Bondi & Noem have chosen to aid & abet their criminal intent
October 12, 2025 at 3:39 PM
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The Impact of ACA Premium Tax Credits Expiring The Affordable Care Act (ACA) included a provision that allows states to create a Basic Health Program for low-income residents who don't qualify for Medicaid. Over 24 million Americans are enrolled in an Essential Plan that takes advantage of these ACA premium tax credits which are set to expire on December 31st : Image of a table listing each state, the current average annual health insurance premium, what the 2026 average annual premium is expected to be, the average annual cost increase in dollars and the average annual cost increase as a percentage. Why did the Democrats want to jointly negotiate an extension of the ACA premium tax credits before the government shutdown? We’re now in the open enrollment period for 2026 health insurance plans and people need to make their decisions based on what they are going to be able to afford … but Republicans (who get their own free healthcare) don’t seem to be concerned with that impact to their constituents …
October 10, 2025 at 5:51 PM
counterpoint4.bsky.social
Californians Must Make Their Vote Count Image of a USPS mailbox The US Postal Service has revised rules such that if you mail your ballot on Tuesday, November 4th at a mailbox or post office more than 50 miles from one of their hub centers in Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, San Diego, Richmond or Sacramento … it will not be postmarked until November 5th making it invalid to be counted >>>>> MAIL EARLY!!! Image of a California secure ballot drop-box Secure ballot drop-boxes have already been placed in local locations. Early in-person voting centers will open on Saturday, October 25th where you may drop off your ballot or vote in-person. Image of an 'I Voted' sticker Make your vote count with a YES on Proposition 50!!!
October 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
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The Brazen Cult of Warmongers Image cartoon of the Department of Defense seal retitled the 'Department of War' ... the Department of Health & Human Services seal retitled the 'Department of War on Science' ... and the Department of Justice seal retitled the 'Department of War on Democrats' Cartoon by @billbramhall.bsky.social
October 10, 2025 at 2:34 PM
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Noem’s Never-Ending Quest to be Dumb or Dumber … Image of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaking at a White House roundtable on Antifa: “One of the individuals we arrested recently was the girlfriend of one of the founders of Antifa and we’re hoping as we go after her and prosecute her, we’ll get more and more information about the network and how we can root them out and eliminate them from existence of American society.” Noem’s too dumb to know that the term Antifa (Anti-Fascism) originated during World War II to characterize the many individuals, groups and nations opposed to Hitler’s fascist regime … during that time our government and all our resources and soldiers were supporting that Antifa cause. Trump has now labeled all who oppose his fascist policies and actions as Antifa … characterizing our resistance as an organized terrorist network as sophisticated as MS-13, TDA, ISIS, Hezbollah and Hamas … and has vowed to silence and destroy any form of dissent with the Constitution and Rule of Law be damned!!! We will not let that happen!!!
October 9, 2025 at 6:17 PM
counterpoint4.bsky.social
Dr. Jane Goodall 1934 - 2025 Image of Dr. Jane Goodall with a baby chimpanzee in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park where she studied their behavior for more than 60 years (Photo credit: Hugo Van Lawick / National Geographic) “In what terms should we think of these beings, nonhuman yet possessing so very many human-like characteristics?” “Surely we should treat them with the same consideration and kindness as we show to other humans” “The greatest danger to our future is apathy” “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you” “What you do makes a difference … you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make” Dr. Jane Goodall
October 1, 2025 at 9:30 PM
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Sorry Hegseth, She Doesn’t Fit Your Mold Image of the 388th Fighter Wing F-35A Lightning II demonstration flight team led by USAF Major Melanie “MACH” Kluesner. Meet USAF Major Melanie “MACH” Kluesner … selected to be the F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter demonstration team pilot and commander of the 388th Fighter Wing. She was inspired by mom and dad, both USAF pilots, to become a combat fighter pilot and has accumulated well over 1,000 hours in a variety of high-performance aircraft. “I think it’s really important for people to realize that if you want to be a fighter pilot or serve in the military, it doesn’t matter what you look like or that you fit the specific mold,” Kluesner explained. “What does matter is being willing to stay disciplined, work hard, become a team player and care about serving your country. I’m humbled to be in this position and hope everyone who watches the demonstration is inspired to dream big just like I was when I was a little kid.” Hegseth says ‘DEI hires’ like her … don’t belong!!!
September 30, 2025 at 8:42 PM
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Believe the Science ... not the Charlatan Tylenol: We stand with science, and we stand with you. For generations, families have trusted TYLENOL when it matters most. Why? Because Tylenol is one of the most studied medications in history. The facts remain unchanged: over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals, confirm there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. Acetaminophen is used worldwide as a first line of defense for pain relief and fever reduction, at the recommendation of independent public health and leading medical professionals and in accordance with the product label. High fevers and pain are widely recognized as potential risks to a pregnancy if left untreated, especially in the first trimester. Remember to talk to your doctor. We prioritize science as the core of how we provide care, and that will never change. Image of a label for Dr. Salazar Slytherin's Snake Oil Cure-All 'Works Like Magic' with a head-shot picture of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
September 23, 2025 at 1:58 PM
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Image of an American Bald Eagle in flight "We live in a time where intelligent people are silenced so that stupid people aren't offended" Image credit to 'Lakota Creations'
September 19, 2025 at 4:08 PM
counterpoint4.bsky.social
Image of Robert Redford "The measure of our success will be the condition on which we leave the world for the next generation." Robert Redford
September 18, 2025 at 2:40 PM
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DUH Image of Education Secretary Linda McMahon Education Secretary Linda McMahon said today that the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2024 test results “confirm a devastating trend … despite spending billions annually on numerous K-12 programs … that’s why President Trump and I are committed to returning control of education to the states so they can innovate and meet each school and students’ unique needs.” NAEP testing of public and private high school seniors in 2024 measured their competency against standards that represent what federal researchers believe all students should know by the end of high school. The alarming test results included … Only 35% were considered ‘proficient’ in reading skills While 30% scored as ‘below basic’ in reading skills Only 22% were considered ‘proficient’ in math skills While 45% scored as ‘below basic’ in math skills Trump and McMahon are simply dumping the problem on each individual state to figure out how to address the problem on their own … with less funds than they were allocated last year and without any of the federal programs slashed in budget & personnel cuts … They obviously want a dumb America
September 9, 2025 at 6:15 PM
counterpoint4.bsky.social
Space Force Moves to Alabama Image of a man in a lawn chair sitting on top of a homemade rocket surrounded by his 'launch team' Commentary: … another example of when Trump loyalty may far exceed the expertise to do the job …
September 5, 2025 at 3:37 PM
counterpoint4.bsky.social
Making America Unhealthy Again … Image of Boar's Head deli products and HHS Secretary Kennedy with a caption: "Remember the Boars Head listeria outbreak that killed 10 people & made 60+ ill? Well a key CDC program will no longer be monitoring for listeria and other foodborne illnesses. Without early detection and intervention - more people will get seriously sick & die." Commentary: The CDC Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) has cut required monitoring from eight pathogens to just two that cause infections (E. coli & Salmonella). FoodNet will no longer require mandatory surveillance of infections caused by Cyclospora, Campylobacter, Listeria, Vibrio, Shigella and Yersinia. Good Luck America!!!
September 1, 2025 at 6:41 PM
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MINNEAPOLIS: THE SHOOTER DIDN'T ACT ALONE. HE WAS ARMED BY 219 HOUSE MEMBERS, 53 SENATORS, NRA LOBBYISTS, AND A COMPLICIT PRESIDENT. Election Day is coming. Stay pissed, America. “Do not offer thoughts and prayers as you systemically enable such tragedies. Do not claim prayers are sufficient when children die as they pray. Do not pretend you do not understand.” — Lydia, 16, Minneapolis
August 31, 2025 at 2:12 PM
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Your Foreign Orders are Cancelled!!! Image of a listing of dozens of foreign counties whose package and mail carriers who have suspended shipments to the U.S. On August 29th, the ‘de minimis exemption’ established by Congress in 1938 will be cancelled … it allowed items worth less than $800 to be shipped to the United States duty-free without having to pay any tariffs. The Trump Administration expects foreign mail carriers and shippers to now act as import tax collectors on behalf of the U.S. government … something their systems are not currently set up to do … so they have suspended shipments to the U.S. while they try to figure it all out. In turn, foreign merchants have cancelled orders from U.S. customers and small businesses because they don’t have a way to ship their merchandise. Eventually, you’ll be paying more for any imported items … unless you believe Trump’s view that those countries pay the tax???
August 29, 2025 at 12:46 AM
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A $5 Million Rewrite of History Image of the smashed doors to the Speaker's Lobby of the Capitol Building on January 6th ... now with an overwrite stating "8/28/25 Update: The DoD will now provide a funeral with full military honors" Original Post: These doors to the Speaker’s Lobby were locked and barricaded on January 6th when an angry mob stormed the Capitol providing a tenuous escape path for the assembled members of Congress. This is where MAGA loyalist Ashli Babbitt was shot and killed by a veteran Capitol police officer as she tried to climb through a smashed window adjacent to the doors. An 8-month investigation determined that the officer’s use of deadly force was lawful and within department policy … but the family filed a wrongful death lawsuit claiming police negligence and that she was “ambushed/murdered” Trump rewrote history and called her a “martyr” and part of a “heroic act of collective patriotism” … and now the Department of Injustice has agreed to settle the lawsuit for $5 Million of our money!!!
August 28, 2025 at 7:43 PM
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Border Patrol Arrests Firefighters Image of firefighting crew detained by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol while fighting Bear Gulch blaze in Washington state. The Seattle Times reports that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol detained two firefighter crews working the Bear Gulch fire for over three hours as they demanded identification to prove their immigration status … while the largest active blaze in Washington state (9,000 acres consumed – only 13% contained) continued to burn in a remote area of the Olympic Peninsula. The two private-contractor crews were part of the six 20-person hand crews doing the back-breaking task of clearing fire breaks to help contain the blaze. Two of their members were arrested for unknown reasons. As one firefighter said, “You risked your life out here to save the community … and this is how they treat us.”
August 28, 2025 at 6:52 PM
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Not so quickly or quietly … Image of Susan Monarez, Director of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Statement from Mark S. Zaid & Abbe David Lowell, Counsel for CDC Director Susan Monarez, August 27, 2025 - 7:03 pm ET: First it was independent advisory committees and career experts. Then it was the dismissal of seasoned scientists. Now, Secretary Kennedy and HHS have set their sights on weaponizing public health for political gain and putting millions of American lives at risk. When CDC Director Susan Monarez refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts she chose protecting the public over serving a political agenda. For that, she has been targeted. Dr. Monarez has neither resigned nor received notification from the White House that she has been fired, and as a person of integrity and devoted to science, she will not resign.
August 28, 2025 at 12:37 PM
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Hyping the Illusion of Peace for Ukraine Image of a map of Ukraine showing current territory annexed or occupied by Russian troops. Trump and Vance continue to hype the purported progress and concessions made in talks with Putin … but their rhetoric falls far short of reality >>> there is NO planned meeting between Putin and Zelensky because Putin still does NOT even recognize Zelensky as the legitimate leader of Ukraine. Trump admits that in war, you need offensive capability for deep strikes on your opponent … but the Pentagon has quietly restricted U.S. arms shipments for defense only >>> resulting in NO incentive for Putin to agree to any ceasefire ... just keep creating death and destruction with his own long-range missiles. Putin has absolutely NO intention of ceding any occupied territory which he views as simply a reunification with Russia … Crimea provides essential Black Sea ports … Zaporizhzhia is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe … and there are rich deposits of Titanium, Zirconium, Lithium and Rare Earth metals. Putin will NEVER agree to any international peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, because that thwarts his goal of total annexation.
August 26, 2025 at 1:38 PM
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On The Border Wall Image of Kristi Noem and four workmen painting the border wall black >>> Ludicrous photo op for Kristi Noem painting the wall black on the north side … trying to make it too hot to climb for American citizens trying to escape??? Image of south side of the border wall with milk crates stacked to the top of the wall >>> Smart immigrants on the south side of the wall will simply wait until nighttime when the wall is cooler … or use the $20 milk crate solution to scale the billion-dollar wall … Image of butterfly mural painted on the south side of the wall >>> Meanwhile, the south side of the wall provides a canvas of stunning murals … once again proving that art does not have cultural boundaries … only those by tyrants!
August 24, 2025 at 8:40 PM