Jeff Burman
@jeff-57.bsky.social
I'm a retired movie worker. I worked in editorial for 30 years and was on my union's Board for 27 years. I'm also a writer. Currently I have a screenplay on Eugene V Debs optioned (that's Debs above). I'm married and I'm political. I have two grown kids.
January 23 is going to be a big deal. It's the day to voice your concerns about Trump's ICE campaign, especially as it has run its course in Minneapolis. Ultimately, it will affect us all. Time to stand up. jacobin.com/2026/01/stri...
A Mass Strike in Minneapolis Against ICE?
General strikes don’t happen very often in the United States. But in the face of widespread anger at ICE abuses and the murder of Renee Good, the Twin Cities’ labor movement is moving toward organizin...
jacobin.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:56 PM
January 23 is going to be a big deal. It's the day to voice your concerns about Trump's ICE campaign, especially as it has run its course in Minneapolis. Ultimately, it will affect us all. Time to stand up. jacobin.com/2026/01/stri...
Stephen Miller, Trump's angry face of "the iron rules of power," gets it wrong when he describes the ways of the world. He sounds like an Epstein defender: if you're powerful you can do whatever you want. www.counterpunch.org/2026/01/19/s...
Stephen Miller: Trump Aide, Iron Laws of the World, and Human Rights
President Donald Trump’s long-serving aide, Stephen Miller, recently opined: “We live in a world, in the real world … that is governed by strength, that
www.counterpunch.org
January 19, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Stephen Miller, Trump's angry face of "the iron rules of power," gets it wrong when he describes the ways of the world. He sounds like an Epstein defender: if you're powerful you can do whatever you want. www.counterpunch.org/2026/01/19/s...
The resignations of several Civil Rights lawyers at the Department of Justice illustrates a fundamental lack of fair play as it turns its back on the Renee Good shooting in Minneapolis. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/u...
Six Prosecutors Quit Over Push to Investigate ICE Shooting Victim’s Widow
www.nytimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:22 PM
The resignations of several Civil Rights lawyers at the Department of Justice illustrates a fundamental lack of fair play as it turns its back on the Renee Good shooting in Minneapolis. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/u...
It's January 6th, the 5th anniversary of Trump's insurrection. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. It may not be my last request, but I urge you to write to your elected representatives. Tell them President Trump has gone too far. He must be removed from office. www.commondreams.org/opinion/from...
From Jan. 6th to Maduro Kidnapping, the Threat Trump Poses Is Existential | Common Dreams
Trump’s blatant lawlessness will haunt America and the world for a long, long time.
www.commondreams.org
January 7, 2026 at 1:15 AM
It's January 6th, the 5th anniversary of Trump's insurrection. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. It may not be my last request, but I urge you to write to your elected representatives. Tell them President Trump has gone too far. He must be removed from office. www.commondreams.org/opinion/from...
Reposted by Jeff Burman
Bennie Thompson marked the Jan. 6 anniversary by playing a blistering montage exposing those who carried out the violent Capitol attack incited by Donald Trump. Five years later, the footage still hits hard and leaves nowhere to hide.
January 6, 2026 at 6:32 PM
Bennie Thompson marked the Jan. 6 anniversary by playing a blistering montage exposing those who carried out the violent Capitol attack incited by Donald Trump. Five years later, the footage still hits hard and leaves nowhere to hide.
I think it's a good bet to assume that trade unions will oppose Trump's unprovoked invasion of Venezuela. The UN charter, which the US congress approved in 1945, forbids this kind of violation of sovereign borders. More significantly, it smacks of authoritarianism. www.ituc-csi.org/ituc-tuca-ve...
ITUC and TUCA strongly condemn the US military aggression and violation of Venezuela's sovereignty.
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA) express their absolute and unequivocal rejection of the military operation carried out in to...
www.ituc-csi.org
January 4, 2026 at 7:52 PM
I think it's a good bet to assume that trade unions will oppose Trump's unprovoked invasion of Venezuela. The UN charter, which the US congress approved in 1945, forbids this kind of violation of sovereign borders. More significantly, it smacks of authoritarianism. www.ituc-csi.org/ituc-tuca-ve...
Even the mainstream AP says that many of Trump's pronouncements are lies. In my opinion, the precedent that Trump's violation of Venezuela's sovereign territory is especially problematic. What if China goes after Taiwan? apnews.com/article/trum...
FACT FOCUS: Trump repeats false claims as he discusses US raid to extract Venezuela's president
President Donald Trump has held a news conference to explain a U.S. raid on Venezuela to extract President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
apnews.com
January 4, 2026 at 12:38 AM
Even the mainstream AP says that many of Trump's pronouncements are lies. In my opinion, the precedent that Trump's violation of Venezuela's sovereign territory is especially problematic. What if China goes after Taiwan? apnews.com/article/trum...
Yeah, it's AI. But Donald Trump deserves it. The Kennedy Center is designed to be an apolitical shrine to celebrate exemplary achievement in what we used to call the "Humanities." In my opinion Trump is clueless there. He's a boor, a cad, a dolt. www.facebook.com/reel/1896452...
340K views · 27K reactions | JFK tells us how he really feels! | VoteBlue
JFK tells us how he really feels!
www.facebook.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:54 AM
Yeah, it's AI. But Donald Trump deserves it. The Kennedy Center is designed to be an apolitical shrine to celebrate exemplary achievement in what we used to call the "Humanities." In my opinion Trump is clueless there. He's a boor, a cad, a dolt. www.facebook.com/reel/1896452...
Here's another 60s icon passing. On the one hand, she personified sexual "liberation," on the other she stood officially convicted of an intolerance of Muslims and gays. www.theguardian.com/film/2025/de...
Brigitte Bardot’s image complicated by her controversial politics
Film star turned animal rights activist was anti-immigration and was repeatedly convicted of racial hatred, particularly towards Muslims
www.theguardian.com
December 28, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Here's another 60s icon passing. On the one hand, she personified sexual "liberation," on the other she stood officially convicted of an intolerance of Muslims and gays. www.theguardian.com/film/2025/de...
This is what authoritarianism looks like today. Apparently David Ellison installed Bari Weiss as the so-called CBS Editor-in-Chief so she could suppress a perfectly factual segment of "60 Minutes" on Trump's policy to send Venezuelans to CECOT. What could go wrong? jacobin.com/2025/12/cbs-...
The 60 Minutes Scandal Is What Creeping Authoritarianism Looks Like
Bari Weiss blocked a devastating 60 Minutes exposé on CECOT — showing how Trump administration authoritarianism flows through corporate media, not jackboot censorship.
jacobin.com
December 25, 2025 at 2:11 AM
This is what authoritarianism looks like today. Apparently David Ellison installed Bari Weiss as the so-called CBS Editor-in-Chief so she could suppress a perfectly factual segment of "60 Minutes" on Trump's policy to send Venezuelans to CECOT. What could go wrong? jacobin.com/2025/12/cbs-...
I concede that this may be a bit of "inside baseball," but if film and TV producers want contract terms to go from 3 years to 5 years, there needs to be a significant "give" on defining intellectual property rights, aka AI. deadline.com/2025/12/holl...
Hollywood’s Big New Labor Deal: Studios To Offer Guilds’ Health Plans $100M Lifeline In Exchange For Longer Multi-Year Contracts In 2026
Big changes could be coming to the way labor contracts are done in Hollywood & the unions' health plans for members.
deadline.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:21 PM
I concede that this may be a bit of "inside baseball," but if film and TV producers want contract terms to go from 3 years to 5 years, there needs to be a significant "give" on defining intellectual property rights, aka AI. deadline.com/2025/12/holl...
Lots of people are going to be watching what New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani does. IMHO he is, at least, one significant version of the future of the Democratic Party. Let's hope it works. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/n...
Mamdani Names Deputy Mayors for Housing and Economic Justice
www.nytimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Lots of people are going to be watching what New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani does. IMHO he is, at least, one significant version of the future of the Democratic Party. Let's hope it works. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/n...
Current White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles gave a candid interview with Vanity Fair about the inner circle of Trump's second term. Among many "newsy" quips, she said Trump had an "alcoholic's personality." abcnews.go.com/Politics/sus...
Susie Wiles seems to criticize Bondi, Vance and talks Trump in Vanity Fair
In strikingly candid interviews with Vanity Fair, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles opened up about Trump and his Cabinet over the first year of his 2nd term.
abcnews.go.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Current White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles gave a candid interview with Vanity Fair about the inner circle of Trump's second term. Among many "newsy" quips, she said Trump had an "alcoholic's personality." abcnews.go.com/Politics/sus...
Reposted by Jeff Burman
Rob Reiner was an acclaimed actor & director but he was also a vocal critic of Trump
He warned the American public that they only had a year to save their democracy
That year is almost up
Honour his legacy by fighting fascism. Fight for democracy. Fight for what’s right. Fight against tyranny.
He warned the American public that they only had a year to save their democracy
That year is almost up
Honour his legacy by fighting fascism. Fight for democracy. Fight for what’s right. Fight against tyranny.
December 15, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Rob Reiner was an acclaimed actor & director but he was also a vocal critic of Trump
He warned the American public that they only had a year to save their democracy
That year is almost up
Honour his legacy by fighting fascism. Fight for democracy. Fight for what’s right. Fight against tyranny.
He warned the American public that they only had a year to save their democracy
That year is almost up
Honour his legacy by fighting fascism. Fight for democracy. Fight for what’s right. Fight against tyranny.
Now what? Apparently, actor, director and producer Rob Reiner died in his Brentwood home. Killed with his wife. Stabbed. I met him once. I shook his hand and spoke to him briefly. He was a good guy. variety.com/2025/film/ne...
Rob Reiner, Legendary Comedic Actor and ‘Princess Bride’ Director, Found Dead in His Home
Rob Reiner, director of 'The Princess Bride' and 'This Is Spinal Tap,' has been found dead at 78.
variety.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Now what? Apparently, actor, director and producer Rob Reiner died in his Brentwood home. Killed with his wife. Stabbed. I met him once. I shook his hand and spoke to him briefly. He was a good guy. variety.com/2025/film/ne...
I have a positive history with shrinks. That's why this essay stuck with me. "We write to share our professional knowledge, so that our colleagues and the public gain a better understanding of the deeply disturbing psychological dimensions of authoritarianism." www.counterpunch.org/2025/12/12/a...
As Authoritarianism Grows, Psychologists Must Not Be Silent
Note: The authors and contributors to this statement had initially envisioned that it would be published as an official statement from the Society for the
www.counterpunch.org
December 14, 2025 at 7:48 PM
I have a positive history with shrinks. That's why this essay stuck with me. "We write to share our professional knowledge, so that our colleagues and the public gain a better understanding of the deeply disturbing psychological dimensions of authoritarianism." www.counterpunch.org/2025/12/12/a...
My contempt for Trump is boundless. "The Republican Party today is a scene of utter pandemonium. It is riven with infighting, much of it falling along incoherent ideological lines, much of it downstream of the cult of personality around Trump [and his] proud amorality." jacobin.com/2025/12/repu...
How the Republican Party Slipped Its Leash
A strong labor movement demanded unified elites. Organized business in turn kept the GOP’s madness contained to ensure a favorable business climate. Today the Republican Party’s descent into chaos is ...
jacobin.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:17 PM
My contempt for Trump is boundless. "The Republican Party today is a scene of utter pandemonium. It is riven with infighting, much of it falling along incoherent ideological lines, much of it downstream of the cult of personality around Trump [and his] proud amorality." jacobin.com/2025/12/repu...
Activist Noam Chomsky marked his 97th birthday on December 7. "Fulfilling a brilliant academic career at the pinnacle of the Ivory Tower, Chomsky railed against his fellow intellectuals’ subservience to power, dismissing pious declarations ... " www.counterpunch.org/2025/12/08/s...
Shame Was The Spur: The Public Life of Noam Chomsky
Chomsky forensically examined the claim that the establishment media operate as an objective check on the excesses of the powerful, marshalling overwhelming evidence showing that in fact they are a pr...
www.counterpunch.org
December 8, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Activist Noam Chomsky marked his 97th birthday on December 7. "Fulfilling a brilliant academic career at the pinnacle of the Ivory Tower, Chomsky railed against his fellow intellectuals’ subservience to power, dismissing pious declarations ... " www.counterpunch.org/2025/12/08/s...
I seems to me that the Netflix/Warner Brothers deal does two things that are significant. One it further consolidates media ownership, and two it makes it more difficult for independent voices to be heard. www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus...
Hollywood Labor Comes Out Swinging Against Warner Bros.-Netflix Deal: “This Merger Must Be Blocked”
The most severe in its criticism was the Writers Guild of America, so far.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
December 7, 2025 at 12:38 AM
I seems to me that the Netflix/Warner Brothers deal does two things that are significant. One it further consolidates media ownership, and two it makes it more difficult for independent voices to be heard. www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus...
In yet another outrage, Pete Hegseth has used the image of Franklin the Turtle to promote his poorly thought-through attacks on so-called "narco-terrorist" boats. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/02/u...
Neither Franklin the Turtle Nor Sabrina Carpenter Wants to Appear in Trump Posts
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:49 PM
In yet another outrage, Pete Hegseth has used the image of Franklin the Turtle to promote his poorly thought-through attacks on so-called "narco-terrorist" boats. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/02/u...
New York's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's redistributive policies can resonate with other cities, according to recent polls. www.commondreams.org/news/us-livi...
Living Wage, Affordability Platforms Like Mamdani and Platner’s Have 'Major Electoral Advantage': Polls | Common Dreams
The One Fair Wage coalition is pushing for a true living wage to help working people thrive, with overwhelming support in swing districts and major cities. Will Democratic leaders deliver on affordabi...
www.commondreams.org
December 1, 2025 at 6:38 PM
New York's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's redistributive policies can resonate with other cities, according to recent polls. www.commondreams.org/news/us-livi...
This is disturbing. What do you do when conspiracy theories turn out to be true? One such theory says Senate Minority Leader Chuck Shumer was a central player in the shut-down concession. What do you think? prospect.org/2025/11/14/p...
The Prospect Weekly Roundup: The Shutdown Cave and the Next Health Care Fight - The American Prospect
David Dayen and Prospect co-founder Bob Kuttner look at the politics and policy of the end of the government shutdown.
prospect.org
November 17, 2025 at 12:44 AM
This is disturbing. What do you do when conspiracy theories turn out to be true? One such theory says Senate Minority Leader Chuck Shumer was a central player in the shut-down concession. What do you think? prospect.org/2025/11/14/p...
When Zohran Mamdani led his victory speech for New York City mayor with a shout-out to Eugene Debs, he re-popularized the popular Socialist and labor leader from a hundred years ago. www.counterpunch.org/2025/11/14/w...
Who Was Eugene Debs?
Zohran Mamdani's quoting of Eugene Debs in his recent victory speech (for mayor of New York City) should awaken interest in the man who gained a name for
www.counterpunch.org
November 14, 2025 at 8:25 PM
When Zohran Mamdani led his victory speech for New York City mayor with a shout-out to Eugene Debs, he re-popularized the popular Socialist and labor leader from a hundred years ago. www.counterpunch.org/2025/11/14/w...
A small group of Senate Democrats caved. They got concessions on part of Trump's hostage deal but left healthcare subsidy cuts on the table. Just because the field of battle is complicated doesn't mean these Democrats should concede. Arguably, the AFGE gave them cover. jacobin.com/2025/11/demo...
Democrats Caved in the Shutdown Fight. Unions Let Them.
The government shutdown was a test showing where progressive forces are strong and where they’re weak. The results are in after last night’s Democratic capitulation to the GOP: most top union leaders ...
jacobin.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:50 PM
A small group of Senate Democrats caved. They got concessions on part of Trump's hostage deal but left healthcare subsidy cuts on the table. Just because the field of battle is complicated doesn't mean these Democrats should concede. Arguably, the AFGE gave them cover. jacobin.com/2025/11/demo...
The writing is on the wall. If the 2026 midterms are anything like last Tuesday's elections, I agree. Conservative Republicans are going to be crushed. Trump will be impeached again. I am delighted. thehill.com/news/house/5...
thehill.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:57 AM
The writing is on the wall. If the 2026 midterms are anything like last Tuesday's elections, I agree. Conservative Republicans are going to be crushed. Trump will be impeached again. I am delighted. thehill.com/news/house/5...