Firthermor
@firthermor.bsky.social
Mid-Atlantic nature. Natural world. Photography. Plays with words. Grovers Mill Martian invasion survivor 😉. Popular sovereignty, voting rights, democracy, and good governance stan.
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Firthermor
@firthermor.bsky.social
· Nov 13
Hi! I am new around here.
Sometime doomscroller. Sometime hopescroller. Sometime serendipitous learnscroller. First time BlueSky poster.
It may look dark now, but with our work & what we build can reconstruct our democracy for the better. Succession happens, sometimes with a bit of engineering.
Sometime doomscroller. Sometime hopescroller. Sometime serendipitous learnscroller. First time BlueSky poster.
It may look dark now, but with our work & what we build can reconstruct our democracy for the better. Succession happens, sometimes with a bit of engineering.
Reposted by Firthermor
I testified Friday before Gov. Pritzker's commission studying abuses of ICE and CBP and tried to explain how the agencies went so far off track. It's actually way worse than I ever realized. Please read and share my testimony as Congress considers reform: www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/accountabi...
Accountability for ICE and CBP
However bad you think the corruption and misconduct at ICE and CBP is — the reality is far far worse.
www.doomsdayscenario.co
February 1, 2026 at 5:02 PM
I testified Friday before Gov. Pritzker's commission studying abuses of ICE and CBP and tried to explain how the agencies went so far off track. It's actually way worse than I ever realized. Please read and share my testimony as Congress considers reform: www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/accountabi...
Reposted by Firthermor
"Google breached its own policies that barred use of artificial intelligence for weapons or surveillance in 2024 by helping an Israeli military contractor analyze drone video footage, a former Google employee alleged in a confidential federal whistleblower complaint reviewed by The Washington Post."
Google helped Israeli military contractor with AI, whistleblower alleges
A whistleblower complaint filed with the SEC claims that Google breached its own ethics rules to help an Israeli contractor apply AI to drone surveillance video.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 1, 2026 at 5:17 PM
"Google breached its own policies that barred use of artificial intelligence for weapons or surveillance in 2024 by helping an Israeli military contractor analyze drone video footage, a former Google employee alleged in a confidential federal whistleblower complaint reviewed by The Washington Post."
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/7 Based on these factors, I suspect they are looking to develop a sort of nationwide strike force of AUSAs they can use to do shitty lawless things that the regular AUSAs don’t, attorneys they can surge into locations like MN to do evil.
February 1, 2026 at 4:51 PM
/7 Based on these factors, I suspect they are looking to develop a sort of nationwide strike force of AUSAs they can use to do shitty lawless things that the regular AUSAs don’t, attorneys they can surge into locations like MN to do evil.
Reposted by Firthermor
The right way to get into the Epstein files.
February 1, 2026 at 3:44 PM
The right way to get into the Epstein files.
Reposted by Firthermor
Just reposting this - my story this week is part of this week's cover package on Minneapolis and the rise of what we call "America's paramilitary peril."
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
January 31, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Just reposting this - my story this week is part of this week's cover package on Minneapolis and the rise of what we call "America's paramilitary peril."
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
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In his forthcoming book, Your Data Will Be Used Against You, George Washington University Law School professor Andrew Guthrie Ferguson explores how sensor-driven technologies, social media monitoring, and artificial intelligence can be weaponized against democratic values and personal freedoms.
How to Apply the 'Tyrant Test' to Technology
George Washington University Law School professor Andrew Guthrie Ferguson is the author of the forthcoming book Your Data Will Be Used Against You.
www.techpolicy.press
February 1, 2026 at 3:59 PM
In his forthcoming book, Your Data Will Be Used Against You, George Washington University Law School professor Andrew Guthrie Ferguson explores how sensor-driven technologies, social media monitoring, and artificial intelligence can be weaponized against democratic values and personal freedoms.
Reposted by Firthermor
Peter Dinklage reading Amanda Gorman's poem about Renee Good, a fellow poet.
February 1, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Peter Dinklage reading Amanda Gorman's poem about Renee Good, a fellow poet.
Reposted by Firthermor
Thanks to @govpritzker.illinois.gov for setting up the Illinois Accountability Commission to document the abuses of Trump and Stephen Miller's invasions of cities. And thanks to @vermontgmg.bsky.social for this detailed testimony about CBP's history and culture: drive.google.com/file/d/1o4z6...
IAC-Statement.Graff.Jan312026.pdf
drive.google.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Thanks to @govpritzker.illinois.gov for setting up the Illinois Accountability Commission to document the abuses of Trump and Stephen Miller's invasions of cities. And thanks to @vermontgmg.bsky.social for this detailed testimony about CBP's history and culture: drive.google.com/file/d/1o4z6...
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I have been trying to write an essay for four weeks now about Article II under the Trump administration and I keep having to restart because the draft never appropriately conveys the insanity of whatever happened during the last week.
Trump on his multiple suits against the federal government: "I'm supposed to work out a settlement with myself ... We could make it a substantial amount, nobody would care, because it's gonna go to numerous, very good charities."
February 1, 2026 at 2:39 AM
I have been trying to write an essay for four weeks now about Article II under the Trump administration and I keep having to restart because the draft never appropriately conveys the insanity of whatever happened during the last week.
Reposted by Firthermor
Reposted by Firthermor
Remember that Tom Barrack was prosecuted (but acquitted) for being the foreign agent of these folks.
This is corruption on a breathtaking level. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, an Abu Dhabi royal nicknamed the "spy sheikh", pumped $187mn into Trump family businesses. A WSJ team has the whole story, reported here for the first time. Remember: Jimmy Carter had to sell his peanut farm.
‘Spy Sheikh’ Bought Secret Stake in Trump Company
$500 million investment for 49% of World Liberty came months before U.A.E. won access to tightly guarded American AI chips.
www.wsj.com
February 1, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Remember that Tom Barrack was prosecuted (but acquitted) for being the foreign agent of these folks.
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I've seen videos of the indiscriminate use of tear gas on a large crowd that was clearly peaceful and filled with Portlanders of all ages, and well off the macadam facility. We banned tear gas for a reason. I join Councilor Green in calling for enforcement of our laws.
I just got tear gassed along with thousands of union members, many of whom had their families with them. Federal agents at the ICE facility tear gassed children. We must abolish ICE, DHS, and we must have prosecutions. I expect to see enforcement of our city code prohibiting the use of tear gas.
February 1, 2026 at 2:54 AM
I've seen videos of the indiscriminate use of tear gas on a large crowd that was clearly peaceful and filled with Portlanders of all ages, and well off the macadam facility. We banned tear gas for a reason. I join Councilor Green in calling for enforcement of our laws.
Reposted by Firthermor
So, this is the Speaker of the House a) raising doubts about legitimate election outcomes, b) presenting legal voting processes (mail-in ballots) as illegal, and c) endorsing Trump's practice of focusing only on Dem majority voting sites.
He is on board with Trump's plans to control the midterms.
He is on board with Trump's plans to control the midterms.
WELKER: What do you say to the allegation Trump is going to meddle in midterms & that's what he's doing in GA?
JOHNSON: I find it comical a senator from GA is talking about schemes. GA was example A of that
W: There are no Qs about 2020 that have not been answered
J: That's your opinion
W: Nope
JOHNSON: I find it comical a senator from GA is talking about schemes. GA was example A of that
W: There are no Qs about 2020 that have not been answered
J: That's your opinion
W: Nope
February 1, 2026 at 3:17 PM
So, this is the Speaker of the House a) raising doubts about legitimate election outcomes, b) presenting legal voting processes (mail-in ballots) as illegal, and c) endorsing Trump's practice of focusing only on Dem majority voting sites.
He is on board with Trump's plans to control the midterms.
He is on board with Trump's plans to control the midterms.
Reposted by Firthermor
4 federal agents pull over an elderly US citizen for the suspected crime of being brown, break her car window, throw her to the ground, then drive off after they find her US Passport in her purse. The Salem Police, when called, say there’s nothing they can do. www.salemreporter.com/2026/01/31/u...
U.S. citizen injured by federal agents in Salem who demanded to see “papers,” union says - Salem Reporter
A home care worker and union worker was pulled from her car and injured by federal agents Thursday according to a statement by SEIU 503. To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the repor...
www.salemreporter.com
February 1, 2026 at 2:47 PM
4 federal agents pull over an elderly US citizen for the suspected crime of being brown, break her car window, throw her to the ground, then drive off after they find her US Passport in her purse. The Salem Police, when called, say there’s nothing they can do. www.salemreporter.com/2026/01/31/u...
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one thing you can’t tell from a lot of these videos is that there are multi story apartment buildings literally across the street. this is a residential neighborhood
This was the kind of treatment the union activists got today from Oregon’s largest unions alongside coalitions like @jwjpdx.bsky.social. They fired projectiles and injured many demonstrators and broke out neighbors windows. Gas for a half dozen miles in each direction. #iceout
February 1, 2026 at 4:37 AM
one thing you can’t tell from a lot of these videos is that there are multi story apartment buildings literally across the street. this is a residential neighborhood
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I don’t think foreign interests should be able to funnel $500 million into the U.S. president‘s private accounts. The Constitution doesn’t think so either, explicitly forbidding this and making it the only named impeachable offense besides treason.
Sorry to get so partisan, but that’s how I feel.
Sorry to get so partisan, but that’s how I feel.
‘Spy Sheikh’ Bought Secret Stake in Trump Company
$500 million investment for 49% of World Liberty came months before U.A.E. won access to tightly guarded American AI chips.
www.wsj.com
February 1, 2026 at 3:20 PM
I don’t think foreign interests should be able to funnel $500 million into the U.S. president‘s private accounts. The Constitution doesn’t think so either, explicitly forbidding this and making it the only named impeachable offense besides treason.
Sorry to get so partisan, but that’s how I feel.
Sorry to get so partisan, but that’s how I feel.
Reposted by Firthermor
Thanks to CNN airing Kayla Schultz’s video of Pretti’s killing in higher resolution we have the best face shots of the first and main shooter— and in addition to the Texas flag it’s been noted he wears on the back, he also wears a vertical Texas flag in front.
February 1, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Thanks to CNN airing Kayla Schultz’s video of Pretti’s killing in higher resolution we have the best face shots of the first and main shooter— and in addition to the Texas flag it’s been noted he wears on the back, he also wears a vertical Texas flag in front.
Reposted by Firthermor
Unmarked car, no lights or police insignia. Masked armed men leap out. Victim not in the act of committing any crime. This is not how a serious federal law enforcement agency acts in a free society.
How is this not supposed to be a “right wing paramilitary force loyal to the regime”?
How is this not supposed to be a “right wing paramilitary force loyal to the regime”?
This is just insane. It’s only a matter of time before DHS kills another innocent person here.
(clip via MPR and @davidjbier.bsky.social on X)
(clip via MPR and @davidjbier.bsky.social on X)
January 31, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Unmarked car, no lights or police insignia. Masked armed men leap out. Victim not in the act of committing any crime. This is not how a serious federal law enforcement agency acts in a free society.
How is this not supposed to be a “right wing paramilitary force loyal to the regime”?
How is this not supposed to be a “right wing paramilitary force loyal to the regime”?
Reposted by Firthermor
I can’t get over how increasingly desperate and worried district judges are — they are doing all the right things — and how they’re being betrayed by appellate judges and a Supreme Court, both too cowardly to stand behind their decisions.
Judge Biery signed the order with a photo of Liam and two bible verses: The first is "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." The second is simply "Jesus wept."
Astonishing thing for a judge to do.
Astonishing thing for a judge to do.
January 31, 2026 at 9:30 PM
I can’t get over how increasingly desperate and worried district judges are — they are doing all the right things — and how they’re being betrayed by appellate judges and a Supreme Court, both too cowardly to stand behind their decisions.
Reposted by Firthermor
Stunning photo essay: What We Saw in Minneapolis @cengizyar.com @peterdicampo.bsky.social
What We Saw in Minneapolis
Our visual journalists documented the days surrounding Alex Pretti’s killing in Minneapolis.
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Stunning photo essay: What We Saw in Minneapolis @cengizyar.com @peterdicampo.bsky.social
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If he does this, and isn't impeached and removed, it's a Rubicon moment where we are no longer a republic. Sorry, I don't care how much Republicans like his policies or fear his wrath, you can't just let a president cut checks to himself from the Treasury.
Trump on his multiple suits against the federal government: "I'm supposed to work out a settlement with myself ... We could make it a substantial amount, nobody would care, because it's gonna go to numerous, very good charities."
February 1, 2026 at 11:22 AM
If he does this, and isn't impeached and removed, it's a Rubicon moment where we are no longer a republic. Sorry, I don't care how much Republicans like his policies or fear his wrath, you can't just let a president cut checks to himself from the Treasury.
Reposted by Firthermor
I wrote a piece on this open.substack.com/pub/asharang...
Your Cheat Sheet on Complicity in the Epstein Saga
Who knew complicity could be so...complicated?
open.substack.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:20 AM
I wrote a piece on this open.substack.com/pub/asharang...
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Former Texas Lege reporter here. A Dem hasn't held this seat since 1990. Tarrant is the safest of red suburban counties. There is no way the TX and national GOP aren't in panic mode right now.
JUST IN: Democrats flip a red seat in the Texas Senate.
Taylor Rehmet wins against Leigh Wambsganss, a conservative activist who helped lead right-wing efforts to take over TX school boards.
With all early vote, and 95% of precincts, in, Dem up 57/43.
Trump won this seat by 17% in Tarrant County.
Taylor Rehmet wins against Leigh Wambsganss, a conservative activist who helped lead right-wing efforts to take over TX school boards.
With all early vote, and 95% of precincts, in, Dem up 57/43.
Trump won this seat by 17% in Tarrant County.
February 1, 2026 at 5:29 AM
Former Texas Lege reporter here. A Dem hasn't held this seat since 1990. Tarrant is the safest of red suburban counties. There is no way the TX and national GOP aren't in panic mode right now.
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One more #Clouds image for today's #BlueskyArtShow. This #infrared #panorama was made on a cloudy and rainy day at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. I had no idea how the #rainbow would look from a #fullspectrum camera. #photography #EastCoastKin #ir #GetOutThere #IRColor
January 31, 2026 at 3:59 PM
One more #Clouds image for today's #BlueskyArtShow. This #infrared #panorama was made on a cloudy and rainy day at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. I had no idea how the #rainbow would look from a #fullspectrum camera. #photography #EastCoastKin #ir #GetOutThere #IRColor
Reposted by Firthermor
There is very likely going to be a blue wave in November 2026. Trump will do what he can to disturb the election and stop Rs from losing the House. It probably won't work, but the probability of a tail outcome is worrisome, and the attempt is the story
February 1, 2026 at 4:39 AM
There is very likely going to be a blue wave in November 2026. Trump will do what he can to disturb the election and stop Rs from losing the House. It probably won't work, but the probability of a tail outcome is worrisome, and the attempt is the story