Gary McGath
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gmcgath.bsky.social
Gary McGath
@gmcgath.bsky.social
560 followers 330 following 5.1K posts
Freelance writer. Lover of liberty, music, and cats. Author of The Magic Battery, Spells of War, Files that Last, and Tomorrow's Songs Today. On Bluesky I post a lot about classical music and silent film.

https://garymcgath.com
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gmcgath.bsky.social
Have you gotten a mailing from SmartEnergy offering you a refund on your Unitil bill? They're trying to trick you.
garymcgath.com/deceptive-of...
#Unitil #SmartEnergy #NewHampshire
Deceptive Unitil “refund” offer by SmartEnergy
A few days ago I got an item in the mail supposedly offering me a $100 refund as a Unitil customer. The name on the return address was “SmartEnergy,” not Unitil, so it immediately looke…
garymcgath.com
February 2, 2026 at 2:31 PM
gmcgath.bsky.social
ICE abducted three men in Maine and took two of them to Louisiana. A judge has ruled the government violated their rights by holding them without a hearing.
www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/31/m...
#ICE #Maine
Judge rules federal agents violated rights of workers who fled them in Bethel
The arrests came just days before U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched a large-scale enforcement action centered on southern Maine cities.
www.bangordailynews.com
February 2, 2026 at 2:02 PM
gmcgath.bsky.social
Happy Ayn Rand's birthday, February 2!
February 2, 2026 at 11:20 AM
gmcgath.bsky.social
Ona Judge fled from slavery under George Washington to Portsmouth, NH. Trump has memory-holed an exhibit in Philadelphia commemorating her and others.
abcnews.go.com/US/trump-adm...
#NewHampshire #Philadelphia
Trump admin removes memorial honoring people enslaved by George Washington in Philadelphia
The National Parks Service removed an exhibit at the President’s House in Philadelphia honoring the nine people who were enslaved there by President George Washington.
abcnews.go.com
February 1, 2026 at 11:55 AM
gmcgath.bsky.social
The anti-ICE protest in Nashua, NH had a good turnout. It was cold but sunny and calm.
January 31, 2026 at 7:28 PM
gmcgath.bsky.social
I wondered why the ruling that New Hampshire can't terminate vehicle inspection requirements didn't prompt the news media to discuss the constitutional issues.

At least one person with better legal knowledge than me is also asking.
reason.com/volokh/2026/...
#NewHampshire
Private Suit Commandeers New Hampshire Government to Maintain Vehicle Emission Inspections
The "Live Free or Die" state effectively acquiesces to unconstitutional commandeering of the state government under the Clean Air Act.
reason.com
January 31, 2026 at 3:30 PM
gmcgath.bsky.social
The title of _Toscanini: Musician of Conscience_ refers largely to his refusal to bow to Mussolini. It's a story worth reminding people of today.

Putting that on my list of song ideas for FAWM. The names even rhyme.
January 31, 2026 at 11:24 AM
gmcgath.bsky.social
Hey, Big Brother...
We're watching YOU!
Still picture of ICE just before shooting Alex Pretti
January 30, 2026 at 10:04 PM
Reposted by Gary McGath
cjciaramella.bsky.social
everything's going great at DOJ reason.com/2026/01/30/j...
In another case from the appendix, ICE arrested a Moldovan refugee who had already gone through extensive background checks and vetting. In response to her petition for emergency relief, the government claimed that her detention was based on her "fail[ure] to acquire permanent resident status within one year." But as the judge noted in his order granting the woman's petition (citation omitted), "Such a basis for detention is illogical given that refugees are not eligible to apply for adjustment of status until they have 'been physically present in the United States for at least one year.'"
January 30, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Reposted by Gary McGath
eff.org
Locking down your phone, being mindful of what you're wearing, and coming up with plans to communicate with others are all key steps to take before attending a protest. ssd.eff.org/module/atte...
Attending a Protest
For quick reference, we've created a handy guide designed to be printed, folded, and carried in your pocket (PDF download). Now, more than ever, citizens must be able to hold those in power accountable and inspire others through the act of protest. Protecting your electronic devices and digital assets before, during,...
ssd.eff.org
January 30, 2026 at 4:04 PM
gmcgath.bsky.social
Protest leaders are saying not to shop today, expecting that will somehow impress ICE. Here's a better idea: Shop at a place owned by or employing immigrants. There's even such a place in my small NH town.
January 30, 2026 at 1:12 PM
gmcgath.bsky.social
Cat Valente on ICE in Maine.
catvalente.substack.com/p/the-good-t...
#ICE #Maine
The Good, the Pretty, and Fear Itself
Living and dying through the ICE Age
catvalente.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:17 AM
Reposted by Gary McGath
gmcgath.bsky.social
A roundup of news stories about ICE's attack on Maine.
garymcgath.com/roundup-ice-...
#Maine #ICE
Roundup: ICE in Maine
While the country’s focus on ICE and the Border Patrol has been largely on Minnesota, they’re also committing outrageous acts in Maine, which is much closer to me. Here are some reports…
garymcgath.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Reposted by Gary McGath
bangordailynews.bsky.social
Video showed federal immigration agents leaving behind an infant and broken glass after detaining a Guinean immigrant with no known criminal history.
ICE agents shatter window, leave 1-month-old baby, mother in car after Portland arrest
Video showed federal immigration agents leaving behind an infant and broken glass after detaining a Guinean immigrant with no known criminal history.
www.bangordailynews.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:04 PM
Reposted by Gary McGath
cjciaramella.bsky.social
Wrote about the administration's defiance of courts:

- A federal judge in Minnesota releases a list of nearly 100 orders ICE violated
- A judge in Florida threatens sanctions against two DOJ attorneys in a similar habeas case
- ICE is also violating TROs in Maine reason.com/2026/01/29/f...
Federal judge slams ICE for violating nearly 100 court orders: 'ICE is not a law unto itself'
Judges across the country are fed up with the Trump administration's refusal to follow orders requiring it to give bond hearings to detained immigrants.
reason.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:11 PM
gmcgath.bsky.social
"Updated" ICE guidance: "We are moving to targeted enforcement of aliens with a criminal history. This includes arrests, not just convictions." Which is exactly what they falsely claimed to be doing before. Ergo, no change. #ICE
www.reuters.com/world/ice-of...
Exclusive: ICE officers in Minnesota directed not to interact with 'agitators' in new orders
The new internal guidance reviewed by Reuters also orders U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to only target immigrants who have criminal charges or convictions.
www.reuters.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Reposted by Gary McGath
goodlander.house.gov
If Secretary Noem is not removed from office, the House should move forward with impeachment proceedings.
January 29, 2026 at 3:46 PM
gmcgath.bsky.social
A roundup of news stories about ICE's attack on Maine.
garymcgath.com/roundup-ice-...
#Maine #ICE
Roundup: ICE in Maine
While the country’s focus on ICE and the Border Patrol has been largely on Minnesota, they’re also committing outrageous acts in Maine, which is much closer to me. Here are some reports…
garymcgath.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:18 PM
gmcgath.bsky.social
Do you think you know your film composers? Try my latest FunTrivia quiz!
www.funtrivia.com/quiz/music/s...
#music #trivia
Bonus points: Can anyone identify the music in this post's image? I can't.
Space Opera Music Trivia Game - Who Wrote the Scores for these Space/SF Films? | Music from TV and Movies | 10 Questions
Some top composers work has enhanced the atmosphere of space movies. Can you match the composers with the films? - test your knowledge in this quiz! (Author madfilkentist)
www.funtrivia.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:45 AM
gmcgath.bsky.social
"ICE Out for Good" protest, Concord, NH. Saturday, January 31.
actionnetwork.org/events/ice-o...
#ICE #NewHampshire
ICE Out for Good
ICE Out for Good is a peaceful, nonviolent action in response to the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and all those who have died in ICE custody. NH State House, 107 N Main St, Concord NH Sa...
actionnetwork.org
January 29, 2026 at 11:26 AM
gmcgath.bsky.social
Individual rights, not democratic rule, are the bedrock standard for judging governments. If a huge majority wanted to grab people off the streets and ship them to foreign countries for not carrying the proper paperwork with them, it would still be wrong.
January 29, 2026 at 11:08 AM
gmcgath.bsky.social
Socialists have grabbed hold of the upcoming protests in Boston. Better to find an event somewhere else. We don't need a new authoritarian gang to replace the current one.
www.boston.com/news/local-n...
#ICE #Boston
January 29, 2026 at 10:56 AM
gmcgath.bsky.social
Senators Shaheen and Hassan want kinder, gentler abductions by the secret police.
www.wmur.com/article/hass...
#NewHampshire #ICE
Hassan, Shaheen call for changes to ICE appropriations bill
With events in Minnesota reshaping the debate in Washington, U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan are joining calls to overhaul a Homeland Security appropriations bill.
www.wmur.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:37 AM
Reposted by Gary McGath
repchrispappas.bsky.social
Secretary Noem is not fit to continue in her position. If she does not resign, Congress must start proceedings to impeach her.

My full statement below.
“Secretary Noem is not fit to continue in her position. If she does not resign, Congress must start proceedings to impeach her. Under her leadership, we have seen violations of due process and our constitutional values, enforcement operations inconsistent with the law and accepted standards and protocols, and a failure to coordinate with local law enforcement. In the wake of the killing of two citizens in Minnesota, she blatantly lied to the public by claiming both individuals were ‘domestic terrorists.’ She has not provided the leadership and transparency that Congress and Americans deserve. We need an investigation of the shootings in Minnesota, a thorough evaluation of training and standards, and full accountability. Secretary Noem has lost the trust of the American people and has violated her oath. She must be removed from office.“
January 28, 2026 at 3:43 PM