Paul Placzek
@pjplaczek.bsky.social
Born again atheist, husband, fly fishing enthusiast, self proclaimed music snob, connoisseur of toast and friend to beagles. Fan of Huskers, STL Cardinals and Packers.
Reposted by Paul Placzek
People who think the right-wing revealing in the killing of citizens is anything new--or just some product of social media--should really, really read Nixonland by Rick Perlstein. (See below passages about the Kent State killings)
January 10, 2026 at 1:17 AM
People who think the right-wing revealing in the killing of citizens is anything new--or just some product of social media--should really, really read Nixonland by Rick Perlstein. (See below passages about the Kent State killings)
Reposted by Paul Placzek
Please support Michael de Adder, who does great work:
January 8, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Please support Michael de Adder, who does great work:
Reposted by Paul Placzek
"Ohio" (1971) - written by Neil Young in reaction to the Kent State shootings of May 4, 1970. Performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. 🗃️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN_9...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN_9...
Ohio - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (Music And Song Courtesy:Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)
YouTube video by peaceandfreedom2011
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:15 PM
"Ohio" (1971) - written by Neil Young in reaction to the Kent State shootings of May 4, 1970. Performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. 🗃️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN_9...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN_9...
Reposted by Paul Placzek
I've watched thousands of videos from the Jan. 6 riot as part of NPR's reporting and archive project on that day.
Here are some of the lesser known videos that have really stuck with me.
🧵
Here are some of the lesser known videos that have really stuck with me.
🧵
January 6, 2026 at 1:23 PM
I've watched thousands of videos from the Jan. 6 riot as part of NPR's reporting and archive project on that day.
Here are some of the lesser known videos that have really stuck with me.
🧵
Here are some of the lesser known videos that have really stuck with me.
🧵
Reposted by Paul Placzek
“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration,” the North Carolina Republican Party's communications director wrote in an email response to us. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
“Biblical Justice, Equal Justice, for All”: How North Carolina’s Chief Justice Transformed His State and America
Paul Newby, a born-again Christian, has turned his perch atop North Carolina’s Supreme Court into an instrument of political power. Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well be...
www.propublica.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:00 AM
“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration,” the North Carolina Republican Party's communications director wrote in an email response to us. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
Reposted by Paul Placzek
Today's newsletter: I read the Jack Smith transcript Republicans released on New Year's Eve so you don't have to. Here are 12 takeaways:
www.readtpa.com/p/house-repu...
www.readtpa.com/p/house-repu...
House Republicans Buried the Jack Smith Transcript on New Year’s Eve. I Read It So You Don’t Have To.
12 takeaways from Smith's closed-door testimony
www.readtpa.com
January 1, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Today's newsletter: I read the Jack Smith transcript Republicans released on New Year's Eve so you don't have to. Here are 12 takeaways:
www.readtpa.com/p/house-repu...
www.readtpa.com/p/house-repu...
Reposted by Paul Placzek
"Nothing's really as it seems" - Richard Feynman
Richard Feynman introduces the core truth of our world: everything is made of atoms in perpetual motion. Watch how he connects this invisible, eternal motion to the way energy transfers through contact as the atoms jiggle. ⚛️
seriouslyscientific.com
Richard Feynman introduces the core truth of our world: everything is made of atoms in perpetual motion. Watch how he connects this invisible, eternal motion to the way energy transfers through contact as the atoms jiggle. ⚛️
seriouslyscientific.com
December 29, 2025 at 12:10 PM
"Nothing's really as it seems" - Richard Feynman
Richard Feynman introduces the core truth of our world: everything is made of atoms in perpetual motion. Watch how he connects this invisible, eternal motion to the way energy transfers through contact as the atoms jiggle. ⚛️
seriouslyscientific.com
Richard Feynman introduces the core truth of our world: everything is made of atoms in perpetual motion. Watch how he connects this invisible, eternal motion to the way energy transfers through contact as the atoms jiggle. ⚛️
seriouslyscientific.com
Reposted by Paul Placzek
It's not that they don't know. They want to own the culture that would have hated them or hates them now, so they conveniently ignore the heart of the issues so they can claim the shiny part. I'll tell you what though—they know their voters are stupid enough not to know.
Yup.
I'm telling y'all, these dudes don't know anything.🤡
Frank Sinatra was a vocal anti-racist. He fought racism with his actions, his words, and his money.
Actions:
Refused to stay at segregated hotels. Made sure Black artists got paid fairly.
Words:
Literally wrote an article in Ebony Magazine
I'm telling y'all, these dudes don't know anything.🤡
Frank Sinatra was a vocal anti-racist. He fought racism with his actions, his words, and his money.
Actions:
Refused to stay at segregated hotels. Made sure Black artists got paid fairly.
Words:
Literally wrote an article in Ebony Magazine
December 27, 2025 at 2:48 AM
It's not that they don't know. They want to own the culture that would have hated them or hates them now, so they conveniently ignore the heart of the issues so they can claim the shiny part. I'll tell you what though—they know their voters are stupid enough not to know.
Reposted by Paul Placzek
Can someone please respond to Stephen Miller with this message from Frank Sinatra?
December 26, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Can someone please respond to Stephen Miller with this message from Frank Sinatra?
Reposted by Paul Placzek
Did you know? Every year, the Supreme Court’s nine justices fill out a form that discloses their financial connections to companies and people.
Our database allows you to search for organizations and people that have paid them, reimbursed them for travel and given them gifts.
Our database allows you to search for organizations and people that have paid them, reimbursed them for travel and given them gifts.
Supreme Connections: Search Supreme Court Disclosures — ProPublica
Search Supreme Court financial disclosures for organizations and people that have paid justices, reimbursed them for travel, given them gifts and more.
projects.propublica.org
December 26, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Did you know? Every year, the Supreme Court’s nine justices fill out a form that discloses their financial connections to companies and people.
Our database allows you to search for organizations and people that have paid them, reimbursed them for travel and given them gifts.
Our database allows you to search for organizations and people that have paid them, reimbursed them for travel and given them gifts.
Reposted by Paul Placzek
December 25, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Reposted by Paul Placzek
Read this. Merry Christmas indeed
December 25, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Read this. Merry Christmas indeed
Reposted by Paul Placzek
DOJ briefly uploaded this letter from Jeff Epstein to serial child molester Larry Nassar:
"Our president shares our love of young, nubile girls. When a young beauty walked by he loved to 'grab snatch,' whereas we ended up snatching grub in the mess halls of the system."
"Our president shares our love of young, nubile girls. When a young beauty walked by he loved to 'grab snatch,' whereas we ended up snatching grub in the mess halls of the system."
December 23, 2025 at 6:03 AM
DOJ briefly uploaded this letter from Jeff Epstein to serial child molester Larry Nassar:
"Our president shares our love of young, nubile girls. When a young beauty walked by he loved to 'grab snatch,' whereas we ended up snatching grub in the mess halls of the system."
"Our president shares our love of young, nubile girls. When a young beauty walked by he loved to 'grab snatch,' whereas we ended up snatching grub in the mess halls of the system."
Reposted by Paul Placzek
I wrote about Bari Weiss, 60 Minutes, CBS News, and what all of this says about the state of mainstream media. www.readtpa.com/p/the-kill-s...
The Kill Switch
How Bari Weiss handed the Trump administration a veto over CBS News
www.readtpa.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:35 PM
I wrote about Bari Weiss, 60 Minutes, CBS News, and what all of this says about the state of mainstream media. www.readtpa.com/p/the-kill-s...
Reposted by Paul Placzek
I just uploaded @jasonparis.bsky.social 's recording of the segment CBS News pulled from "60 Minutes" to YouTube:
WATCH: Segment CBS News Pulled From "60 Minutes"
YouTube video by Phil Lewis
www.youtube.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:45 PM
I just uploaded @jasonparis.bsky.social 's recording of the segment CBS News pulled from "60 Minutes" to YouTube:
Reposted by Paul Placzek
Timeline of Jeffrey Epstein-Ghislaine Maxwell Law Enforcement Failures (1996-2025). This is an essential reference tool prepared by students at NYU Law School.
Timeline of Jeffrey Epstein-Ghislaine Maxwell Law Enforcement Failures (1996-2025)
A comprehensive timeline of the failure of federal law enforcement to address Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's crimes.
www.justsecurity.org
December 21, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Timeline of Jeffrey Epstein-Ghislaine Maxwell Law Enforcement Failures (1996-2025). This is an essential reference tool prepared by students at NYU Law School.
Reposted by Paul Placzek
The name "Popular Science" doesn't mean we shift our coverage depending on public opinion. It means we cover relevant subjects that are rigorously researched, reliable, and grounded in reality.
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
First-of-a-kind study shows encouraging data for trans kids who socially transition
Ninety-four percent of participants in a new study stood firm in their trans identity after five years, and "detransitioning" is rare.
www.popsci.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:16 PM
The name "Popular Science" doesn't mean we shift our coverage depending on public opinion. It means we cover relevant subjects that are rigorously researched, reliable, and grounded in reality.
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
Reposted by Paul Placzek
Much of the cardboard and paper goods strewn about our homes are sold by a single private company, with its name, Uline, stamped on the bottom.
Many may not know that a multibillion-dollar fortune made on those ubiquitous products fuels far-right candidates across the country.
(Published 2022)
Many may not know that a multibillion-dollar fortune made on those ubiquitous products fuels far-right candidates across the country.
(Published 2022)
That Cardboard Box in Your Home Is Fueling Election Denial
A previously unreported boom in profits for the shipping supply giant Uline has provided the funds for a deeply conservative Midwestern family to bankroll anti-democracy causes around the country.
www.propublica.org
December 20, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Much of the cardboard and paper goods strewn about our homes are sold by a single private company, with its name, Uline, stamped on the bottom.
Many may not know that a multibillion-dollar fortune made on those ubiquitous products fuels far-right candidates across the country.
(Published 2022)
Many may not know that a multibillion-dollar fortune made on those ubiquitous products fuels far-right candidates across the country.
(Published 2022)
Reposted by Paul Placzek
There has been lots said about the evidence quality underpinning trans healthcare today, in both popular press and by politicians.
Here is a story where I parsed those details through reporting on a failed research partnership--and it's fallout.
Here is a story where I parsed those details through reporting on a failed research partnership--and it's fallout.
Trans health care "skeptics" lost a key ally—now they're having a meltdown
The godfather of evidence-based medicine on rejecting anti-trans "misuse" of his work.
www.motherjones.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:06 PM
There has been lots said about the evidence quality underpinning trans healthcare today, in both popular press and by politicians.
Here is a story where I parsed those details through reporting on a failed research partnership--and it's fallout.
Here is a story where I parsed those details through reporting on a failed research partnership--and it's fallout.
Reposted by Paul Placzek
NEW: The FDA won’t tell Americans where their generic drugs are made, so ProPublica did it instead.
Use information from your prescription label to locate the factory and see if the plant has a history of inspection violations.
Use information from your prescription label to locate the factory and see if the plant has a history of inspection violations.
Where Was My Generic Prescription Drug Made? - Rx Inspector - ProPublica
The FDA won’t tell Americans where their generic drugs are made, so ProPublica did it instead. Use information on your prescription label to locate the factory and see inspection reports.
projects.propublica.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:05 PM
NEW: The FDA won’t tell Americans where their generic drugs are made, so ProPublica did it instead.
Use information from your prescription label to locate the factory and see if the plant has a history of inspection violations.
Use information from your prescription label to locate the factory and see if the plant has a history of inspection violations.
Reposted by Paul Placzek
Read Seth's whole thread, but this kicker is the key.
As with most things Trump related, I think there's no point looking for a 14-dimensional chess explanation for what anyone is doing. I don't think Wiles is a savvy operator playing a Vanity Fair journalist to advance her own interests. I thinks she's a damaged person enabling other damaged people.
December 16, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Read Seth's whole thread, but this kicker is the key.
Reposted by Paul Placzek
Trump's Big, Ugly Bill Has Cut Corp Taxes by 1/3 #ABlueView🧵1/3
"Between July & November, the last full month of data, revenue from the corporate income tax has dropped by roughly a third, or $52B, compared to the same period the year before" Trump's new law.
"Between July & November, the last full month of data, revenue from the corporate income tax has dropped by roughly a third, or $52B, compared to the same period the year before" Trump's new law.
December 15, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Trump's Big, Ugly Bill Has Cut Corp Taxes by 1/3 #ABlueView🧵1/3
"Between July & November, the last full month of data, revenue from the corporate income tax has dropped by roughly a third, or $52B, compared to the same period the year before" Trump's new law.
"Between July & November, the last full month of data, revenue from the corporate income tax has dropped by roughly a third, or $52B, compared to the same period the year before" Trump's new law.
Reposted by Paul Placzek
Virginia Heffernan wrote this shortly after the 2016 election and it still holds true
December 16, 2025 at 4:21 AM
Virginia Heffernan wrote this shortly after the 2016 election and it still holds true
Reposted by Paul Placzek
1. For at least 10 years, Pepsi has conspired with Walmart to force up grocery prices. That’s the shocking evidence made public today in an unsealed FTC lawsuit. The suit was abandoned in May by the Trump FTC just before it was to be un-redacted. We went to court to get it unsealed & won.
December 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM
1. For at least 10 years, Pepsi has conspired with Walmart to force up grocery prices. That’s the shocking evidence made public today in an unsealed FTC lawsuit. The suit was abandoned in May by the Trump FTC just before it was to be un-redacted. We went to court to get it unsealed & won.
Reposted by Paul Placzek
CBS News(max) spamming that interview like a Twitter bot shows A) it has been taken over by propagandists and B) this was more about shining a light on Bari Weiss than Erika Kirk
December 15, 2025 at 2:50 PM
CBS News(max) spamming that interview like a Twitter bot shows A) it has been taken over by propagandists and B) this was more about shining a light on Bari Weiss than Erika Kirk