Vince O’Brien
@clefireguy.bsky.social
Long time Minnesotan living in Central New Hampshire. Working in Professional Education and Adjunct Professor. Former FF/EMT, Lawyer. Supports Public Schools as our greatest hope.
Pinned
Vince O’Brien
@clefireguy.bsky.social
· Feb 14
For now, we are incredibly fortunate to live far away from the tumult in Central New Hampshire. #serenity But the acts of the new Administration have very long destructive reach. If one is hurt unjustly, we are all hurt.
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
A horrifying graphic from Pew showing the fruits of the right wing war on public health.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
November 20, 2025 at 8:46 PM
A horrifying graphic from Pew showing the fruits of the right wing war on public health.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
“The US Coast Guard will no longer classify the swastika — an emblem of fascism & white supremacy inextricably linked to the murder of millions of Jews and the deaths of more than 400,000 US troops who died fighting in WW II
— as a hate symbol..” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
— as a hate symbol..” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:43 AM
“The US Coast Guard will no longer classify the swastika — an emblem of fascism & white supremacy inextricably linked to the murder of millions of Jews and the deaths of more than 400,000 US troops who died fighting in WW II
— as a hate symbol..” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
— as a hate symbol..” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
Conservative columnist Jeff Jacoby on Christopher Columbus:
jeffjacoby.com/27260/i-used...
jeffjacoby.com/27260/i-used...
I used to defend Columbus as 'magnificent.' I don't anymore.
IN 1997 I wrote a column for Columbus Day weekend that opened on a smart-alecky note: "Say," I asked, "is it OK to admire Christopher Columbus again?" Ever since the quincentennial of Columbus's first...
jeffjacoby.com
October 13, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Conservative columnist Jeff Jacoby on Christopher Columbus:
jeffjacoby.com/27260/i-used...
jeffjacoby.com/27260/i-used...
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
Nongovernmental groups like the League of Women Voters are now barred from registering new voters at naturalization ceremonies, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced.
Trump administration blocks groups from voter registration at naturalization events
Nongovernmental groups like the League of Women Voters are now barred from registering new voters at naturalization ceremonies, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced.
n.pr
September 7, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Nongovernmental groups like the League of Women Voters are now barred from registering new voters at naturalization ceremonies, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced.
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
The cowardice of the academic military is really just stunning.
Over the decades I have spoken at all of the service academies and War Colleges. They've all known I was "a critic" of many policies
This is a really, really ominous development
(AFAcad cancelling a speaker, in endowed-lecture series, because she has criticized Trump.)
gazette.com/military/air...
This is a really, really ominous development
(AFAcad cancelling a speaker, in endowed-lecture series, because she has criticized Trump.)
gazette.com/military/air...
Air Force Academy cancels lecture after discovering speaker disparaged Trump
Air Force Academy officials have canceled an annual fall lecture because the speaker, Paisley Rekdal, disparaged President Donald Trump online, prompting a harsh critique from the donor, David Jannett...
gazette.com
September 7, 2025 at 12:10 AM
The cowardice of the academic military is really just stunning.
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
I just visited Naval Station Great Lakes that Trump is letting DHS use as they prepare to invade Chicago.
The Navy cooperated and took the time to answer our questions. Trump’s DHS locked the doors and fled. That’s not how you act when you’re doing something legal.
The Navy cooperated and took the time to answer our questions. Trump’s DHS locked the doors and fled. That’s not how you act when you’re doing something legal.
September 5, 2025 at 5:35 PM
I just visited Naval Station Great Lakes that Trump is letting DHS use as they prepare to invade Chicago.
The Navy cooperated and took the time to answer our questions. Trump’s DHS locked the doors and fled. That’s not how you act when you’re doing something legal.
The Navy cooperated and took the time to answer our questions. Trump’s DHS locked the doors and fled. That’s not how you act when you’re doing something legal.
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
Strong reporting here from ProPublica, which found that three Trump Cabinet members -- at Labor, Transportation and EPA -- call multiple homes their primary residence on mortgages.
That's the same move that led Trump to fire Lisa Cook from her job at the Fed. bit.ly/466yMyI
That's the same move that led Trump to fire Lisa Cook from her job at the Fed. bit.ly/466yMyI
Trump Is Accusing Foes With Multiple Mortgages of Fraud. Records Show 3 of His Cabinet Members Have Them.
The White House has targeted opponents, including a Fed governor, for having more than one primary residence on their loan papers. ProPublica found that, in one case, a Trump cabinet secretary got two...
bit.ly
September 4, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Strong reporting here from ProPublica, which found that three Trump Cabinet members -- at Labor, Transportation and EPA -- call multiple homes their primary residence on mortgages.
That's the same move that led Trump to fire Lisa Cook from her job at the Fed. bit.ly/466yMyI
That's the same move that led Trump to fire Lisa Cook from her job at the Fed. bit.ly/466yMyI
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
An L.A. high school senior was walking his dog. Then immigration agents grabbed him
An L.A. high school senior was walking his dog. Then immigration agents grabbed him
A high school senior was walking his dog in Van Nuys when he was stopped and detained by federal immigration agents who said he overstayed his visa.
www.latimes.com
August 16, 2025 at 2:26 PM
An L.A. high school senior was walking his dog. Then immigration agents grabbed him
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
New: The new "Truth Search AI" tool on Trump's social network keeps contradicting Trump.
Says the 2020 election wasn't stolen, crime in D.C. isn't out of control, tariffs are a tax, Jan. 6 was an insurrection, and Obama has "highest favorability" rating of all living presidents
wapo.st/3HpR2uG
Says the 2020 election wasn't stolen, crime in D.C. isn't out of control, tariffs are a tax, Jan. 6 was an insurrection, and Obama has "highest favorability" rating of all living presidents
wapo.st/3HpR2uG
![Was the 2020 election stolen?
No, the 2020 U.S. presidential election was not stolen. Multiple independent investigations, court rulings, and reports—including those authored by prominent conservatives and state governors—found no substantial evidence of widespread fraud or irregularities that would have changed the outcome of the election[1][2][5].](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:j5fbnzh57rn7xz65yjc36gxb/bafkreibdj3zqrcodenijm4evqzi2rd7du4inzqurojrsa5e7nhauuvo5o4@jpeg)
![Is crime in Washington, D.C., totally out of control?
Crime in Washington, D.C. is not "totally out of control," but there has been significant concern about crime rates, leading to increased federal intervention and public attention[1]. Nationally, both the FBI and DOJ report substantial declines in violent crime, homicides, and other serious offenses through 2024—though certain measures remain higher than pre-pandemic levels[2][3][4][5].](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:j5fbnzh57rn7xz65yjc36gxb/bafkreihmniiihryxidi2vilogoaqvgwwpb7qmjvle2ctw4nptqqpuw2yxi@jpeg)
![Are tariffs a tax on American people?
Tariffs are a type of tax imposed on imported goods, and their cost is typically passed on to American consumers through higher prices. Most economists and tax experts agree that although tariffs are charged to importers, the increased costs are routinely absorbed by businesses and ultimately by consumers in the form of higher retail prices[2][4][3]. This results in tariffs functioning as an indirect tax on Americans.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:j5fbnzh57rn7xz65yjc36gxb/bafkreigygjp2c2q3k4ddsbp5y3xxmhx33p2shr4m7twfdhwfncfzpyfaai@jpeg)
![What happened on January 6, 2021?
On January 6, 2021, a large group of supporters of then-President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., disrupting the formal certification of the 2020 presidential election results by Congress[1][2]. The event, commonly referred to as the January 6 Capitol riot or insurrection, resulted in violence, deaths, extensive investigations, and significant political fallout, including a second impeachment of President Trump[1][2].](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:j5fbnzh57rn7xz65yjc36gxb/bafkreiewxhwef7stpmkxnw7qhbz6wfuzgqze3g63zjezto4vvpqskeeub4@jpeg)
August 10, 2025 at 11:33 AM
New: The new "Truth Search AI" tool on Trump's social network keeps contradicting Trump.
Says the 2020 election wasn't stolen, crime in D.C. isn't out of control, tariffs are a tax, Jan. 6 was an insurrection, and Obama has "highest favorability" rating of all living presidents
wapo.st/3HpR2uG
Says the 2020 election wasn't stolen, crime in D.C. isn't out of control, tariffs are a tax, Jan. 6 was an insurrection, and Obama has "highest favorability" rating of all living presidents
wapo.st/3HpR2uG
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
#CTE isn't just a concern for pro athletes. A study of 152 former contact sport athletes who died before 30 found signs of CTE in 40% of their brains, with many showing #mentalhealth symptoms. A clinical psychologist explains: buff.ly/l6xO35W By David B. Sarwer @temple.edu
Youth athletes, not just professionals, may face mental health risks from repeated traumatic brain injuries
The New York City shooter who sought to attack NFL offices said he had a degenerative brain disease, called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, thought to be related to playing contact sports like…
buff.ly
August 7, 2025 at 12:07 AM
#CTE isn't just a concern for pro athletes. A study of 152 former contact sport athletes who died before 30 found signs of CTE in 40% of their brains, with many showing #mentalhealth symptoms. A clinical psychologist explains: buff.ly/l6xO35W By David B. Sarwer @temple.edu
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
I absolutely believe Megan’s reporting. Her source is full of it
Just spoke with an administration official about the President’s decision to fire the BLS commissioner. Some takeaways:
1. The firing was due to what the White House sees as a “pattern of incompetence.” The possibility of firing her had been on the President’s radar for months.
1. The firing was due to what the White House sees as a “pattern of incompetence.” The possibility of firing her had been on the President’s radar for months.
August 1, 2025 at 7:34 PM
I absolutely believe Megan’s reporting. Her source is full of it
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
Unbelievable
But entirely believable
But entirely believable
August 1, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Unbelievable
But entirely believable
But entirely believable
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
“The National Association for Business Economics (NABE) strongly condemns the removal of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Erika McEntarfer and the unfounded accusations leveled against the work of the agency…
A totally apolitical group.
files.constantcontact.com/668faa28001/...
A totally apolitical group.
files.constantcontact.com/668faa28001/...
files.constantcontact.com
August 1, 2025 at 10:54 PM
“The National Association for Business Economics (NABE) strongly condemns the removal of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Erika McEntarfer and the unfounded accusations leveled against the work of the agency…
A totally apolitical group.
files.constantcontact.com/668faa28001/...
A totally apolitical group.
files.constantcontact.com/668faa28001/...
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
Totally normal stuff: the U.S. president once again threatening to shut down media outlets for reporting the news. Just a wannabe dictator doing his thing.
July 27, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Totally normal stuff: the U.S. president once again threatening to shut down media outlets for reporting the news. Just a wannabe dictator doing his thing.
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
Maurene Comey's goodbye note to SDNY colleagues:
July 17, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Maurene Comey's goodbye note to SDNY colleagues:
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
Federal kindergarten vaccination data shows national rates for four major vaccines, which had held steady before the COVID-19 pandemic, have fallen significantly since.
In fact, measles vaccination rates were below herd immunity in most states in 2023.
➡️ Read more: propub.li/40KnM8n
In fact, measles vaccination rates were below herd immunity in most states in 2023.
➡️ Read more: propub.li/40KnM8n
July 9, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Federal kindergarten vaccination data shows national rates for four major vaccines, which had held steady before the COVID-19 pandemic, have fallen significantly since.
In fact, measles vaccination rates were below herd immunity in most states in 2023.
➡️ Read more: propub.li/40KnM8n
In fact, measles vaccination rates were below herd immunity in most states in 2023.
➡️ Read more: propub.li/40KnM8n
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
“THERE IS NOTHING INHERENTLY WRONG with using the doctrine of standing and balance-of-power analytics to limit what courts can and should do. But when those doctrines are used so frequently to avoid providing remedies to blatant governmental misconduct…”
www.thebulwark.com/p/ignoring-s...
www.thebulwark.com/p/ignoring-s...
Ignoring Substance, SCOTUS Permits Lawlessness
. . . and hands Trump dangerous victories.
www.thebulwark.com
June 28, 2025 at 1:10 PM
“THERE IS NOTHING INHERENTLY WRONG with using the doctrine of standing and balance-of-power analytics to limit what courts can and should do. But when those doctrines are used so frequently to avoid providing remedies to blatant governmental misconduct…”
www.thebulwark.com/p/ignoring-s...
www.thebulwark.com/p/ignoring-s...
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson on today's Supreme Court decision:
"Today's ruling allows the Executive to deny pepole rights that the Founders plainly wrote in our Constitution. The Judiciary has put both our legal system, and our system of government, in grave jeopardy."
"Today's ruling allows the Executive to deny pepole rights that the Founders plainly wrote in our Constitution. The Judiciary has put both our legal system, and our system of government, in grave jeopardy."
June 27, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson on today's Supreme Court decision:
"Today's ruling allows the Executive to deny pepole rights that the Founders plainly wrote in our Constitution. The Judiciary has put both our legal system, and our system of government, in grave jeopardy."
"Today's ruling allows the Executive to deny pepole rights that the Founders plainly wrote in our Constitution. The Judiciary has put both our legal system, and our system of government, in grave jeopardy."
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
Excellent analysis. These workforce boards and others are ways for business people and climbers often to polish their resumes as "insiders" and get access to money. The governor has no freaking idea who they are. They are non-partisan and thousands apply every time there is an opening.
Minnesota Star Tribune debunks each of the lies and conspiracies posted on social media from Mike Lee, Elon Musk, and all the other usual suspects who do this EVERY time. www.startribune.com/fact-check-d...
Fact check: Was suspected assassin Boelter close with MN Gov. Walz?
Boelter was appointed to an advisory board in 2019, but one member says the board does not interact with the governor on a regular basis.
www.startribune.com
June 16, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Excellent analysis. These workforce boards and others are ways for business people and climbers often to polish their resumes as "insiders" and get access to money. The governor has no freaking idea who they are. They are non-partisan and thousands apply every time there is an opening.
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
Kristi Noem is seen as a "delicate, beautiful, tiny woman" while leading DHS, yet Rep. McIver was arrested for protesting it, and Sen. Padilla was tackled for even questioning it.
It's clear who gets to be “delicate, beautiful, and tiny,” and who is seen as a violent threat to law enforcement.
It's clear who gets to be “delicate, beautiful, and tiny,” and who is seen as a violent threat to law enforcement.
The "delicate, beautiful, tiny" fascism of Kristi Noem
The right thinks Noem is the victim of Sen. Padilla's assault. But what about Rep. McIver?
www.motherjones.com
June 13, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Kristi Noem is seen as a "delicate, beautiful, tiny woman" while leading DHS, yet Rep. McIver was arrested for protesting it, and Sen. Padilla was tackled for even questioning it.
It's clear who gets to be “delicate, beautiful, and tiny,” and who is seen as a violent threat to law enforcement.
It's clear who gets to be “delicate, beautiful, and tiny,” and who is seen as a violent threat to law enforcement.
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
Everything that’s happened over the past six months has been a response to an imaginary crisis. There is no immigrant invasion. No trade crisis. No scientific or governance crisis. Just people completely high off their own supply trying to fundamentally reorder society. None of this had to happen.
June 9, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Everything that’s happened over the past six months has been a response to an imaginary crisis. There is no immigrant invasion. No trade crisis. No scientific or governance crisis. Just people completely high off their own supply trying to fundamentally reorder society. None of this had to happen.
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
ICYMI: Here’s what’s really important. Not two billionaire babies bickering.
Phang: There’s a Texas Tribune article that reveals that the Trump administration knew the vast majority of the 238 Venezuelan immigrants sent to CECOT in mid-March had not been convicted of crimes in the U.S.—even though the administration wanted to label them as terrorists before deporting them.
June 6, 2025 at 10:27 AM
ICYMI: Here’s what’s really important. Not two billionaire babies bickering.
If you find the fight between President #Trump and #Elon Musk distasteful, even wrong with some of their accusations- please ask yourself ruthlessly, why? After about 16 relentless “whys?”, When and how could this sort of thing been prevented? Should it have been? How might that have happened?
June 5, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
The government argued that an Appointments Clause violation turns exclusively on the de jure, not de facto, authority a person wields as a matter of law.
But Judge Chutkan rejects that idea, saying that it would "sanction unlimited executive power, free from checks and balances"
But Judge Chutkan rejects that idea, saying that it would "sanction unlimited executive power, free from checks and balances"
May 27, 2025 at 10:45 PM
The government argued that an Appointments Clause violation turns exclusively on the de jure, not de facto, authority a person wields as a matter of law.
But Judge Chutkan rejects that idea, saying that it would "sanction unlimited executive power, free from checks and balances"
But Judge Chutkan rejects that idea, saying that it would "sanction unlimited executive power, free from checks and balances"
Reposted by Vince O’Brien
“Officially, German rations allowed each ghetto inmate 180 daily calories, or less than one-tenth of the daily calories needed to remain healthy.” www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-docto...
Jewish doctors’ secret study of Warsaw ghetto starvation rediscovered 80 years later
Tufts professor sheds light on smuggled medical research conducted by imprisoned Jewish physicians on what they label 'hunger disease'; 100 patients enrolled in the study
www.timesofisrael.com
May 27, 2025 at 11:11 PM
“Officially, German rations allowed each ghetto inmate 180 daily calories, or less than one-tenth of the daily calories needed to remain healthy.” www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-docto...