Joseph Britt
@zathras5.bsky.social
Wisconsin and the world. Opinions my own. Once a Republican.
Pinned
Joseph Britt
@zathras5.bsky.social
· Mar 20
For the white, against the colored.
For the rich, against the rest.
For the dictator, against the democracy.
These are not the only principles of the Republican Party in the 2020s, but they are the main ones. They are the first fruits of decadence.
For the rich, against the rest.
For the dictator, against the democracy.
These are not the only principles of the Republican Party in the 2020s, but they are the main ones. They are the first fruits of decadence.
Reposted by Joseph Britt
Here is a list of 3 stories I am very jealous I did not write this year. ✍🏻
(Kudos to the writers who did!)
First, this brilliant essay by @petergleick.bsky.social about the dangerous contortionist Trump has become — twisting “national security” in knots to justify his personal war on “windmills.”
(Kudos to the writers who did!)
First, this brilliant essay by @petergleick.bsky.social about the dangerous contortionist Trump has become — twisting “national security” in knots to justify his personal war on “windmills.”
Trump is manipulating national security to stop energy projects he doesn’t like
On Monday, December 22, the Trump Administration announced it was pausing five major offshore wind energy projects, citing “national security risks.”
thebulletin.org
December 27, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Here is a list of 3 stories I am very jealous I did not write this year. ✍🏻
(Kudos to the writers who did!)
First, this brilliant essay by @petergleick.bsky.social about the dangerous contortionist Trump has become — twisting “national security” in knots to justify his personal war on “windmills.”
(Kudos to the writers who did!)
First, this brilliant essay by @petergleick.bsky.social about the dangerous contortionist Trump has become — twisting “national security” in knots to justify his personal war on “windmills.”
If one assumes comprehensive bad faith on the part of the entire Trump administration, this @jonshorman.bsky.social report on efforts to badger states into turning over voter registration data becomes a lot easier to understand. stateline.org/2025/12/18/t...
Trump’s DOJ offers states confidential deal to remove voters flagged by feds • Stateline
The U.S. Department of Justice has sent confidential draft agreements on voter data sharing to more than a dozen states, part of the Trump administration’s effort to obtain unredacted voter rolls, wit...
stateline.org
December 27, 2025 at 1:26 AM
If one assumes comprehensive bad faith on the part of the entire Trump administration, this @jonshorman.bsky.social report on efforts to badger states into turning over voter registration data becomes a lot easier to understand. stateline.org/2025/12/18/t...
Numerically small, disproportionately wealthy, overwhelmingly Republican: that’s the agricultural constituency in America. Facing a Republican President attacking their markets and their workforce, farmers remain loyal to Trump. Cash gifts from the taxpayers help. [gift link]. wapo.st/4peHBhI
Trump’s farmer bailout caps tough year for loyal constituency
Red-state farmers continue to struggle under damaging inflation and the fallout of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, especially with China.
wapo.st
December 26, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Numerically small, disproportionately wealthy, overwhelmingly Republican: that’s the agricultural constituency in America. Facing a Republican President attacking their markets and their workforce, farmers remain loyal to Trump. Cash gifts from the taxpayers help. [gift link]. wapo.st/4peHBhI
Reposted by Joseph Britt
Trends in December temperatures over land areas for the last 50 years...
Data from NOAAGlobalTemp v6.0.0 (www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/lan...)
Data from NOAAGlobalTemp v6.0.0 (www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/lan...)
December 26, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Trends in December temperatures over land areas for the last 50 years...
Data from NOAAGlobalTemp v6.0.0 (www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/lan...)
Data from NOAAGlobalTemp v6.0.0 (www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/lan...)
The Christmas Carol from Pokrovsk. By @siobhanogrady.bsky.social & Anastacia Galouchka. [gift link] wapo.st/4qq8PCU
‘Carol of the Bells’ was born in a Ukrainian city destroyed by Russia
The music school dedicated to the song’s Ukrainian composer, Mykola Leontovych, was destroyed in Pokrovsk but has been reborn in exile.
wapo.st
December 25, 2025 at 5:48 PM
The Christmas Carol from Pokrovsk. By @siobhanogrady.bsky.social & Anastacia Galouchka. [gift link] wapo.st/4qq8PCU
Reposted by Joseph Britt
Dave Willat was just 11 years old when he showed up for what he thought would be a routine church choir practice in 1965. He and his fellow singers ended up making history.
We caught up with one of the kids who sang on 'A Charlie Brown Christmas.' He's 72 now
Dave Willat was just 11 years old when he showed up for what he thought would be a routine church choir practice in 1965. He and his fellow singers ended up making history.
n.pr
December 25, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Dave Willat was just 11 years old when he showed up for what he thought would be a routine church choir practice in 1965. He and his fellow singers ended up making history.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
December 25, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Reposted by Joseph Britt
Column: With fewer than 40 bills signed into law as of Monday, the House and Senate set a modern record for lowest legislative output in the first year of a new presidency, according to data maintained by C-SPAN and Purdue University.
Column | Congress set records in 2025, some more dubious than others
Republican lawmakers reflect on a year without much productivity and greater ceding of powers to the White House.
wapo.st
December 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Column: With fewer than 40 bills signed into law as of Monday, the House and Senate set a modern record for lowest legislative output in the first year of a new presidency, according to data maintained by C-SPAN and Purdue University.
Reposted by Joseph Britt
At @warontherocks.bsky.social, a good antidote to the unreal bulletins we keep getting from Trump administration officials advertising how close their master is to ending the war in Ukraine. @michaelkofman.bsky.social & @massdara.bsky.social are grim but astute. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
No End in Sight? The Russo-Ukrainian War at the End of 2025
Podcast Episode · War on the Rocks · 12/23/2025 · 41m
podcasts.apple.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:07 AM
At @warontherocks.bsky.social, a good antidote to the unreal bulletins we keep getting from Trump administration officials advertising how close their master is to ending the war in Ukraine. @michaelkofman.bsky.social & @massdara.bsky.social are grim but astute. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
At @warontherocks.bsky.social, a good antidote to the unreal bulletins we keep getting from Trump administration officials advertising how close their master is to ending the war in Ukraine. @michaelkofman.bsky.social & @massdara.bsky.social are grim but astute. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
No End in Sight? The Russo-Ukrainian War at the End of 2025
Podcast Episode · War on the Rocks · 12/23/2025 · 41m
podcasts.apple.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:07 AM
At @warontherocks.bsky.social, a good antidote to the unreal bulletins we keep getting from Trump administration officials advertising how close their master is to ending the war in Ukraine. @michaelkofman.bsky.social & @massdara.bsky.social are grim but astute. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
Thread. Interesting development. IRL, Trump’s plain intent was to use Guard units as instruments of his personal authority. The Court does not address this, finding instead clear but somewhat technical grounds to argue the Guard cannot be used to enforce immigration law. Via @mjsdc.bsky.social
NEW: By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to assist immigration agents. A majority holds that he likely lacks authority to do so. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissent. www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25p...
![The Government asked this Court to stay the District Court's order. After the response and reply were filed, JUSTICE BARRETT referred the application to the Court. We directed the parties to file supplemental letter briefs on an issue that the District Court had addressed but the parties' initial briefs had not: the meaning of the term "regular forces" in §12406(3). In its supplemental brief, the Government argues that the term refers to civilian law enforcement officers, such as those employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Federal Protective Service.
Respondents, echoing the District Court, maintain that the term refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary.
We conclude that the term "regular forces" in §12406(3) likely refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary. This interpretation means that to call the Guard into active federal service under §12406(3), the President must be "unable" with the regular military "to execute the laws of the United States." Because the statute requires an assessment of the military's ability to execute the laws, it likely applies only where the military could legally execute the laws. Such circumstances are exceptional: Under the Posse Comitatus Act, the military is prohibited from "execut[ing] the laws" "except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress."
18 U. S. C. §1385. So before the President can federalize the Guard under §12406(3), he likely must have statutory or constitutional authority to execute the laws with the regular military and must be "unable" with those forces to perform that function.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:6h7b2i6ttw3l4t7pvbvxdith/bafkreiftbhzwvn3vgwhqsi7k2paizvdw4t26ailljvovso3chqupnmj364@jpeg)
December 23, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Thread. Interesting development. IRL, Trump’s plain intent was to use Guard units as instruments of his personal authority. The Court does not address this, finding instead clear but somewhat technical grounds to argue the Guard cannot be used to enforce immigration law. Via @mjsdc.bsky.social
Reposted by Joseph Britt
Trump’s first term featured officials reacting to him, trying to keep him happy. His second term features more officials taking initiatives they think will make him happy. In policy terms, as @timmonsroberts.bsky.social says, this is bonkers. Policy is secondary now. Via @fieseler.bsky.social
EXCLUSIVE: I received a copy of the letter sent to developers today halting construction on all 5 offshore wind farms being built in America.
What’s new here is the close “coordination” with the “Department of War” in determining the “risk” poised by these wind farms. And the threat to “cancel.”
What’s new here is the close “coordination” with the “Department of War” in determining the “risk” poised by these wind farms. And the threat to “cancel.”
‘Bonkers': DOI letter halts all five in-progress offshore wind farms
Construction will be paused for 90 days as Trump's Department of War and Interior Department coordinate to evaluate supposed "national security" risks.
www.canarymedia.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Trump’s first term featured officials reacting to him, trying to keep him happy. His second term features more officials taking initiatives they think will make him happy. In policy terms, as @timmonsroberts.bsky.social says, this is bonkers. Policy is secondary now. Via @fieseler.bsky.social
Reposted by Joseph Britt
Thread. Apparently under pressure from the Trump White House, @cbsnews.com chose not to broadcast this CECOT report on 60 Minutes. Here it is, via @bubbaprog.xyz.
Abuse extending to torture, arranged by the American government, of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants. Simply monstrous.
Abuse extending to torture, arranged by the American government, of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants. Simply monstrous.
December 23, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Thread. Apparently under pressure from the Trump White House, @cbsnews.com chose not to broadcast this CECOT report on 60 Minutes. Here it is, via @bubbaprog.xyz.
Abuse extending to torture, arranged by the American government, of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants. Simply monstrous.
Abuse extending to torture, arranged by the American government, of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants. Simply monstrous.
Reposted by Joseph Britt
The Presidency, and the government, for sale: A dozen years ago, in the middle of Barack Obama’s second term, this reporting would have seemed (to coin a phrase) “strange and unbelievable.” By @karenyourish.bsky.social @kenvogel.bsky.social & Charlie Smart. Link via @leahlitman.bsky.social
Gift Link here: www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Hundreds of Big Post-Election Donors Have Benefited From Trump’s Return to Office (Gift Article)
Well into his second term, the president and his allies have continued aggressively raising money. Many donors have interests before his administration, The Times found.
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:31 PM
The Presidency, and the government, for sale: A dozen years ago, in the middle of Barack Obama’s second term, this reporting would have seemed (to coin a phrase) “strange and unbelievable.” By @karenyourish.bsky.social @kenvogel.bsky.social & Charlie Smart. Link via @leahlitman.bsky.social
Thread. Apparently under pressure from the Trump White House, @cbsnews.com chose not to broadcast this CECOT report on 60 Minutes. Here it is, via @bubbaprog.xyz.
Abuse extending to torture, arranged by the American government, of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants. Simply monstrous.
Abuse extending to torture, arranged by the American government, of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants. Simply monstrous.
December 23, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Thread. Apparently under pressure from the Trump White House, @cbsnews.com chose not to broadcast this CECOT report on 60 Minutes. Here it is, via @bubbaprog.xyz.
Abuse extending to torture, arranged by the American government, of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants. Simply monstrous.
Abuse extending to torture, arranged by the American government, of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants. Simply monstrous.
Speaking of initiatives to make Trump happy, here’s Secretary of State Rubio. Again. He loves and admires Trump. If Trump doesn’t see enemies in the State Department, by God Rubio will find some, & fire them. By @johnphudson.bsky.social @ @hannahnatanson.bsky.social [gift link] wapo.st/3KZ5sE0
Trump administration abruptly recalls over two dozen career ambassadors
A senior State Department official called it a bid to ensure adherence to the “America First” agenda while others called it a devastating blow to America’s diplomatic corps.
wapo.st
December 23, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Speaking of initiatives to make Trump happy, here’s Secretary of State Rubio. Again. He loves and admires Trump. If Trump doesn’t see enemies in the State Department, by God Rubio will find some, & fire them. By @johnphudson.bsky.social @ @hannahnatanson.bsky.social [gift link] wapo.st/3KZ5sE0
Trump’s first term featured officials reacting to him, trying to keep him happy. His second term features more officials taking initiatives they think will make him happy. In policy terms, as @timmonsroberts.bsky.social says, this is bonkers. Policy is secondary now. Via @fieseler.bsky.social
EXCLUSIVE: I received a copy of the letter sent to developers today halting construction on all 5 offshore wind farms being built in America.
What’s new here is the close “coordination” with the “Department of War” in determining the “risk” poised by these wind farms. And the threat to “cancel.”
What’s new here is the close “coordination” with the “Department of War” in determining the “risk” poised by these wind farms. And the threat to “cancel.”
‘Bonkers': DOI letter halts all five in-progress offshore wind farms
Construction will be paused for 90 days as Trump's Department of War and Interior Department coordinate to evaluate supposed "national security" risks.
www.canarymedia.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Trump’s first term featured officials reacting to him, trying to keep him happy. His second term features more officials taking initiatives they think will make him happy. In policy terms, as @timmonsroberts.bsky.social says, this is bonkers. Policy is secondary now. Via @fieseler.bsky.social
Reposted by Joseph Britt
It used to be that the United States would use Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to transmit truth across the borders of repressive regimes.
Now the work of American reporters, having been censored, is being smuggled across the border to reach Americans.
Now the work of American reporters, having been censored, is being smuggled across the border to reach Americans.
The 60 Minutes piece on the Trump Administration’s torture prison that Bari Weiss doesn’t want you to see has leaked.
December 22, 2025 at 11:01 PM
It used to be that the United States would use Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to transmit truth across the borders of repressive regimes.
Now the work of American reporters, having been censored, is being smuggled across the border to reach Americans.
Now the work of American reporters, having been censored, is being smuggled across the border to reach Americans.
Wind power is now a national security risk, says the Trump administration. It doesn’t say what the risk is — probably that not attacking wind power would send the President into another tantrum, complete with Truth Social posts at 3:00 AM. By @matthewdalyap.bsky.social apnews.com/article/trum...
Trump administration suspends 5 wind projects off the East Coast, cites national security concerns
The Trump administration is suspending leases for five large-scale offshore wind projects under construction on the East Coast due to what it said were national security risks identified by the Pentag...
apnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Wind power is now a national security risk, says the Trump administration. It doesn’t say what the risk is — probably that not attacking wind power would send the President into another tantrum, complete with Truth Social posts at 3:00 AM. By @matthewdalyap.bsky.social apnews.com/article/trum...
The Presidency, and the government, for sale: A dozen years ago, in the middle of Barack Obama’s second term, this reporting would have seemed (to coin a phrase) “strange and unbelievable.” By @karenyourish.bsky.social @kenvogel.bsky.social & Charlie Smart. Link via @leahlitman.bsky.social
Gift Link here: www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Hundreds of Big Post-Election Donors Have Benefited From Trump’s Return to Office (Gift Article)
Well into his second term, the president and his allies have continued aggressively raising money. Many donors have interests before his administration, The Times found.
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:31 PM
The Presidency, and the government, for sale: A dozen years ago, in the middle of Barack Obama’s second term, this reporting would have seemed (to coin a phrase) “strange and unbelievable.” By @karenyourish.bsky.social @kenvogel.bsky.social & Charlie Smart. Link via @leahlitman.bsky.social
Reposted by Joseph Britt
No future for Russia: @bbcstever.bsky.social is the dean of Western Russia correspondents still allowed in the country. At Putin’s annual press conference, Rosenberg asks a fundamental question, to which Putin is not prepared to give a real answer. (In Russian with subtitles)
I asked Vladimir Putin: “What future are you planning, are you building for your country?” Here’s his full reply.
I asked Vladimir Putin: "What future are you planning for Russia?"
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 22, 2025 at 2:10 AM
No future for Russia: @bbcstever.bsky.social is the dean of Western Russia correspondents still allowed in the country. At Putin’s annual press conference, Rosenberg asks a fundamental question, to which Putin is not prepared to give a real answer. (In Russian with subtitles)
Reposted by Joseph Britt
Per NY Times’s Michael Grynbaum on X, this is Sharyn Alfonsi’s email to her “60 Minutes” colleagues in full:
December 22, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Per NY Times’s Michael Grynbaum on X, this is Sharyn Alfonsi’s email to her “60 Minutes” colleagues in full:
No future for Russia: @bbcstever.bsky.social is the dean of Western Russia correspondents still allowed in the country. At Putin’s annual press conference, Rosenberg asks a fundamental question, to which Putin is not prepared to give a real answer. (In Russian with subtitles)
I asked Vladimir Putin: “What future are you planning, are you building for your country?” Here’s his full reply.
I asked Vladimir Putin: "What future are you planning for Russia?"
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 22, 2025 at 2:10 AM
No future for Russia: @bbcstever.bsky.social is the dean of Western Russia correspondents still allowed in the country. At Putin’s annual press conference, Rosenberg asks a fundamental question, to which Putin is not prepared to give a real answer. (In Russian with subtitles)
Reposted by Joseph Britt
Trump comes for the oysters. NOAA slashes existing grant in half for @umces.bsky.social Horn Point hatchery responsible for astounding success of world largest oyster restoration here in Chesapeake Bay. Another assault on science, reason & environment.
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
Trump cuts to Eastern Shore oyster hatchery could endanger Chesapeake Bay progress
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently slashed support for an Eastern Shore lab that has helped to seed an oyster resurgence in the bay.
www.thebanner.com
December 21, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Trump comes for the oysters. NOAA slashes existing grant in half for @umces.bsky.social Horn Point hatchery responsible for astounding success of world largest oyster restoration here in Chesapeake Bay. Another assault on science, reason & environment.
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
www.thebanner.com/community/cl...
Reposted by Joseph Britt
Weekend listen: Dan Bongino’s legacy at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Bongino was Deputy Director, a position normally held by a career FBI person. @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org discusses the difference with FBI veteran @michael-feinberg.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...
Dan Bongino: A Retrospective
Podcast Episode · In Lieu of Fun: #DogShirtTV · 12/19/2025 · 1h 2m
podcasts.apple.com
December 21, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Weekend listen: Dan Bongino’s legacy at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Bongino was Deputy Director, a position normally held by a career FBI person. @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org discusses the difference with FBI veteran @michael-feinberg.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...