Jesse Mortenson
@jk9.bsky.social
back to start a podcast - subscribe at millcityhall.com - middle aged queer white guy in minneapolis. no presidents, no borders, no clout (ok maybe some clout?).
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
The left tried for decades to pass green energy subsidies, passed them, the subsidies worked, and now literally the entire planet's electricity grid is going to convert to solar+battery. It just doesn't feel like "tech" because it mostly produces kinda boring blue collar jobs instead of billionaires
is there a technology that "the left" is excited about?
www.transformernews.ai/p/the-left-i...
www.transformernews.ai/p/the-left-i...
The left is missing out on AI
As a movement, it has largely refused to engage seriously with AI, ceding debate about a threat and opportunity to the right
www.transformernews.ai
February 18, 2026 at 3:51 AM
The left tried for decades to pass green energy subsidies, passed them, the subsidies worked, and now literally the entire planet's electricity grid is going to convert to solar+battery. It just doesn't feel like "tech" because it mostly produces kinda boring blue collar jobs instead of billionaires
Check out the links Bouie has in this thread: worth reading! I’m too young for the Jackson 80s campaigns and never read much on them, so these are useful windows
i think jesse jackson was one of the most important american political figures of the post-war era and i think that his 1984 and 1988 campaigns for the democratic nomination still have a great deal to teach about forging a path to a more egalitarian world. RIP.
February 18, 2026 at 2:53 AM
Check out the links Bouie has in this thread: worth reading! I’m too young for the Jackson 80s campaigns and never read much on them, so these are useful windows
“However, perceiving oneself to be [racial] ‘last place’ was not associated with the lowest objective income nor the lowest objective education among the White Americans in our samples.”
Wages of whiteness keep on paying (and not paying)
Wages of whiteness keep on paying (and not paying)
According to Cooley, because these individuals are not objectively the lowest in status, the findings suggest that “racialized perceptions—rather than objective socioeconomic position—are reliably associated with the political outcomes examined here.”
February 18, 2026 at 2:26 AM
“However, perceiving oneself to be [racial] ‘last place’ was not associated with the lowest objective income nor the lowest objective education among the White Americans in our samples.”
Wages of whiteness keep on paying (and not paying)
Wages of whiteness keep on paying (and not paying)
Organizers attached to this include some of the folks who did very effective work around observer training, the economic strike day Jan 23, and more. These folks mean business
MAJOR: Twin Cities Tenants joins five labor unions, together repping 25,900 members, to launch a rent strike drive, vowing to withhold rent March 1 if @governorwalz.mn.gov fails to deliver an eviction moratorium and rent relief. If launched, this would be the largest US rent strike in 100+ years.
February 17, 2026 at 9:49 PM
Organizers attached to this include some of the folks who did very effective work around observer training, the economic strike day Jan 23, and more. These folks mean business
The campaigning part is really true: support for small biz / econ development was a consistent plank on the more conservative campaign websites last year.
Watching this meeting on a potential small business assistance fund.
The moderates are already positioning themselves to vote this down. A lot of handwringing around budget concerns and process concerns.
All of these moderates campaigned on being “pro small business”. People need help NOW!
The moderates are already positioning themselves to vote this down. A lot of handwringing around budget concerns and process concerns.
All of these moderates campaigned on being “pro small business”. People need help NOW!
February 17, 2026 at 9:28 PM
The campaigning part is really true: support for small biz / econ development was a consistent plank on the more conservative campaign websites last year.
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
The Prairieland defendants deserve your attention as this piece lays out because it’s going to be this admin’s framework for targeting political enemies that is already echoing out from this case - ie their refusal to remove online posts about Marimar Martinez in Chicago labeling her a terrorist.
This trial will determine what happened that night in Texas—which is far from clear — but it will also test how far the Trump administration can push terrorism law to target its political opponents and how it may use the courts to punish dissent. As @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social told me:
February 17, 2026 at 4:51 PM
The Prairieland defendants deserve your attention as this piece lays out because it’s going to be this admin’s framework for targeting political enemies that is already echoing out from this case - ie their refusal to remove online posts about Marimar Martinez in Chicago labeling her a terrorist.
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
I want to further say that the Twin Cities has raised FIVE MILLION FUCKING DOLLARS to pay the rent of our neighbors over the last three months.
That's five million dollars we all NEEDED, but our neighbors needed it more.
And why? Why??
Because people could not work for fear of KIDNAPPING.
That's five million dollars we all NEEDED, but our neighbors needed it more.
And why? Why??
Because people could not work for fear of KIDNAPPING.
February 17, 2026 at 5:18 PM
I want to further say that the Twin Cities has raised FIVE MILLION FUCKING DOLLARS to pay the rent of our neighbors over the last three months.
That's five million dollars we all NEEDED, but our neighbors needed it more.
And why? Why??
Because people could not work for fear of KIDNAPPING.
That's five million dollars we all NEEDED, but our neighbors needed it more.
And why? Why??
Because people could not work for fear of KIDNAPPING.
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
these people just do not have any regard for the humanity of others it is the through line of all that they do
ICE killed a teacher in Georgia today when they chose to chase a man who posed no danger and had no criminal history.
Savannah teacher killed in crash by man fleeing from ICE
According to the Chatham County Police Department, Monday morning’s fatal crash was the result of a chase between Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and a suspect.
www.wtoc.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:48 AM
these people just do not have any regard for the humanity of others it is the through line of all that they do
Good rundown from Coolican. minnesotareformer.com/2026/02/13/m...
I think the O’Hara point is useful, and could be extended to Frey. I’ve spent effort trying to argue the limits of support from both of those figures (severe) but at the same time the lip service *is* useful.
I think the O’Hara point is useful, and could be extended to Frey. I’ve spent effort trying to argue the limits of support from both of those figures (severe) but at the same time the lip service *is* useful.
Minnesota 1, Trump 0 • Minnesota Reformer
The sense that we’re all in it together motivates great acts of both charity and courage.
minnesotareformer.com
February 16, 2026 at 9:43 PM
Good rundown from Coolican. minnesotareformer.com/2026/02/13/m...
I think the O’Hara point is useful, and could be extended to Frey. I’ve spent effort trying to argue the limits of support from both of those figures (severe) but at the same time the lip service *is* useful.
I think the O’Hara point is useful, and could be extended to Frey. I’ve spent effort trying to argue the limits of support from both of those figures (severe) but at the same time the lip service *is* useful.
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
If you want to understand why rich guys are turning back to eugenics and recreating the rhetoric and theology of slavery, it’s because they know on some level this level of wealth inequality is unjustifiable bsky.app/profile/marl...
February 16, 2026 at 6:06 PM
If you want to understand why rich guys are turning back to eugenics and recreating the rhetoric and theology of slavery, it’s because they know on some level this level of wealth inequality is unjustifiable bsky.app/profile/marl...
Aww come on, Science! Uhhh engineering…! Government! Kubernetes!
February 16, 2026 at 1:54 AM
Aww come on, Science! Uhhh engineering…! Government! Kubernetes!
South High gofundme reports they are low on funds w new requests every day: www.gofundme.com/f/support-so...
Donate to Support South High School Families, organized by R S
South High School (Minneapolis, MN) parents are holding a special fundraiser specifically for S… R S needs your support for Support South High School Families
www.gofundme.com
February 13, 2026 at 10:40 PM
South High gofundme reports they are low on funds w new requests every day: www.gofundme.com/f/support-so...
Santurce Crabbers instantly the best basketball team name in the world
Free agent Malik Beasley has signed a deal to play in Puerto Rico for Grammy Award-winning artist Bad Bunny's team Santurce Crabbers, both parties tell ESPN. The team's season begins in March. Beasley has been under NBA and FBI investigations for gambling allegations.
February 13, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Santurce Crabbers instantly the best basketball team name in the world
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
An EMT was forced to watch George Floyd suffocate. A doctor was denied access to Renée Good.
For all the constant fucking hand wringing about protests blocking access to ambulance care, a thing that does not happen, the pigs kill us and force our healthcare professionals to watch us die publicly
For all the constant fucking hand wringing about protests blocking access to ambulance care, a thing that does not happen, the pigs kill us and force our healthcare professionals to watch us die publicly
“They were hellbent on not allowing anybody to help him until he was dead,” she said. “I was right there, and they — all of them — made the decision to deny me access to give him the best possible chance of survival.”
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: “I was literally begging the agent who was holding me back to let me do CPR,” she told The Intercept.
February 13, 2026 at 7:16 PM
An EMT was forced to watch George Floyd suffocate. A doctor was denied access to Renée Good.
For all the constant fucking hand wringing about protests blocking access to ambulance care, a thing that does not happen, the pigs kill us and force our healthcare professionals to watch us die publicly
For all the constant fucking hand wringing about protests blocking access to ambulance care, a thing that does not happen, the pigs kill us and force our healthcare professionals to watch us die publicly
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
confirmed that these corporations rush abusive developments when people are busy with other matters
this is comically evil. brazenly anti-social. just absolute black-pilled nihilism. we will not have a republic, we will not be free, until we regulate these companies to the point where — at a bare minimum — they're too afraid to put stuff like this down on paper.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/t...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/t...
February 13, 2026 at 6:08 PM
confirmed that these corporations rush abusive developments when people are busy with other matters
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
The second ICE shooting in Minneapolis happened on the north side. DHS said two men attacked an agent with a shovel and a broom. Charges have been dropped for both men. Prosecutors write that newly discovered evidence is "materially inconsistent with the allegations."
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Charges dropped against men accused of attacking ICE officer
In their motion to dismiss the charges of assaulting a federal officer, prosecutors write that newly discovered evidence is "materially inconsistent with the allegations."
www.mprnews.org
February 13, 2026 at 1:42 AM
The second ICE shooting in Minneapolis happened on the north side. DHS said two men attacked an agent with a shovel and a broom. Charges have been dropped for both men. Prosecutors write that newly discovered evidence is "materially inconsistent with the allegations."
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Victory and defeat. Fraught terms. I like to think in terrain. Are we shifting the terrain in ways that protect more lives? that put us in a stronger position to fight the bad and build the good? Yes I think we are and that is worth celebrating; and mourning the terrible wounds by fighting on.
February 12, 2026 at 10:37 PM
Victory and defeat. Fraught terms. I like to think in terrain. Are we shifting the terrain in ways that protect more lives? that put us in a stronger position to fight the bad and build the good? Yes I think we are and that is worth celebrating; and mourning the terrible wounds by fighting on.
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
I don't believe for a second that Ice is rolling out of town like the Soviets leaving Afghanistan. I think they've only just begun their war on the Constitution
February 12, 2026 at 9:35 PM
I don't believe for a second that Ice is rolling out of town like the Soviets leaving Afghanistan. I think they've only just begun their war on the Constitution
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
This is one of my first concerns. They have so much money they can send all the out-of-town agents home yet still keep (or hire) a residual force that‘s 3-4 times what was here. Enough to keep doing terror at scale.
Reminder that just 2 weeks ago, an agreement was signed for ICE/DHS to house 500-800 agents at Fort Snelling.
So drawdown? Maybe. Going away? I remain incredibly skeptical.
www.msn.com/en-us/news/u...
So drawdown? Maybe. Going away? I remain incredibly skeptical.
www.msn.com/en-us/news/u...
MSN
www.msn.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:58 PM
This is one of my first concerns. They have so much money they can send all the out-of-town agents home yet still keep (or hire) a residual force that‘s 3-4 times what was here. Enough to keep doing terror at scale.
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
Pretty much the most important thing happening in the world right now.
www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chi...
www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chi...
February 12, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Pretty much the most important thing happening in the world right now.
www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chi...
www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chi...
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
ICE invasion made an epic use case for anarchists and abolition.
Just a big hug to all the anarchists in the Twin Cities who get dismissed all the time but knew exactly what to do when shit went down here.
February 12, 2026 at 7:59 PM
ICE invasion made an epic use case for anarchists and abolition.
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
I'd also just add that "if we don't go after immigrants, the fascists will" is the precise language Palantir's CEO has used for years to justify letting the government use his company's authoritarian tech.
He is now an open, unapologetic supporter of this administration.
He is now an open, unapologetic supporter of this administration.
Trump lied about immigrants in 2016 too. He then defeated an official from the administration that holds the deportation record.
If migration caused Trump's reelection (I don't think it did), it wasn't b/c of migrants. It was b/c mainstream, centrist outlets amplified fearmongering about migrants.
If migration caused Trump's reelection (I don't think it did), it wasn't b/c of migrants. It was b/c mainstream, centrist outlets amplified fearmongering about migrants.
Not going to read them all because jesus fucking christ but this is nasty work from Friedersdorf
February 12, 2026 at 5:13 PM
I'd also just add that "if we don't go after immigrants, the fascists will" is the precise language Palantir's CEO has used for years to justify letting the government use his company's authoritarian tech.
He is now an open, unapologetic supporter of this administration.
He is now an open, unapologetic supporter of this administration.
Reposted by Jesse Mortenson
My household is supporting a South Minneapolis family unable to work or leave home due to ICE. If we can raise some or all of their $1600 rent, we can avoid drawing from high-demand assistance funds and ensure there's more to go around.
Venmo @karleekarleekarlee with 🏠 in the memo to help.
Venmo @karleekarleekarlee with 🏠 in the memo to help.
February 11, 2026 at 3:45 PM
My household is supporting a South Minneapolis family unable to work or leave home due to ICE. If we can raise some or all of their $1600 rent, we can avoid drawing from high-demand assistance funds and ensure there's more to go around.
Venmo @karleekarleekarlee with 🏠 in the memo to help.
Venmo @karleekarleekarlee with 🏠 in the memo to help.
Incredibly politicizing and radicalizing times
Amazing numbers for activism in Minnesota
Q: "Since December, have you participated in any neighborhood group discussions, either in-person, by phone, or online, in response to federal law enforcement activity in your area?"
Minneapolis/St Paul, 49% said yes
www.startribune.com/poll-results...
Q: "Since December, have you participated in any neighborhood group discussions, either in-person, by phone, or online, in response to federal law enforcement activity in your area?"
Minneapolis/St Paul, 49% said yes
www.startribune.com/poll-results...
February 11, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Incredibly politicizing and radicalizing times