the mjl (michael j leblanc)
@themjl.bsky.social
Engineer. Musician. Wily Chaote. Full-Stack Acerbic Humanist.
Bandcamp: https://thebellmechanical.bandcamp.com/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/the_bell_mechanical
Musings: https://nopeanutsinchurch.com/
Middle of Massachusetts. USENET refugee.
Bandcamp: https://thebellmechanical.bandcamp.com/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/the_bell_mechanical
Musings: https://nopeanutsinchurch.com/
Middle of Massachusetts. USENET refugee.
Pinned
Spock: "Captain, would you like to see my latest modular synth rack setup?"
Jim: "Damn, Spock. Now I know where most of your pay is going.."
Jim: "Damn, Spock. Now I know where most of your pay is going.."
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
ITS NOT A YES OR NO QUESTION THATS THE WHOLE POINT OF STRATEGIC AMBIGUITY YOU DUMB FUCK
February 18, 2026 at 2:33 PM
ITS NOT A YES OR NO QUESTION THATS THE WHOLE POINT OF STRATEGIC AMBIGUITY YOU DUMB FUCK
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Real insane part of this clip is Hassett saying in the beginning that NY Fed researchers “should be disciplined” for…writing an economics paper that comes to a conclusion the president dislikes? A conclusion that matches the vast majority of economic evidence on tariffs? Nuts
Hassett: "The basic theory of President Trump's tariffs is sure, we're importing stuff from China, but we've got producers in US who make stuff, maybe at alightly higher place. If we bring stuff home, create demand, then that will hurt China & drive up wages & American consumers will be better off."
February 18, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Real insane part of this clip is Hassett saying in the beginning that NY Fed researchers “should be disciplined” for…writing an economics paper that comes to a conclusion the president dislikes? A conclusion that matches the vast majority of economic evidence on tariffs? Nuts
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
He may try, but there is no secret lever he can pull to do this. However, we must continue to stay vigilant because excessive fear plays into his own hands! Keep fighting because it’s working!
Trump Can’t Steal the Midterms
The case for being vigilant without panicking.
open.substack.com
February 18, 2026 at 2:23 PM
He may try, but there is no secret lever he can pull to do this. However, we must continue to stay vigilant because excessive fear plays into his own hands! Keep fighting because it’s working!
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
This answer - from one of the president’s key economic advisors - is disgraceful.
And, fwiw, the number for tariff pass through is closer to 94-96 percent
And, fwiw, the number for tariff pass through is closer to 94-96 percent
Hassett on new study from NY Fed showing 90% of tariff burden is being shouldered by US firms & consumers: "The paper is an embarrassment. It's I think the worst paper I've ever seen in the history of the Fed system. The people associated with this paper should presumably be disciplined."
February 18, 2026 at 2:22 PM
This answer - from one of the president’s key economic advisors - is disgraceful.
And, fwiw, the number for tariff pass through is closer to 94-96 percent
And, fwiw, the number for tariff pass through is closer to 94-96 percent
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
There is science behind fat-bottom girls making the rockin world go round
February 16, 2026 at 11:57 PM
There is science behind fat-bottom girls making the rockin world go round
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
5’th Amendment: “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process.” It doesn’t say anything about citizenship status, party affiliation, religion or race. Just “person.”
February 18, 2026 at 12:18 AM
5’th Amendment: “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process.” It doesn’t say anything about citizenship status, party affiliation, religion or race. Just “person.”
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
DHS is holding a 2-month-old BABY at a detention facility in Texas.
Last night, Juan Nicolás was rushed to the hospital after choking on his own vomit & being unable to breathe.
This demands accountability — not a blank check for more cruelty.
Last night, Juan Nicolás was rushed to the hospital after choking on his own vomit & being unable to breathe.
This demands accountability — not a blank check for more cruelty.
I have an update on Juan Nicolás, the 2-month-old baby detained at Dilley, and his mother.
February 18, 2026 at 12:18 AM
DHS is holding a 2-month-old BABY at a detention facility in Texas.
Last night, Juan Nicolás was rushed to the hospital after choking on his own vomit & being unable to breathe.
This demands accountability — not a blank check for more cruelty.
Last night, Juan Nicolás was rushed to the hospital after choking on his own vomit & being unable to breathe.
This demands accountability — not a blank check for more cruelty.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Pure evil from Trump & Vance and anyone who supports this.
DHS is holding a 2-month-old BABY at a detention facility in Texas.
Last night, Juan Nicolás was rushed to the hospital after choking on his own vomit & being unable to breathe.
This demands accountability — not a blank check for more cruelty.
Last night, Juan Nicolás was rushed to the hospital after choking on his own vomit & being unable to breathe.
This demands accountability — not a blank check for more cruelty.
I have an update on Juan Nicolás, the 2-month-old baby detained at Dilley, and his mother.
February 18, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Pure evil from Trump & Vance and anyone who supports this.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
ok seriously what’s with the jeans
February 17, 2026 at 11:08 PM
ok seriously what’s with the jeans
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Stephen Colbert says he was told by CBS lawyers "in no uncertain terms" that he could not have Texas State Rep. James Talarico on his program.
"Because my network clearly doesn't want us to talk about this, let's talk about this."
"Because my network clearly doesn't want us to talk about this, let's talk about this."
Colbert Doesn’t Give an FCC About Calling Out CBS
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Stephen Colbert says he was told by CBS lawyers "in no uncertain terms" that he could not have Texas State Rep. James Talarico on his program.
"Because my network clearly doesn't want us to talk about this, let's talk about this."
"Because my network clearly doesn't want us to talk about this, let's talk about this."
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Trump’s approval ratings continue to plummet. He’s underwater on the economy (-16), inflation (-25), and immigration (-12). ⬇️⬇️⬇️
President Trump’s Approval Rating: Latest Polls
Track the latest approval rating and polls on Americans’ approval of President Trump.
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Trump’s approval ratings continue to plummet. He’s underwater on the economy (-16), inflation (-25), and immigration (-12). ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
As of this morning, only one of the men who was standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel that fateful evening is still living.
Since Brother Jesse passed at 84 this morning.
Since Brother Jesse passed at 84 this morning.
February 17, 2026 at 12:11 PM
As of this morning, only one of the men who was standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel that fateful evening is still living.
Since Brother Jesse passed at 84 this morning.
Since Brother Jesse passed at 84 this morning.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
This is scary. We don't generally have these things happen in RI.
Rhode Island Governor Actively Monitoring Pawtucket Ice Rink Mass Shooting | Pawtucket, RI Patch share.google/5Hc27OAu41Ie...
Rhode Island Governor Actively Monitoring Pawtucket Ice Rink Mass Shooting | Pawtucket, RI Patch share.google/5Hc27OAu41Ie...
Rhode Island Governor 'Actively Monitoring' Pawtucket Ice Rink Mass Shooting
The shooter opened fire from the stands of Dennis M Lynch Arena, one media outlet reported.
share.google
February 16, 2026 at 9:49 PM
This is scary. We don't generally have these things happen in RI.
Rhode Island Governor Actively Monitoring Pawtucket Ice Rink Mass Shooting | Pawtucket, RI Patch share.google/5Hc27OAu41Ie...
Rhode Island Governor Actively Monitoring Pawtucket Ice Rink Mass Shooting | Pawtucket, RI Patch share.google/5Hc27OAu41Ie...
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Reuters: New Mexico lawmakers on Monday passed legislation to launch what they said was the first full investigation into what happened at Zorro Ranch, where the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is accused of trafficking and sexually assaulting girls and women.
February 17, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Reuters: New Mexico lawmakers on Monday passed legislation to launch what they said was the first full investigation into what happened at Zorro Ranch, where the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is accused of trafficking and sexually assaulting girls and women.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Chinese New year celebrated at my local tube station, not pancake day. London has fallen, multiculturalism devours all.
February 17, 2026 at 7:14 AM
Chinese New year celebrated at my local tube station, not pancake day. London has fallen, multiculturalism devours all.
Speaking of polls, The T-Bag's in "End Times Bush" territory (30s). But he got there in just a little over a year. And the FinCrash hasn't really happened yet.
Meanwhile, on FB and Mass Media, we are made to feel like WE are the minority.
Funny, that...🤔🤷♂️
www.electoral-vote.com/evp2026/Item...
Meanwhile, on FB and Mass Media, we are made to feel like WE are the minority.
Funny, that...🤔🤷♂️
www.electoral-vote.com/evp2026/Item...
The Polls Are Grim for Trump
Click on the map for the article
www.electoral-vote.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Speaking of polls, The T-Bag's in "End Times Bush" territory (30s). But he got there in just a little over a year. And the FinCrash hasn't really happened yet.
Meanwhile, on FB and Mass Media, we are made to feel like WE are the minority.
Funny, that...🤔🤷♂️
www.electoral-vote.com/evp2026/Item...
Meanwhile, on FB and Mass Media, we are made to feel like WE are the minority.
Funny, that...🤔🤷♂️
www.electoral-vote.com/evp2026/Item...
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Good grief. Everyone knows they were just friends.
February 17, 2026 at 2:40 AM
Good grief. Everyone knows they were just friends.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
There’s no President Barack Obama without Jesse Jackson. It just doesn’t happen.
February 17, 2026 at 12:18 PM
There’s no President Barack Obama without Jesse Jackson. It just doesn’t happen.
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
This attempt at censorship will undoubtedly result in more people watching the @jamestalarico.bsky.social interview
than if the FCC had not intervened.
After The Colbert Show’s termination in July viewership was 3 million. At 8:30 a.m. ET 2/17 it’s already over 500k
youtu.be/oiTJ7Pz_59A?...
than if the FCC had not intervened.
After The Colbert Show’s termination in July viewership was 3 million. At 8:30 a.m. ET 2/17 it’s already over 500k
youtu.be/oiTJ7Pz_59A?...
Rep. James Talarico On Confronting Christian Nationalism, And Strange Days In The Texas Legislatu…
YouTube video by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
youtu.be
February 17, 2026 at 1:30 PM
This attempt at censorship will undoubtedly result in more people watching the @jamestalarico.bsky.social interview
than if the FCC had not intervened.
After The Colbert Show’s termination in July viewership was 3 million. At 8:30 a.m. ET 2/17 it’s already over 500k
youtu.be/oiTJ7Pz_59A?...
than if the FCC had not intervened.
After The Colbert Show’s termination in July viewership was 3 million. At 8:30 a.m. ET 2/17 it’s already over 500k
youtu.be/oiTJ7Pz_59A?...
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Colbert: “Let’s just call this what it is: Trump’s administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV because all Trump does is watch TV. He’s like a toddler with too much screen time. He gets cranky and then drops a load in his diaper.”
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/a...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/a...
Colbert Doesn’t Give an FCC About Calling Out CBS
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Colbert: “Let’s just call this what it is: Trump’s administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV because all Trump does is watch TV. He’s like a toddler with too much screen time. He gets cranky and then drops a load in his diaper.”
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/a...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/a...
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
The interview with Talarico has been posted to YouTube: youtu.be/oiTJ7Pz_59A
Rep. James Talarico On Confronting Christian Nationalism, And Strange Days In The Texas Legislatu…
YouTube video by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
youtu.be
February 17, 2026 at 12:08 PM
The interview with Talarico has been posted to YouTube: youtu.be/oiTJ7Pz_59A
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
The regime is now dictating what political views are acceptable to air on television and paramount/cbs are collaborating in that censorship bsky.app/profile/ditz...
Stephen Colbert said that the FCC and CBS - which is in no way a compromised or complicit organization - wouldn’t allow him to broadcast an interview with Democratic State Rep James Talarico. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/a...
Colbert Doesn’t Give an FCC About Calling Out CBS
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:09 PM
The regime is now dictating what political views are acceptable to air on television and paramount/cbs are collaborating in that censorship bsky.app/profile/ditz...
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
Jasmine Crockett: “Other countries have CEOs that are stepping down & princes that are being indicted — in the United States, crickets. Nothing is happening — we have a president that says that the Epstein files are a hoax because his name is in there more times than I can count”
February 17, 2026 at 12:45 AM
Jasmine Crockett: “Other countries have CEOs that are stepping down & princes that are being indicted — in the United States, crickets. Nothing is happening — we have a president that says that the Epstein files are a hoax because his name is in there more times than I can count”
Reposted by the mjl (michael j leblanc)
I bet you can make a lot of people mad by pointing out that the Ukrainians are fighting a deeply unambiguous anti-colonial war
February 17, 2026 at 1:31 AM
I bet you can make a lot of people mad by pointing out that the Ukrainians are fighting a deeply unambiguous anti-colonial war