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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
@bestonetx.bsky.social
9K followers 2.2K following 12K posts
Award-winning community college prof, writer, editor, historian of Texas Jews and the Galveston Movement. Alte kaker in training. Views expressed here are mine and are protected by the First Amendment. Books: tinyurl.com/besbks www.BryanEdwardStone.com
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · Oct 11
The wise man does not break into his fellow's speech. He is not in a rush to reply. He asks what is relevant and replies to the point. Of what he has not heard he says, "I have not heard," and he acknowledges what is true.

-- Talmud (Pirkei Avot)
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Reposted by Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
pbsnews.org
PBS News @pbsnews.org · 18h
Thirty paintings created by the bushy-haired, soft-spoken Bob Ross will soon be up for auction to defray the costs of programming for small and rural public television stations suffering under cuts in federal funding. https://to.pbs.org/4nEQMrw
Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to support public TV stations after federal funding cuts
All profits will help public TV stations with licensing fees for popular programs that include "The Best of Joy of Painting" and "America's Test Kitchen."
www.pbs.org
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 16h
This is amazing. Was this in the Morning News?

You can really see there how anxious Reform Jews of that era were to look and sound like Protestants.

I'm not sure where this building was, but it's obviously not the one on Hillcrest. Must have been downtown somewhere.
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 17h
Typos ar so embarrassing.
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 17h
What an awesome thing to do. Thank you!
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 17h
No one understand better than American Jews why immigration is everything.
rebeccashapiro.bsky.social
Rebecca Shapiro @rebeccashapiro.bsky.social · 19h
I'm at a CUNY training for Immigration Court observers; about 15 out of 28 participants are Jewish. Don't underestimate us.
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Reposted by Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
rebeccashapiro.bsky.social
Rebecca Shapiro @rebeccashapiro.bsky.social · 19h
I'm at a CUNY training for Immigration Court observers; about 15 out of 28 participants are Jewish. Don't underestimate us.
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 17h
The latest news from colonial Boston.
calebcrain.bsky.social
Caleb Crain @calebcrain.bsky.social · 18h
Chilling insight by @barbarafwalter.com: "Once citizens view their own government’s security forces as an occupying army, violence becomes inevitable. Trump’s team knows this… They’re trying to trigger the very unrest that would justify further crackdowns."

via www.nytimes.com/2025/10/07/o...
Screenshot from a NYT article by Thomas Edsall, quoting Barbara Walter of UC-San Diego: "The quickest way to piss people off is to send soldiers into their neighborhoods especially when there’s no reason for them to be there. It’s inherently provocative, and Trump and his team understand this. Research by the political scientist Robert Pape shows that the single most powerful predictor of suicide terrorism is the presence of foreign troops on local soil. People hate, hate, hate that. They hate the humiliation, the powerlessness, the feeling of being occupied. "Once citizens begin to view their own government’s security forces as an occupying army, violence becomes inevitable. Trump’s team knows this. In fact, that’s the point. They are not trying to restore order; they’re trying to trigger the very unrest that would justify further crackdowns. In the end, violence serves their ultimate end: They want to create the illusion of disorder so they can tighten control and stay in power indefinitely."
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Reposted by Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
echamp.bsky.social
Eric Champnella @echamp.bsky.social · 22h
The picture of the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago pastor being pepper sprayed by a masked ICE agent reminded me of civil rights protestors in Birmingham being sprayed with high-pressure water hoses in the 60s.

It was wrong then, it's wrong now. How are we letting this happen?
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 20h
John Cornyn, Paxton's formerly normal primary opponent, really should condemn this. Don't hold your breath.
robertdownen.bsky.social
Robert Downen @robertdownen.bsky.social · 1d
Citing the “martyrdom” of Charlie Kirk, Texas AG Ken Paxton says his office is pursuing sweeping undercover investigations into “leftist” groups. “To those demented souls who seek to kill, steal, and destroy our country, know this: you cannot hide, you cannot escape, and justice is coming."
"Leftist political terrorism is a clear and present danger. Corrupted ideologies like transgenderism and Antifa are a cancer on our culture and have unleashed their deranged and drugged-up foot soldiers on the American people," said Attorney General Paxton. "The martyrdom of Charlie Kirk marks a turning point in America. There can be no compromise with those who want us dead. To that end, I have directed my office to continue its efforts to identify, investigate, and infiltrate these leftist terror cells. To those demented souls who seek to kill, steal, and destroy our country, know this: you cannot hide, you cannot escape, and justice is coming." The radical Left has incubated an environment where political violence is not only justified but celebrated and praised. In July, nearly two dozen armed leftists connected to various Texas-based Antifa-like groups ambushed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE") facility in Alvarado, Texas. On September 10, 2025, a leftist assassin connected to the radical transgender movement murdered Charlie Kirk because of Kirk's bold support for truth, love of country, and unshakable faith. Two weeks later, another deranged leftist opened fire at an ICE facility in Dallas. President Donald Trump has officially designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization and instructed his administration to "utilize all applicable authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any and all illegal operations — especially those involving terrorist actions — conducted by Antifa." Building on President Trump's bold actions, Attorney General Paxton has instructed his office to initiate sweeping investigations into radical leftist organizations engaged in or providing support to those performing political violence.
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 21h
Most middle-aged divorced guys just buy a muscle car.
robertdownen.bsky.social
Robert Downen @robertdownen.bsky.social · 1d
Citing the “martyrdom” of Charlie Kirk, Texas AG Ken Paxton says his office is pursuing sweeping undercover investigations into “leftist” groups. “To those demented souls who seek to kill, steal, and destroy our country, know this: you cannot hide, you cannot escape, and justice is coming."
"Leftist political terrorism is a clear and present danger. Corrupted ideologies like transgenderism and Antifa are a cancer on our culture and have unleashed their deranged and drugged-up foot soldiers on the American people," said Attorney General Paxton. "The martyrdom of Charlie Kirk marks a turning point in America. There can be no compromise with those who want us dead. To that end, I have directed my office to continue its efforts to identify, investigate, and infiltrate these leftist terror cells. To those demented souls who seek to kill, steal, and destroy our country, know this: you cannot hide, you cannot escape, and justice is coming." The radical Left has incubated an environment where political violence is not only justified but celebrated and praised. In July, nearly two dozen armed leftists connected to various Texas-based Antifa-like groups ambushed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE") facility in Alvarado, Texas. On September 10, 2025, a leftist assassin connected to the radical transgender movement murdered Charlie Kirk because of Kirk's bold support for truth, love of country, and unshakable faith. Two weeks later, another deranged leftist opened fire at an ICE facility in Dallas. President Donald Trump has officially designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization and instructed his administration to "utilize all applicable authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any and all illegal operations — especially those involving terrorist actions — conducted by Antifa." Building on President Trump's bold actions, Attorney General Paxton has instructed his office to initiate sweeping investigations into radical leftist organizations engaged in or providing support to those performing political violence.
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Reposted by Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
kenwhite.bsky.social
Plenary Popehat Power @kenwhite.bsky.social · 21h
We’re getting very used to this but the statement is unusually unhinged.
robertdownen.bsky.social
Robert Downen @robertdownen.bsky.social · 1d
Citing the “martyrdom” of Charlie Kirk, Texas AG Ken Paxton says his office is pursuing sweeping undercover investigations into “leftist” groups. “To those demented souls who seek to kill, steal, and destroy our country, know this: you cannot hide, you cannot escape, and justice is coming."
"Leftist political terrorism is a clear and present danger. Corrupted ideologies like transgenderism and Antifa are a cancer on our culture and have unleashed their deranged and drugged-up foot soldiers on the American people," said Attorney General Paxton. "The martyrdom of Charlie Kirk marks a turning point in America. There can be no compromise with those who want us dead. To that end, I have directed my office to continue its efforts to identify, investigate, and infiltrate these leftist terror cells. To those demented souls who seek to kill, steal, and destroy our country, know this: you cannot hide, you cannot escape, and justice is coming." The radical Left has incubated an environment where political violence is not only justified but celebrated and praised. In July, nearly two dozen armed leftists connected to various Texas-based Antifa-like groups ambushed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE") facility in Alvarado, Texas. On September 10, 2025, a leftist assassin connected to the radical transgender movement murdered Charlie Kirk because of Kirk's bold support for truth, love of country, and unshakable faith. Two weeks later, another deranged leftist opened fire at an ICE facility in Dallas. President Donald Trump has officially designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization and instructed his administration to "utilize all applicable authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any and all illegal operations — especially those involving terrorist actions — conducted by Antifa." Building on President Trump's bold actions, Attorney General Paxton has instructed his office to initiate sweeping investigations into radical leftist organizations engaged in or providing support to those performing political violence.
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 21h
It shouldn't be hard to spot the narc at the AAUP meeting.
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 21h
Undercover agents trained by Ken Paxton to look like leftists.
Group of smiling people of various races, ages, and gender presentations swathed in pride colors.
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 21h
Passive voice fail.
Reposted by Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
bookshop.org
Bookshop.org @bookshop.org · 1d
Can’t decide what to buy on Prime Day?

Try: absolutely nothing, and then go support indie bookstores instead 📚
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Reposted by Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
hipcrimevocab.net
Lane Stellmaker @hipcrimevocab.net · 23h
If you are a Texan being investigated for your connections to "radical leftist" groups, I am interested in representing you against harassment by Ken Paxton's office.
robertdownen.bsky.social
Robert Downen @robertdownen.bsky.social · 1d
Citing the “martyrdom” of Charlie Kirk, Texas AG Ken Paxton says his office is pursuing sweeping undercover investigations into “leftist” groups. “To those demented souls who seek to kill, steal, and destroy our country, know this: you cannot hide, you cannot escape, and justice is coming."
"Leftist political terrorism is a clear and present danger. Corrupted ideologies like transgenderism and Antifa are a cancer on our culture and have unleashed their deranged and drugged-up foot soldiers on the American people," said Attorney General Paxton. "The martyrdom of Charlie Kirk marks a turning point in America. There can be no compromise with those who want us dead. To that end, I have directed my office to continue its efforts to identify, investigate, and infiltrate these leftist terror cells. To those demented souls who seek to kill, steal, and destroy our country, know this: you cannot hide, you cannot escape, and justice is coming." The radical Left has incubated an environment where political violence is not only justified but celebrated and praised. In July, nearly two dozen armed leftists connected to various Texas-based Antifa-like groups ambushed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE") facility in Alvarado, Texas. On September 10, 2025, a leftist assassin connected to the radical transgender movement murdered Charlie Kirk because of Kirk's bold support for truth, love of country, and unshakable faith. Two weeks later, another deranged leftist opened fire at an ICE facility in Dallas. President Donald Trump has officially designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization and instructed his administration to "utilize all applicable authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any and all illegal operations — especially those involving terrorist actions — conducted by Antifa." Building on President Trump's bold actions, Attorney General Paxton has instructed his office to initiate sweeping investigations into radical leftist organizations engaged in or providing support to those performing political violence.
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Reposted by Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
aubreygilleran.bsky.social
Aubrey Gilleran @aubreygilleran.bsky.social · 21h
I like that phrase. I think a lot of people on both the right and left need a reminder that liberalism has teeth.
tracinski.bsky.social
Rob Tracinski @tracinski.bsky.social · 21h
This is the key to what I’m calling “militant liberalism.” Not a left-wing authoritarianism to counter a right-wing one. Just a rejection of Merrick Garlandism. Use all the tools the laws and the Constitution give us.
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 21h
Yeah, I'm covering the Constitutional Convention this week. The number of times I have to say, "This is how it's SUPPOSED to work."
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Reposted by Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
antheabutler.bsky.social
Anthea Butler @antheabutler.bsky.social · 1d
So since I'm annoyed let me say a few things today.Some folks have been writing about Christian Nationalism and apocalyptic right wing movements for YEARS here in the US. YEARS. Do we get to have a platform in major mags and newspapers... rarely.
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 1d
I'll do my homework before I vote, but as a general rule I always assume that anything approved by the Texas Legislature is poisonous until proven otherwise.
thebarbedwire.com
The Barbed Wire @thebarbedwire.com · 1d
Texans will vote on 17 constitutional amendments on Nov. 4.

Here’s the ballot in plain English: If you’re wealthy, the state promises to protect your fortune. For everyone else, there’s small perks, patriotic gestures, and pothole-filling promises.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/07/t...
Texas Is Asking Voters to Protect the Rich and Punish the Poor. Will They Do It?
Among 17 potential constitutional amendments, voters will be deciding the fate of corporate welfare and inherited wealth.
thebarbedwire.com
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Reposted by Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
thebarbedwire.com
The Barbed Wire @thebarbedwire.com · 1d
Texans will vote on 17 constitutional amendments on Nov. 4.

Here’s the ballot in plain English: If you’re wealthy, the state promises to protect your fortune. For everyone else, there’s small perks, patriotic gestures, and pothole-filling promises.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/07/t...
Texas Is Asking Voters to Protect the Rich and Punish the Poor. Will They Do It?
Among 17 potential constitutional amendments, voters will be deciding the fate of corporate welfare and inherited wealth.
thebarbedwire.com
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 1d
And like MAGA, the "Invisible Empire" was an organized grift that channeled followers' money to its founders.
wihorne.bsky.social
Dr. William Horne @wihorne.bsky.social · 1d
We really need to be thinking abt the current regime through the lens of the Second Klan, which helped to nationalize systems of Jim Crow state & vigilante violence & exploitation while creating an explicitly white nationalist immigration system. They even paraded down Pennsylvania Ave.
A 1926 klan parade marching down Pennsylvania Ave. The front of the column holds banners that read Connecticut & Rhode Island. Original available via the Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2001706338/
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Reposted by Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
wihorne.bsky.social
Dr. William Horne @wihorne.bsky.social · 1d
We really need to be thinking abt the current regime through the lens of the Second Klan, which helped to nationalize systems of Jim Crow state & vigilante violence & exploitation while creating an explicitly white nationalist immigration system. They even paraded down Pennsylvania Ave.
A 1926 klan parade marching down Pennsylvania Ave. The front of the column holds banners that read Connecticut & Rhode Island. Original available via the Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2001706338/
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Reposted by Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם)
theatlantic.com
The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 1d
Donald Trump is offering nine universities funding if they sign a compact that’s a “complete adoption of the MAGA high-education agenda,” Kevin Carey writes. The document is “shot through with the tensions that mark Trumpism in its latest form”:
A Deal That Would End Universities’ Independence
The free-speech provisions of the so-called compact are an exercise in contradiction.
bit.ly
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bestonetx.bsky.social
Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 1d
Meanwhile the Texas secessionist movement has gone strangely quiet.
fiona-webster22.bsky.social
🎃 Fiona "Fi" Webster 🎃 @fiona-webster22.bsky.social · 1d
What American federalism looks like in 2025: Dem governors holding emergency sessions on encrypted apps, attorneys general filing lawsuits within hours of executive orders, & state legislatures quietly passing laws that amount to nullification of federal mandates.
It’s Time for Americans to Start Talking About “Soft Secession”
Blue states are finally learning what red states have known all along: you don’t need federal permission to govern.
open.substack.com
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