Jeff Johnston
@koeselitz.bsky.social
he/him | db programmer | New Mexican | piano, accordion, &c | bi, monogamous, married | medievalist: Dante; Farabi | now leading study groups on: Bach’s Matthew Passion; Louis Armstrong’s Hot Fives
Pinned
Jeff Johnston
@koeselitz.bsky.social
· Jul 9
A Zohran victory would be very very good for a great number of reasons, but nobody bats a thousand and on this particular issue he is going to need to adjust somehow. I’m willing to say that, because the function of discourse is coalition setting, not electioneering.
“The function of discourse is coalition setting, not electioneering” - this is so important! In a time when electoral anxiety can feel overwhelming - esp for the liberals among us more prone to worry - we have to moderate that impulse and focus on building the coalition through honest discourse.
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Trans Europe Express, by Señor Coconut
from the album El Baile Alemán
nn-audio.bandcamp.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:43 AM
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Just saw this, and it makes me wonder how you think you should still be in the United States Senate — let alone a Democrat — if you’re going to follow up the first two paragraphs with the third.
This is a dead child, and your response sounds like Al Gore talking about Reinventing Government.
This is a dead child, and your response sounds like Al Gore talking about Reinventing Government.
Anadith Danay Reyes Álvarez died in government custody.
She had sickle cell and congenital heart disease but couldn’t access timely and adequate medical care.
We need to reform immigration detention.
She had sickle cell and congenital heart disease but couldn’t access timely and adequate medical care.
We need to reform immigration detention.
January 28, 2026 at 6:44 AM
Just saw this, and it makes me wonder how you think you should still be in the United States Senate — let alone a Democrat — if you’re going to follow up the first two paragraphs with the third.
This is a dead child, and your response sounds like Al Gore talking about Reinventing Government.
This is a dead child, and your response sounds like Al Gore talking about Reinventing Government.
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Pro tip for any Hill journos, the Speaker can approve 24hr protection for Members who are under heightened threat. Omar used to have this, but Mike Johnson took it away. You should ask him about that
January 28, 2026 at 3:48 AM
Pro tip for any Hill journos, the Speaker can approve 24hr protection for Members who are under heightened threat. Omar used to have this, but Mike Johnson took it away. You should ask him about that
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Speaking out is essential. Especially when so many institutional leaders are failing us. www.cnn.com/2026/01/27/u...
Exclusive: ‘Pink coat lady’ who recorded fatal encounter between federal officers and Alex Pretti speaks to Anderson Cooper | CNN
Anderson speaks with Stella Carlson, the witness who captured crucial video showing exactly what happened when Alex Pretti was shot and killed by DHS officers.
www.cnn.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:48 AM
Speaking out is essential. Especially when so many institutional leaders are failing us. www.cnn.com/2026/01/27/u...
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
The fact that Tim Walz wants to give Homan, a guy who TOOK $50,000 IN CASH FROM A FEDERAL AGENT TO DO A BRIBE FOR GOVERNEMNT CONTRACTS AS PART OF AN INVESTIGATION THAT WASN'T EVEN ABOUT HIM EVERYONE THE FEDS WERE INVESTIGATING JUST KEPT SAYING OH YEAH GO TO TOM
MOREOVER, ICE MUST BE DESTROYED
MOREOVER, ICE MUST BE DESTROYED
Border czar Tom Homan: We'll continue to conceal the identities of the ICE mercenaries murdering soccer moms and nurses in the streets—but we'll doxx anyone who tries to stop the kidnapping and murder.
Tim Walz: "I'm going to give Homan the benefit of the doubt."
Trust no politician. Abolish ICE.🏴
Tim Walz: "I'm going to give Homan the benefit of the doubt."
Trust no politician. Abolish ICE.🏴
January 28, 2026 at 6:42 AM
The fact that Tim Walz wants to give Homan, a guy who TOOK $50,000 IN CASH FROM A FEDERAL AGENT TO DO A BRIBE FOR GOVERNEMNT CONTRACTS AS PART OF AN INVESTIGATION THAT WASN'T EVEN ABOUT HIM EVERYONE THE FEDS WERE INVESTIGATING JUST KEPT SAYING OH YEAH GO TO TOM
MOREOVER, ICE MUST BE DESTROYED
MOREOVER, ICE MUST BE DESTROYED
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
"Its acronym, F.A.F.O., references a slang term for negative consequences." www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/u...
January 28, 2026 at 1:07 AM
"Its acronym, F.A.F.O., references a slang term for negative consequences." www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/u...
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Dangerous domestic terrorist vs patriotic 2A enthusiast
January 27, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Dangerous domestic terrorist vs patriotic 2A enthusiast
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Ecuador is one of the (many) countries that has signed an agreement with the US to take people who are seeking asylum here. The US doesn’t let them complete their asylum cases and instead makes them wait in detention until (theoretically) they’re sent to Ecuador, a place most of them haven’t been.
January 28, 2026 at 1:21 AM
Ecuador is one of the (many) countries that has signed an agreement with the US to take people who are seeking asylum here. The US doesn’t let them complete their asylum cases and instead makes them wait in detention until (theoretically) they’re sent to Ecuador, a place most of them haven’t been.
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
according to bluesky, working for ice is a protected class against discrimination lol
January 26, 2026 at 5:58 PM
according to bluesky, working for ice is a protected class against discrimination lol
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
I know you know this, but for folks who aren’t here:
ICE uses racial profiling and AI tools that “estimate” your chance of citizenship to decide who to detain. They often refuse to accept documentation of someone’s right to be in the U.S.—and may destroy it instead.
ICE uses racial profiling and AI tools that “estimate” your chance of citizenship to decide who to detain. They often refuse to accept documentation of someone’s right to be in the U.S.—and may destroy it instead.
January 28, 2026 at 12:31 AM
I know you know this, but for folks who aren’t here:
ICE uses racial profiling and AI tools that “estimate” your chance of citizenship to decide who to detain. They often refuse to accept documentation of someone’s right to be in the U.S.—and may destroy it instead.
ICE uses racial profiling and AI tools that “estimate” your chance of citizenship to decide who to detain. They often refuse to accept documentation of someone’s right to be in the U.S.—and may destroy it instead.
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Anyway it was old guy hours at the gay bar so I curated a light jazz vibe cause NYC always kind of wants it to be 1947 www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2oE...
Ella F. and Louis Armstrong - Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
YouTube video by Irracional182
www.youtube.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:16 PM
Anyway it was old guy hours at the gay bar so I curated a light jazz vibe cause NYC always kind of wants it to be 1947 www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2oE...
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
I'm glad the worst people on earth are on their back foot today but until the two murderers are arrested and prosecuted this is all fluff
BREAKING: Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino and some agents are expected to leave Minneapolis tomorrow, an AP source says.
Border Patrol commander Bovino and some agents expected to leave Minneapolis
A federal judge is considering Minnesota’s challenge to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
bit.ly
January 26, 2026 at 10:51 PM
I'm glad the worst people on earth are on their back foot today but until the two murderers are arrested and prosecuted this is all fluff
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Yeah don't even tell me white people are equally concerned with the kidnappings and murders of immigrants.
Current status of the fundraisers for those killed by ICE:
Renee Good: $1,499,580
Alex Pretti: $1,289,249
Keith Porter, Jr. $302,423
Parady La: $45,848
Heber Sanchez Dominguez: $47,991
Luis Beltrán Yanez Cruz: $18,640
Victor Manuel Diaz: $2,538
Geraldo Lunas: $2,260
Luis Gustavo Núñez: $1,935
Renee Good: $1,499,580
Alex Pretti: $1,289,249
Keith Porter, Jr. $302,423
Parady La: $45,848
Heber Sanchez Dominguez: $47,991
Luis Beltrán Yanez Cruz: $18,640
Victor Manuel Diaz: $2,538
Geraldo Lunas: $2,260
Luis Gustavo Núñez: $1,935
January 26, 2026 at 10:35 PM
Yeah don't even tell me white people are equally concerned with the kidnappings and murders of immigrants.
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Everything they learned in Minnesota they’re applying in Maine from day one. They started off doing fast-moving snatch and grabs on the street, recording and using facial id on observers, and threatening observers directly. They’ll do it all where you live too.
Why is the msm outside of Maine not covering this? It seems like a huge and very troubling story to me. ICE coming to observers houses or calling them on the phone warning them to back off??!! www.pressherald.com/2026/01/23/i...
ICE watchers in Maine say they were threatened by federal agents
Community members have been monitoring the activity of immigration agents in Greater Portland.
www.pressherald.com
January 26, 2026 at 10:27 PM
Everything they learned in Minnesota they’re applying in Maine from day one. They started off doing fast-moving snatch and grabs on the street, recording and using facial id on observers, and threatening observers directly. They’ll do it all where you live too.
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Everybody in higher ed has questions these days. For example, admins ask "how can we get faculty to incorporate AI into their classes?" while faculty ask "can I come in to campus to teach my classes without being abducted by an unlawful paramilitary force?"
January 26, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Everybody in higher ed has questions these days. For example, admins ask "how can we get faculty to incorporate AI into their classes?" while faculty ask "can I come in to campus to teach my classes without being abducted by an unlawful paramilitary force?"
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
The altnps account is the 13th most followed account on Bluesky and has more followers than every single news outlet other than the NYT, NPR and Meidas Touch on here. They actively spread misinformation and exploit gullible old people for cash. Accounts this unethical do not deserve to exist.
Completely insane. AltNPS claimed to know the name of Alex Pretti's killer, refused to say it because "the truth always comes out," and then just deleted the post.
A man was executed on the street in my hometown, and AltNPS is using that as an excuse to vaguepost for attention.
A man was executed on the street in my hometown, and AltNPS is using that as an excuse to vaguepost for attention.
January 25, 2026 at 7:21 AM
The altnps account is the 13th most followed account on Bluesky and has more followers than every single news outlet other than the NYT, NPR and Meidas Touch on here. They actively spread misinformation and exploit gullible old people for cash. Accounts this unethical do not deserve to exist.
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
There's a part in one of the Warhammer 40k books where the edgelord demon-worshippers are interrogating a defecting Imperial general. Instead of asking him about troop movements etc. they ask him about what normal humans eat - questions they don't understand because they're so far from humanity.
January 26, 2026 at 10:29 AM
There's a part in one of the Warhammer 40k books where the edgelord demon-worshippers are interrogating a defecting Imperial general. Instead of asking him about troop movements etc. they ask him about what normal humans eat - questions they don't understand because they're so far from humanity.
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
fixed it for you
January 26, 2026 at 10:02 AM
fixed it for you
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Yesterday, DHS & FBI agents blocked MN law enforcement agencies from the area where Pretti was killed. Even with a search warrant.
Then, fed agents vacated the area. Result: police tape was down so folks walked thru, contaminating the crime scene.
Ordinary people, not cops, put the tape back up. ⤵️
Then, fed agents vacated the area. Result: police tape was down so folks walked thru, contaminating the crime scene.
Ordinary people, not cops, put the tape back up. ⤵️
"A man was trying to...re-string police tape to form a perimeter. I started to help him, only then realizing we were blocking off the site of Pretti’s shooting. ...ICE had knocked over the police tape...and no police or first responders remained. ...We did our best to cordon off the area."
January 25, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Yesterday, DHS & FBI agents blocked MN law enforcement agencies from the area where Pretti was killed. Even with a search warrant.
Then, fed agents vacated the area. Result: police tape was down so folks walked thru, contaminating the crime scene.
Ordinary people, not cops, put the tape back up. ⤵️
Then, fed agents vacated the area. Result: police tape was down so folks walked thru, contaminating the crime scene.
Ordinary people, not cops, put the tape back up. ⤵️
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
As Bill Foege (RIP) said:
RFK Jr “would be less hazardous if he decided to do cardiac surgery. Then he’d kill people only one at a time rather than his current ability to kill by the thousands. Why is…killing a single person..seen as murder but killing masses is excused if you are a politician?”
RFK Jr “would be less hazardous if he decided to do cardiac surgery. Then he’d kill people only one at a time rather than his current ability to kill by the thousands. Why is…killing a single person..seen as murder but killing masses is excused if you are a politician?”
Re-upping this opinion piece by Dr. William Foege back in August: “How public health can fight back in a time of dangerous nonsense:
Three steps to surviving the drought of principles, values, and facts” #PublicHealth
www.statnews.com/2025/08/18/r...
Three steps to surviving the drought of principles, values, and facts” #PublicHealth
www.statnews.com/2025/08/18/r...
Former CDC Director William Foege: How public health can fight back in a time of dangerous nonsense
“Kennedy would be less hazardous if he decided to do cardiac surgery. Then he would kill people only one at a time,” writes former CDC Director William Foege.
www.statnews.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:02 PM
As Bill Foege (RIP) said:
RFK Jr “would be less hazardous if he decided to do cardiac surgery. Then he’d kill people only one at a time rather than his current ability to kill by the thousands. Why is…killing a single person..seen as murder but killing masses is excused if you are a politician?”
RFK Jr “would be less hazardous if he decided to do cardiac surgery. Then he’d kill people only one at a time rather than his current ability to kill by the thousands. Why is…killing a single person..seen as murder but killing masses is excused if you are a politician?”
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
strategy before tactics--not the reverse
January 25, 2026 at 6:59 PM
strategy before tactics--not the reverse
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
This broke me
A video of Alex Pretti reading out the final salute of an unnamed veteran he cared for until the end of his life in the ICU, posted to Facebook by his son.
January 25, 2026 at 1:46 AM
This broke me
Reposted by Jeff Johnston
We keep trying to do this and we have to
January 25, 2026 at 12:47 AM
We keep trying to do this and we have to