Shawn "Smith" Peirce
@silversmith1.bsky.social
Co-Host & Co-Producer at The Politics Bar thepoliticsbar.com | Fmr. Exec. Producer The Randi Rhodes Show | Longtime Producer, Host, Editor, Writer, Journalist. | Born In Neb | Also at Mastodon, Threads, & Twitter
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
Two late Trump court defeats 'could make a big difference in 2026': analyst
Two late Trump court defeats 'could make a big difference in 2026': analyst
Two significant legal setbacks for Donald Trump's administration are likely to have substantial implications as the president enters 2026.According to former White House correspondent Brian Karem, the Trump administration's winning streak with the conservative Supreme Court ended abruptly when the c...
bit.ly
December 26, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Two late Trump court defeats 'could make a big difference in 2026': analyst
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
As recently as 2012, over 60% of Israelis and 2/3 of Palestinians supported a 2-state solution.
Since the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, support has plummeted among both.
This is exactly what Hamas (& Netanyahu) wanted: To destroy any hope for a peaceful solution.
Since the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, support has plummeted among both.
This is exactly what Hamas (& Netanyahu) wanted: To destroy any hope for a peaceful solution.
December 27, 2025 at 3:45 AM
As recently as 2012, over 60% of Israelis and 2/3 of Palestinians supported a 2-state solution.
Since the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, support has plummeted among both.
This is exactly what Hamas (& Netanyahu) wanted: To destroy any hope for a peaceful solution.
Since the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, support has plummeted among both.
This is exactly what Hamas (& Netanyahu) wanted: To destroy any hope for a peaceful solution.
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
More seriously, as most readers here know I helped draft the CA billionaire tax initiative text and you just can't get out of it by setting up a couple of LLCs in Florida. We have thought about how to block these fake paper moves for 4 years.
Billionaires are considering cutting or reducing their ties to California by the end of the year because of a proposed ballot measure that could tax the state’s wealthiest residents.
A Wealth Tax Floated in California Has Billionaires Thinking of Leaving
It’s uncertain whether the proposal will reach the statewide ballot in November, but some billionaires like Peter Thiel and Larry Page may be unwilling to take the risk.
nyti.ms
December 27, 2025 at 2:03 AM
More seriously, as most readers here know I helped draft the CA billionaire tax initiative text and you just can't get out of it by setting up a couple of LLCs in Florida. We have thought about how to block these fake paper moves for 4 years.
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
“In our nation’s current battle between the forces of light & darkness…we all have a role to play. We can speak out for, vote and fight for, a better & more compassionate country. Or we can witness as the house divided is brought down by the worst among us.”
www.americaamerica.news/p/the-contin...
www.americaamerica.news/p/the-contin...
The Continuing Need for Compassion
At all times, America benefits from compassionate leadership
www.americaamerica.news
December 26, 2025 at 3:28 PM
“In our nation’s current battle between the forces of light & darkness…we all have a role to play. We can speak out for, vote and fight for, a better & more compassionate country. Or we can witness as the house divided is brought down by the worst among us.”
www.americaamerica.news/p/the-contin...
www.americaamerica.news/p/the-contin...
Fixed the headline for you, @theguardian.com
- - -
U.S. voters are linking climate crisis to rising utility bills despite Trump’s anti-green energy propaganda
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
- - -
U.S. voters are linking climate crisis to rising utility bills despite Trump’s anti-green energy propaganda
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
US voters linking climate crisis to rising bills despite Trump’s ‘green scam’ claims
New polling shows 65% of registered US voters believe global heating is affecting cost of living
www.theguardian.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Fixed the headline for you, @theguardian.com
- - -
U.S. voters are linking climate crisis to rising utility bills despite Trump’s anti-green energy propaganda
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
- - -
U.S. voters are linking climate crisis to rising utility bills despite Trump’s anti-green energy propaganda
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
This from Iowa journalist @laurarbelin.bsky.social is so good. Belin - an actual journalist with years experience including covering Russia(!), spells out what it's really like trying to get the govt to comment for stories & why Bari Weiss screwed up.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/12/25/o...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/12/25/o...
On "fair" reporting and what happened at "60 Minutes"
Laura Belin: I was alarmed (though not surprised) when CBS News boss Bari Weiss intervened to stop “60 Minutes” from airing a segment.
www.bleedingheartland.com
December 27, 2025 at 12:46 AM
This from Iowa journalist @laurarbelin.bsky.social is so good. Belin - an actual journalist with years experience including covering Russia(!), spells out what it's really like trying to get the govt to comment for stories & why Bari Weiss screwed up.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/12/25/o...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/12/25/o...
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
Here’s an easy way for DOJ to cut time redacting the Epstein files: waive any claims that information in the files is privileged. Stop hiding behind attorney/client, deliberative process, and work product privileges. Protect the victims. Release the rest of the files.
Trump: “Now 1,000,000 more pages on Epstein are found. DOJ is being forced to spend all of its time on this Democrat inspired Hoax. When do they say NO MORE, & work on Election Fraud etc. The Dems are the ones who worked with Epstein, not the Republicans. Release all of their names, embarrass them”
December 26, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Here’s an easy way for DOJ to cut time redacting the Epstein files: waive any claims that information in the files is privileged. Stop hiding behind attorney/client, deliberative process, and work product privileges. Protect the victims. Release the rest of the files.
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
we’ve been over this
we just did this in Massachusetts
they’re not gonna leave, they’ll whine and bitch and moan and eventually this will raise more money than expected because nowhere they go is actually like the place they’re leaving
we just did this in Massachusetts
they’re not gonna leave, they’ll whine and bitch and moan and eventually this will raise more money than expected because nowhere they go is actually like the place they’re leaving
Billionaires are considering cutting or reducing their ties to California by the end of the year because of a proposed ballot measure that could tax the state’s wealthiest residents.
A Wealth Tax Floated in California Has Billionaires Thinking of Leaving
It’s uncertain whether the proposal will reach the statewide ballot in November, but some billionaires like Peter Thiel and Larry Page may be unwilling to take the risk.
nyti.ms
December 27, 2025 at 12:49 AM
we’ve been over this
we just did this in Massachusetts
they’re not gonna leave, they’ll whine and bitch and moan and eventually this will raise more money than expected because nowhere they go is actually like the place they’re leaving
we just did this in Massachusetts
they’re not gonna leave, they’ll whine and bitch and moan and eventually this will raise more money than expected because nowhere they go is actually like the place they’re leaving
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
Imagine watching Sinatra, son of Dolly & Antonini born in Genoa & Sicily, respectively, and Martin, son of Gaetano & Angela, born in Montesilvano, Italy & Ohio respectively, (Angela to parents born in Monasterolo, Italy), and crusading against the value of children of immigrants to the U.S.
December 26, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Imagine watching Sinatra, son of Dolly & Antonini born in Genoa & Sicily, respectively, and Martin, son of Gaetano & Angela, born in Montesilvano, Italy & Ohio respectively, (Angela to parents born in Monasterolo, Italy), and crusading against the value of children of immigrants to the U.S.
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
At boltsmag.org, we’re now in final week of our winter fundraiser — we’ve reached more than 85% of the goal we’d set on November 1.
We’re gonna push hard till then to create a lot of room for reporting trips, artwork, freelancing, & all the stuff that
makes you value our journalism. Join us!
We’re gonna push hard till then to create a lot of room for reporting trips, artwork, freelancing, & all the stuff that
makes you value our journalism. Join us!
Support Bolts
We are a nonprofit publication that covers the nuts and bolts of political change, from the local up, and we need reader support to build our journalism.
boltsmag.org
December 26, 2025 at 7:27 PM
At boltsmag.org, we’re now in final week of our winter fundraiser — we’ve reached more than 85% of the goal we’d set on November 1.
We’re gonna push hard till then to create a lot of room for reporting trips, artwork, freelancing, & all the stuff that
makes you value our journalism. Join us!
We’re gonna push hard till then to create a lot of room for reporting trips, artwork, freelancing, & all the stuff that
makes you value our journalism. Join us!
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
This is a sharp point from @mtkonczal.bsky.social about how the white nationalist aims of MAGA threaten the MAGA coalition's other priorities. I tried to get at some of this in my dive into Stephen Miller's real agenda (threaded below)
newsletter.mikekonczal.com/p/everything...
newsletter.mikekonczal.com/p/everything...
December 26, 2025 at 8:01 PM
This is a sharp point from @mtkonczal.bsky.social about how the white nationalist aims of MAGA threaten the MAGA coalition's other priorities. I tried to get at some of this in my dive into Stephen Miller's real agenda (threaded below)
newsletter.mikekonczal.com/p/everything...
newsletter.mikekonczal.com/p/everything...
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
Because I just emerged from a cave after 14 years without reading a word of news, I genuinely thought that Congress might reach a deal on ACA subsidies before Xmas.
“A PBS News/NPR/Marist poll this month found that more Americans than ever disapprove of the president’s handling of the economy. Americans also expressed concerns over the cost of living, health care prices and personal finances.”
www.ms.now/news/trump-t...
www.ms.now/news/trump-t...
Trump touts plummeting federal employment: ‘Big news for the USA!’
The president gleefully cited stark cuts in federal employment, even as polls showed Americans’ dissatisfaction over his handling of the economy.
www.ms.now
December 26, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Because I just emerged from a cave after 14 years without reading a word of news, I genuinely thought that Congress might reach a deal on ACA subsidies before Xmas.
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
Ask your MAGA dad or brother what he thinks about this. What if you were in this restroom? What if These men are just posing as #ice?
How can you even tell if they aren't showing badges & don't have a standard uniform?
Ask your mom & sister what they'd feel if they were in there.
#ICELawlessness
How can you even tell if they aren't showing badges & don't have a standard uniform?
Ask your mom & sister what they'd feel if they were in there.
#ICELawlessness
December 26, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Ask your MAGA dad or brother what he thinks about this. What if you were in this restroom? What if These men are just posing as #ice?
How can you even tell if they aren't showing badges & don't have a standard uniform?
Ask your mom & sister what they'd feel if they were in there.
#ICELawlessness
How can you even tell if they aren't showing badges & don't have a standard uniform?
Ask your mom & sister what they'd feel if they were in there.
#ICELawlessness
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
This is related to the idea that if white people don't have 100% of high-prestige jobs, awards, recognition etc it's evidence of discrimination against whiteness. It's where "great replacement" logic leads you. bsky.app/profile/donm...
I see this on the right - the idea that the existence of foreign academic staff and faculty are evidence of discrimination against natives. It's not discrimination, its selection: academia is a global marketplace, the US is the biggest center of that market. So yes, some foreign talent will win.
Striking nativist editorializing by the federal judge who just upheld the $100,000 tax on high-skill immigrants.
She opines that it’s “troubling” that universities hire talent from abroad at all, instead of only native grads.
Then admits (!) that opinion is irrelevant (So why write it? Venting?)
She opines that it’s “troubling” that universities hire talent from abroad at all, instead of only native grads.
Then admits (!) that opinion is irrelevant (So why write it? Venting?)
December 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
This is related to the idea that if white people don't have 100% of high-prestige jobs, awards, recognition etc it's evidence of discrimination against whiteness. It's where "great replacement" logic leads you. bsky.app/profile/donm...
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
I see this on the right - the idea that the existence of foreign academic staff and faculty are evidence of discrimination against natives. It's not discrimination, its selection: academia is a global marketplace, the US is the biggest center of that market. So yes, some foreign talent will win.
Striking nativist editorializing by the federal judge who just upheld the $100,000 tax on high-skill immigrants.
She opines that it’s “troubling” that universities hire talent from abroad at all, instead of only native grads.
Then admits (!) that opinion is irrelevant (So why write it? Venting?)
She opines that it’s “troubling” that universities hire talent from abroad at all, instead of only native grads.
Then admits (!) that opinion is irrelevant (So why write it? Venting?)
December 26, 2025 at 5:01 PM
I see this on the right - the idea that the existence of foreign academic staff and faculty are evidence of discrimination against natives. It's not discrimination, its selection: academia is a global marketplace, the US is the biggest center of that market. So yes, some foreign talent will win.
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
📣 Dems have overperformed an average of over 13 pts across 66 Special Elections so far, including flipping 7 seats!
There's over 30 MORE coming up!
12/30: IA SD-16: Renee Hardman
01/06: CT HD-025, GA HD-023, SC HD-98, VA SD-15, VA HD-077
Donate today!
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
There's over 30 MORE coming up!
12/30: IA SD-16: Renee Hardman
01/06: CT HD-025, GA HD-023, SC HD-98, VA SD-15, VA HD-077
Donate today!
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
Chip in!
Show your support with a contribution.
secure.actblue.com
December 26, 2025 at 6:01 PM
📣 Dems have overperformed an average of over 13 pts across 66 Special Elections so far, including flipping 7 seats!
There's over 30 MORE coming up!
12/30: IA SD-16: Renee Hardman
01/06: CT HD-025, GA HD-023, SC HD-98, VA SD-15, VA HD-077
Donate today!
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
There's over 30 MORE coming up!
12/30: IA SD-16: Renee Hardman
01/06: CT HD-025, GA HD-023, SC HD-98, VA SD-15, VA HD-077
Donate today!
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
Some Trump not winning data from Economist/YouGov.
Approve/disapprove:
25%-61% - Tearing down the East Wing
19%-60% - Invading Venezuela
18%-66% - Renaming Kennedy Center
And by 74%-11% Americans want Trump to get Congressional approval for invading Venezuela.
Thread 👇
bsky.app/profile/simo...
Approve/disapprove:
25%-61% - Tearing down the East Wing
19%-60% - Invading Venezuela
18%-66% - Renaming Kennedy Center
And by 74%-11% Americans want Trump to get Congressional approval for invading Venezuela.
Thread 👇
bsky.app/profile/simo...
So we may have found the single most unpopular thing Trump has done in 2025 - the vainglorious renaming of the Kennedy Center after himself (via Economist/YouGov):
18% approve, 66% disapprove
18% approve, 66% disapprove
December 24, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Some Trump not winning data from Economist/YouGov.
Approve/disapprove:
25%-61% - Tearing down the East Wing
19%-60% - Invading Venezuela
18%-66% - Renaming Kennedy Center
And by 74%-11% Americans want Trump to get Congressional approval for invading Venezuela.
Thread 👇
bsky.app/profile/simo...
Approve/disapprove:
25%-61% - Tearing down the East Wing
19%-60% - Invading Venezuela
18%-66% - Renaming Kennedy Center
And by 74%-11% Americans want Trump to get Congressional approval for invading Venezuela.
Thread 👇
bsky.app/profile/simo...
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
When I launched my campaign, I said I wanted to do politics differently… and we’re actually doing it.
Thank you to Jessica Washington and @theintercept.com for covering the most exciting and rewarding part of this campaign: theintercept.com/2025/12/26/k...
Thank you to Jessica Washington and @theintercept.com for covering the most exciting and rewarding part of this campaign: theintercept.com/2025/12/26/k...
Kat Abughazaleh Thinks Campaign Funds Should Help Feed People
Kat Abughazaleh, an activist running for Congress in Illinois, turned her campaign office into a mutual aid hub.
theintercept.com
December 26, 2025 at 5:58 PM
When I launched my campaign, I said I wanted to do politics differently… and we’re actually doing it.
Thank you to Jessica Washington and @theintercept.com for covering the most exciting and rewarding part of this campaign: theintercept.com/2025/12/26/k...
Thank you to Jessica Washington and @theintercept.com for covering the most exciting and rewarding part of this campaign: theintercept.com/2025/12/26/k...
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
the only issue with the barrage of @katmabu.bsky.social stickers is that they’ve already conquered my macbook! l need to get a new laptop to keep up with the twitch streams!!
if you too want to be burdened with stickers (and an IL-9 Rep for the people), support at
www.katforillinois.com
if you too want to be burdened with stickers (and an IL-9 Rep for the people), support at
www.katforillinois.com
December 26, 2025 at 6:06 PM
the only issue with the barrage of @katmabu.bsky.social stickers is that they’ve already conquered my macbook! l need to get a new laptop to keep up with the twitch streams!!
if you too want to be burdened with stickers (and an IL-9 Rep for the people), support at
www.katforillinois.com
if you too want to be burdened with stickers (and an IL-9 Rep for the people), support at
www.katforillinois.com
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
At the start of 2025, some people questioned whether the resistance was dead. They doubted that Trump’s authoritarian agenda would be met with defiance and backlash.
You proved them wrong: indivisible.org/groups
You proved them wrong: indivisible.org/groups
December 26, 2025 at 2:03 PM
At the start of 2025, some people questioned whether the resistance was dead. They doubted that Trump’s authoritarian agenda would be met with defiance and backlash.
You proved them wrong: indivisible.org/groups
You proved them wrong: indivisible.org/groups
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
Household waste increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years. Rules vary by municipality on what you can recycle and what needs to go into the trash. n.pr/4sa4RjD
Christmas is over. Here's what to do with your holiday trash
Household waste increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years. Rules vary by municipality on what you can recycle and what needs to go into the trash.
n.pr
December 26, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Household waste increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years. Rules vary by municipality on what you can recycle and what needs to go into the trash. n.pr/4sa4RjD
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
Today in life under competitive authoritarianism
ICE detain father shopping on Christmas Eve—then steal his family's groceries.
Then 3 agents divvy up his paid for food—taking what they want for themselves.
"Can I just get the wife's number to call and let her know?" woman asks.
"No, guess he should've complied," agent says.
Yakima, Washington
Then 3 agents divvy up his paid for food—taking what they want for themselves.
"Can I just get the wife's number to call and let her know?" woman asks.
"No, guess he should've complied," agent says.
Yakima, Washington
December 26, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Today in life under competitive authoritarianism
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
A country that had begun to make progress in believing women is regressing. In this environment, it becomes more and more difficult for victims to come forward, which means that the people committing crimes against them are going to get away with it. Again.
open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
Which Side Is DOJ on: The Epstein Files
With apologies for writing about such a serious topic as we enter the Christmas holidays, these developments seemed too important to ignore.
open.substack.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:17 PM
A country that had begun to make progress in believing women is regressing. In this environment, it becomes more and more difficult for victims to come forward, which means that the people committing crimes against them are going to get away with it. Again.
open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
You don’t hear a peep from all those defenders of the faith about how Christian Palestinians are being mistreated, threatened, and killed by Israeli settlers, aided by the government.
On Tuesday Alice Kisiya was able, for the first time since 2019, to set foot on her family’s land in the Christian village of al-Makhrour after an Israeli court ruling eventually forced Israeli settlers to leave the land and dismantle an illegal outpost.
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
www.aljazeera.com/features/202...
Victory against Israeli West Bank settlement offers Palestinians some hope
Christian activist Kisiya regains access to family land after an Israeli court ruled against settlers in the West Bank.
www.aljazeera.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:17 PM
You don’t hear a peep from all those defenders of the faith about how Christian Palestinians are being mistreated, threatened, and killed by Israeli settlers, aided by the government.
Reposted by Shawn "Smith" Peirce
Chilly today -- highs in the 30s. Wintry mix arrives this afternoon into evening. A little sleet, mostly rain near the northern Beltway and south. Freezing rain my cause slick spots north. Somewhat milder this weekend behind the storm. Forecast and details: www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025...
CWG Live: Rain and wintry mix this afternoon through evening
Far northern suburbs have highest chance of icy impacts. Milder weekend, then almost warm Monday.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Chilly today -- highs in the 30s. Wintry mix arrives this afternoon into evening. A little sleet, mostly rain near the northern Beltway and south. Freezing rain my cause slick spots north. Somewhat milder this weekend behind the storm. Forecast and details: www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025...