John Finch🇺🇸
@jbird1848.bsky.social
Historian. Educator. Advocate for democratic constitutionally based government, public education, national health care, social security, women’s rights, and human rights.🇺🇸 🇨🇦🇬🇧🇬🇱🇲🇽🇵🇦🇺🇦🦋☮️🇺🇳🏳️🌈🇫🇷🇿🇦🇳🇿
These are the times that will test our fortitude (Thomas Pain, 1776).
These are the times that will test our fortitude (Thomas Pain, 1776).
Pinned
John Finch🇺🇸
@jbird1848.bsky.social
· Feb 21
A group of finches is called a charm, especially goldfinches. Charm is an appropriate name for this group of small active songbirds. With the arrival of spring, charms of finches become more noticeable. There are many varieties of finches, but a relatively small total population worldwide.
Facts: A viral claim that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Jesus wrote the Bible in English is false and originated from a satirical Facebook page.
The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew, with small portions in Aramaic, while the New Testament was written entirely in Greek.
The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew, with small portions in Aramaic, while the New Testament was written entirely in Greek.
Disgusted (@ellenmitchell2)
substack.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Facts: A viral claim that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Jesus wrote the Bible in English is false and originated from a satirical Facebook page.
The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew, with small portions in Aramaic, while the New Testament was written entirely in Greek.
The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew, with small portions in Aramaic, while the New Testament was written entirely in Greek.
“Through its third-country deportation deals, the Trump administration is putting millions of taxpayer dollars into the hands of foreign governments, while turning a blind eye to the human costs."
Trump Has Spent $40 Million in Secretive Deals Deporting Hundreds of People to Third Countries
The Trump administration's secretive deportation deals with human rights-abusing countries are costing taxpayers millions and putting migrants at risk. How can we stand by as our government prioritizes appearance over human lives? Demand transparency and accountability now. #EndDeportationDeals
www.commondreams.org
February 13, 2026 at 5:18 PM
THIS IS GREAT: Noting Trump’s desire for everything to be named after him, Jimmy Kimmel proposes the Epstein files “will heretofore be known as the Trump-Epstein Files." TRUMP-EPSTEIN FILES it is. Pass it on.
Raw America (@rawstory)
THIS IS GREAT: Noting Trump’s desire for everything to be named after him, Jimmy Kimmel proposes the Epstein files “will heretofore be known as the Trump-Epstein Files." TRUMP-EPSTEIN FILES it is. Pas...
substack.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:18 PM
THIS IS GREAT: Noting Trump’s desire for everything to be named after him, Jimmy Kimmel proposes the Epstein files “will heretofore be known as the Trump-Epstein Files." TRUMP-EPSTEIN FILES it is. Pass it on.
"Clean Beautiful Coal," Trump says, is America’s most reliable and affordable energy source (Fox News 2/12/26).
IT's hard to overstate the damage Trump is doing to the world and America. Think of how he's jerking around the auto companies, especially now that EVs and hybrids are popular. And who wants coal pollution? Really no one, not even MAGA.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Trump’s EPA repeals landmark climate finding in gift to ‘billionaire polluters’
Rollback of government’s ability to limit climate-heating pollution from vehicles will make families ‘sicker and less safe’, environmental advocate says
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2026 at 9:27 PM
"Clean Beautiful Coal," Trump says, is America’s most reliable and affordable energy source (Fox News 2/12/26).
It’s Good News:
ICE is leaving Minneapolis. We won for now and we are stronger for the experience. Minnesotans (and all like minded people) must get smarter to prevent a reoccurrence here or else where. Plan ahead and stay vigilant. We answered history’s call to do the right thing once, do it again.
ICE is leaving Minneapolis. We won for now and we are stronger for the experience. Minnesotans (and all like minded people) must get smarter to prevent a reoccurrence here or else where. Plan ahead and stay vigilant. We answered history’s call to do the right thing once, do it again.
Minnesota, you won. Much of ICE are leaving. Don't trust this. They are trying to get the funding bill passed. Once the bill passes they'll be back at it either by you or someplace else.
February 12, 2026 at 8:25 PM
It’s Good News:
ICE is leaving Minneapolis. We won for now and we are stronger for the experience. Minnesotans (and all like minded people) must get smarter to prevent a reoccurrence here or else where. Plan ahead and stay vigilant. We answered history’s call to do the right thing once, do it again.
ICE is leaving Minneapolis. We won for now and we are stronger for the experience. Minnesotans (and all like minded people) must get smarter to prevent a reoccurrence here or else where. Plan ahead and stay vigilant. We answered history’s call to do the right thing once, do it again.
Judge Blasts Hegseth Over Effort to 'Shrink the First Amendment Liberties' of Sen. Mark Kelly
Judge Blasts Hegseth Over Effort to 'Shrink the First Amendment Liberties' of Sen. Mark Kelly
Federal judge blocks Defense Secretary's attempt to punish Senator for advising military against unlawful orders. First Amendment rights upheld.
www.commondreams.org
February 12, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Texas Lawmakers Sound Alarm on 'Torture, Killing, and Inhumane Treatment' of Detainees in Fort Bliss ICE Facility
At least three inmates have died in the facility in just two months, including one who witnesses say was choked to death by guards.
Texas Lawmakers Sound Alarm on 'Torture, Killing, and Inhumane Treatment' of Detainees in Fort Bliss ICE Facility
At least three inmates have died in the facility in just two months, including one who witnesses say was choked to death by guards.
www.commondreams.org
February 11, 2026 at 9:23 PM
ICE Continues to Strike the Rebel Star Base: Minnesota After being randomly struck by an ICE vehicle—in a twisted turn of events—(Minneapolis resident) Nadine and her Latino U.S. citizen husband were then harassed by ICE to provide proof of citizenship.
ICE RAMS Into Car, Demands VICTIMS Show Their Papers: “We're Citizens!”
"That vehicle hit us and they’ve got three vehicles cornering us in; everybody is wearing masks and hiding," Minneapolis resident Nadine says. After ICE rammed them, they demanded proof of citizenship
open.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:13 PM
ICE Continues to Strike the Rebel Star Base: Minnesota After being randomly struck by an ICE vehicle—in a twisted turn of events—(Minneapolis resident) Nadine and her Latino U.S. citizen husband were then harassed by ICE to provide proof of citizenship.
The Great Trump Wall of Protection is Cracking: Keep up the Pressure!
Pam Bondi Refuses to Apologize to Epstein Survivors Standing Right Behind Her During House Hearing
Pam Bondi Refuses to Apologize to Epstein Survivors Standing Right Behind Her During House Hearing
US Attorney General Pam Bondi faces scrutiny for failing to protect Epstein victims' privacy in DOJ files release. Rep. Jayapal demands apology.
www.commondreams.org
February 11, 2026 at 6:55 PM
The Great Trump Wall of Protection is Cracking: Keep up the Pressure!
Congressman Raskin rips Pam Bondi a new asshole: "You're running a massive Epstein cover-up right out of the DOJ. You redacted the names of abusers to spare them embarrassment and disgrace. Even worse, you shockingly failed to redact many of the victims' names."
Oliver Markus Malloy (@malloyrocks)
Congressman Raskin rips Pam Bondi a new asshole: "You're running a massive Epstein cover-up right out of the DOJ. You redacted the names of abusers to spare them embarrassment and disgrace. Even worse...
substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Congressman Raskin rips Pam Bondi a new asshole: "You're running a massive Epstein cover-up right out of the DOJ. You redacted the names of abusers to spare them embarrassment and disgrace. Even worse, you shockingly failed to redact many of the victims' names."
Trump threatens Canada again: "Canada is building a massive bridge between Ontario and Michigan. I will not allow this bridge to open until the US is fully compensated for everything we have given them."
The entire $6.4 billion cost for the bridge was funded entirely by Canada. #CdnPoli
The entire $6.4 billion cost for the bridge was funded entirely by Canada. #CdnPoli
February 10, 2026 at 7:08 AM
A billionaire family that owns a bridge crossing between Michigan and Canada has wanted Trump to stop a new bridge — and Trump is now threatening to block its opening (with authority he doesn’t have). www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/u...
Trump Threatens to Block Opening of New Bridge to Canada
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:07 AM
it will really be something if the Epstein Files unseat a British Prime Minster who isn't in them, and not the American President who was Epstein's best friend.
February 10, 2026 at 7:05 AM
Reposted by John Finch🇺🇸
Is anyone else mad at the fact that they have to pay federal taxes for bullshit they don't want? Like new ballrooms, the Gestapo, child torture, and human trafficking.
I wanna pay for education, social services, UBI, and universal health care! I'm so gotdamn mad right now, I need to lie down.
I wanna pay for education, social services, UBI, and universal health care! I'm so gotdamn mad right now, I need to lie down.
February 10, 2026 at 12:21 AM
Is anyone else mad at the fact that they have to pay federal taxes for bullshit they don't want? Like new ballrooms, the Gestapo, child torture, and human trafficking.
I wanna pay for education, social services, UBI, and universal health care! I'm so gotdamn mad right now, I need to lie down.
I wanna pay for education, social services, UBI, and universal health care! I'm so gotdamn mad right now, I need to lie down.
At the very least the UK is showing the USA how our democracy and police can, eventually, bring down powerful politicians and members of the elite who were involved with Epstein.
February 10, 2026 at 6:12 AM
Cry, the Beloved Country
“Yes, weep for what we have lost. But don’t just weep. Turn these losses into a new beginning — based on what’s good in America and what has gone wrong. Yes, weep for what we have lost. But don’t just weep. Turn these losses into a new beginning…” (Robert Reich).
“Yes, weep for what we have lost. But don’t just weep. Turn these losses into a new beginning — based on what’s good in America and what has gone wrong. Yes, weep for what we have lost. But don’t just weep. Turn these losses into a new beginning…” (Robert Reich).
Sunday thought: Cry, the Beloved Country
But please don’t just cry for what we’ve lost.
open.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Cry, the Beloved Country
“Yes, weep for what we have lost. But don’t just weep. Turn these losses into a new beginning — based on what’s good in America and what has gone wrong. Yes, weep for what we have lost. But don’t just weep. Turn these losses into a new beginning…” (Robert Reich).
“Yes, weep for what we have lost. But don’t just weep. Turn these losses into a new beginning — based on what’s good in America and what has gone wrong. Yes, weep for what we have lost. But don’t just weep. Turn these losses into a new beginning…” (Robert Reich).
Sir Ian McKellen destroys Trump on Colbert, performing a Shakespeare monologue from Sir Thomas More. The play was not published or performed at the time, quite possibly because it was censored. More asks the rioters to imagine themselves in the shoes of the immigrants they are attacking in a riot.
Raw America (@rawstory)
THIS IS GREAT: Sir Ian McKellen destroys Trump on Colbert last night by performing a Shakespeare monologue from Sir Thomas More. Fits the historical moment exactly. Make sure this gets around!
substack.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Sir Ian McKellen destroys Trump on Colbert, performing a Shakespeare monologue from Sir Thomas More. The play was not published or performed at the time, quite possibly because it was censored. More asks the rioters to imagine themselves in the shoes of the immigrants they are attacking in a riot.
These are the times that must bring us together.
In the US, said federal Judge Michael Simon, "free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads."
Citing Threat of 'Authoritarian Regime,' Judge Orders ICE to Stop Tear-Gassing Protesters in Oregon
Federal judge bars federal agents from using tear gas on protesters in Portland, citing threat to democracy. Will this ruling protect free speech and nonviolent protest, or will the crackdown on immigrant communities continue? #ImmigrantRights #PortlandProtests #DemocracyUnderThreat
www.commondreams.org
February 4, 2026 at 5:44 PM
These are the times that must bring us together.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous state with a diversity of cultures and wide geographic differentiation. Trump’s threats will have little impact there and sending in troops could touch off America’s next ten year military debacle.
The U.S. military has deployed a small team of personnel to Nigeria to assist in counter-terrorism operations, marking the first confirmed presence of American troops there since airstrikes in December under President Trump.
February 4, 2026 at 7:28 AM
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous state with a diversity of cultures and wide geographic differentiation. Trump’s threats will have little impact there and sending in troops could touch off America’s next ten year military debacle.
The US Department of Energy is allowing exemptions for nuclear reactor environmental reviews, alarming critics who called the policy "terrifying" and "truly crazy."
'Making America Unsafe Again': Alarm Over Environmental Review Exemption for Nuclear Reactors
The US Department of Energy is allowing exemptions for nuclear reactor environmental reviews, alarming critics who called the policy "terrifying" and "truly crazy."
www.commondreams.org
February 3, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Reposted by John Finch🇺🇸
“With their resistance to violent authoritarianism, the people of Minneapolis have renewed the spirit of Dr. King’s call for ‘the positive affirmation of peace.’”
— The Nation
— The Nation
February 3, 2026 at 6:05 AM
“With their resistance to violent authoritarianism, the people of Minneapolis have renewed the spirit of Dr. King’s call for ‘the positive affirmation of peace.’”
— The Nation
— The Nation
Reposted by John Finch🇺🇸
Just wait until the measles outbreak reaches ICE’s DHS holding cells: epidemic especially among children,
‘Frustrating and Demoralizing’: The Measles Comeback Gets Worse
The disease is exploding in South Carolina, we’re about to lose elimination status, and RFK Jr.’s team says it’s just the “cost of doing business.”
substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:19 AM
Just wait until the measles outbreak reaches ICE’s DHS holding cells: epidemic especially among children,
Reposted by John Finch🇺🇸
In the past week, South Carolina officials have confirmed 212 new measles cases, raising the state total to 646 and threatening to overtake last year’s West Texas outbreak as the largest in decades in the United States. Outbreak is centered in schools with large portions of unvaccinated students.
South Carolina measles outbreak expands by 200+, reaches 646 cases
www.cidrap.umn.edu
February 2, 2026 at 7:05 AM
The immigrant detention center in Dilley, Texas, which gained notoriety last week for holding Minnesota resident 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, is now the site of an active measles outbreak.
At least 2 measles cases confirmed inside Texas detention center
www.cidrap.umn.edu
February 3, 2026 at 1:08 AM
The immigrant detention center in Dilley, Texas, which gained notoriety last week for holding Minnesota resident 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, is now the site of an active measles outbreak.