Richard A. Wells
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rawells.bsky.social
Richard A. Wells
@rawells.bsky.social
150 followers 770 following 17 posts
Spousal and parental unit, graybeard (no longer in-training), linguatrope.

W. Concord MA USA
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
stevevladeck.bsky.social
Even if you don't have time to read all 83 pages of Judge Reyes's opinion barring the Trump administration from rescinding Temporary Protected Status for 350,000+ Haitians, please at least check out the four-page introduction.

It's a tour de force:

storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
"On December 2, 1783, then-Commander-in-Chief George Washington penned: “America is open to receive not only the Opulent & respected Stranger, but the oppressed & persecuted of all Nations & Religions.”1 More than two centuries later, Congress reaffirmed President Washington’s vision by establishing the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. See 8 U.S.C. § 1254a (TPS statute). It provides humanitarian relief to foreign nationals in the United States who come from disaster-stricken countries. It also brings in substantial revenue, with TPS holders generating $5.2 billion in taxes annually. See Part VI. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has a different take. [screenshot of tweet]. So says the official responsible for overseeing the TPS program. And one of those (her word) “damn” countries is Haiti. Relevant here, three days before making the above post, Secretary Noem announced she would terminate Haiti’s TPS designation as of February 3, 2026. See 90 Fed. Reg. 54733 (Nov. 28, 2025) (Termination). Plaintiffs are five Haitian TPS holders. They are not, it emerges, “killers, leeches, or entitlement junkies.” They are instead: Fritz Emmanuel Lesly Miot, a neuroscientist researching Alzheimer’s disease, Dkt. 90 (Second Am. Compl. (SAC)) ¶ 1; Rudolph Civil, a software engineer at a national bank, id. ¶ 2; Marlene Gail Noble, a laboratory assistant in a toxicology department, id. ¶ 3; Marica Merline Laguerre, a college economics major, id. ¶ 4; and Vilbrun Dorsainvil, a full-time registered nurse, id. ¶ 5. They claim that Secretary Noem’s decision violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. § 706(2), and the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Government counters that the Court does not have jurisdiction, and, in any case, the Secretary did not violate the law. Plaintiffs seek to stay the Secretary’s decision under 5 U.S.C. § 705 pending the outcome of this litigation. See Dkt. 81 (§ 705 Mot.). To decide their motion, the Court considers first whether it has jurisdiction. It does. See Part II. It then considers: whether Plaintiffs have a substantial likelihood of success on the merits; whether they will be irreparably harmed absent a stay; and whether a merged balance of the equities and public interest analysis favors a stay. See Part III. Each element favors Plaintiffs. See Parts IV, V, and VI. Plaintiffs charge that Secretary Noem preordained her termination decision and did so because of hostility to nonwhite immigrants. This seems substantially likely. Secretary Noem has terminated every TPS country designation to have reached her desk—twelve countries up, twelve countries down. See Section IV.A.2. Her conclusion that Haiti (a majority nonwhite country) faces merely “concerning” conditions cannot be squared with the “perfect storm of suffering” and “staggering” “humanitarian toll” described in page-after-page of the Certified Administrative Record (CAR). See Section IV.A.3.a. She ignored Congress’s requirement that she “review the conditions” in Haiti only “after” consulting “with appropriate agencies.” 8 U.S.C. § 1254a(b)(3)(A); see Section IV.A.1. Indeed, she did not consult other agencies at all. See id. Her “national interest” analysis focuses on Haitians outside the United States or here illegally, ignoring that Haitian TPS holders already live here, and legally so. See Section IV.A.3.b. And though she states that the analysis must include “economic considerations,” she ignores altogether the billions Haitian TPS holders contribute to the economy. See id. The Government’s primary response is that the TPS statute gives the Secretary unbounded discretion to make whatever determination she wants, any way she wants. And, yes, the statute does grant her some discretion. But not unbounded discretion. To the contrary, Congress passed the TPS statute to standardize the then ad hoc temporary protection system—to replace executive whim with statutory predictability. See Section I.A. As to irreparable harm, the Government contends that, at most, the harms to Haitian TPS holders are speculative. But the Department of State (State) warns [screenshot] Dkt. 100 (§ 705 Reply) at 20–21.4 “Do not travel to Haiti for any reason” does not exactly scream, as Secretary Noem concluded, suitable for return. And so, the Government studiously does not argue that Plaintiffs will suffer no harm if removed to Haiti. Instead, it argues Plaintiffs will not certainly suffer irreparable harm because DHS might not remove them. But this fails to take Secretary Noem at her word: “WE DON’T WANT THEM. NOT ONE.” See Section IV.B.2.b. Finally, the balance of equities and public interest favor a stay. The Government does not cite any reason termination must occur post haste. Secretary Noem complains of strains unlawful immigrants place on our immigration-enforcement system. Her answer? Turn 352,959 lawful immigrants into unlawful immigrants overnight. She complains of strains to our economy. Her answer? Turn employed lawful immigrants who contribute billions in taxes into the legally unemployable. She complains of strains to our healthcare system. Her answer? Turn the insured into the uninsured. This approach is many things—in the public interest is not one of them. For the reasons below, the Court GRANTS Plaintiffs’ Renewed Motion for a Stay Under 5 U.S.C. § 705, Dkt. 81.
February 3, 2026 at 1:06 AM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
chrislhayes.bsky.social
Just a fundamentally evil, malevolent person. Rotten to the very core.
January 30, 2026 at 12:59 PM
rawells.bsky.social
A little something to help you track injustices committed by the current administration: https://constitutioncenter.org/education/classroom-resource-library/classroom/bill-of-rights-bingo
January 30, 2026 at 12:44 AM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
gtconway.bsky.social
Bondi's letter—essentially offering to stop attacking and murdering citizens in Minnesota in exchange for the state's voter rolls—shows what Trump, Miller et al. are really after:

They want to fuck with the nation's elections so that they never have to cede power or answer for their crimes.
natashakorecki.bsky.social Natasha Korecki @natashakorecki.bsky.social · 9d
In the wake of another fatal shooting in Minneapolis.
AG Pam Bondi sends Gov. Walz a letter today making several asks including:
"Allow DOJ Civil Rights division access to state voter rolls"
January 25, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
davidcorn.bsky.social
Tim Cook and Andy Jassy—and the rest—are accommodating an authoritarian who is presiding over a secret police force killing American citizens. The blood of Renee Good and Alex Pretti is on the hands of those who enable Trump. Hope they like the movie.
ddiamond.bsky.social Dan Diamond @ddiamond.bsky.social · 9d
On tonight’s White House agenda:

Trump and guests will get a private screening of MELANIA, the documentary about the First Lady, @thr.com reports.

Attendees include Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Mike Tyson, per the article.
The event, which has not been promoted or advertised, is taking place in the East Room of the White House on Saturday. Guests include director Brett Ratner; Queen Rania of Jordan; Zoom CEO Eric Yuan; Apple CEO Tim Cook; New York Stock Exchange CEO Lynn Martin; AMD CEO Linsa Su; Mike Tyson; socialite and Fiat heiress Azzi Agnelli; self-help guru Tony Robbins; and photographer Ellen von Unwerth, who shot the movie poster for the film. Barron Trump and Ratner's mother will also be on hand, along with Mike Hopkins of Amazon Studios, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and Marc Beckman, a senior adviser and longtime manager to the First Lady who was reportedly involved in every aspect of the project. Since the usual White House screening room in the East Wing has been shut down to construct the Trump ballroom, Melania built a make-shift theater, with state of the art sound and film equipment (overseen by Ratner himself), and a giant movie screen brought in for the occasion.
January 25, 2026 at 2:07 AM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
chrisgeidner.bsky.social
BREAKING: A young doctor who lives near where Alex Pretti, a nurse, was killed by ICE says in a declaration he saw the shooting, went out to help, was not let through at first then patted down before being let by, and was apparently the first to try and provide any medical assistance to Pretti.
1. 1 am a 29-year-old resident of the lin Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have lived in Minneapolis since 2024, when I moved to the city to begin my medical residency. I am a licensed pediatrician, and I have been practicing pediatric medicine in the city since I moved here. 2. On January 24, 2026, at approximately 9:00 am CST, I was awoken by the sound of cars honking and whistles blowing. Shortly after I awoke, I heard screaming from outside my window. I saw several ICE agents and civilians yelling at each other. 3. One civilian was standing in front of a parked car on the side of the road. I saw him yelling at the ICE agents, but I did not see him attack the agents or brandish a weapon of any kind 4. Suddenly, an ICE agent shoved him to the ground. My view of the altercation was partially obstructed, but after a few seconds, I saw at least four ICE agents point guns at the man. I then saw the agents shoot the man at least six or seven times. 5. Initially, I was stunned. From what I could see from my apartment, there was absolutely no need for any violence, let alone lethal force by multiple officers. I immediately put on my boots and coat, ran outside, and approached ICE agents who were near the victim. 6. The scene was chaotic. Many civilians were screaming and honking. Over the noise, I informed the ICE agents that I am a physician, and I asked to assess the victim. 7. At first, the ICE agents wouldn't let me through. They repeatedly asked me for my physician's license, which I obviously didn't have. But none of the ICE agents who were near the victim were performing CPR, and I could tell that the victim was in critical condition. I insisted that the agents let me assess him. Normally, I would not have been so persistent, but as a physician, I felt a professional and moral obligation to help this man, especially since none of the agents were helping him. 8. Finally, one agent agreed to let me assess the victim. He patted me down to "make sure I didn't have a weapon" and then let me approach the victim. 9. As I approached, I saw that the victim was lying on his side and was surrounded by several ICE agents. I was confused as to why the victim was on his side, because that is not standard practice when a victim has been shot. Checking for a pulse and administering CPR is standard practice. Instead of doing either of those things, the ICE agents appeared to be counting his bullet wounds. 10.1 asked the ICE agents if the victim had a pulse, and they said they did not know. I then asked the agents to make space so I could assess the victim. 11. The victim had at least three bullet wounds in his back. I asked the ICE agents to turn the victim from his side to his back. From that position, I saw an additional gunshot wound on the victim's upper left chest and another possible gunshot wound on his neck. 12. I checked for a pulse, but I did not feel one. I immediately began CPR. Shortly after I started compressions, EMS personnel arrived and took over. 13.1 remained at the scene for about five more minutes, but protesters began to gather and the situation seemed to be escalating, so I left and returned to my apartment. 14. When I returned to my apartment, I was extremely distraught. I was sobbing and shaking uncontrollably. Eventually, I called my sister, who lives in a nearby suburb. I called her for comfort and because I did not feel safe in my apartment; I wanted to see if I could stay with her for the day and maybe even a few days. 15.1 also sought advice from a friend who works for the City of Minneapolis. He recommended that I shelter in place because the situation outside my apartment was so dangerous. I was going to follow his advice, but then ICE agents deployed tear gas on the crowd that had gathered below, and the tear gas began seeping into my apartment.
January 25, 2026 at 1:57 AM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
altnps.bsky.social
😢💔
January 25, 2026 at 2:15 AM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
donmoyn.bsky.social
Media: do not lead with the false government framing of what happened
January 24, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
marcelias.bsky.social
“We must learn that passively to accept an unjust system is to cooperate with that system, and thereby to become a participant in its evil.” -- Martin Luther King Jr.
January 19, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
hntdove.bsky.social
Why are we clutching pearls at "fuck" but not at government kidnappings and murder?

Fuck that shit.
atrupar.com Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 16d
KARL: In the hours after the shooting of Renee Good, you went on national TV and said to ICE, 'get the F out of Minneapolis.' Do you regret that language? That doesn't sound like turning the temperature down

JACOB FREY: I don't regret it at all. If I seemed like I was angry and frustrated, I was.
January 18, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
indivisible.org
At nearly 1,200 events across all 50 states and DC, Americans honored Renee Nicole Good and mourned all the lives ICE has taken and destroyed. #ICEOutForGood
January 13, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
newtonindivisible.bsky.social
600 people showed up to the ICE Out For Good rally in Newton, MA with over $1,000 raised for Unidos, MN.

That’s the way to do it!
#newtonindivisible #iceoutforgood #nokings
January 10, 2026 at 6:35 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
indivisiblefm.bsky.social
In small town America, 138 patriots came out in Townsend MA -on short notice- with signs and United States flags to tell ICE: No more killing our neighbors. Leave our communities alone. We won't stand for ICE’s lawless operations and President Trump's abuse of power. #ICEOUTNOW #ICEOUTFORGOOD
January 10, 2026 at 8:35 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
swingbluealliance.org
Massive crowd in Boston's government center for LUCE's Justice for Renee Good/ICE Out of Massachusetts rally
January 10, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
indivisiblelab.bsky.social
More than 700 people at today's #ICEOutForGood standout organized by our friends at @lexingtonalarm.bsky.social. Too many to fit in one photo as the crowd lined several blocks in Lexington Center!
Crowd of people holding signs, many that say "No King, No Tyranny," at the #ICEOutForGood standout in #LexingtonMA on January 10, 2026 Crowd of people holding signs, including several large ones of the Statue of Liberty, at the #ICEOutForGood standout in #LexingtonMA on January 10, 2026 People holding signs along a sidewalk in the center of #LexingtonMA at the #ICEOutForGood standout on January 10, 2026 People holding signs along a sidewalk in the center of #LexingtonMA at the #ICEOutForGood standout on January 10, 2026
January 10, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
edmarkey.bsky.social
This week in the Trump admin:

Hegseth started an illegal war for oil in Venezuela.

Stephen Miller threatened to take over Greenland.

RFK Jr. slashed childhood vaccine recs.

ICE shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis.

What will it take for Republicans to stand up to this?
January 7, 2026 at 11:48 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
massago.bsky.social
Massachusetts, know this:
🏳️‍⚧️Gender affirming care remains legal and protected in MA
🏳️‍⚧️ Gender affirming care saves lives
🏳️‍⚧️As your AG, I will always fight to keep the federal governments’ hands off your health care
December 29, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
mayorwu.boston.gov
Boston stands with our immigrant neighbors.
December 16, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
concordbridgema.bsky.social
Dozens of trees installed by local volunteers and organizations, each featuring elaborate handmade decorations inspired by a picture book, are on display until January 4 at the Concord Museum.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Concord Museum’s Family Trees celebrating its 30th year
Families can explore picture book-inspired trees, sit and read together, and participate in a scavenger hunt.
concordbridge.org
December 4, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
altnps.bsky.social
Reminder: Election closing times. Please make sure to vote and remember, if you’re in line when the polls close, you still have the right to vote. Don’t get out of line!
- 7 p.m. ET - Virginia
- 8 p.m. ET - New Jersey
- 8 p.m. ET - Pennsylvania
- 9 p.m. ET - New York City
- 8 p.m. PT - California
November 4, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
mayorwu.boston.gov
🟢 We’re helping get people where they’re going faster all across Boston with Google’s Project Green Light.
October 25, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
chrismurphyct.bsky.social
So you should really watch this. Just 2 minutes. But a window into the truly radical nature of the people Trump is nominating.

When pressed today, the nominee to be Ambassador to South Africa refuses to oppose reinstituting laws to prevent black people from voting in America.
October 24, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
petersagal.bsky.social
Loyal readers may remember that last month, President Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against the NYT so magnificently florid and prolix, and so lacking in actual claims, that a judge told the lawyers to go home and do it again but this time, you know, according to the law n’ stuff. They have!
October 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM
rawells.bsky.social
Interesting read: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna--lindsey-halligan-here
“Anna, Lindsey Halligan Here.”
My Signal exchange with the interim U.S. attorney about the Letitia James grand jury.
www.lawfaremedia.org
October 21, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Reposted by Richard A. Wells
thebulwark.com
Trump's assault "would not have been possible without the thousands of consultants, aides, and politicos working behind the scenes to fully execute their systematic dismantling of American democratic norms."

Miles Bruner on leaving the Republican party: www.thebulwark.com/p/my-last-da...
My Last Day as an Accomplice of the Republican Party
Why I’m leaving the GOP and why I’m urging my former colleagues to do the same.
www.thebulwark.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:01 PM