Mike O’Connor
@master-showman.bsky.social
current TX Lege staffer and Austinite; onetime writer, scholar, instructor, student, Hoosier, etc.; always and forever “Star Trek” and Pacers
The NYT has reported that “at least eight people to whom Trump granted clemency in his first term have since been charged with a crime.” His pardons do not rectify injustices, but reward personal fealty. As French argues here, the pardon power needs to be reformed. [gift article]
Opinion | Pardon Me. I Am Not Done Committing Crimes.
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:21 PM
The NYT has reported that “at least eight people to whom Trump granted clemency in his first term have since been charged with a crime.” His pardons do not rectify injustices, but reward personal fealty. As French argues here, the pardon power needs to be reformed. [gift article]
President Trump is occupying cities because of crime that does not exist but pardoning actual criminals. This is so maddening!
A felon whose sentence President Trump commuted in the final hours of his first term was sentenced to 27 months in prison on Monday after being accused of a range of criminal conduct — including physical and sexual assault — since Trump freed him. nyti.ms/3LSL8nC
Jonathan Braun, Felon Freed by Trump, to Be Sentenced Again in Brooklyn
A Brooklyn federal judge found that Jonathan Braun had violated the rules of his release by assaulting a nanny, swinging an IV pole at a nurse and dodging tolls in luxury cars.
nyti.ms
November 10, 2025 at 11:20 PM
President Trump is occupying cities because of crime that does not exist but pardoning actual criminals. This is so maddening!
“He said he was ready impose more tariffs on Russia and it’s [sic] oil customers if Moscow does not agree to a cease-fire, but he would do so only if Europe also ends all purchases of Russian oil and gas.”
Come on, New York Times, let’s see a little copy-editing here!
Come on, New York Times, let’s see a little copy-editing here!
Live Updates: Trump Attacks U.N. and Lectures Nations in Address to General Assembly
www.nytimes.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:16 PM
“He said he was ready impose more tariffs on Russia and it’s [sic] oil customers if Moscow does not agree to a cease-fire, but he would do so only if Europe also ends all purchases of Russian oil and gas.”
Come on, New York Times, let’s see a little copy-editing here!
Come on, New York Times, let’s see a little copy-editing here!
TXST prez: “I will not tolerate behavior that mocks, trivializes, or promotes violence on our campuses.” Only the third merits disciplinary action, as the first two are protected by 1A. In the video I saw the student mocking and trivializing violence, but not promoting it. Expelling him is wrong.
Student who mocked Charlie Kirk’s death “no longer” at Texas State University as clampdowns continue
The university's announcement came hours after Gov. Greg Abbott called for the student's expulsion.
www.texastribune.org
September 17, 2025 at 4:22 PM
TXST prez: “I will not tolerate behavior that mocks, trivializes, or promotes violence on our campuses.” Only the third merits disciplinary action, as the first two are protected by 1A. In the video I saw the student mocking and trivializing violence, but not promoting it. Expelling him is wrong.
Jamelle Bouie argues that grief over a terrible act of violence should not distort our memory of who Charlie Kirk actually was: “a champion for an authoritarian politics that backed the repression of opponents and made light of violence against them.” [gift article]
Opinion | Charlie Kirk Didn’t Shy Away From Who He Was. We Shouldn’t Either.
www.nytimes.com
September 14, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Jamelle Bouie argues that grief over a terrible act of violence should not distort our memory of who Charlie Kirk actually was: “a champion for an authoritarian politics that backed the repression of opponents and made light of violence against them.” [gift article]
This is an insightful explanation of Trump’s contradictory economic impulses. Interpretations that presume a strictly policy-oriented agenda cannot explain why he so often expresses inconsistent objectives. Instead, his program satisfies an emotional agenda based on punishment and ego-gratification.
The Era of Step-on-a-Rake Capitalism
Trumponomics isn’t about economics. It’s about creating pain and demanding tribute.
www.theatlantic.com
September 14, 2025 at 1:40 PM
This is an insightful explanation of Trump’s contradictory economic impulses. Interpretations that presume a strictly policy-oriented agenda cannot explain why he so often expresses inconsistent objectives. Instead, his program satisfies an emotional agenda based on punishment and ego-gratification.
Trump declares that the culture that produced the assassination if Charlie Kirk is the fault of the “radical left.” Laura Loomer said he should shut down and prosecute Leftist organizations. I fear that the Kirk murder could become the American Reichstag fire.
President Trump Delivers Remarks on Charlie Kirk
www.whitehouse.gov
September 13, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Trump declares that the culture that produced the assassination if Charlie Kirk is the fault of the “radical left.” Laura Loomer said he should shut down and prosecute Leftist organizations. I fear that the Kirk murder could become the American Reichstag fire.
Reposted by Mike O’Connor
New data shows that for every millionaire who got a Trump tax cut, four Americans will lose their health insurance.
Republican Megabill’s Tax Cuts for Millionaires Are Financed by Taking Health Insurance From 4.7 Million People | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
The tax cuts for millionaires in the law — averaging $80,000 per household — will cost the same as the health care cuts that will take health insurance away from 4.7 million people by 2034.
www.cbpp.org
September 5, 2025 at 1:43 PM
New data shows that for every millionaire who got a Trump tax cut, four Americans will lose their health insurance.
Reposted by Mike O’Connor
You can understand the problem in America right now with just two numbers. Yesterday we learned Trump has made $5 billion for himself while kicking 17 million Americans off health care.
September 3, 2025 at 6:46 PM
You can understand the problem in America right now with just two numbers. Yesterday we learned Trump has made $5 billion for himself while kicking 17 million Americans off health care.
He worked with us in the war and now we arrest him without cause and threaten to deport him for no reason. I mean…just…what the fuck?!
The man's arrest is the latest case of federal authorities detaining immigrants with legal status during immigration check-ins. Lawmakers call the detainment of those who helped U.S. troops at war a betrayal. [via @wbur.org]
Former Afghan interpreter for U.S. military detained by ICE after routine immigration appointment
Zia’s arrest is the latest case of federal authorities detaining immigrants with legal status during immigration check-ins. Lawmakers call the detainment of those who helped U.S. troops at war a betra...
n.pr
July 24, 2025 at 2:06 PM
He worked with us in the war and now we arrest him without cause and threaten to deport him for no reason. I mean…just…what the fuck?!
Good explainer on the special session and potential quorum break. www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Democrats Can’t Stop Donald Trump’s Plan to Gerrymander Texas. But Will They Try To?
Rather than accept mid-decade redistricting during a special legislative session, liberal lawmakers are considering fleeing the state.
www.texasmonthly.com
July 22, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Good explainer on the special session and potential quorum break. www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
We’re letting the terrorists win.
T.S.A. to Let Travelers Keep Their Shoes On, Ending Hated Rule
www.nytimes.com
July 9, 2025 at 12:26 AM
We’re letting the terrorists win.
Reposted by Mike O’Connor
So Trumpism is just a dumber, more authoritarian Reaganism, gotcha.
July 1, 2025 at 1:32 PM
So Trumpism is just a dumber, more authoritarian Reaganism, gotcha.
This is an interesting development.
House Democrats, California leaders weigh tit-for-tat redistricting if Texas Republicans redraw maps
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s aides have signaled their boss’s willingness to counter Texas redistricting with a similar move to offset GOP gains, lawmakers said.
www.texastribune.org
July 3, 2025 at 10:12 PM
This is an interesting development.
I am devastated. We will miss Myles in so many ways.
Sources: Bucks waive Lillard, agree with Turner
The Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113M on his contract in order to acquire free agent center Myles Turner, sources told ESPN.
www.espn.com
July 1, 2025 at 3:47 PM
I am devastated. We will miss Myles in so many ways.
“Individually, the calls and emails were blandly substance-free. But together they spoke clearly: You are powerless.”
That Dropped Call With Customer Service? It Was on Purpose.
Endless wait times and excessive procedural fuss—it’s all part of a tactic called “sludge.”
www.theatlantic.com
June 30, 2025 at 2:27 PM
“Individually, the calls and emails were blandly substance-free. But together they spoke clearly: You are powerless.”
Reposted by Mike O’Connor
Forcing one specific religious text into classrooms is not education, it’s indoctrination. It violates the US Constitution which forbids the government from using tax dollars to promote a religion. Public schools are for all children, regardless of faith or background.
#txeducation #10commandments
#txeducation #10commandments
June 27, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Forcing one specific religious text into classrooms is not education, it’s indoctrination. It violates the US Constitution which forbids the government from using tax dollars to promote a religion. Public schools are for all children, regardless of faith or background.
#txeducation #10commandments
#txeducation #10commandments
Did not expect this and am overjoyed at the result!
Mamdani Stuns Cuomo in New York Mayoral Primary
www.nytimes.com
June 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Did not expect this and am overjoyed at the result!
“The chain had long been a purely Texas phenomenon, and the cultish devotion it inspired could be explained, at least partially, by the Texan tendency to boisterously and unequivocally embrace things that are distinctly Texan.” Reporter Rick Rojas knows what he’s talking about!
Buc-ee’s, a Pit Stop to Refuel Cars, Stomachs and Souls, Spreads Beyond Texas
www.nytimes.com
June 16, 2025 at 11:48 PM
“The chain had long been a purely Texas phenomenon, and the cultish devotion it inspired could be explained, at least partially, by the Texan tendency to boisterously and unequivocally embrace things that are distinctly Texan.” Reporter Rick Rojas knows what he’s talking about!
“They’re going to wear you down with their pace and their depth and their grit.
They’re going to share the ball and stretch your defense.
They’re going to cripple your spirit, no matter the odds.
This is who the Pacers are.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
They’re going to share the ball and stretch your defense.
They’re going to cripple your spirit, no matter the odds.
This is who the Pacers are.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
The Pacers are showing who they really are — and that they're for real
www.nytimes.com
June 13, 2025 at 12:25 PM
“They’re going to wear you down with their pace and their depth and their grit.
They’re going to share the ball and stretch your defense.
They’re going to cripple your spirit, no matter the odds.
This is who the Pacers are.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
They’re going to share the ball and stretch your defense.
They’re going to cripple your spirit, no matter the odds.
This is who the Pacers are.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
I’m absolutely flummoxed at the fact that the whole country hasn’t embraced the Indiana Pacers as the embodiment of a feel-good underdog story. Instead people seem all pissed off that they’re not losing to “better” teams while exhibiting a certain smugness in predicting their imminent demise.
June 12, 2025 at 4:20 PM
I’m absolutely flummoxed at the fact that the whole country hasn’t embraced the Indiana Pacers as the embodiment of a feel-good underdog story. Instead people seem all pissed off that they’re not losing to “better” teams while exhibiting a certain smugness in predicting their imminent demise.
The Western Hemisphere is ”a bunch of cold burritos being DoorDashed to deadbeats.”
—from the HBO movie “Mountainhead”
—from the HBO movie “Mountainhead”
June 4, 2025 at 8:05 PM
The Western Hemisphere is ”a bunch of cold burritos being DoorDashed to deadbeats.”
—from the HBO movie “Mountainhead”
—from the HBO movie “Mountainhead”
Pentagon: “Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the commander in chief’s priorities, our nation’s history, and the warrior ethos.” Heroes like Milk, Tubman and Thurgood Marshall out; Confederates in. Terrible call.
Hegseth Orders Navy to Review Ship Name Honoring Gay Rights Pioneer Harvey Milk
www.nytimes.com
June 3, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Pentagon: “Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the commander in chief’s priorities, our nation’s history, and the warrior ethos.” Heroes like Milk, Tubman and Thurgood Marshall out; Confederates in. Terrible call.
So true! It makes me crazy that people work so hard to explain why the team that keeps winning is not as good as the teams they are beating!
The thought that keeps coming back, as I try to quiet my brain so I can sleep before I need to leave for the airport in a few hours, is that if we keep coming up with lists of all the reasons why the teams losing to the Pacers are blowing it, we should probably just say the Pacers are fuckin' great.
May 28, 2025 at 8:34 PM
So true! It makes me crazy that people work so hard to explain why the team that keeps winning is not as good as the teams they are beating!
Gotta love a throwback to classic “Hicks versus Knicks.”
May 22, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Gotta love a throwback to classic “Hicks versus Knicks.”