Val Swainson
@raptorspaghetti.bsky.social
Pinned
Val Swainson
@raptorspaghetti.bsky.social
· Dec 21
Coheed and Cambria - "One Last Miracle" [Official Music Video]
YouTube video by Coheed and Cambria
youtu.be
This is why Coheed and Cambria continues to be my favorite band of all time! The gold decorations being just orange slime is a wonderful touch! #christmas #santa #krampus #coheedandcambria #trump
Zoo enrichment has come so far, now there's giant pickle toys for big cats to destroy. 💚
February 18, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Zoo enrichment has come so far, now there's giant pickle toys for big cats to destroy. 💚
Reposted by Val Swainson
The First Amendment protects your right to record government officials performing their duties in public.
This applies to ICE agents, police, FBI, National Guard troops, and any other government officials.
Learn more at aclu.org/kyr_record-
This applies to ICE agents, police, FBI, National Guard troops, and any other government officials.
Learn more at aclu.org/kyr_record-
February 18, 2026 at 1:09 AM
The First Amendment protects your right to record government officials performing their duties in public.
This applies to ICE agents, police, FBI, National Guard troops, and any other government officials.
Learn more at aclu.org/kyr_record-
This applies to ICE agents, police, FBI, National Guard troops, and any other government officials.
Learn more at aclu.org/kyr_record-
Reposted by Val Swainson
Reposted by Val Swainson
The drunk uncle theory.
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
agree with this (hah) but also think a particular mistake the left made for a long time online, and still makes to an extent, is failing to understand that the person whose mind you may actually change is the one reading the argument you're having, not the one you're arguing with
The secret to engaging in social media debate is knowing you will never win anyone over. The best you can hope for is to have people who already agree with tell you you're awesome. You might great a dopamine thrill from the righteousness of your anger! Fine benefits, all. But you will never win.
February 16, 2026 at 11:35 PM
The drunk uncle theory.
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
Reposted by Val Swainson
Reposted by Val Swainson
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."
—FDR, 1937
—FDR, 1937
February 16, 2026 at 7:01 PM
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."
—FDR, 1937
—FDR, 1937
Reposted by Val Swainson
Reposted by Val Swainson
The abuses stopped being publicized when mainstream media decided to believe Homas that he was “drawing down” ICE troops in MN. But MN residents keep telling us that ICE hasn’t left. I believe #Minnesota
February 11, 2026 at 1:45 AM
The abuses stopped being publicized when mainstream media decided to believe Homas that he was “drawing down” ICE troops in MN. But MN residents keep telling us that ICE hasn’t left. I believe #Minnesota
Reposted by Val Swainson
If you don't live in MN, get together with folks in your community and plan ways to sustainably raise funds for those on the frontlines.
MN needs sustainable support for the foreseeable future. You have the power to organize with others and send regular aid.
www.standwithminnesota.com
MN needs sustainable support for the foreseeable future. You have the power to organize with others and send regular aid.
www.standwithminnesota.com
Stand With Minnesota
Stand With Minnesota is a hub for supporting, learning, and taking action to support Minnesotans impacted by ICE and federal enforcement.
www.standwithminnesota.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:20 PM
If you don't live in MN, get together with folks in your community and plan ways to sustainably raise funds for those on the frontlines.
MN needs sustainable support for the foreseeable future. You have the power to organize with others and send regular aid.
www.standwithminnesota.com
MN needs sustainable support for the foreseeable future. You have the power to organize with others and send regular aid.
www.standwithminnesota.com
Reposted by Val Swainson
LISTEN: There are a lot of folks out here working tirelessly to get the truth out there. Replying to us that nothing matters because there'll be no consequences is not only incorrect, but it belittles the work we do. It's insulting and shortsighted. Stop following us if you don't want the info.
February 9, 2026 at 7:48 PM
LISTEN: There are a lot of folks out here working tirelessly to get the truth out there. Replying to us that nothing matters because there'll be no consequences is not only incorrect, but it belittles the work we do. It's insulting and shortsighted. Stop following us if you don't want the info.
Reposted by Val Swainson
ICE will not defeat the American people.
Believe it.
Believe it.
February 8, 2026 at 3:43 AM
ICE will not defeat the American people.
Believe it.
Believe it.
Reposted by Val Swainson
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Gladys Mae West obituary: mathematician who pioneered GPS technology
She made key contributions to US cold-war science despite facing huge barriers as a Black woman.
www.nature.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:09 AM
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Val Swainson
Sometimes the greatest way to resist and expose fascist savagery is through compassion ❤️
February 1, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Sometimes the greatest way to resist and expose fascist savagery is through compassion ❤️
Reposted by Val Swainson
Black History Month is a time to recognize the lived, shared experience of all Black folks who have fundamentally shaped, challenged, and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so that we can create a better future.
February 1, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Black History Month is a time to recognize the lived, shared experience of all Black folks who have fundamentally shaped, challenged, and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so that we can create a better future.
Reposted by Val Swainson
Last night CNN reported on this. They are scanning all of the protestors’ faces. They are taking pictures of license plates. They are spying on people by accessing their phones’ data. All of this is being done to identify Americans and label them domestic enemies.
February 1, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Last night CNN reported on this. They are scanning all of the protestors’ faces. They are taking pictures of license plates. They are spying on people by accessing their phones’ data. All of this is being done to identify Americans and label them domestic enemies.
Reposted by Val Swainson
Yesterday, five-year-old Liam and his dad Adrian were released from Dilley detention center. I picked them up last night and escorted them back to Minnesota this morning.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
February 1, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Yesterday, five-year-old Liam and his dad Adrian were released from Dilley detention center. I picked them up last night and escorted them back to Minnesota this morning.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
Reposted by Val Swainson
Arresting journalists.
Fatally shooting protestors.
Turning the military on citizens.
Attempting to rig elections.
Toying with the idea of declaring martial law.
If this were happening in another country, what would you call it?
Fatally shooting protestors.
Turning the military on citizens.
Attempting to rig elections.
Toying with the idea of declaring martial law.
If this were happening in another country, what would you call it?
January 30, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Arresting journalists.
Fatally shooting protestors.
Turning the military on citizens.
Attempting to rig elections.
Toying with the idea of declaring martial law.
If this were happening in another country, what would you call it?
Fatally shooting protestors.
Turning the military on citizens.
Attempting to rig elections.
Toying with the idea of declaring martial law.
If this were happening in another country, what would you call it?
Reposted by Val Swainson
We created this guide for anyone who could experience a miscarriage in a state with abortion restrictions.
We wrote it in consultation with dozens of doctors, including those who regularly treat patients who are miscarrying 👇
We wrote it in consultation with dozens of doctors, including those who regularly treat patients who are miscarrying 👇
If You’re Pregnant, Here’s What You Should Know About the Medical Procedures That Could Save Your Life
Women experiencing pregnancy loss in states with abortion bans told us they wished they had known what to expect and how to advocate for themselves. We created this guide for anyone who finds themselv...
www.propublica.org
January 24, 2026 at 4:00 AM
We created this guide for anyone who could experience a miscarriage in a state with abortion restrictions.
We wrote it in consultation with dozens of doctors, including those who regularly treat patients who are miscarrying 👇
We wrote it in consultation with dozens of doctors, including those who regularly treat patients who are miscarrying 👇
Reposted by Val Swainson
FUCK ICE!! ive lived in minnesota my whole life and were here to prove were NOT always minnesota nice!! we bite back! CRUSH ICE!! 🧊
donate $5 or more to any of the organizations via standwithminnesota.com, send proof and receive a sticker as thank you
form: forms.gle/WP4EZr2SUKBx...
donate $5 or more to any of the organizations via standwithminnesota.com, send proof and receive a sticker as thank you
form: forms.gle/WP4EZr2SUKBx...
January 24, 2026 at 5:00 AM
FUCK ICE!! ive lived in minnesota my whole life and were here to prove were NOT always minnesota nice!! we bite back! CRUSH ICE!! 🧊
donate $5 or more to any of the organizations via standwithminnesota.com, send proof and receive a sticker as thank you
form: forms.gle/WP4EZr2SUKBx...
donate $5 or more to any of the organizations via standwithminnesota.com, send proof and receive a sticker as thank you
form: forms.gle/WP4EZr2SUKBx...
Reposted by Val Swainson
🚨HOLY CRAP. An ICE whistleblower just revealed a secret memo authorizing ICE officers to break into homes without a judicial warrant, which DHS's own legal training materials say is unconstitutional!
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
January 21, 2026 at 10:00 PM
🚨HOLY CRAP. An ICE whistleblower just revealed a secret memo authorizing ICE officers to break into homes without a judicial warrant, which DHS's own legal training materials say is unconstitutional!
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day! Here's a vid of an ambassador ground squirrel named Blossom enjoying some hanging enrichment. #squirrels
January 22, 2026 at 1:14 AM
Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day! Here's a vid of an ambassador ground squirrel named Blossom enjoying some hanging enrichment. #squirrels
Everyone, say hi to Princess Penny from Pennsylvania. #cats #catsofbluesky
January 21, 2026 at 3:20 AM
Everyone, say hi to Princess Penny from Pennsylvania. #cats #catsofbluesky
Reposted by Val Swainson
If people don't actually use the shitty AI we keep violently thrusting at them, the bubble will pop, and our wasteful investments into water guzzling, anti-human infrastructure will bankrupt us. Despite spouting shit about free markets/consumer first, we have decided you WILL use our slopgorithms.
January 20, 2026 at 10:51 PM
If people don't actually use the shitty AI we keep violently thrusting at them, the bubble will pop, and our wasteful investments into water guzzling, anti-human infrastructure will bankrupt us. Despite spouting shit about free markets/consumer first, we have decided you WILL use our slopgorithms.
Reposted by Val Swainson
Quite the statement from the Prime Minister of Poland
January 20, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Quite the statement from the Prime Minister of Poland