Taylor Carik
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taylorcarik.bsky.social
Taylor Carik
@taylorcarik.bsky.social
520 followers 280 following 1K posts
"Originally considered a critical failure, it has since gained a cult following"

Producer of #bienvenidosdystopia, media studies adjunct + writer, former DISPATCH publisher, plays in WRRC MPLS and PARISHES, among other things.

\\ taylorcarik.com //
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Taylor Carik
brianbeutler.bsky.social
The AOC gaffe police are a joke, and many of her substantive critics are off base. If you listened, she outlined an ambitious vision to synthesize global class politics and liberal internationalism. One red flag: the implication that fascism arises from, and must be defeated by, economic conditions.
What AOC Wants For The World
The overwhelming majority of her critics are vapid; but there is one potential vulnerability in her vision of a better future.
www.offmessage.net
February 18, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
douglasmack.bsky.social
It's obviously not a competition but the essays about *all this* that will most stick in my mind for years are today's Will McGrath essay in NYT,

@taylorcarik.bsky.social in Liberal Currents

www.liberalcurrents.com/so-hows-the-...

...and Kalia Yang in Lit Hub

lithub.com/letter-from-...
Letter From Minnesota: “If They Take Me and Leave the Children…”
Today is Tuesday, January 27th, 2026. I got gas for the first time this year by myself. The gas station was mostly empty. I drove into the station, heart thudding in my chest. I did everything as f…
lithub.com
February 18, 2026 at 4:32 PM
taylorcarik.bsky.social
Techno-fascism is as much cultural as it is political; framing like this is to try and shift discourse for both.

People are posting obvious replies, but also this isn’t about technology, it’s about the obvious inequalities and dire consequences, not complex tools and tech in general.
February 18, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
mendeia.bsky.social
This makes me so fucking proud
unicornriot.bsky.social Unicorn Riot @unicornriot.bsky.social · 17h
Two days after the deadly sea collision, ~1,000 people demonstrated in central Athens, chanting slogans such as “Athens – Minnesota we fight together, against the system that murders us,” “open borders for refugees,” and “we live together, we work together with the migrants, fight the nazis.”
February 18, 2026 at 4:53 AM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
lookitup.baby
With alt text, so everyone can be able to read it
UNIONS ANNOUNCE HISTORIC TWIN CITIES RENT STRIKE, DEMANDING EVICTION MORATORIUM AND $50 MILLION RENT RELIEF Minneapolis, MN- Today labor and tenant unions in Minneapolis and St. Paul announced a March 1 rent strike drive, calling on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to immediately declare an eviction moratorium and rent relief. Representing more than 25,900 workers, these five labor unions and the new cities-wide tenant union together vow to show an unprecedented expression of economic power to ensure action from the Governor. Twin Cities Tenants, a cities-wide tenant union in Minneapolis and St. Paul, joins with SEIU Healthcare MN/IA (representing 9,000 workers who live and work in the Twin Cities), SEIU Local 26 (representing 8,000 workers in the Twin Cities), Unite HERE Local 17 (representing 6,000 workers), ATU 1005 (representing 2,300 workers), and CWA 7250 (representing 600 workers) to launch the strike drive. Following decisions by their executive teams, these unions are actively organizing their membership towards the March 1 rent strike. Take Action Minnesota has committed 1,500 of their members, mostly parents and teachers, to take the strike pledge, and Unidos Minnesota is moving the pledge to its 8,000 members. The unions and community groups are joined by Minneapolis City Council Members Jason Chavez (Ward 9), Aisha Chughtai (Ward 10), Aurin Chowdhury (Ward 12), and Robin Wonsley (Ward 2). The Councilmembers have fought for a statewide eviction moratorium, and they are all tenants who have now pledged to strike on March 1. (Alt text continued on the second picture, which is of the same page. The third and the fourth picture are also the same as each other and alt text will continue between the third and the fourth picture, which I couldn’t put there because a 2000 character limit is cruel and unusual) Just 10,000 tenants withholding rent in March alone would result in a $15 million economic disruption. This would more than double the "normal" levels of rental debt across the Twin Cities. If authorized and launched, this would be the largest rent strike in the United States in the last 100 years, and the largest rent strike in Minnesota's history. The strike drive follows nearly three months of federal occupation, which has taken a painful economic toll on poor and working class tenants across the Twin Cities. Over 35,000 low-income Twin Cities households were already unable to afford the rent before the federal siege. Estimates show over $47 million in lost wages among people who have not been safe to go to work, and at least $15.7 million in additional rental assistance needed due to lost household income - leaving many of those households at imminent risk of eviction. Despite monumental efforts by community members to distribute nearly $5 million in rent relief, evictions in the Twin Cities are already spiking. In January 2026, landlords across Minneapolis and St. Paul filed 1,311 evictions; this is up 12% from December 2025, and 26% over the January average in the past few years. The top evictors under occupation include large companies like Dominum, Aeon, Roers Companies, and The Related Companies. The list also includes landlords like Sherman Associates, who have opened up hotels to ICE. Even as the federal government announces a "draw down" of Operation Metro Surge, the economic impact of the occupation will continue long after the ICE agents are gone. Because of mutual aid funds and local protections, like 30-day notice for filing in Minneapolis, tenants may have avoided court so far. but occupation evictions will be heard soon. "In the last 2 months, I've been stuck in the house. I can't work, so I can't pay rent. All we want is freedom, to feel that we belong someplace, to work. Today I’m pledging to rent strike on March 1 because I know that when we fight, we win," said Anain, a member of Inquilins Unids por Justicia & Twin Cities Tenants. "Today, I'm more scared of what's been happening than I’m scared of the risk of going on strike. I’m ready to withhold my rent, alongside my neighbors across the Twin Cities, until we win." "Tenants in MN are in a crisis. The federal invasion forced many of our neighbors to stay home & devastated our local economy," said Minneapolis City Council Member Aisha Chughtai. "We need real solutions for the cliff of rental crisis we are facing on March 1st. I will be going on rent strike on March 1 and I call on my constituents to join me, until we can get a real solution from our state government for this crisis." "Our union has always understood that no matter what we win at the bargaining table, if we don't join fights led by the community around things like keeping us safe & having an affordable place to live, we aren't materially making lives better," said Greg Nammacher, President of SEIU Local 26. "We know many of our members are like thousands of Minnesotans who’ve been facing immense challenges over the last few months because of the federal occupation, & now are facing impossible situations around paying their rent. We’re telling our members about the strike drive and encouraging them to get involved if this is an issue that’s important to them because we know that collective action is the only way to take on problems this large." "We absolutely need an eviction moratorium," said Geof Paquette, Internal Organizing Director at Unite Here Local 17. "Our members were struggling to keep up with housing costs before ICE occupied our streets. It’s now become an emergency as many of our members are behind in their rent. It's well past time for some relief."… "Our members have been deeply impacted by the presence of federal agents in MN, including organizing robust mutual aid in school communities to ensure students and families could stay home and safe during the past 2 months," said Amanda Otero, Co-Director of Take Action MN. "Many of our neighbors are at risk of losing their housing due to this crisis & we’re raising our voices to demand an eviction moratorium & rent relief. We’re ready to talk to our members about a rent strike as a strategy to ensure our demands are met." "First, we stand in solidarity with workers in all sectors," said David Stiggers, Pres of ATU 1005. "Public transit workers are tenants too, who serve the communities we live in. We’re often living paycheck to paycheck & sometimes only one small emergency away from falling short on rent. Unstable housing leads to stress which leads to poor work performance & that's detrimental to safety and reliability, which impacts the entire community. ATU represents many frontline public service workers, those driving, maintaining, & riding transit so we'll continue to fight for justice and equity in housing policies." "The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way, fighting a federal invasion and caring for their neighbors; their fight and their care continues in this historic rent strike," said Tara Raghuveer, Director of the Tenant Union Federation. "Out of deep consideration and profound seriousness, & facing Mar 1, when the rent is due & so many still can't pay, tenants & workers have decided that they have no other choice but to strike. In taking this step, they join a storied tradition of struggle. The struggle can end whenever the Gov steps in to do what's right." Twin Cities Tenants is a Cities-wide tenant union. This effort is led by Inquilins Unids por Justicia, South Minneapolis Tenant Union, property-level unions, & block groups across the Twin Cities. TC Tenants is supported by the Tenant Union Federation, a national union of tenant unions.
February 18, 2026 at 5:16 AM
taylorcarik.bsky.social
Let’s gooooooo
taraghuveer.bsky.social Tara Raghuveer @taraghuveer.bsky.social · 1d
MAJOR: Twin Cities Tenants joins five labor unions, together repping 25,900 members, to launch a rent strike drive, vowing to withhold rent March 1 if @governorwalz.mn.gov fails to deliver an eviction moratorium and rent relief. If launched, this would be the largest US rent strike in 100+ years.
February 18, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
natepentz.bsky.social
Maybe now some folks putting out mealy mouth statements will wake up.
taraghuveer.bsky.social Tara Raghuveer @taraghuveer.bsky.social · 1d
MAJOR: Twin Cities Tenants joins five labor unions, together repping 25,900 members, to launch a rent strike drive, vowing to withhold rent March 1 if @governorwalz.mn.gov fails to deliver an eviction moratorium and rent relief. If launched, this would be the largest US rent strike in 100+ years.
February 18, 2026 at 6:07 AM
taylorcarik.bsky.social
Abolish ICE is a moderate popular public opinion
jessicacalarco.com Jess Calarco @jessicacalarco.com · 8h
ProPublica published children's letters and drawings documenting their sadness and suffering at Dilley. And Dilley staff are now retaliating by confiscating kids' letters and drawings.

www.sacurrent.com/news/san-ant...
Report: Staff at Dilley raiding cells to confiscate kids' letters and drawings detailing conditions inside
February 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
mjsdc.bsky.social
The horror stories rolling in from Minnesota are just the tip of the iceberg. This 20-year-old, who's lawfully present in the country, was arrested for being Latino, then jailed in a filthy cell where he couldn't even sit down. 18 days of illegal detention. democracyforward.org/wp-content/u...
On January 10, 2026, while driving back to work after getting lunch with his father and cousin, a car quickly passed O., sped up, then stopped in front of him. (Id. ¶ 3.) A few men in civilian clothes stepped out of the car and asked for his identification. (Id.) The men threatened O.—if he did not get out of the car, they would force him out. (Id.) O. exited the car and was told he was under arrest. (Id.) The men handcuffed him and did not allow him to bring his phone. (Id.) O. felt like he was being kidnapped. (Id.) The men detained O., his father, and his cousin, taking them all to Whipple. (Id. ¶ 4.) At Whipple, there was “food scattered on the floor, the floor was sticky with mud, and everything stuck to your shoes.” (Id. ¶ 5.) The space was so cramped that sometimes there was no space to sit on the floor. (Id.)
February 17, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
natepentz.bsky.social
After we abolish ICE we need to bulldoze Whipple.
mjsdc.bsky.social Mark Joseph Stern @mjsdc.bsky.social · 1d
The horror stories rolling in from Minnesota are just the tip of the iceberg. This 20-year-old, who's lawfully present in the country, was arrested for being Latino, then jailed in a filthy cell where he couldn't even sit down. 18 days of illegal detention. democracyforward.org/wp-content/u...
On January 10, 2026, while driving back to work after getting lunch with his father and cousin, a car quickly passed O., sped up, then stopped in front of him. (Id. ¶ 3.) A few men in civilian clothes stepped out of the car and asked for his identification. (Id.) The men threatened O.—if he did not get out of the car, they would force him out. (Id.) O. exited the car and was told he was under arrest. (Id.) The men handcuffed him and did not allow him to bring his phone. (Id.) O. felt like he was being kidnapped. (Id.) The men detained O., his father, and his cousin, taking them all to Whipple. (Id. ¶ 4.) At Whipple, there was “food scattered on the floor, the floor was sticky with mud, and everything stuck to your shoes.” (Id. ¶ 5.) The space was so cramped that sometimes there was no space to sit on the floor. (Id.)
February 18, 2026 at 2:43 AM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
jchavezmpls.bsky.social
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt collaborates with ICE. Sheriffs escorted and protected ICE in this action.
startribune.com Minnesota Star Tribune @startribune.com · 2d
A judge has ordered the release of an 18-year-old who was detained by federal agents in a chaotic scene inside the Hennepin County Government Center last week.
Judge orders release of man who was detained in chaotic scene at courthouse
The 18-year-old was in court for a hearing on first-degree drug possession charges stemming from his arrest in January.
bit.ly
February 16, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
tyleraking.com
There is no drawdown. There is no retreat. ICE is just redistributing their assets to better avoid accountability.
The same day DHS announced the surge would end in Minnesota, ICE activity increased in small towns
The less densely populated areas outside the Twin Cities make it harder for protesters and observers to organize.
www.theverge.com
February 17, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
zeteo.com
New: Tricia McLaughlin is reportedly leaving her role as spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.

Here's a list of some of the biggest lies she's told while trying to defend Trump and Vance's violent masked agents: zeteo.com/p/tricia-mcl...
7 of the Biggest Lies So Far From Trump’s Homeland Security Mouthpiece
Tricia McLaughlin’s job is to defend Trump’s violent, masked immigration agents kidnapping people off the streets. That means a lot of lying.
zeteo.com
February 17, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
equalityalec.bsky.social
There is no easier or more important political position to take than to do everything possible to stop this. It will change our society forever, and Democrats are going along with it.
Ice planning to acquire $38 billion in warehouses to create detention centers all over the U.S.
February 15, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
walkingminnesota.com
This is true
iCe Officers Are But H0C S!!
February 17, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
sigridellis.bsky.social
I want to further say that the Twin Cities has raised FIVE MILLION FUCKING DOLLARS to pay the rent of our neighbors over the last three months.

That's five million dollars we all NEEDED, but our neighbors needed it more.

And why? Why??

Because people could not work for fear of KIDNAPPING.
February 17, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
sarahkendzior.bsky.social
New article! I wrote about Epstein and the difference between vindication and justice.
sarahkendzior.substack.com/p/shipwreck-...
Shipwreck on Zombie Road
Vindication means nothing without justice.
sarahkendzior.substack.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:49 PM
taylorcarik.bsky.social
That’s because it’s the core function of media
djlavoie.bsky.social D Lavoie @djlavoie.bsky.social · 1d
It is 2026 and the NYT is still doing Democratic gaffe coverage based on which bad-faith attacks are "rocketing around conservative social media."

I simply cannot.
After First Big Overseas Trip, Ocasio-Cortez Expresses Frustrations The congresswoman argued in an interview that presidential speculation, which included scrutiny of her slip-ups, had overshadowed her anti-authoritarian message at the Munich Security Conference. But rather than the substance of her arguments, it was her on-camera stumbles when answering questions about specific world affairs that rocketed around conservative social media and drove plenty of the discussion about her visit, as political observers speculated whether they would make a dent in a potential presidential run in 2028.
February 17, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
elindie.bsky.social
30 years ago I heard Jesse Jackson diagnose US inequality as:

in every city in the country they are building two brand new structures: a stadium, and a prison.

i have never forgotten that speech. RIP
February 17, 2026 at 1:40 PM
taylorcarik.bsky.social
look you've been training for this most of your life time to use your powers for good lfg
lauragmitchell.com Laura G Mitchell @lauragmitchell.com · 1d
Do you like to drink AND keep our neighbors housed?

Well, I’ve got an event for you!

bit.ly/barcrawl4rent
Red flyer for bar crawl for mutual aid Sat Feb 28th 1-6pm Keep Us Housed Donate $30 to register bit.ly/barcrawl4rent Bar THE DUSTY'S BRIAR Craw! SOCIABLE CIDER for mutual aid + MORE!
February 17, 2026 at 1:44 AM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
mika-mn.bsky.social
Uh, this article starts with "tell me something I don't know" and ends with "oh shite." Or should I say "0h Scheiße!"
taylorcarik.bsky.social Taylor Carik @taylorcarik.bsky.social · 2d
The sunshine isn't fooling anyone in Minnesota, we're still dealing with ICE. Read my latest in @liberalcurrents.com.
liberalcurrents.com Liberal Currents @liberalcurrents.com · 2d
"After the announcement, Le Monde in France declared “Two people dead, thousands arrested, two cities shaken, and Donald Trump defeated.” 

But for Minneapolis and the surrounding communities, it’s not quite a cause célèbre. Minnesota isn’t packing up snow shovels, nor ICE whistles."
February 16, 2026 at 10:13 PM
taylorcarik.bsky.social
The sunshine isn't fooling anyone in Minnesota, we're still dealing with ICE. Read my latest in @liberalcurrents.com.
liberalcurrents.com Liberal Currents @liberalcurrents.com · 2d
"After the announcement, Le Monde in France declared “Two people dead, thousands arrested, two cities shaken, and Donald Trump defeated.” 

But for Minneapolis and the surrounding communities, it’s not quite a cause célèbre. Minnesota isn’t packing up snow shovels, nor ICE whistles."
Minnesota's False Spring
Even with troop withdrawals, Minnesotans aren’t packing up snow shovels, nor ICE whistles.
www.liberalcurrents.com
February 16, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
liberalcurrents.com
"After the announcement, Le Monde in France declared “Two people dead, thousands arrested, two cities shaken, and Donald Trump defeated.” 

But for Minneapolis and the surrounding communities, it’s not quite a cause célèbre. Minnesota isn’t packing up snow shovels, nor ICE whistles."
Minnesota's False Spring
Even with troop withdrawals, Minnesotans aren’t packing up snow shovels, nor ICE whistles.
www.liberalcurrents.com
February 16, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
adamgurri.liberalcurrents.com
Today @taylorcarik.bsky.social is back with the reality of the “drawdown” so far
liberalcurrents.com Liberal Currents @liberalcurrents.com · 2d
"After the announcement, Le Monde in France declared “Two people dead, thousands arrested, two cities shaken, and Donald Trump defeated.” 

But for Minneapolis and the surrounding communities, it’s not quite a cause célèbre. Minnesota isn’t packing up snow shovels, nor ICE whistles."
Minnesota's False Spring
Even with troop withdrawals, Minnesotans aren’t packing up snow shovels, nor ICE whistles.
www.liberalcurrents.com
February 16, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Reposted by Taylor Carik
chudgar.com
As in Isherwood’s Berlin: “In Minnesota, the sun is also brilliantly shining; it is quite mild and warm. The abductions continue, the camps continue, our show goes on with resistance and a little more weariness.” — @taylorcarik.bsky.social ❤️‍🔥
liberalcurrents.com Liberal Currents @liberalcurrents.com · 2d
"After the announcement, Le Monde in France declared “Two people dead, thousands arrested, two cities shaken, and Donald Trump defeated.” 

But for Minneapolis and the surrounding communities, it’s not quite a cause célèbre. Minnesota isn’t packing up snow shovels, nor ICE whistles."
Minnesota's False Spring
Even with troop withdrawals, Minnesotans aren’t packing up snow shovels, nor ICE whistles.
www.liberalcurrents.com
February 16, 2026 at 4:40 PM