David Erickson
@derickson.bsky.social
Sr. Director of AI & Emerging Technologies, guitarist, MN Vikings & Twins fan, curious customer.
Pinned
David Erickson
@derickson.bsky.social
· Oct 22
#ProtestSong
They call truth the enemy and flood our feeds with lies,
Ban books our children read, redraw lines to shrink our size;
Trumpist rallies, strongman pomp, a counterfeit parade;
We link our arms, we meet the dawn, still here, undismayed. 🧵 1/8
They call truth the enemy and flood our feeds with lies,
Ban books our children read, redraw lines to shrink our size;
Trumpist rallies, strongman pomp, a counterfeit parade;
We link our arms, we meet the dawn, still here, undismayed. 🧵 1/8
Call your state's US Senators and tell them to oppose DHS funding in the appropriations bill. 🧵👇 1/6
January 25, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Call your state's US Senators and tell them to oppose DHS funding in the appropriations bill. 🧵👇 1/6
Reposted by David Erickson
You know the fascist police state has gone too far when WCCO anchors are stunned.
January 25, 2026 at 12:20 AM
You know the fascist police state has gone too far when WCCO anchors are stunned.
Reposted by David Erickson
Hundreds of people gathered in Whittier Park to denounce the Border Patrol killing of a Minneapolis man earlier Saturday.
📸: Katio Galioto
📸: Katio Galioto
January 25, 2026 at 12:36 AM
Hundreds of people gathered in Whittier Park to denounce the Border Patrol killing of a Minneapolis man earlier Saturday.
📸: Katio Galioto
📸: Katio Galioto
Reposted by David Erickson
So important. What they say is not the story. That is never the story. What happened is the story. Write what happened.
Media: do not lead with the false government framing of what happened
January 25, 2026 at 12:05 AM
So important. What they say is not the story. That is never the story. What happened is the story. Write what happened.
Reposted by David Erickson
HUGE vigil at Whittier International Elementary, up the street from where Alex Pretti was murdered.
This is in addition to the huge gatherings at the site of his killing and at the nearest intersection (26th and Nicollet). Three gatherings within a few blocks.
This is in addition to the huge gatherings at the site of his killing and at the nearest intersection (26th and Nicollet). Three gatherings within a few blocks.
January 24, 2026 at 11:58 PM
HUGE vigil at Whittier International Elementary, up the street from where Alex Pretti was murdered.
This is in addition to the huge gatherings at the site of his killing and at the nearest intersection (26th and Nicollet). Three gatherings within a few blocks.
This is in addition to the huge gatherings at the site of his killing and at the nearest intersection (26th and Nicollet). Three gatherings within a few blocks.
Reposted by David Erickson
We're mourning yet again in Minnesota — and struggling to square the gut-churning video of Alex Pretti's final moments with official accounts.
I'm teaching techniques of neutralization this term, so I made this quick slide on the DHS statement. Share if it's useful. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
I'm teaching techniques of neutralization this term, so I made this quick slide on the DHS statement. Share if it's useful. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
January 25, 2026 at 12:05 AM
We're mourning yet again in Minnesota — and struggling to square the gut-churning video of Alex Pretti's final moments with official accounts.
I'm teaching techniques of neutralization this term, so I made this quick slide on the DHS statement. Share if it's useful. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
I'm teaching techniques of neutralization this term, so I made this quick slide on the DHS statement. Share if it's useful. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
Reposted by David Erickson
This was murder. Pretti did not initiate the confrontation. He didn’t strike them. He didn’t brandish his gun. They tackled him, beat him, disarmed him, and shot him.
Holy crap.
This is the most damning video yet.
It shows Border Patrol agents clearly taking Alex's firearm, running it away, and THEN executed him in cold blood by emptying a clip into his face.
Murder.
This is the most damning video yet.
It shows Border Patrol agents clearly taking Alex's firearm, running it away, and THEN executed him in cold blood by emptying a clip into his face.
Murder.
January 24, 2026 at 9:46 PM
This was murder. Pretti did not initiate the confrontation. He didn’t strike them. He didn’t brandish his gun. They tackled him, beat him, disarmed him, and shot him.
Reposted by David Erickson
Doc Rivers: "What happened in Minnesota was a straight-up murder"
January 10, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Doc Rivers: "What happened in Minnesota was a straight-up murder"
Reposted by David Erickson
They hate Minnesota because we are a people who believe that "we all do better when we all do better."
Minnesota is one of the wealthiest, safest, and cleanest states in the country *because* of our openness and generosity.
Our quality of life is a direct challenge to their zero-sum worldview.
Minnesota is one of the wealthiest, safest, and cleanest states in the country *because* of our openness and generosity.
Our quality of life is a direct challenge to their zero-sum worldview.
January 10, 2026 at 9:30 PM
They hate Minnesota because we are a people who believe that "we all do better when we all do better."
Minnesota is one of the wealthiest, safest, and cleanest states in the country *because* of our openness and generosity.
Our quality of life is a direct challenge to their zero-sum worldview.
Minnesota is one of the wealthiest, safest, and cleanest states in the country *because* of our openness and generosity.
Our quality of life is a direct challenge to their zero-sum worldview.
Reposted by David Erickson
Google the video & see for yourself.
This is not law enforcement. This is murder.
Sickening.
This is not law enforcement. This is murder.
Sickening.
January 7, 2026 at 10:14 PM
Google the video & see for yourself.
This is not law enforcement. This is murder.
Sickening.
This is not law enforcement. This is murder.
Sickening.
Reposted by David Erickson
Her vehicle's right front panel cleared the ICE agent who didn't open fire until after he was at the side of her vehicle. He used deadly force on a fleeing individual, which is against DHS policy. This is murder. He needs to be arrested.
January 7, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Her vehicle's right front panel cleared the ICE agent who didn't open fire until after he was at the side of her vehicle. He used deadly force on a fleeing individual, which is against DHS policy. This is murder. He needs to be arrested.
No Ho Ho Ho (#Christmas In DC)
Santa’s done playing nice. 🎅🔥
Trump’s economy has Santa cutting corners. He’s checked his naughty list: There will be no Christmas in DC this term. 🧵
Santa’s done playing nice. 🎅🔥
Trump’s economy has Santa cutting corners. He’s checked his naughty list: There will be no Christmas in DC this term. 🧵
December 25, 2025 at 4:51 PM
No Ho Ho Ho (#Christmas In DC)
Santa’s done playing nice. 🎅🔥
Trump’s economy has Santa cutting corners. He’s checked his naughty list: There will be no Christmas in DC this term. 🧵
Santa’s done playing nice. 🎅🔥
Trump’s economy has Santa cutting corners. He’s checked his naughty list: There will be no Christmas in DC this term. 🧵
This election guide for the Southwest Metropolitan suburbs of the Twin Cities, #MN includes candidate listings for Mayoral, City Council, and School Board races, as well as referenda on the ballot.
Check it out if you live in the Southwest suburbs.
Also includes a Rank Choice Voting explainer.👇
Check it out if you live in the Southwest suburbs.
Also includes a Rank Choice Voting explainer.👇
Southwest Metro MN November 4, 2025 Elections
Southwest metro election information & a Rank Choice Voting explainer
swcrier.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:14 PM
This election guide for the Southwest Metropolitan suburbs of the Twin Cities, #MN includes candidate listings for Mayoral, City Council, and School Board races, as well as referenda on the ballot.
Check it out if you live in the Southwest suburbs.
Also includes a Rank Choice Voting explainer.👇
Check it out if you live in the Southwest suburbs.
Also includes a Rank Choice Voting explainer.👇
Reposted by David Erickson
New from me: TikTok ignored repeated questions about whether and how they share data with ICE. Also, earlier this year, they quietly updated their policies about what happens when law enforcement asks for your data. 1/
www.forbes.com/sites/emilyb...
www.forbes.com/sites/emilyb...
TikTok Won’t Say If It’s Giving ICE Your Data
Changes to TikTok's policies make it easier for the company to share users’ personal information with governments. TikTok did not respond to questions about the changes.
www.forbes.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:25 PM
New from me: TikTok ignored repeated questions about whether and how they share data with ICE. Also, earlier this year, they quietly updated their policies about what happens when law enforcement asks for your data. 1/
www.forbes.com/sites/emilyb...
www.forbes.com/sites/emilyb...
Reposted by David Erickson
In the midst of a government shutdown, and in the face of fundamental challenges to the rule of law and to democratic accountability, the House of Representatives--the people's house, the heart of our democratic republic--hasn't cast a vote since Sep. 19. An extraordinary failure of responsibility.
October 22, 2025 at 12:41 PM
In the midst of a government shutdown, and in the face of fundamental challenges to the rule of law and to democratic accountability, the House of Representatives--the people's house, the heart of our democratic republic--hasn't cast a vote since Sep. 19. An extraordinary failure of responsibility.
#ProtestSong
They call truth the enemy and flood our feeds with lies,
Ban books our children read, redraw lines to shrink our size;
Trumpist rallies, strongman pomp, a counterfeit parade;
We link our arms, we meet the dawn, still here, undismayed. 🧵 1/8
They call truth the enemy and flood our feeds with lies,
Ban books our children read, redraw lines to shrink our size;
Trumpist rallies, strongman pomp, a counterfeit parade;
We link our arms, we meet the dawn, still here, undismayed. 🧵 1/8
October 22, 2025 at 3:08 AM
#ProtestSong
They call truth the enemy and flood our feeds with lies,
Ban books our children read, redraw lines to shrink our size;
Trumpist rallies, strongman pomp, a counterfeit parade;
We link our arms, we meet the dawn, still here, undismayed. 🧵 1/8
They call truth the enemy and flood our feeds with lies,
Ban books our children read, redraw lines to shrink our size;
Trumpist rallies, strongman pomp, a counterfeit parade;
We link our arms, we meet the dawn, still here, undismayed. 🧵 1/8
If you live in the Southwest Metro #Minnesota, Chaska is the location for the longest-lasting weekly pro-democracy rally. Every Saturday, 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Blvd and Highway 41. 🧵 1/3
September 19, 2025 at 5:13 PM
If you live in the Southwest Metro #Minnesota, Chaska is the location for the longest-lasting weekly pro-democracy rally. Every Saturday, 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Blvd and Highway 41. 🧵 1/3
Reposted by David Erickson
Biggest story in the world, told in the mainstream press perfectly well:
AP/PBS headline: TRUMP'S MOVES AGAINST MEDIA OUTLETS MIRROR AUTHORITARIAN APPROACHES TO SILENCING DISSENT
www.pbs.org/newshour/pol...
AP/PBS headline: TRUMP'S MOVES AGAINST MEDIA OUTLETS MIRROR AUTHORITARIAN APPROACHES TO SILENCING DISSENT
www.pbs.org/newshour/pol...
Trump's moves against media outlets mirror authoritarian approaches to silencing dissent
Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has waged an aggressive campaign against the media unlike any in modern U.S. history, making moves similar to those of authoritarian leaders that...
www.pbs.org
September 19, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Biggest story in the world, told in the mainstream press perfectly well:
AP/PBS headline: TRUMP'S MOVES AGAINST MEDIA OUTLETS MIRROR AUTHORITARIAN APPROACHES TO SILENCING DISSENT
www.pbs.org/newshour/pol...
AP/PBS headline: TRUMP'S MOVES AGAINST MEDIA OUTLETS MIRROR AUTHORITARIAN APPROACHES TO SILENCING DISSENT
www.pbs.org/newshour/pol...
Reposted by David Erickson
This is a very insightful piece by Kahlil Greene explaining why Gen Z isn't buying the canonization of Charlie Kirk.👇
Millions of Gen Z’ers Don't "Feel Bad" About Charlie Kirk's Murder. Here’s Why.
The online reaction to Charlie Kirk's assassination reveals a generational (and partisan) disconnect on issues of gun violence, systemic injustice, and the nature of political hatred.
open.substack.com
September 13, 2025 at 1:55 PM
This is a very insightful piece by Kahlil Greene explaining why Gen Z isn't buying the canonization of Charlie Kirk.👇
Reposted by David Erickson
Matt Bai: To put a happier, less discomfiting spin on the exhibits in this museum would make us more like Russia or China or North Korea, or any other country where history becomes a strongman’s self-serving fairy tale that no one outside the country believes. www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | What the Smithsonian taught me about Trumpism
Trying to sanitize the American story is the antithesis of what makes the country exceptional.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 26, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Matt Bai: To put a happier, less discomfiting spin on the exhibits in this museum would make us more like Russia or China or North Korea, or any other country where history becomes a strongman’s self-serving fairy tale that no one outside the country believes. www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Didn't that magazine make a loud statement about how it would never bow to trump?
BREAKING: Vanity Fair staffers threatened to walk-out if the magazine puts Melania Trump on the cover.
August 27, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Didn't that magazine make a loud statement about how it would never bow to trump?
Reposted by David Erickson
The Iowa Senate seat that Democratic candidate Catelin Drey flipped tonight has been in GOP hands for 13 years.
Not anymore.
Not anymore.
August 27, 2025 at 2:39 AM
The Iowa Senate seat that Democratic candidate Catelin Drey flipped tonight has been in GOP hands for 13 years.
Not anymore.
Not anymore.
Reposted by David Erickson
An estimated 218,000 people in the U.S. are stateless or are at risk of becoming so. As a result of President Trump's aggressive policies, people without any citizenship are more vulnerable than ever.
Living in the shadows: Why stateless people fear Trump's immigration crackdown
An estimated 218,000 people in the U.S. are stateless or are at risk of becoming so. As a result of President Trump's aggressive policies, people without any citizenship are more vulnerable than ever.
n.pr
August 22, 2025 at 2:33 PM
An estimated 218,000 people in the U.S. are stateless or are at risk of becoming so. As a result of President Trump's aggressive policies, people without any citizenship are more vulnerable than ever.