Christopher Ireland
@firstofseven.bsky.social
Experienced brand strategist unpacking the hidden machinery of modern political persuasion. I follow those who offer humor, honesty, or insights. Outrage tires me.
Reposted by Christopher Ireland
Congress is back from recess after the weekend. Will anyone file articles of impeachment for expelling a U.S. citizen who is 4 years old and also has cancer.
April 27, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Congress is back from recess after the weekend. Will anyone file articles of impeachment for expelling a U.S. citizen who is 4 years old and also has cancer.
Heads up Dem leaders—This is a plan.
Opinion | How I Describe Myself Politically These Days (Gift Article)
America needs to figure out how to dominate the industries of the future. Call me a “Waymo Democrat.”
www.nytimes.com
April 23, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Heads up Dem leaders—This is a plan.
Reposted by Christopher Ireland
BREAKING: New York State Attorney General Letitia James breaks her silence, responding to Trump's retaliation against her and hands him his ass.
Letitia James is a fearless woman. Must-watch:
Letitia James is a fearless woman. Must-watch:
April 18, 2025 at 5:17 PM
BREAKING: New York State Attorney General Letitia James breaks her silence, responding to Trump's retaliation against her and hands him his ass.
Letitia James is a fearless woman. Must-watch:
Letitia James is a fearless woman. Must-watch:
Another day filled with blatant lies from people in power who clearly know better. They have no shame but they should.
The Quiet Collapse of Truth
With lying becoming an acceptable skill, I thought I should better understand why people do it.
open.substack.com
April 15, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Another day filled with blatant lies from people in power who clearly know better. They have no shame but they should.
Reposted by Christopher Ireland
There are 32m small businesses in the USA
April 5, 2025 at 1:22 AM
There are 32m small businesses in the USA
It’s a beautiful morning when I can wake up to an OpEd like this one.
Opinion | Trump Won’t Win a War Against the Courts (Gift Article)
The judiciary will never surrender to the president its constitutional role to interpret the Constitution.
www.nytimes.com
March 23, 2025 at 2:52 PM
It’s a beautiful morning when I can wake up to an OpEd like this one.
The world’s most formidable force? Pissed off women.
You Can’t Win. So Win.
Backlash, no matter how centralized and oppressive, isn’t a sign of victory for those trying to stop progress. It’s proof they’re losing.
open.substack.com
February 16, 2025 at 1:26 PM
The world’s most formidable force? Pissed off women.
At the airport this AM and TSA line is longer than I’ve ever seen it. Not enough employees was the explanation offered. Wonder how that happened?
February 7, 2025 at 5:36 PM
At the airport this AM and TSA line is longer than I’ve ever seen it. Not enough employees was the explanation offered. Wonder how that happened?
Remember when everyone got deeply excited by forensic pathology? Constitutional law deserves a good series with a diverse cast.
“…you must be aware that it is not a
crime for anyone — whether WIRED journalists, X posters, or otherwise — to identify individuals openly conducting government work that is of the utmost public concern.”
crime for anyone — whether WIRED journalists, X posters, or otherwise — to identify individuals openly conducting government work that is of the utmost public concern.”
![February 4, 2025
Edward R. Martin, Jr.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia
Patrick Henry Building
601 D Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20530
Transmitted via email
Re: Threats to prosecute critics of DOGE
Dear Interim U.S. Attorney for D.C. Edward R. Martin, Jr.:
We write to raise serious concerns about your recent public statements threatening to prosecute those who
"target" or "impede" Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) within the Executive Office of the President. We request that you publicly commit to abide by the First Amendment, which your office is sworn to uphold and Musk himself claims to champion, in any DOGE-related investigations or prosecutions you may pursue.
On Monday, you tweeted a letter to Musk asking him to use the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia to protect DOGE staff and their work and directing him to refer "any questionable conduct or details that [Musk] find[s] or notice[s]" to your office.' In the letter, you assert that "actions in any way that impact [DOGE's] work may break numerous laws," and that you commit to the pursuit of
"all legal action against anyone who impedes [Musk's) work or threatens [Musk's] people." You also state that you will "protect DOGE and other workers no matter what," citing past protests in Washington, D.C., which you refer to as riots.
As you know, DOGE, or the United States DOGE Service as it is formally known, is a government entity established within the Executive Office of the President; by executive order, DOGE is supposed to access only "unclassified agency records." The day before your letter, WIRED reported about and named six young engineers working for DOGE — Akash Bobba, Edward Coristine, Luke Farritor, Gautier Cole Killian, Gavin Kliger, and Ethan Shaotran. The experience and qualifications of public employees is of significant public interest.
Following this news report, a user on X — the social media platform owned by Mr. Musk — made a post also naming th…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o4pdps2jkn7uhrdgadni7djk/bafkreibo4srxmqoq44eo4bp5wyc26moq2mvevrpvyul5eibwjeh6l6acia@jpeg)
![X has since suspended the account of the user who posted the names.
As an experienced attorney holding such an important public position, you must be aware that it is not a crime for anyone — whether WIRED journalists, X posters, or otherwise — to identify individuals openly conducting government work that is of the utmost public concern. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the First Amendment protects the right to publish newsworthy information that the publisher lawfully obtains, including names far more sensitive than those of government personnel.' Musk himself has publicly touted DOGE's engineers while citing "media reports" regarding them.
Nor is it a crime to harshly criticize government employees and officials, even if transparency and criticism "impede" their work? Moreover, while certain true threats are unprotected and may be criminally punished, they are limited to serious expression[s]' conveying that a speaker means to
'commit an act of unlawful violence."$ Hyperbolic speech, even using threatening language, is entitled to full First Amendment protection.'
You must also surely be aware that the First Amendment protects Americans' right to peaceably assemble, especially to protest government actions.' The First Amendment severely constrains the government's ability to limit protests in public forums, such as the public streets of Washington, D.C." The government also cannot ban or restrict future protests based on unlawful conduct alleged to have occurred at past protests. 2
Threatening to prosecute First Amendment speech and activity is not only at odds with the U.S.
Constitution, it is also entirely inconsistent with Musk's own stated principles and the right of the American people to know what the government is up to. Musk describes himself as a free speech absolutist and has proposed a massive declassification of government records, opining that all government records should be public by default. '3 Just three months ago, Musk publicly posted…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o4pdps2jkn7uhrdgadni7djk/bafkreigtzd6v5yrwc6ikbo6jmt77r4yc5oikqeop4g3a6qswpxbhjtzxuq@jpeg)
![government employees with whom he disagrees on X.' If it is Musk's intention for the U.S. Attorney's Office to censor the press and public from identifying and discussing those conducting DOGE's work on his behalf, that would be incredibly hypocritical.
It is also vital that the U.S. Attorney's Office maintain the highest ethical standards and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Rule 3.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for the Washington, D.C. Bar, of which you are a member, states: "A lawyer shall not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or controvert an issue therein, unless there is a basis in law and fact for doing so that is not frivolous."Is Under Rule 3.8, prosecutors are additionally prohibited from filing in court or maintaining a charge "that the prosecutor knows is not supported by probable cause."l6 The same rule provides that "[i]n exercising discretion to investigate or to prosecute," prosecutors shall not "improperly favor or invidiously discriminate against any person."17
Threatening to file frivolous charges against Americans and vaguely insinuating that wide swaths of constitutionally-protected speech and activity could invite criminal investigations and prosecutions may already violate these and other rules of professional conduct. Actually doing so almost certainly would.
Additionally, publicly offering the Office of the U.S. Attorney's services to Musk in the context of his asserting that protected expression is a criminal act is unbecoming of your public office and your duties as a public servant. Your oath is to the U.S. Constitution - including the First Amendment - not to President Donald Trump, Musk, or DOGE's desire to operate in secrecy and without criticism.
We request that you immediately (a) identify the specific "targeting" of DOGE staff your letter to Musk was referring to and what specific laws you contend it violated, (b) publicly commit to not investigate or prosecute journalists or others for reporting on or publish…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o4pdps2jkn7uhrdgadni7djk/bafkreihjaig2236xfdb6rhe5u5644xzvjc5p2lva7fkj6rc3z3sthfswbi@jpeg)
February 6, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Remember when everyone got deeply excited by forensic pathology? Constitutional law deserves a good series with a diverse cast.
This deserves more attention — we are working ourselves into unhappy, unhealthy lives that end sooner.
The U.S. Economy Is Racing Ahead. Almost Everything Else Is Falling Behind. (Gift Article)
The gap between Americans’ prosperity and quality of life has grown since the 1990s.
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2025 at 2:53 PM
This deserves more attention — we are working ourselves into unhappy, unhealthy lives that end sooner.
This is a useful and effective post--it explains the problem and suggests what you can do about it right now.
Call your Congress members at (202) 224-3121.
Or better yet, download "5 Calls" as an app and start using it. It’s easy. It’s effective.
Source: Jay Kuo
Or better yet, download "5 Calls" as an app and start using it. It’s easy. It’s effective.
Source: Jay Kuo
February 2, 2025 at 5:47 PM
This is a useful and effective post--it explains the problem and suggests what you can do about it right now.
This is a simple, effective means of letting your government representatives know how you feel. Don't disconnect--download and act.
5 Calls Newsletter
The 5 Calls Newsletter breaks down what your representatives are voting on and what you can do to influence them. From your friends at 5 Calls
buttondown.com
February 2, 2025 at 5:38 PM
This is a simple, effective means of letting your government representatives know how you feel. Don't disconnect--download and act.
“He is trying to overwhelm you. He is trying to keep you off-balance. He is trying to persuade you of something that isn’t true””.”
Opinion | Don’t Believe Him (Gift Article)
Look closely at the first two weeks of Donald Trump’s second term and you’ll see something very different than what he wants you to see.
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2025 at 2:42 PM
“He is trying to overwhelm you. He is trying to keep you off-balance. He is trying to persuade you of something that isn’t true””.”
More commenters like this please.
Fellow NSA - National Security Agency veterans. Look at what’s happened at the National Cryptologic Museum. They covered up with brown paper the photos of Women in American Cryptology. All in response to President Trump’s anti-diversity executive order.
February 2, 2025 at 5:43 AM
More commenters like this please.
I’ve found some sanity by changing the meaning of DEI to “Donald’s Evil Intent.” Makes its current use more logical.
January 30, 2025 at 10:50 PM
I’ve found some sanity by changing the meaning of DEI to “Donald’s Evil Intent.” Makes its current use more logical.
This is powerful. if you still subscribe to the NYT, gift it to your friends
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/o...
Opinion | Lessons on Authoritarianism From Around the World
Tyranny doesn’t happen overnight. Take it from the people who missed the first signs.
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2025 at 4:06 PM
This is powerful. if you still subscribe to the NYT, gift it to your friends
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/o...
If Musk’s hand gesture was misconstrued by the world press as a Nazi salute, shouldn’t he clarify his intent today before it impacts his shareholders and customer base? Surely a functioning Board would require that.
January 21, 2025 at 5:24 PM
If Musk’s hand gesture was misconstrued by the world press as a Nazi salute, shouldn’t he clarify his intent today before it impacts his shareholders and customer base? Surely a functioning Board would require that.
Reposted by Christopher Ireland
Already received five emails from US Department of Justice notifying me of status change for #January6th defendants who physically assaulted my US Capitol Police client @sergeantaqgo.bsky.social.
Yes, these are ppl who harmed a police officer.
What happened to #BlueLivesMatter in GOP?
Yes, these are ppl who harmed a police officer.
What happened to #BlueLivesMatter in GOP?
January 21, 2025 at 5:18 AM
Already received five emails from US Department of Justice notifying me of status change for #January6th defendants who physically assaulted my US Capitol Police client @sergeantaqgo.bsky.social.
Yes, these are ppl who harmed a police officer.
What happened to #BlueLivesMatter in GOP?
Yes, these are ppl who harmed a police officer.
What happened to #BlueLivesMatter in GOP?
Reposted by Christopher Ireland
It’s amazing to me that politicians don’t commit to post first on @bsky.app and to engage with constituents here
THIS is more powerful than CNN , MSNBC, The Post will ever be.
You can broadcast for 9 mins on a declining medium, or engage here and start a real discussion.
Which is more powerful?
THIS is more powerful than CNN , MSNBC, The Post will ever be.
You can broadcast for 9 mins on a declining medium, or engage here and start a real discussion.
Which is more powerful?
January 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
It’s amazing to me that politicians don’t commit to post first on @bsky.app and to engage with constituents here
THIS is more powerful than CNN , MSNBC, The Post will ever be.
You can broadcast for 9 mins on a declining medium, or engage here and start a real discussion.
Which is more powerful?
THIS is more powerful than CNN , MSNBC, The Post will ever be.
You can broadcast for 9 mins on a declining medium, or engage here and start a real discussion.
Which is more powerful?
Regardless of your opinion of the new administration, it makes sense to accurately track it’s performance. Here’s a smart and fair approach from Tangle www.readtangle.com/tracking-tru...
Tracking Trump's promises and key metrics for America.
We're taking stock of where things are as Trump enters office.
www.readtangle.com
January 17, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Regardless of your opinion of the new administration, it makes sense to accurately track it’s performance. Here’s a smart and fair approach from Tangle www.readtangle.com/tracking-tru...
What I’ve learned so far this week: A warrior lies, deflects, drinks to excess, and cheats on his wife. Also, don’t bother fact checking—it’s the performance that counts
Post-Truth Social: Navigating a World of Lies
Why do intelligent people fall for blatant, politically motivated lies, forcing us all to become perpetual fact checkers?
open.substack.com
January 15, 2025 at 9:15 PM
What I’ve learned so far this week: A warrior lies, deflects, drinks to excess, and cheats on his wife. Also, don’t bother fact checking—it’s the performance that counts
My latest dilemma—stay connected to friends on social media or stay connected to my values?
Post-Truth Social: Navigating a World of Lies
Why do intelligent people fall for blatant, politically motivated lies, forcing us all to become perpetual fact checkers?
open.substack.com
January 12, 2025 at 6:52 PM
My latest dilemma—stay connected to friends on social media or stay connected to my values?
Once a lie is published and believed, facts have little power to change minds. The lie will continue to influence others.
I wrote about this, but I'm reposting thanks to Meta's move to eliminate fact checkers. Here's the choice: stay on FB, Insta & Threads and activity report falsehoods, or leave.
I wrote about this, but I'm reposting thanks to Meta's move to eliminate fact checkers. Here's the choice: stay on FB, Insta & Threads and activity report falsehoods, or leave.
The Friendly Face of Modern Propaganda
Modern influence campaigns don’t force ideas upon us — they create environments where those ideas feel like natural conclusions.
open.substack.com
January 8, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Once a lie is published and believed, facts have little power to change minds. The lie will continue to influence others.
I wrote about this, but I'm reposting thanks to Meta's move to eliminate fact checkers. Here's the choice: stay on FB, Insta & Threads and activity report falsehoods, or leave.
I wrote about this, but I'm reposting thanks to Meta's move to eliminate fact checkers. Here's the choice: stay on FB, Insta & Threads and activity report falsehoods, or leave.
A chance encounter in a Nashville bar helped me better understand how we learn to trust and what might help bridge our deepening political divide.
Bar Talk and Belief: What a Nashville honkytonk Taught Me About Trust
What makes one source trustworthy and another not – and why can’t we agree on this?
open.substack.com
December 29, 2024 at 4:59 PM
A chance encounter in a Nashville bar helped me better understand how we learn to trust and what might help bridge our deepening political divide.