MB Barber
@mbbarber916.bsky.social
Californian. Civil servant. Library & arts lover. MBA. Former journalist and political junkie who’s damn worried about our democracy. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🇺🇦
Pinned
MB Barber
@mbbarber916.bsky.social
· Feb 8
I really wanted to be the crazy family member at holiday dinners and not fucking Cassandra.
One hundred % accurate!
I was a lifelong opponent of trigger warnings. Then I read Ryan Lizza's most recent Substack post.
November 24, 2025 at 7:10 PM
One hundred % accurate!
Reposted by MB Barber
No lawmaker in Congress should be able to buy, own, and sell individual stocks. Period. Let's make Congressional stock trading illegal.
November 19, 2025 at 4:01 PM
No lawmaker in Congress should be able to buy, own, and sell individual stocks. Period. Let's make Congressional stock trading illegal.
Reposted by MB Barber
This one wins the internet today.....
👏👏👏👏👏👏
👏👏👏👏👏👏
November 18, 2025 at 9:49 PM
This one wins the internet today.....
👏👏👏👏👏👏
👏👏👏👏👏👏
Reposted by MB Barber
Wow! Senators Kelly and Slotkin and Reps DeLuzio, Goodlander, Houlahan, and Crow encouraging members of the military to defy illegal orders!
November 19, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Wow! Senators Kelly and Slotkin and Reps DeLuzio, Goodlander, Houlahan, and Crow encouraging members of the military to defy illegal orders!
Wait … what?
(Context: DOE has loan programs for professional degrees, different terms than, say, a humanities master. They’ve been taking a knife to that classification, with public health and now nurses.)
(Context: DOE has loan programs for professional degrees, different terms than, say, a humanities master. They’ve been taking a knife to that classification, with public health and now nurses.)
Doctor Here 👋
-The Department of Education just said nursing is no longer a professional degree.
- #Nursing is one of the most important and respected professions. Our healthcare system depends on them.
- #Nurses save lives!! They must be respected as professionals!
#medsky #publichealth
-The Department of Education just said nursing is no longer a professional degree.
- #Nursing is one of the most important and respected professions. Our healthcare system depends on them.
- #Nurses save lives!! They must be respected as professionals!
#medsky #publichealth
November 19, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Wait … what?
(Context: DOE has loan programs for professional degrees, different terms than, say, a humanities master. They’ve been taking a knife to that classification, with public health and now nurses.)
(Context: DOE has loan programs for professional degrees, different terms than, say, a humanities master. They’ve been taking a knife to that classification, with public health and now nurses.)
UC Santa Barbara and UC Irvine soccer and the Big West championship. Been looking at AI search results that first say Irvine is the champ with a win 1-0, then the next min SB takes it 1-0. Both are adamant in the certainty of the answer.
The game isn’t for another 3+ hours.
The game isn’t for another 3+ hours.
November 15, 2025 at 12:05 AM
UC Santa Barbara and UC Irvine soccer and the Big West championship. Been looking at AI search results that first say Irvine is the champ with a win 1-0, then the next min SB takes it 1-0. Both are adamant in the certainty of the answer.
The game isn’t for another 3+ hours.
The game isn’t for another 3+ hours.
👀
November 14, 2025 at 3:46 AM
👀
Aren’t these the people we want in the US - hardworking family-oriented good people?
“I still cry sometimes,” Juan Ramón González said from Mexico after “self-deporting” in August, leaving the family he had raised over three decades in California.
'I Still Cry Sometimes': Self-Deporting as ICE Cracks Down
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Aren’t these the people we want in the US - hardworking family-oriented good people?
It was quite bizarre that Justice Jackson granted the motion to stop snap benefits on Fri evening. This is a good explanation of why, by a legal scholar at Georgetown.
If you’re trying to catch up on what went down with #SNAP late last night at #SCOTUS, here’s my attempt to read the breadcrumbs on the “administrative stay” issued by Justice Jackson—and why a justice so critical of the Court’s grants of emergency relief to Trump still granted temporary relief here:
190. SNAP WTF?
A very quick explainer on why Justice Jackson issued an "administrative stay" in the SNAP case late on Friday night, and on what's likely to happen next
www.stevevladeck.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:03 AM
It was quite bizarre that Justice Jackson granted the motion to stop snap benefits on Fri evening. This is a good explanation of why, by a legal scholar at Georgetown.
Reposted by MB Barber
Thinking only of Rosalind Franklin today, and what was stolen from her (and so many other female scientists alongside her).
Rosalind Franklin and the damage of gender harassment
Spurred by a recent report on sexual harassment in academia, our columnist revisits a historical case and reflects on what has changed—and what hasn’t
www.science.org
November 7, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Thinking only of Rosalind Franklin today, and what was stolen from her (and so many other female scientists alongside her).
People feel they have to protect schools in Portland OR from ICE.
portlanders showed up en masse to protect Cesar Chavez middle school today. ICE did not enter any schools in north portland today but people are worried & PPS locked doors at some schools
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb1b...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb1b...
Community members surround north Portland school after ICE reported nearby
YouTube video by KPTV FOX 12 | Local news, weather Portland, Oregon
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:32 AM
People feel they have to protect schools in Portland OR from ICE.
This is very true.
The DNC didn't win last night; the fired-up Democratic voters did.
November 6, 2025 at 6:35 AM
This is very true.
Reposted by MB Barber
Earlier this year, I met a Croatian journalist who was in the US doing a piece on America’s politics and I asked her what surprised her. And she said, “What you all call the far left is just being normal.”
November 4, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Earlier this year, I met a Croatian journalist who was in the US doing a piece on America’s politics and I asked her what surprised her. And she said, “What you all call the far left is just being normal.”
Attacked for not being able to immediately recite a social security number from memory. Note she has her paperwork in her hand when she’s taken to the ground by ICE, in front of her teenage daughter.
1/2
ICE violently detained a Virginia mother driving her daughter to school because she couldn’t recite her Social Security number from memory. “When she stumbled, the agent just lunged at her,” said her 16 yo. She showed her work permit, SS card, license, registration:ICE arrested her anyway.
ICE violently detained a Virginia mother driving her daughter to school because she couldn’t recite her Social Security number from memory. “When she stumbled, the agent just lunged at her,” said her 16 yo. She showed her work permit, SS card, license, registration:ICE arrested her anyway.
November 1, 2025 at 4:50 AM
Attacked for not being able to immediately recite a social security number from memory. Note she has her paperwork in her hand when she’s taken to the ground by ICE, in front of her teenage daughter.
ICE caused a car accident and then beat up and arrested the injured driver. A US citizen, not an immigrant. He needs a hospital.
Another disturbing video out of IL, reported by Block Club Chicago: agents/thugs are seen detaining a man, pressing him to the ground as he gasps, “I can’t breathe.” A crowd quickly forms, begging them to stop.
We are outraged over the use of excessive force in immigration & federal operations.🤬
We are outraged over the use of excessive force in immigration & federal operations.🤬
November 1, 2025 at 4:47 AM
ICE caused a car accident and then beat up and arrested the injured driver. A US citizen, not an immigrant. He needs a hospital.
Spot ON.
October 31, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Spot ON.
Reposted by MB Barber
One year ago, an entirely accurate page in NYT.
October 30, 2025 at 12:03 AM
One year ago, an entirely accurate page in NYT.
THIS. ⬇ Sure sounds like something is up, no?
So the president took a dementia test, and then they administered an MRI. Where’s the media on this?
October 29, 2025 at 3:33 AM
THIS. ⬇ Sure sounds like something is up, no?
Nothing says they will defend the constitution and humanitarian rights like trying to force members of the military to sign non-disclosure agreements. (Which isn't a thing, BTW.)
The Trump regime is requiring military officials to sign non-disclosure agreements regarding the U.S. war prep in Latin America. This isn't about drugs, folks. It's about stealing Venezuela's oil.
Exclusive: US military officials required to sign NDAs tied to Latin America mission, sources say
U.S. military officials involved with President Donald Trump's expanding operations in Latin America have been asked to sign non-disclosure agreements, three U.S. officials say, a development that raises new questions about a military buildup that Venezuela fears may lead to an invasion.
www.reuters.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Nothing says they will defend the constitution and humanitarian rights like trying to force members of the military to sign non-disclosure agreements. (Which isn't a thing, BTW.)
This is spot on.
People will die if we don’t fix this. This is what the Democrats are holding out for…
youtube.com/shorts/eoNPs...
youtube.com/shorts/eoNPs...
Are Your PREMIUMS going UP?
YouTube video by PoliticsGirl
youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:56 AM
This is spot on.
Reposted by MB Barber
If you make 130% of the federal poverty level, you qualify for SNAP.
A family of four, making $40,560, qualifies for SNAP benefits meaning thousands of Missouri teachers qualify.
I’m tired of the bullshit. Most of the people who receive snap benefits work.
A family of four, making $40,560, qualifies for SNAP benefits meaning thousands of Missouri teachers qualify.
I’m tired of the bullshit. Most of the people who receive snap benefits work.
October 27, 2025 at 9:03 PM
If you make 130% of the federal poverty level, you qualify for SNAP.
A family of four, making $40,560, qualifies for SNAP benefits meaning thousands of Missouri teachers qualify.
I’m tired of the bullshit. Most of the people who receive snap benefits work.
A family of four, making $40,560, qualifies for SNAP benefits meaning thousands of Missouri teachers qualify.
I’m tired of the bullshit. Most of the people who receive snap benefits work.
Campaign manager lasted one Scaramucchi. The head of lettuce won by a mile.
Kevin Brown, a longtime friend of Graham Platner who started as campaign manager last week, is leaving his role, the sources said.
www.axios.com/2025/10/27/g...
www.axios.com/2025/10/27/g...
Scoop: Graham Platner's campaign manager and longtime friend quits
Kevin Brown had started as the Maine Senate contender's campaign manager just last week.
www.axios.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Campaign manager lasted one Scaramucchi. The head of lettuce won by a mile.
I’ve been watching The Diplomat, fascinated by the international work Keri Russel’s character had done in the Middle East. The key funding for the projects she had worked on at the top of the show before the transfer to the UK, especially with women’s groups? USAID.
We’re giving $40 billion to Argentina.
This is $5 billion MORE that the entire USAID budget that DOGE cut.
This is $5 billion MORE that the entire USAID budget that DOGE cut.
October 27, 2025 at 2:05 PM
I’ve been watching The Diplomat, fascinated by the international work Keri Russel’s character had done in the Middle East. The key funding for the projects she had worked on at the top of the show before the transfer to the UK, especially with women’s groups? USAID.
This!⬇️
Whenever people complain about the number of folks relying on food stamps, it is worth reminding them that SNAP is, by too large of a degree, a subsidy for corporations that refuse to pay a living wage and their political allies who reject public policy prescriptions to reduce income inequality.
October 27, 2025 at 1:48 AM
This!⬇️
Ding ding ding 🛎️!
You'll be hearing plenty of lies and propaganda about Venezuela shipping a bazillion tons of drugs via tiny fishing boats (which, incidentally, would have to refuel at least six times to reach U.S. waters) and submersibles (!).
Just keep in mind: IT'S THE OIL.
www.reuters.com/business/ene...
Just keep in mind: IT'S THE OIL.
www.reuters.com/business/ene...
Venezuela's oil exports surpass 1 million bpd for first time since 2020, data shows
Venezuela's oil exports averaged 1.09 million barrels per day (bpd) in September, the highest monthly level since February 2020, according to shipping data and documents from state-run energy company PDVSA.
www.reuters.com
October 26, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Ding ding ding 🛎️!