IslandMapleTree
@buttermaple.bsky.social
The largest human protest OF ALL TIME, around the world, Peacefully, was The Women's March, on the day after Trump was inaugurated in 2016. I am a woman who participated, and will again. I also went to Washington DC protest Brett Kavanaugh.
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
AYN RAND: it is Rational and in fact Noble to care only for one's self because who knows if anyone else is even Real with an inner life like you, plus you're the Main Guy so your happiness is like the whole world is happy
NARCISSISTIC SOCIOPATHS: wow what an interesting and totally New belief system
NARCISSISTIC SOCIOPATHS: wow what an interesting and totally New belief system
February 14, 2026 at 11:25 AM
AYN RAND: it is Rational and in fact Noble to care only for one's self because who knows if anyone else is even Real with an inner life like you, plus you're the Main Guy so your happiness is like the whole world is happy
NARCISSISTIC SOCIOPATHS: wow what an interesting and totally New belief system
NARCISSISTIC SOCIOPATHS: wow what an interesting and totally New belief system
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
They’re jumping up and down, waving their arms and yelling “white supremacy” and people are just now beginning to hint at what’s happening
White House stands by State Department nominee who complains that "white Americans are increasingly second-class citizens," warns of "white erasure" and says "the Jews love to see themselves as oppressed." @camcgrady.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/u...
Trump Nominates an Apostle of ‘White Erasure’ for the State Department
www.nytimes.com
February 15, 2026 at 12:24 AM
They’re jumping up and down, waving their arms and yelling “white supremacy” and people are just now beginning to hint at what’s happening
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
This is LITERALLY just taking Mike Johnson’s lie and presenting it as fact.
Calling the requirement for a judicial warrant before entering a person’s home one of the Democrats’ “new restrictions on federal immigration agents” crosses the line into outright falsehood. It’s in the Bill of Rights! A rule as old as the republic.
February 14, 2026 at 6:26 AM
This is LITERALLY just taking Mike Johnson’s lie and presenting it as fact.
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Roses are red
Violets are blue
If you’re born here
You’re a citizen too
Violets are blue
If you’re born here
You’re a citizen too
a cartoon character holding a scroll of the u.s. constitution says hello i 'm the u.s. constitution
ALT: a cartoon character holding a scroll of the u.s. constitution says hello i 'm the u.s. constitution
media.tenor.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:49 PM
Roses are red
Violets are blue
If you’re born here
You’re a citizen too
Violets are blue
If you’re born here
You’re a citizen too
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Sort of gives away the lie that they're arresting hardened criminals who are drags on society when they're setting up traps to lure in Good Samaritans
CCTV footage appears to show DHS agents posing as people having car trouble in order to lure a target out of his house before arresting them. The target comes out and starts helping them before 3 vehicles surround the scene. The car "experiencing" trouble then drives off with them.
February 15, 2026 at 1:10 AM
Sort of gives away the lie that they're arresting hardened criminals who are drags on society when they're setting up traps to lure in Good Samaritans
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
This 10 year old boy was chased down by ICE in South Jersey. I am beyond outraged, both as an American and as a father to two boys.
Our system is broken. The first step to fix it is for ICE to leave our state.
Our system is broken. The first step to fix it is for ICE to leave our state.
A 10-year-old boy recounted fleeing Thursday morning as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation began near his school bus stop in Lindenwold, New Jersey, saying, "We all were scared."
"We were all scared," says child who ran as ICE operation unfolded near New Jersey school bus stop
Dylan, who is a U.S. citizen, told CBS News the day seemed normal — until he heard his classmates suddenly start shouting "ICE."
cbsn.ws
February 14, 2026 at 6:04 PM
This 10 year old boy was chased down by ICE in South Jersey. I am beyond outraged, both as an American and as a father to two boys.
Our system is broken. The first step to fix it is for ICE to leave our state.
Our system is broken. The first step to fix it is for ICE to leave our state.
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
interesting to think that revolutionary era americans understood themselves as making a break with the “old world” and establishing a new civilization. and crucially, this new civilization rested on republican self-government, not “sovereignty.”
The Rubio speech really is appalling, and if you haven’t read it yet, you should.
www.state.gov/releases/off...
www.state.gov/releases/off...
February 15, 2026 at 1:17 AM
interesting to think that revolutionary era americans understood themselves as making a break with the “old world” and establishing a new civilization. and crucially, this new civilization rested on republican self-government, not “sovereignty.”
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Pam Bondi is orchestrating a massive cover-up of the Epstein Files.
February 14, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Pam Bondi is orchestrating a massive cover-up of the Epstein Files.
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
I will defend your right to record ICE interactions in NJ and across the country.
February 15, 2026 at 12:33 AM
I will defend your right to record ICE interactions in NJ and across the country.
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Imagine if even a fraction of what this administration plans to spend on cages went toward housing people.
ICE plans to spend $38.3 billion turning warehouses into detention centers
ICE plans to spend $38.3 billion converting warehouses into detention centers, according to planning documents, more than the annual budgets of 22 states.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Imagine if even a fraction of what this administration plans to spend on cages went toward housing people.
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Massie: "Donald Trump told us that even though he had dinner with these people in NYC and West Palm Beach, that he would be transparent. But he's not. He's still in with the Epstein class. This is the Epstein administration."
February 15, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Massie: "Donald Trump told us that even though he had dinner with these people in NYC and West Palm Beach, that he would be transparent. But he's not. He's still in with the Epstein class. This is the Epstein administration."
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
A young violinist was nervous about meeting with Jeffrey Epstein due to his 2008 child sex abuse conviction. Epstein reassured her by noting his friendship with @bardcollege.bsky.social’s Leon Botstein, and set up a dinner between Botstein and the musician. She soon became one of Epstein’s victims.
Epstein Used Botstein’s Prestige and Connections to Recruit and Support One of His Victims, a Violinist from Europe - The Daily Catch
Jeffrey Epstein utilized his burgeoning relationship with Bard College President and American Symphony Orchestra Conductor Leon Botstein in 2013 to procure perks for a young violinist who ultimately b...
www.thedailycatch.org
February 14, 2026 at 3:51 PM
A young violinist was nervous about meeting with Jeffrey Epstein due to his 2008 child sex abuse conviction. Epstein reassured her by noting his friendship with @bardcollege.bsky.social’s Leon Botstein, and set up a dinner between Botstein and the musician. She soon became one of Epstein’s victims.
The date for the next No Kings Day is set.
But this is a save the date, not a “sit back and wait.” 🧵
But this is a save the date, not a “sit back and wait.” 🧵
February 15, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Backlash to Trump’s immigration crackdown is putting vulnerable Republicans in a tough spot, forcing them to shift their tone to appease frustrated Hispanic voters — or risk losing key battleground seats.
In South Texas, the GOP immigration hard line is now political kryptonite
Texas Republicans bet on continuing to win over Latino voters. Then Trump began his aggressive deportation campaign.
www.politico.com
February 15, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Backlash to Trump’s immigration crackdown is putting vulnerable Republicans in a tough spot, forcing them to shift their tone to appease frustrated Hispanic voters — or risk losing key battleground seats.
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Erika Kirk is once again facing controversy over alleged text messages between her and a 15-year-old dating back to 2014.
Some have condemned Erika Kirk's actions, using strong terms such as "disgusting" and "criminal." Meanwhile, the mother of two has yet to address the allegations publicly.
Some have condemned Erika Kirk's actions, using strong terms such as "disgusting" and "criminal." Meanwhile, the mother of two has yet to address the allegations publicly.
Erika Kirk Faces Backlash Over Alleged 'Inappropriate' Texts With A 15-Year-Old: 'Absolutely Vile'
Purported Texts Between Erika Kirk And A 15-Year-Old Go Viral Sparking Backlash And 'Grooming' Allegations
www.yahoo.com
February 15, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Erika Kirk is once again facing controversy over alleged text messages between her and a 15-year-old dating back to 2014.
Some have condemned Erika Kirk's actions, using strong terms such as "disgusting" and "criminal." Meanwhile, the mother of two has yet to address the allegations publicly.
Some have condemned Erika Kirk's actions, using strong terms such as "disgusting" and "criminal." Meanwhile, the mother of two has yet to address the allegations publicly.
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
A number of Senate Democrats have reportedly had “general discussions” about whether to skip Trump’s State of the Union address on February 24th. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin said “virtually everyone is thinking about it.”
For me, it’s a no-brainer. SKIP THE SOTU ADDRESS.
#SOTU
For me, it’s a no-brainer. SKIP THE SOTU ADDRESS.
#SOTU
February 15, 2026 at 1:44 PM
A number of Senate Democrats have reportedly had “general discussions” about whether to skip Trump’s State of the Union address on February 24th. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin said “virtually everyone is thinking about it.”
For me, it’s a no-brainer. SKIP THE SOTU ADDRESS.
#SOTU
For me, it’s a no-brainer. SKIP THE SOTU ADDRESS.
#SOTU
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Jeffries on VA's new proposed map: "When they go low, we strike back. That's the D approach and Rs are feeling it now ... Trump is the one who instructed 5 different R states to gerrymander. He wanted to rig the midterms and didn't think Democrats were going to forcefully respond. He got that wrong"
February 15, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Jeffries on VA's new proposed map: "When they go low, we strike back. That's the D approach and Rs are feeling it now ... Trump is the one who instructed 5 different R states to gerrymander. He wanted to rig the midterms and didn't think Democrats were going to forcefully respond. He got that wrong"
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
The Dow was at 43,488 when Trump took office. It just hit 50,000.
So if you had invested $43,488 in the US, you would now have $50,000. But if you had invested the same amount in the rest of the world, you would now be worth $60,000.
Lemme do a expla-youtube-nation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYL5...
So if you had invested $43,488 in the US, you would now have $50,000. But if you had invested the same amount in the rest of the world, you would now be worth $60,000.
Lemme do a expla-youtube-nation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYL5...
"Dow 50,000" Sound Nice. Until Justin Wolfers Shows You That U.S. Markets Are Coming 21st Out of 23.
What does “Dow 50,000” actually tell you—anything about the economy, or just that a number got bigger?
Dow 50,000 is a milestone, not a measurement. The level of the Dow is basically arbitrary: it’s…
www.youtube.com
February 15, 2026 at 12:52 PM
The Dow was at 43,488 when Trump took office. It just hit 50,000.
So if you had invested $43,488 in the US, you would now have $50,000. But if you had invested the same amount in the rest of the world, you would now be worth $60,000.
Lemme do a expla-youtube-nation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYL5...
So if you had invested $43,488 in the US, you would now have $50,000. But if you had invested the same amount in the rest of the world, you would now be worth $60,000.
Lemme do a expla-youtube-nation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYL5...
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Chris Christie: "This false idea grand juries will indict a ham sandwich -- it's not true and the Trump administration is proving that. They're putting a bunch of ham sandwiches up there and the grand juries are not indicting them."
February 15, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Chris Christie: "This false idea grand juries will indict a ham sandwich -- it's not true and the Trump administration is proving that. They're putting a bunch of ham sandwiches up there and the grand juries are not indicting them."
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
The problem for democracy is that it will not survive three more years of such a system. We cannot hold free and fair elections if judges blindly accept the word of Pam Bondi and Kash Patel’s minions. www.democracydocket.com/opinion/two-...
Two cases and the grease that breaks democracy
The obvious lesson many are drawing is that ordinary citizens are more reliable protectors of democracy than judges in black robes.
www.democracydocket.com
February 15, 2026 at 2:53 AM
The problem for democracy is that it will not survive three more years of such a system. We cannot hold free and fair elections if judges blindly accept the word of Pam Bondi and Kash Patel’s minions. www.democracydocket.com/opinion/two-...
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
The New York Times reports that the Department of Homeland Security has sent Google, Meta, and other media corporations subpoenas for the names on accounts that criticize ICE enforcement. The department wants to identify Americans who oppose what it’s doing. I’ll save them time.
A short note to Kristi Noem
To a current Cabinet secretary from a former one
robertreich.substack.com
February 15, 2026 at 5:01 PM
The New York Times reports that the Department of Homeland Security has sent Google, Meta, and other media corporations subpoenas for the names on accounts that criticize ICE enforcement. The department wants to identify Americans who oppose what it’s doing. I’ll save them time.
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
At least half a dozen top Trump administration officials appear in the Jeffrey Epstein files.
#EpsteinFiles
#EpsteinFiles
At least half a dozen top Trump administration officials appear in the Jeffrey Epstein files
The degree to which each individual was connected to Epstein varies significantly, from a single email to years of communications.
www.nbcnews.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:49 PM
At least half a dozen top Trump administration officials appear in the Jeffrey Epstein files.
#EpsteinFiles
#EpsteinFiles
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Reposted by IslandMapleTree
Enraging that this took a court order:
"Catholic nuns and clergy had visited the facility for years, offering prayer services and holy communion to detainees during visitor hours.
Trump Administration immigration authorities rolled back that access in September..."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/u...
"Catholic nuns and clergy had visited the facility for years, offering prayer services and holy communion to detainees during visitor hours.
Trump Administration immigration authorities rolled back that access in September..."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/u...
Judge Orders ICE to Let Clergy Give Communion to Detained Migrants on Ash Wednesday
www.nytimes.com
February 15, 2026 at 12:36 AM
Enraging that this took a court order:
"Catholic nuns and clergy had visited the facility for years, offering prayer services and holy communion to detainees during visitor hours.
Trump Administration immigration authorities rolled back that access in September..."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/u...
"Catholic nuns and clergy had visited the facility for years, offering prayer services and holy communion to detainees during visitor hours.
Trump Administration immigration authorities rolled back that access in September..."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/u...