Sha Merirei
@merirei.com
4.7K followers 1.8K following 560 posts
Making borders, bots, & billionaires nervous 💀 Decolonial comms + digital resistance 🔥 Micronesian (Palauan) | Omo Oshun 🌻
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merirei.com
List of my recent Bsky threads:

-Antifa Designation EO bsky.app/profile/meri...

-NSPM-7 bsky.app/profile/meri...

-Bondi Memo bsky.app/profile/meri...

-Pentagon Speeches bsky.app/profile/meri...

-Govt Website Propaganda bsky.app/profile/meri...
merirei.com
“Protest = Terrorism?” That’s the new playbook. The White House just signed an executive order calling activists terrorists. 🧵 A thread.
A dark blue slide styled like a presidential announcement. At the top: “PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS, Executive Orders, September 22, 2025” with an eagle seal above. Large yellow text: “PROTEST = TERRORISM? THAT’S THE NEW PLAYBOOK.” Below in white text: “The White House just signed an executive order calling activists ‘terrorists.’ Let’s unpack what that means.” Decorative small circus tent icons run along the bottom.
Reposted by Sha Merirei
joshuajfriedman.com
NEW: The Ninth Circuit schedules oral argument for Thursday in the Trump admin's appeal of Judge Immergut's order temporarily blocking the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon.

The panel assignment:
Susan P. Graber (Clinton)
Ryan D. Nelson (Trump)
Bridget S. Bade (Trump)
2025-10-09 9:00 am Courtroom 2, 3rd Floor Rm 330, James R. Browning U.S. Courthouse, San Francisco
Before: GRABER, R. NELSON, and BADE, Circuit Judges
Case No.
25-6268
State of Oregon, et al. v. Trump, et al.
merirei.com
Authoritarian power grabs rely on repetition and our silence.

Mock it. Call it out. Show up, especially online.

Thanks to @joshuajfriedman.com and @jonseidel.bsky.social for their real-time reporting that made this thread possible!
A Simpsons-style landscape view of Portland, Oregon. Above it, colorful text reads:
“While We Wait for the Next Power Grab…”
Main text box says authoritarian power grabs rely on repetition and silence. It urges people to call out, mock, and break the script, and to keep showing up — especially online.
Below are source citations, ending with:
“Live Bluesky coverage by @joshuajfriedman.com & @jonseidel.bsky.social”
Final line at the bottom reads:
“And to the ICE contractors reading this post: Tell your bosses that this is a carousel, not a coup.”
merirei.com
Court orders are not optional.

The Constitution is not a suggestion.

If DOJ attorneys need to be reminded twice that they’re officers of the court, maybe they’re unfit to argue anything, especially for an authoritarian power grab.
A chaotic Simpsons-style crowd of characters looking shocked or yelling. Header reads:
”Justice Shouldn’t Be This Cartoonish”
Text reads:
“It shouldn’t be, but here we are. Court orders aren’t optional. The Constitution isn’t a suggestion.
And if a DOJ attorney needs to be reminded, twice, that they’re an officer of the court?
Maybe they’re not just unfit to argue a case, maybe they’re unfit to defend a government trying to steamroll state sovereignty with soldiers.”
merirei.com
Oct 4–5: Oregon gets 2 TROs

Oct 5: DOJ appeals

Oct 6: Illinois files and gets no TRO

Oct 9: Court decides if troops stay out of Chicago or move in
Homer Simpson bursts through wooden boards holding a stopwatch. Text reads: “A Timeline. Oct 4–5: Oregon gets 2 TROs. Oct 5: DOJ appeals the Oregon TROs to the 9th Circuit. Oct 6: Illinois files emergency complaint. Oct 6: Judge Perry declines to block deployment. Oct 9: Illinois court will decide if the troops stay out of Chicago or move in anyway. Takeaway: This isn’t just a turf war. It’s a test run for sending armed troops into any state that steps out of line.”
merirei.com
Oct 5: DOJ appeals to the Ninth Circuit.

They say the TRO harms the President and call Oregon’s lawsuit “extraordinarily dangerous.”

They want permission to keep sending troops.
Mr. Burns stands before glowing green toxic barrels labeled “ACTUALLY DANGEROUS.” Text reads: “October 5. Just hours after the judge blocks their second attempt, DOJ files an emergency appeal to the Ninth Circuit. They argue the TRO ‘irreparably harms’ the President’s ability to deploy federal troops. They also claim Oregon’s lawsuit is ‘extraordinarily dangerous.’ Translation: How dare you check our power. They want the court to hit pause so they can go right back to sending troops.”
merirei.com
Oct 6: Illinois files a complaint.

Claims the deployment breaks federal law and targets “disfavored jurisdictions.”

Troop presence will cause harm.

Arguments set for Oct 9.
A Simpsons-style cityscape at night. Text reads: “Filed: October 6, 2025. Trump is violating state sovereignty. The deployment breaks federal law (§12406). It’s part of a coordinated campaign against ‘disfavored jurisdictions.’ Troop presence will cause irreparable harm. Next step: Oral arguments scheduled for Thursday, October 9.”
merirei.com
Same hearing.

Illinois: “Troops are already boarding.”

Hutz (DOJ): “We need a week.”

Judge: “Can you delay deployment?”

DOJ: “I'm not able to represent that.”

It’s giving federal chaos with cartoon energy.
Lionel Hutz in a Simpsons-style courtroom sweating at counsel table. Text reads: “October 6 (Same hearing). Illinois: ‘Troops are already boarding planes. We need a TRO now.’ Lionel Hutz (DOJ): ‘We need a week to respond.’ Judge Perry: ‘Can you delay the deployment until then?’ Hutz: ‘I’m not able to represent that.’ Vibes: A courtroom drama starring zero preparedness and one very sweaty briefcase.”
merirei.com
Oct 6 (Morning):
Illinois and Chicago sue to block 700 troops.

2 PM (Emergency hearing):
Illinois: “TRO, please.”

Judge: “I need time to read the 550-page complaint.”

No order issued.
A Simpsons-style judge sits at a bench. Text reads: “October 6 (Morning). Illinois and Chicago sue to stop Trump from deploying 400 Texas National Guard troops to Chicago alongside 300 Illinois Guard troops under federal control. Emergency hearing 2:00 PM. Illinois: ‘TRO, please. Troops are literally on the way.’ Judge Perry: ‘I’d like time to read the 550-page complaint.’ Hearing ends. No order issued.”
merirei.com
Oregon’s second TRO blocks:

-All federalized Guard troops
-Entry into Oregon
-Violations of the 10th Amendment and §12406

Judge said the first opinion was airtight. No new one needed.
A rainy Simpsons street scene with a red train in the background. Text reads: “New Oregon order blocks: Any federalized National Guard from any state. Deployment into Oregon. Citing violations of the 10th Amendment and Title 10 §12406. The judge didn’t even write a new opinion. She said the first one was airtight enough.”
merirei.com
Judge: “Is this how you think orders work?”

DOJ tried saying it was fine because they used different troops.

Judge called it what it was. Circumvention.

Request for a stay? Denied on the spot.
A Simpsons-style judge at a bench facepalming. Text reads: “Judge Immergut: Is this how you think orders work? DOJ claimed they didn’t technically violate her TRO since they were mobilizing a different state’s National Guard. She called them out for circumventing the law. When they asked for a stay? She denied it on the spot.”
merirei.com
Oct 5: DOJ argues the order only blocked Oregon troops.

Judge: “What would be the point of §12406 if you could do that?”

Guard troops can only be sent during invasion, rebellion, or total law breakdown. That was not the case here.
A Simpsons-style courthouse backdrop with Lionel Hutz at the bottom right. Text reads: “October 5. DOJ tries to sneak in California National Guard troops after being blocked in Oregon. Lionel Hutz (DOJ): ‘The order only said Oregon troops.’ Judge: ‘What would be the point of §12406 if you could do that?’ §12406 only lets the feds send Guard troops during invasion, rebellion, or total law breakdown. Oregon had none of that. And Judge Immergut knew it.”
merirei.com
Judge Immergut: “I GRANT the second TRO.”

Trump tried using California troops.

She blocked Guard units from any state from entering Oregon.

No loopholes allowed.
A Simpsons-style judge sits at a bench with a gavel. Text reads: “Judge Immergut: ‘I GRANT the second TRO.’ After Trump tried to get around the original order by sending in California National Guard troops, a federal judge wasn’t having it. She blocked any Guard units, from any state, from being sent into Oregon.”
merirei.com
THE SIMPSONS EXPLAIN OREGON’S 2ND TRO (AND ILLINOIS’ ATTEMPT TO GET ONE)

Lionel Hutz is back as DOJ counsel.

Oregon blocks more troops.

Illinois asks for help and gets… homework.
A Simpsons-style drawing of a courthouse front with two yellow starbursts reading “Guest starring: Lionel Hutz as the DOJ’s Legal Counsel” and “Yes, it’s as chaotic as it sounds.” Large text says: “The Simpsons explain Oregon’s 2nd TRO (and Illinois’ attempt to get one).” Below it reads: “In this episode of Law & Disorder: The DOJ tried to outsmart a court order by sending different troops. Oregon said absolutely not. Illinois? They’re still reading the script.”
merirei.com
A follow-up visual thread is in the works. I'm sorry for the delay, the illustrations can be a little time-consuming. 😬
merirei.com
Last week’s episode of Law & Disorder, Oregon and Portland sued Trump for trying to send in the troops— and won.

A Trump-appointed judge reminded him: This is a nation of law, not martial law. 🧵
The Simpsons–style courthouse with the Oregon state flag flying. 

Text reads: “The Simpsons Explain Oregon’s TRO.” 

Subtext: “In this week’s episode of Law & Disorder, the State of Oregon and the City of Portland sue Trump for trying to send in the troops and win.” 

A banner adds: “BONUS CONTENT: Trump gets California involved.”
merirei.com
Oregon: 1
Authoritarian Overreach: 0

The TRO blocks Trump’s order for 14 days, time for courts (and states) to push back.

CTA: Mock the powerful. Defend the law.
A wide Simpsons-style aerial view of Portland shows Mt. Tabor, bridges, and a skyline resembling Springfield, with Homer’s power plant cooling tower in the foreground.

Text at the top reads: “TO BE CONTINUED… IN COURT.”

Main text block:“The TRO blocks Trump’s order for 14 days, enough time for the courts (and the states) to push back.”

Below, large faded block text, in the shape of clouds, reads: “MOCK THE POWERFUL. DEFEND THE RULE OF LAW.”

Smaller text beneath: “And to the 30 ICE contractors doomscrolling through this: Take five, Portland’s safe, for now.”

At the bottom, under “Sources:” two citations appear:– State of Oregon & City of Portland v. Trump et al., No. 3:25-cv-01756-IM (D. Or. Oct. 4 2025).*– Daniel Miller & Melody Gutierrez, “Newsom to Seek Court Order Stopping Trump’s Deployment of California National Guard to Oregon,” Los Angeles Times, Oct. 5 2025.

The footer shows a row of alternating yellow and blue tab icons consistent with the carousel’s navigation theme.
merirei.com
After the Oregon TRO, Trump tried sending California’s Guard to Oregon.

@governor.ca.gov called it a “breathtaking abuse of power.”

“They’re attacking the rule of law and treating judges—even his own—as political opponents.”
A cartoon Governor Gavin Newsom stands at a podium with the California state seal. 

Text: After the Oregon TRO, Trump tried sending California’s National Guard to Oregon. Newsom called it a “breathtaking abuse of power” and said he’d seek a court order to stop it. 

Quote: “The Trump Administration is attacking the rule of law itself and treating judges, even those he appointed, as political opponents.”
merirei.com
Plot twist: Judge Karin Immergut — appointed by Trump — warned the country about Trump.

“This country has a tradition of resisting government overreach.”

“This is a nation of law, not martial law.”
A cartoon version of Judge Karin Immergut sits at the bench with arrows pointing to two quotes from the ruling: 

“This country has a longstanding and foundational tradition of resistance to government overreach, especially in the form of military intrusion into civil affairs.”

“This is a nation of Constitutional law, not martial law.”

Text below: “When your own appointee calls out your authoritarian cosplay, that’s not judicial activism — that’s accountability in HD.”
merirei.com
The judge said Trump’s move stomped on Oregon’s sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment.

Translation: The feds can’t commandeer a state’s militia because they saw a scary meme about Antifa.
Marge Simpson on Portland’s waterfront, holding a banner that says “HANDS OFF OUR GUARD.” 

Text: The judge said Trump’s move violated Oregon’s sovereignty under the 10th Amendment. 

Translation: the federal government can’t commandeer a state’s militia just because it saw a scary meme about Antifa.
merirei.com
The Constitution lets Congress—not the President—decide when the National Guard can be federalized.

Trump tried to be both Commander-in-Chief and Congress.

The judge: That’s not how this works.
Lisa Simpson in a classroom holding a book titled Civics 101. 

Text: The Constitution lets Congress, not the President, decide when the National Guard can be federalized. Trump tried to be both Commander-in-Chief and Congress. 

The court said, “That’s not how this works.”
merirei.com
The White House claimed Portland was in “rebellion.”

The judge: A rebellion means an armed, organized attempt to overthrow the government, not people waving flashlights outside an ICE facility.
Homer Simpson stands near Portland’s waterfront holding a sign reading “DONUTS NOT DRONES.” 

Text: The White House claimed Portland was in “rebellion.” The judge defined rebellion as an armed, organized attempt to overthrow the government, not people holding flashlights outside ICE. 

Translation: Being annoying does not civil war.
merirei.com
The court ruled Trump’s order ultra vires—Latin for “you made that up.”

No rebellion, no invasion, no law enforcement collapse.

Judge Immergut: “The President’s determination was untethered to the facts.”
Simpsons-style street scene of Lionel Hutz combing his hair with a fork. 

Text: The court ruled Trump’s order ultra vires (“you made that up”). There was no rebellion, no invasion, and no failure of law enforcement. 

Judge’s quote: “The President’s determination was untethered to the facts.”
merirei.com
Hegseth ordered 200 Oregon Guard members federalized—over Gov. Kotek’s objections.

Trump claimed Portland was “under siege.”

The judge found… about 15 people in lawn chairs.
Mr. Burns-as-Trump sits in his red chair, smirking. 

A speech bubble says: “Release the Guards, Hegseth.” 

Text explains: Hegseth (not a constitutional scholar) ordered 200 Oregon National Guard members federalized over Governor Kotek’s objections. Trump claimed Portland was “under siege,” but the judge found about 15 people in lawn chairs.
merirei.com
Oregon and Portland sued the same day.

Their argument: Trump broke laws meant to stop presidents from going full Emperor Palpatine.

💡Posse Comitatus: military ≠ local cops.
💡Tenth Amendment: states run themselves.
Stage scene with Mayor Quimby and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek at a podium. Behind them a banner reads, “You can’t just yoink our Guard!” 

Text explains that Oregon and Portland sued the same day the order dropped, arguing Trump’s move violated the Posse Comitatus Act (barring military policing) and the Tenth Amendment (state powers). 

Translation: Oregon runs Oregon; the federal government can’t steal its troops.
merirei.com
In June 2025, Trump gave himself the power to seize state National Guards “to protect ICE.” By fall, Portland protests were 20 people with signs.

Then he logged onto Truth Social, yelled “WAR-RAVAGED PORTLAND!”—and ordered troops anyway.
Bart Simpson writes on a chalkboard: “I will not federalize state troops without cause.” 

Text box explains: In June 2025, Trump gave himself powers to take control of state National Guards “to protect ICE.” By September, protests outside Portland’s ICE building were mostly 20 people with signs. Then Trump posted “WAR-RAVAGED PORTLAND!” and ordered troops anyway.