Dan Margolies
@danmargolies.bsky.social
Historian thinking about música del coronavirus, conjunto, bees, huapangos, cultural sustainability & submerged land.
https://danmargolies.com/
https://danmargolies.com/
Pinned
Clueless, unintentionally hilarious quote
"“They were too busy being Latino and not running the city,” said the current mayor, Steve Rhodes, adding that race was not something people worried about in Wilder. “I don’t know anyone in town that sees a race,” he said."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/u...
"“They were too busy being Latino and not running the city,” said the current mayor, Steve Rhodes, adding that race was not something people worried about in Wilder. “I don’t know anyone in town that sees a race,” he said."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/u...
A Raid in a Small Town Brings Trump’s Deportations to Deep-Red Idaho
www.nytimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Clueless, unintentionally hilarious quote
"“They were too busy being Latino and not running the city,” said the current mayor, Steve Rhodes, adding that race was not something people worried about in Wilder. “I don’t know anyone in town that sees a race,” he said."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/u...
"“They were too busy being Latino and not running the city,” said the current mayor, Steve Rhodes, adding that race was not something people worried about in Wilder. “I don’t know anyone in town that sees a race,” he said."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/u...
Reposted by Dan Margolies
From @wired.com: “Federal records reveal ICE is secretly expanding into 150+ facilities across nearly every state — many near schools, medical offices, and places of worship… DHS asked the General Services Administration to hide lease listings and bypass normal procedures…”🤔
February 12, 2026 at 3:52 AM
From @wired.com: “Federal records reveal ICE is secretly expanding into 150+ facilities across nearly every state — many near schools, medical offices, and places of worship… DHS asked the General Services Administration to hide lease listings and bypass normal procedures…”🤔
Reposted by Dan Margolies
Man, I didn’t think there was a way for this story to get dumber but…
“DoD loaned the high-energy laser weapon to DHS, who promptly shot down some mylar balloons with it without telling anyone, resulting in the FAA closing airspace and disrupting air travel nationwide”
…sure did the trick
“DoD loaned the high-energy laser weapon to DHS, who promptly shot down some mylar balloons with it without telling anyone, resulting in the FAA closing airspace and disrupting air travel nationwide”
…sure did the trick
February 11, 2026 at 11:50 PM
Man, I didn’t think there was a way for this story to get dumber but…
“DoD loaned the high-energy laser weapon to DHS, who promptly shot down some mylar balloons with it without telling anyone, resulting in the FAA closing airspace and disrupting air travel nationwide”
…sure did the trick
“DoD loaned the high-energy laser weapon to DHS, who promptly shot down some mylar balloons with it without telling anyone, resulting in the FAA closing airspace and disrupting air travel nationwide”
…sure did the trick
Reposted by Dan Margolies
I’ve written for Bearly Politics on the need for musicians, filmmakers and writers to take a stand against the rise of the Far Right.
Reader Contribution: Where Is The Art Rage?
The last line of defence is failing
open.substack.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:19 AM
I’ve written for Bearly Politics on the need for musicians, filmmakers and writers to take a stand against the rise of the Far Right.
Reposted by Dan Margolies
Direct parallel to denialism around fascism. Too many tell themselves “we’re winning”—as if acknowledging scale of fascism’s assault means submitting to it, or as if democracy is a pep rally. It’s a struggle, we’re not winning, but we can, so let’s fight harder—against the anti-human in govt & tech.
I understand why people are exhausted by AI hype, and why those of us squarely in the corner of "human dignity uber alles" see AI doomerism as self-serving hype, but I *really* think people on the left broadly need to start thinking seriously about the possibiltiy of the hype being...true.
February 11, 2026 at 10:32 PM
Direct parallel to denialism around fascism. Too many tell themselves “we’re winning”—as if acknowledging scale of fascism’s assault means submitting to it, or as if democracy is a pep rally. It’s a struggle, we’re not winning, but we can, so let’s fight harder—against the anti-human in govt & tech.
Reposted by Dan Margolies
The truth is these are not very bright guys and things got out of hand
MS NOW: "A congressional official with knowledge of the matter is telling MS NOW the cause of the shutdown of El Paso airspace is a lack of communication between the Pentagon and FAA. The official told us the FAA and DOD are 'not in clear communications with each other.'"
February 11, 2026 at 2:26 PM
The truth is these are not very bright guys and things got out of hand
Reposted by Dan Margolies
I just published:
The Taken
Inside the ICE Detention Pipeline for US Citizens and Residents: From Minnesota to Texas
Documented through court records.
Including worms in food, sewage water flooding into eating areas, returned to Minnesota in chains and shackles after courts order release, more.
The Taken
Inside the ICE Detention Pipeline for US Citizens and Residents: From Minnesota to Texas
Documented through court records.
Including worms in food, sewage water flooding into eating areas, returned to Minnesota in chains and shackles after courts order release, more.
The Taken: Inside the ICE Detention Pipeline for US Citizens and Residents From Minnesota to Texas
We document these patterns through the use of sworn declarations and court filings.
www.justsecurity.org
February 11, 2026 at 1:32 PM
I just published:
The Taken
Inside the ICE Detention Pipeline for US Citizens and Residents: From Minnesota to Texas
Documented through court records.
Including worms in food, sewage water flooding into eating areas, returned to Minnesota in chains and shackles after courts order release, more.
The Taken
Inside the ICE Detention Pipeline for US Citizens and Residents: From Minnesota to Texas
Documented through court records.
Including worms in food, sewage water flooding into eating areas, returned to Minnesota in chains and shackles after courts order release, more.
Reposted by Dan Margolies
This is correct. 10 years ago, people would be freaking out about an external threat. Now, the default reaction is people freaking out about an internal (government) threat.
And absolutely no one seeing this news would have the thought “maybe this is because they are doing a good/smart/lawful thing.”
Our default news reaction now is “what fresh hell”—and with good reason.
Our default news reaction now is “what fresh hell”—and with good reason.
Whatever this whole El Paso airport thing is about, it’s telling that right-thinking people simply cannot trust anything the federal government does or is telling us.
February 11, 2026 at 12:43 PM
This is correct. 10 years ago, people would be freaking out about an external threat. Now, the default reaction is people freaking out about an internal (government) threat.
Reposted by Dan Margolies
I have been a little surprised that this shoe hadn't dropped already. The more that businesses become seen as extensions of a particular government's interests, the less that many other governments will want to have any relationship to them. See also the CapGemini brouhaha.
"Switzerland’s military has terminated its contract with Palantir… following a security audit… concluded that U.S. intelligence agencies could potentially access sensitive Swiss defense data… significant reputational warning for the data analytics firm"
www.newscase.com/palantirs-sw...
#R4Today
www.newscase.com/palantirs-sw...
#R4Today
Palantir's Swiss Exit Highlights Global Data Sovereignty Challenge | NewsCase
Switzerland's military has terminated its contract with Palantir Technologies Inc. following a security audit. The review concluded that U.S. intelligence ag
www.newscase.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:06 PM
I have been a little surprised that this shoe hadn't dropped already. The more that businesses become seen as extensions of a particular government's interests, the less that many other governments will want to have any relationship to them. See also the CapGemini brouhaha.
Has Ted Cruz fled for Cancun?
February 11, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Has Ted Cruz fled for Cancun?
Reposted by Dan Margolies
A woman trafficked by Epstein starting at age 13 in Michigan won a settlement in a 2021 lawsuit. She alleged being taken to Mar-a-Lago where Epstein asked Trump, "This is a good one, right?" Doe's complaint said Trump smiled & nodded in agreement. www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...
Lawsuit released in Epstein files claims connection to Michigan summer camp
The DOJ's release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein included a lawsuit that claimed he met his first known victim at a Michigan summer camp in the '90s.
www.detroitnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:14 AM
A woman trafficked by Epstein starting at age 13 in Michigan won a settlement in a 2021 lawsuit. She alleged being taken to Mar-a-Lago where Epstein asked Trump, "This is a good one, right?" Doe's complaint said Trump smiled & nodded in agreement. www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...
Possible reasons:
1. Alien invasion, which slightly overshot Area 51
2. Preparation for military action in Mexico
3. Massive ethnic cleansing operation
4. Epstein Files cover-up, part 1 million
Easy guess is both 2 & 4.
#3 is coming everywhere all at once when the warehouses are prepared for it
1. Alien invasion, which slightly overshot Area 51
2. Preparation for military action in Mexico
3. Massive ethnic cleansing operation
4. Epstein Files cover-up, part 1 million
Easy guess is both 2 & 4.
#3 is coming everywhere all at once when the warehouses are prepared for it
February 11, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Possible reasons:
1. Alien invasion, which slightly overshot Area 51
2. Preparation for military action in Mexico
3. Massive ethnic cleansing operation
4. Epstein Files cover-up, part 1 million
Easy guess is both 2 & 4.
#3 is coming everywhere all at once when the warehouses are prepared for it
1. Alien invasion, which slightly overshot Area 51
2. Preparation for military action in Mexico
3. Massive ethnic cleansing operation
4. Epstein Files cover-up, part 1 million
Easy guess is both 2 & 4.
#3 is coming everywhere all at once when the warehouses are prepared for it
Here's a welcome recognition that the arts have major impact on economic development (alongside their intrinsic value) and Universal Basic Income really works. Ireland is making it permanent. Small scale but real. And should be a model for everywhere else
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Ireland’s basic income for the arts scheme becomes permanent
When piloted, initiative that provided €325 a week to eligible artists recouped more than its net cost, study shows
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Here's a welcome recognition that the arts have major impact on economic development (alongside their intrinsic value) and Universal Basic Income really works. Ireland is making it permanent. Small scale but real. And should be a model for everywhere else
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Reposted by Dan Margolies
When I got the contract to write a history of concentration camps in 2014, I hoped to keep the US from ending up here. That didn't work out! But now it's critical to understand how much is already in process and the enormity of what's coming. The sooner we act to stop it, the more people we'll save.
Building the camps
The warehouseification of detention and initial thoughts on stopping it.
degenerateart.beehiiv.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:24 AM
When I got the contract to write a history of concentration camps in 2014, I hoped to keep the US from ending up here. That didn't work out! But now it's critical to understand how much is already in process and the enormity of what's coming. The sooner we act to stop it, the more people we'll save.
Slovenian ski jumpers are an inspiration
February 11, 2026 at 12:43 AM
Slovenian ski jumpers are an inspiration
Reposted by Dan Margolies
Friends from Minneapolis reporting to me that things are at the point where folks are being hidden in other people's houses and we are in the "again" part of "never again" which the "never" was supposed to preclude
February 10, 2026 at 10:54 PM
Friends from Minneapolis reporting to me that things are at the point where folks are being hidden in other people's houses and we are in the "again" part of "never again" which the "never" was supposed to preclude
Reposted by Dan Margolies
Saying Trumpism hasn't accomplished much is likeBoston fans saying Yankees suck. It might feel good, but more often than not it's not true. That's just a game; this is countless lives damaged, ruined, ended. It's not doomerism to count the costs; it's remembering what, & who, you're fighting for.
When I hear people say that Trump hasn't accomplished much (an argument that comes from both the center and the left) it is mind-boggling. In one year they have destroyed the foundation of climate regulation, crippled the public health system, and brought immigration to a standstill.
This guts me
February 10, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Saying Trumpism hasn't accomplished much is likeBoston fans saying Yankees suck. It might feel good, but more often than not it's not true. That's just a game; this is countless lives damaged, ruined, ended. It's not doomerism to count the costs; it's remembering what, & who, you're fighting for.
Reposted by Dan Margolies
DAILY MEMO: The Mask Ban Against Agents In California Is Paused by The Court, ICE Continues Separating Fathers at Gun Point, and More
@eltragon.bsky.social
@eltragon.bsky.social
February 10, 2026 at 4:47 AM
DAILY MEMO: The Mask Ban Against Agents In California Is Paused by The Court, ICE Continues Separating Fathers at Gun Point, and More
@eltragon.bsky.social
@eltragon.bsky.social
Reposted by Dan Margolies
NEW: ICE has a plan to lease offices across the US as part of a secret, months-long expansion campaign.
Today, @wired.com is publishing dozens of those locations. Many are near schools, medical offices, and places of worship.
Vital work from @leahfeiger.bsky.social that I'm proud to publish.
Today, @wired.com is publishing dozens of those locations. Many are near schools, medical offices, and places of worship.
Vital work from @leahfeiger.bsky.social that I'm proud to publish.
ICE Is Expanding Across the US at Breakneck Speed. Here’s Where It’s Going Next
ICE plans to lease offices throughout the US as part of a secret, months-long expansion campaign. WIRED is publishing dozens of these locations.
www.wired.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:13 PM
NEW: ICE has a plan to lease offices across the US as part of a secret, months-long expansion campaign.
Today, @wired.com is publishing dozens of those locations. Many are near schools, medical offices, and places of worship.
Vital work from @leahfeiger.bsky.social that I'm proud to publish.
Today, @wired.com is publishing dozens of those locations. Many are near schools, medical offices, and places of worship.
Vital work from @leahfeiger.bsky.social that I'm proud to publish.
Reposted by Dan Margolies
📣 The public deserves more than basic training on how to use AI. That’s why we’re launching a new AI Civics initiative, treating AI not as a tool to be mastered, but as a domain of civic life where people have rights, responsibilities, & avenues for collective action. datasociety.net/points/build...
February 10, 2026 at 3:58 PM
📣 The public deserves more than basic training on how to use AI. That’s why we’re launching a new AI Civics initiative, treating AI not as a tool to be mastered, but as a domain of civic life where people have rights, responsibilities, & avenues for collective action. datasociety.net/points/build...
Reposted by Dan Margolies
BONUS RULING: Judge Thomas Johnston, a George W. Bush appoiintee in West Virginia, used a recent ruling to warn of the dangers of defying due process for immigrants because of what it could also mean for Americans. It's worth a read.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 10, 2026 at 11:48 AM
BONUS RULING: Judge Thomas Johnston, a George W. Bush appoiintee in West Virginia, used a recent ruling to warn of the dangers of defying due process for immigrants because of what it could also mean for Americans. It's worth a read.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Dan Margolies
U.K. might lose a prime minister because a guy who worked for him knew another guy who hung out with Epstein. Meanwhile the U.S. opposition party is telling our President, who was Epstein's best friend, that his secret police should get better training so their public street murders look less messy.
February 9, 2026 at 4:07 PM
U.K. might lose a prime minister because a guy who worked for him knew another guy who hung out with Epstein. Meanwhile the U.S. opposition party is telling our President, who was Epstein's best friend, that his secret police should get better training so their public street murders look less messy.
Reposted by Dan Margolies
This is literally our origin story at @theunpopulist.net. Our EIC @shikhadalmia.bsky.social was ousted by Reason because she was too critical of Trump, too unwilling to play the fake ass both-sideism game.
Someone shouldn't get to flex as a champion of something they actively undermined for years.
Someone shouldn't get to flex as a champion of something they actively undermined for years.
February 9, 2026 at 2:48 PM
This is literally our origin story at @theunpopulist.net. Our EIC @shikhadalmia.bsky.social was ousted by Reason because she was too critical of Trump, too unwilling to play the fake ass both-sideism game.
Someone shouldn't get to flex as a champion of something they actively undermined for years.
Someone shouldn't get to flex as a champion of something they actively undermined for years.
Reposted by Dan Margolies
This is a remarkable @nytimes.com split screen:
A huge 3,526 word + photos profile on Sen Britt who "can't stop thinking about the boy ICE detained"
But Rep Jaoquin Castro- who actually got Liam Ramos out of detention & back home- gets no interview, no pix, just 116 words inside a story. WOW.
A huge 3,526 word + photos profile on Sen Britt who "can't stop thinking about the boy ICE detained"
But Rep Jaoquin Castro- who actually got Liam Ramos out of detention & back home- gets no interview, no pix, just 116 words inside a story. WOW.
February 5, 2026 at 7:13 PM
This is a remarkable @nytimes.com split screen:
A huge 3,526 word + photos profile on Sen Britt who "can't stop thinking about the boy ICE detained"
But Rep Jaoquin Castro- who actually got Liam Ramos out of detention & back home- gets no interview, no pix, just 116 words inside a story. WOW.
A huge 3,526 word + photos profile on Sen Britt who "can't stop thinking about the boy ICE detained"
But Rep Jaoquin Castro- who actually got Liam Ramos out of detention & back home- gets no interview, no pix, just 116 words inside a story. WOW.