J.M. Berger
@jmberger.com
I wrote the book on extremism. It's called "Extremism."
https://www.jmberger.com/
► THE POPE'S HITMAN: Fall 2026
► EXTREMISM @mitpress http://amzn.to/2BKXLgU
► OPTIMAL: A dystopian novel http://amzn.to/3aKYZ99
Commission on AMZ links
https://www.jmberger.com/
► THE POPE'S HITMAN: Fall 2026
► EXTREMISM @mitpress http://amzn.to/2BKXLgU
► OPTIMAL: A dystopian novel http://amzn.to/3aKYZ99
Commission on AMZ links
Pinned
J.M. Berger
@jmberger.com
· 22d
I'm a scholar of extremism and a writer of fiction.
Recent nonfiction:
Extremism (2018, MIT Press) amzn.to/4pMXU6t
The Social Construction of Extremism (2024, dissertation) www.jmberger.com/social-const...
Fiction:
Optimal (2020) amzn.to/4pMXU6t
The Pope's Hitman (Crooked Lane Books, 2026)
Recent nonfiction:
Extremism (2018, MIT Press) amzn.to/4pMXU6t
The Social Construction of Extremism (2024, dissertation) www.jmberger.com/social-const...
Fiction:
Optimal (2020) amzn.to/4pMXU6t
The Pope's Hitman (Crooked Lane Books, 2026)
Reposted by J.M. Berger
Set by a 19 year old white suprematist who has been arrested. What an unimaginable & terrifying time we are living through.
An arsonist hit a Mississippi synagogue Saturday. Seven Torahs were damaged or destroyed in the fire.
One Torah, from the Holocaust, was in a glass case and wasn't touched.
The same synagogue was bombed by the KKK in 1967.
mississippitoday.org/2026/01/10/f...
One Torah, from the Holocaust, was in a glass case and wasn't touched.
The same synagogue was bombed by the KKK in 1967.
mississippitoday.org/2026/01/10/f...
Predawn fire reduces parts of Mississippi's largest synagogue to charred ruins - Mississippi Today
A fire heavily damaged Jackson’s only synagogue before dawn Saturday – the same house of worship that was firebombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967 because the rabbi had been an advocate for civil rights...
mississippitoday.org
January 11, 2026 at 5:59 AM
Set by a 19 year old white suprematist who has been arrested. What an unimaginable & terrifying time we are living through.
Reposted by J.M. Berger
Democrats who want to abolish ice should start introducing legislation to roll back the creation of DHS. It was a specific post 9/11 law that combined previously extant functions into a single new department. Let’s start getting that model legislation out there. (Is it already?)
January 10, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Democrats who want to abolish ice should start introducing legislation to roll back the creation of DHS. It was a specific post 9/11 law that combined previously extant functions into a single new department. Let’s start getting that model legislation out there. (Is it already?)
Reposted by J.M. Berger
I can still recall all the tut-tutting from the media when Harris made this argument.
Kamala Harris at her closing campaign rally:
"Donald Trump intends to use the United States Military against American citizens who simply disagree with him."
"Donald Trump intends to use the United States Military against American citizens who simply disagree with him."
January 10, 2026 at 9:17 PM
I can still recall all the tut-tutting from the media when Harris made this argument.
"I want to wreck NATO" is coherent enough
There's no coherent argument for invading or buying Greenland, and when Trump tried to say one to NYTimes it came out as gibberish from a condo salesman about the pride of ownership.
It's basically the same as declaring war on Germany to "own" Ramstein Air Base. No upside, immense downside.
It's basically the same as declaring war on Germany to "own" Ramstein Air Base. No upside, immense downside.
The Greenland fixation feels like a personal insult to anyone who's spent more than about five minutes thinking about national security. "Hey, let's demolish our most valuable alliance so we can get get access to arctic territory we already have access to!"
January 11, 2026 at 4:59 AM
"I want to wreck NATO" is coherent enough
Reposted by J.M. Berger
Respectfully, leaving abusive situations is not “letting the abuser win”. It’s a common, but deeply problematic way to frame any kind of abusive or hostile environment. “Just keeping taking the abuse” is deeply misogynistic
If women quit X because of Grok’s deepfake nudes, the predators win – so I’m staying
If women quit X because of Grok’s deepfake nudes, the predators win – so I’m staying
If women quit X because of Grok’s deepfake nudes, the predators win – so I’m staying
www.independent.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Respectfully, leaving abusive situations is not “letting the abuser win”. It’s a common, but deeply problematic way to frame any kind of abusive or hostile environment. “Just keeping taking the abuse” is deeply misogynistic
Reposted by J.M. Berger
We visited Renee Good's memorial.
There, we met a group of Somali Minnesotans — who too have been viciously attacked for weeks — warmly hosting everyone.
Flowers & stuffed animals galore.
Neighbors continually offering sambusas & hand-warmers & water.
Grief. And belief.
Scenes from Minneapolis:
There, we met a group of Somali Minnesotans — who too have been viciously attacked for weeks — warmly hosting everyone.
Flowers & stuffed animals galore.
Neighbors continually offering sambusas & hand-warmers & water.
Grief. And belief.
Scenes from Minneapolis:
WATCH: Prem Attends Memorial at Scene of Murder in Minneapolis
See what Prem saw at the memorial for the 37-year-old mother killed by ICE in Minneapolis, plus interview with Omar Fateh and residents.
zeteo.com
January 10, 2026 at 10:53 PM
We visited Renee Good's memorial.
There, we met a group of Somali Minnesotans — who too have been viciously attacked for weeks — warmly hosting everyone.
Flowers & stuffed animals galore.
Neighbors continually offering sambusas & hand-warmers & water.
Grief. And belief.
Scenes from Minneapolis:
There, we met a group of Somali Minnesotans — who too have been viciously attacked for weeks — warmly hosting everyone.
Flowers & stuffed animals galore.
Neighbors continually offering sambusas & hand-warmers & water.
Grief. And belief.
Scenes from Minneapolis:
Reposted by J.M. Berger
do you guys hear that bell tolling? wonder who it’s for. it’s so loud lmao
January 10, 2026 at 3:30 PM
do you guys hear that bell tolling? wonder who it’s for. it’s so loud lmao
Reposted by J.M. Berger
Someone whose purpose is to destroy NATO
“Who in the United States of America wants a war between the United States and Europe … over GREENLAND??”
I can't believe I'm posting this video - but we actually have to have a conversation about the real world implications of America going to war over Greenland.
Let me walk you through it. It doesn't turn out well for us.
Let me walk you through it. It doesn't turn out well for us.
January 11, 2026 at 4:02 AM
Someone whose purpose is to destroy NATO
Reposted by J.M. Berger
Suspect arrested in predawn fire that left parts of Mississippi’s largest synagogue in charred ruins
A fire heavily damaged Jackson’s only synagogue before dawn Saturday – the same house of worship that was firebombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967 because the rabbi had been an advocate for civil…
A fire heavily damaged Jackson’s only synagogue before dawn Saturday – the same house of worship that was firebombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967 because the rabbi had been an advocate for civil…
Suspect arrested in predawn fire that left parts of Mississippi’s largest synagogue in charred ruins
A fire heavily damaged Jackson’s only synagogue before dawn Saturday – the same house of worship that was firebombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967 because the rabbi had been an advocate for civil rights.
mississippitoday.org
January 11, 2026 at 3:07 AM
Suspect arrested in predawn fire that left parts of Mississippi’s largest synagogue in charred ruins
A fire heavily damaged Jackson’s only synagogue before dawn Saturday – the same house of worship that was firebombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967 because the rabbi had been an advocate for civil…
A fire heavily damaged Jackson’s only synagogue before dawn Saturday – the same house of worship that was firebombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967 because the rabbi had been an advocate for civil…
Reposted by J.M. Berger
African Americans for decades have been telling everyone that the police don’t protect the public. I know after 9/11, wearing anything even remotely Islamic (a kurta fyi) looking was a guaranteed being questioned by police. I always knew cops were primarily bullies so why enable them?
January 10, 2026 at 6:17 PM
African Americans for decades have been telling everyone that the police don’t protect the public. I know after 9/11, wearing anything even remotely Islamic (a kurta fyi) looking was a guaranteed being questioned by police. I always knew cops were primarily bullies so why enable them?
Reposted by J.M. Berger
My favorite part of the story of Robert Smalls is how he returned to Beaufort after the war and bought the house where he’d been enslaved, which had been seized from his enslaver by the Union for unpaid taxes
If you need inspiration to keep going right now, may I recommend the story of Robert Smalls, who stole a confederate steamboat and piloted his family and almost 20 others to freedom and went on to become one of the first Black people elected to Congress ✊🏽
www.usatoday.com/story/life/b...
www.usatoday.com/story/life/b...
'Be Free or Die,' tale of escaped slave who became a Union hero
Cate Lineberry's new book tells the little-known story of Robert Smalls, a ship pilot.
www.usatoday.com
January 11, 2026 at 2:15 AM
My favorite part of the story of Robert Smalls is how he returned to Beaufort after the war and bought the house where he’d been enslaved, which had been seized from his enslaver by the Union for unpaid taxes
Reposted by J.M. Berger
Also, by their own standards, the cops protecting the Capitol on Jan 6 should have opened fire all over.
January 10, 2026 at 11:25 PM
Also, by their own standards, the cops protecting the Capitol on Jan 6 should have opened fire all over.
Reposted by J.M. Berger
Hey @governorwalz.mn.gov why aren’t the national guard forming a perimeter around schools
More Shocking Footage Shows Federal Agents Raiding Minneapolis High School, Handcuffing Staff | Common Dreams
Federal immigration agents swarm Minneapolis high school, handcuff staff and fire chemical irritants at students. Safety concerns prompt school closure.
www.commondreams.org
January 11, 2026 at 1:20 AM
Hey @governorwalz.mn.gov why aren’t the national guard forming a perimeter around schools
Reposted by J.M. Berger
LOOOOLLLLL
State propaganda organ denied access to opposition leader event, whine about it
www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news...
State propaganda organ denied access to opposition leader event, whine about it
www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news...
January 11, 2026 at 1:18 AM
LOOOOLLLLL
State propaganda organ denied access to opposition leader event, whine about it
www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news...
State propaganda organ denied access to opposition leader event, whine about it
www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news...
Reposted by J.M. Berger
I want to highlight this important story by my friends @nbcnews.com - www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne... "The Internet Watch Foundation said it found topless images of girls that dark web forum users attributed to xAI’s Grok Imagine." <-- the AI generated CSAM / NCII immediately escapes containment
Dark web users cite Grok as tool for making 'criminal imagery' of kids, U.K. watchdog says
The Internet Watch Foundation said it found topless images of girls that dark web forum users attributed to xAI’s Grok Imagine.
www.nbcnews.com
January 10, 2026 at 8:19 PM
I want to highlight this important story by my friends @nbcnews.com - www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne... "The Internet Watch Foundation said it found topless images of girls that dark web forum users attributed to xAI’s Grok Imagine." <-- the AI generated CSAM / NCII immediately escapes containment
Reposted by J.M. Berger
When dissent is criminalized, everyone is a criminal. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...
ICE Wants to Go After Dissenters as well as Immigrants
The Trump administration is being open about its plans to violate Americans’ First and Fourth Amendment rights.
www.brennancenter.org
January 11, 2026 at 1:15 AM
When dissent is criminalized, everyone is a criminal. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...
Reposted by J.M. Berger
The reactionary centrist logic is simple: if the left does something bad it’s the left’s fault, and if the right does something bad, it’s also the left’s fault for making them do it. It’s a simple formula and once you see it every one of their arguments is the same
January 10, 2026 at 11:24 PM
The reactionary centrist logic is simple: if the left does something bad it’s the left’s fault, and if the right does something bad, it’s also the left’s fault for making them do it. It’s a simple formula and once you see it every one of their arguments is the same
Reposted by J.M. Berger
People might argue that ICE is not recruiting quality agents.
But I would insist that they are in fact successfully recruiting the exact sort of person needed to carry out the mission: reactionary, angry, violent people who don’t believe in democracy.
www.ms.now/opinion/ice-...
But I would insist that they are in fact successfully recruiting the exact sort of person needed to carry out the mission: reactionary, angry, violent people who don’t believe in democracy.
www.ms.now/opinion/ice-...
Opinion | ICE's violence is no accident
Alan Elrod: The killing of a woman by an immigration enforcement officer in Minneapolis was the raw application of Trumpist authoritarianism.
www.ms.now
January 10, 2026 at 9:31 PM
People might argue that ICE is not recruiting quality agents.
But I would insist that they are in fact successfully recruiting the exact sort of person needed to carry out the mission: reactionary, angry, violent people who don’t believe in democracy.
www.ms.now/opinion/ice-...
But I would insist that they are in fact successfully recruiting the exact sort of person needed to carry out the mission: reactionary, angry, violent people who don’t believe in democracy.
www.ms.now/opinion/ice-...
Reposted by J.M. Berger
After the 2020 election, Larry Ellison joined a call to strategize on overturning the vote for Trump and donated to election deniers. Now he controls CBS and wants CNN’s parent, raising new questions this week as his influence grows.
My latest in @status.news www.status.news/p/larry-elli...
My latest in @status.news www.status.news/p/larry-elli...
Ellison and the Lie
As Larry Ellison’s media empire expands, unanswered questions about his views on the 2020 election now carry real stakes as Jan. 6 is reframed and the next presidential race approaches.
www.status.news
January 10, 2026 at 7:29 PM
After the 2020 election, Larry Ellison joined a call to strategize on overturning the vote for Trump and donated to election deniers. Now he controls CBS and wants CNN’s parent, raising new questions this week as his influence grows.
My latest in @status.news www.status.news/p/larry-elli...
My latest in @status.news www.status.news/p/larry-elli...
Reposted by J.M. Berger
Cops shooting a woman = no problem
Cops asking you to wear a mask during a pandemic = George Washington and Jesus didn’t fight tyranny for me to wear a mask or stay home.
Cops asking you to wear a mask during a pandemic = George Washington and Jesus didn’t fight tyranny for me to wear a mask or stay home.
January 10, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Cops shooting a woman = no problem
Cops asking you to wear a mask during a pandemic = George Washington and Jesus didn’t fight tyranny for me to wear a mask or stay home.
Cops asking you to wear a mask during a pandemic = George Washington and Jesus didn’t fight tyranny for me to wear a mask or stay home.
Reposted by J.M. Berger
The fact that all these second amendment "we need ahr guns to resist guvment overreach" losers are now cheering on ICE versus citizens who are standing up to the government (with NO weapons) tells you everything you need to know about the hollowness of their ideology. Sad little scared boys.
January 10, 2026 at 7:39 PM
The fact that all these second amendment "we need ahr guns to resist guvment overreach" losers are now cheering on ICE versus citizens who are standing up to the government (with NO weapons) tells you everything you need to know about the hollowness of their ideology. Sad little scared boys.
Reposted by J.M. Berger
“There’s more here than garden-variety opportunism and hypocrisy. Whether or not the individual actors are being hypocritical can’t explain the tepid condemnation and resistance from the rest of the Republican Party.” @olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social
Empire of Vice
In a perverse twist on virtue signaling, the Trump administration is training Americans in the politics of raw domination.
www.bostonreview.net
January 10, 2026 at 8:30 PM
“There’s more here than garden-variety opportunism and hypocrisy. Whether or not the individual actors are being hypocritical can’t explain the tepid condemnation and resistance from the rest of the Republican Party.” @olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social
Reposted by J.M. Berger
"Consequence-free physical and sexual abuse of children was part of the deal the institutional Church offered the Irish state for to run schools, hospitals and other expensive-looking services.
This week the Taoiseach demonstrated the same mental habits."
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-the...
This week the Taoiseach demonstrated the same mental habits."
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-the...
The Gist: The Abuse Factory
X, the child abuse imagery app, revealed our state has no red lines. This is the Gist.
www.thegist.ie
January 10, 2026 at 2:57 PM
"Consequence-free physical and sexual abuse of children was part of the deal the institutional Church offered the Irish state for to run schools, hospitals and other expensive-looking services.
This week the Taoiseach demonstrated the same mental habits."
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-the...
This week the Taoiseach demonstrated the same mental habits."
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-the...
Reposted by J.M. Berger
It's been ten years since we lost Bowie and everything seems to get shittier all the time, but thank god for art.
Art that vibrates at your frequency
I have been listening to David Bowie's Modern Love on repeat for basically all of 2026 so far. Someone I know posted a live version on Instagram or somewhere around the end of the year and while of co...
limulus.ghost.io
January 10, 2026 at 8:29 PM
It's been ten years since we lost Bowie and everything seems to get shittier all the time, but thank god for art.
Reposted by J.M. Berger
This is the 'engagement' that the Irish government has been using to justify remaining on X. These are the top replies to a randomly chosen recent post.
January 9, 2026 at 9:54 PM
This is the 'engagement' that the Irish government has been using to justify remaining on X. These are the top replies to a randomly chosen recent post.