Shawn Maeder
@shawnmaeder.bsky.social
Here for all things Irish; also sociolinguistics, poetry and progressive politics
Maybe it's not about the money.
But Bezos had $75 million to spend on Melania’s vanity project.
February 4, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Maybe it's not about the money.
Elizabeth Bowen, The Last September (1929)
February 3, 2026 at 3:51 AM
Elizabeth Bowen, The Last September (1929)
Absolutely brilliant!
Even if you don't have time to read all 83 pages of Judge Reyes's opinion barring the Trump administration from rescinding Temporary Protected Status for 350,000+ Haitians, please at least check out the four-page introduction.
It's a tour de force:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
It's a tour de force:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
!["On December 2, 1783, then-Commander-in-Chief George Washington penned: “America is open to receive not only the Opulent & respected Stranger, but the oppressed & persecuted of all Nations & Religions.”1
More than two centuries later, Congress reaffirmed President Washington’s vision by establishing the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. See 8 U.S.C. § 1254a (TPS statute). It provides humanitarian relief to foreign nationals in the United States who come from disaster-stricken countries. It also brings in substantial revenue, with TPS holders generating $5.2 billion in taxes annually. See Part VI.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has a different take. [screenshot of tweet].](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nwnlnixtjh3qhkwpz2uy5uwv/bafkreicrroq5taft777rmau2ffjlsphbcatlxnwwigf2yekoke533yycim@jpeg)
![has terminated every TPS country designation to have reached her desk—twelve countries up,
twelve countries down. See Section IV.A.2. Her conclusion that Haiti (a majority nonwhite
country) faces merely “concerning” conditions cannot be squared with the “perfect storm of
suffering” and “staggering” “humanitarian toll” described in page-after-page of the Certified
Administrative Record (CAR). See Section IV.A.3.a. She ignored Congress’s requirement that
she “review the conditions” in Haiti only “after” consulting “with appropriate agencies.” 8
U.S.C. § 1254a(b)(3)(A); see Section IV.A.1. Indeed, she did not consult other agencies at all.
See id. Her “national interest” analysis focuses on Haitians outside the United States or here
illegally, ignoring that Haitian TPS holders already live here, and legally so. See Section
IV.A.3.b. And though she states that the analysis must include “economic considerations,” she
ignores altogether the billions Haitian TPS holders contribute to the economy. See id.
The Government’s primary response is that the TPS statute gives the Secretary
unbounded discretion to make whatever determination she wants, any way she wants. And, yes,
the statute does grant her some discretion. But not unbounded discretion. To the contrary,
Congress passed the TPS statute to standardize the then ad hoc temporary protection system—to
replace executive whim with statutory predictability. See Section I.A.
As to irreparable harm, the Government contends that, at most, the harms to Haitian TPS
holders are speculative. But the Department of State (State) warns [screenshot]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nwnlnixtjh3qhkwpz2uy5uwv/bafkreid3cmawech25ummuj2tjvgxsrvufma2kmrijlfpglalwddd3qkikq@jpeg)
February 3, 2026 at 1:19 AM
Absolutely brilliant!
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
This International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we have heavy obligations to survivors — and to the memories of 6 million Jews & millions of others murdered by Nazi hate.
Auschwitz was at the end of a process. We must remember that it did not start from gas chambers.
This hatred gradually developed: from ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
This hatred gradually developed: from ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
January 27, 2026 at 6:50 PM
This International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we have heavy obligations to survivors — and to the memories of 6 million Jews & millions of others murdered by Nazi hate.
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
Schumer, Jeffries and much of the current Democratic Party is not built for this fight or made for this moment.
They've had 10 years. Just look at their actions. Trust your own eyes.
We have to cull the party and replace the Vichy Dems with actual fighters and reformers.
It's the only way.
They've had 10 years. Just look at their actions. Trust your own eyes.
We have to cull the party and replace the Vichy Dems with actual fighters and reformers.
It's the only way.
Majority of the country now wants to abolish and/or dismantle ICE and yet Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. told the caucus the message had to be to “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”
Once again it looks like Schumer is about to choke after getting a massive opportunity.
So pathetic and weak.
Once again it looks like Schumer is about to choke after getting a massive opportunity.
So pathetic and weak.
Senate Democrats plot strategy as DHS standoff deepens heading into shutdown week
Two sources who were on a Democratic caucus strategy call Sunday said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told the group the message must be to “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”
www.nbcnews.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Schumer, Jeffries and much of the current Democratic Party is not built for this fight or made for this moment.
They've had 10 years. Just look at their actions. Trust your own eyes.
We have to cull the party and replace the Vichy Dems with actual fighters and reformers.
It's the only way.
They've had 10 years. Just look at their actions. Trust your own eyes.
We have to cull the party and replace the Vichy Dems with actual fighters and reformers.
It's the only way.
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
This must be weird news to see if you’re one of the literally hundreds or even thousands of university administrators who preemptively censored faculty, scrubbed websites, changed the names of centers, etc.
Trump administration drops legal appeal over anti-DEI funding threat to schools and colleges. This leaves in place a federal judge's ruling that the anti-DEI effort violated the First Amendment and federal procedural rules. (Via AP) apnews.com/article/dei-... #ncpol #nced
Trump administration drops legal appeal over anti-DEI funding threat to schools and colleges
The Trump administration is dropping its appeal of a federal court ruling that blocked a campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion threatening federal funding to the nation’s schools and colle...
apnews.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:45 PM
This must be weird news to see if you’re one of the literally hundreds or even thousands of university administrators who preemptively censored faculty, scrubbed websites, changed the names of centers, etc.
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
Newsom isn't the man.
Ben Shapiro: "Israel did not commit a genocide in Gaza"
Gavin Newsom: "I agree with you."
Gavin Newsom: "I agree with you."
January 18, 2026 at 3:13 AM
Newsom isn't the man.
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
We have to get rid of Schumer and Jeffries.
This is about saving our country now.
They have to go.
This is about saving our country now.
They have to go.
January 17, 2026 at 1:28 AM
We have to get rid of Schumer and Jeffries.
This is about saving our country now.
They have to go.
This is about saving our country now.
They have to go.
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
“I do not want my tax dollars or Haverford’s resources to be used to support a poorly trained, unprofessional, and cruel secret police force."
One of Delco's largest communities has voted to bar police from cooperating with ICE's noncriminal immigration efforts.
www.inquirer.com/crime/haverf...
One of Delco's largest communities has voted to bar police from cooperating with ICE's noncriminal immigration efforts.
www.inquirer.com/crime/haverf...
Haverford Township bars police from cooperating with ICE in noncriminal immigration enforcement
A township commissioner said it is "not our role" to act as a federal immigration authority.
www.inquirer.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:15 PM
“I do not want my tax dollars or Haverford’s resources to be used to support a poorly trained, unprofessional, and cruel secret police force."
One of Delco's largest communities has voted to bar police from cooperating with ICE's noncriminal immigration efforts.
www.inquirer.com/crime/haverf...
One of Delco's largest communities has voted to bar police from cooperating with ICE's noncriminal immigration efforts.
www.inquirer.com/crime/haverf...
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
I think we have successfully moved the Overton window on top Dems’ leadership failures. I can’t turn around without finding an article criticizing them and talking about how they hide behind polling.
Why does the mainstream Democratic response to authoritarian violence always have to be abstracted like this? defector.com/how-hard-is-...
How Hard Is It To Oppose Murder? | Defector
By now you’ve almost certainly seen the video for yourself, or read about it: an ICE agent shooting a Minneapolis woman, Renee Nicole Good, in the head from point-blank range, killing her as she…
defector.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:07 PM
I think we have successfully moved the Overton window on top Dems’ leadership failures. I can’t turn around without finding an article criticizing them and talking about how they hide behind polling.
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
This is my friend Jessie. She's amazing and a sweetheart to organize alongside. Saw a lot of comments asking how she is. She was released same day. We hope to have more soon. Media contacts can get in touch with [email protected]
Not our first problems with GRPD to be sure....
Not our first problems with GRPD to be sure....
What in the Gestapo is going on in Grand Rapids?
Watch this activist get arrested *mid-interview* for speaking out against U.S. action in Venezuela.
Watch this activist get arrested *mid-interview* for speaking out against U.S. action in Venezuela.
January 5, 2026 at 6:39 PM
This is my friend Jessie. She's amazing and a sweetheart to organize alongside. Saw a lot of comments asking how she is. She was released same day. We hope to have more soon. Media contacts can get in touch with [email protected]
Not our first problems with GRPD to be sure....
Not our first problems with GRPD to be sure....
Makes me wish I lived in NewYork
January 1, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Makes me wish I lived in NewYork
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
If Schumer votes AGAINST this but enough Ds vote FOR it that it passes, he needs to RESIGN immediately.
He will have shown himself to be absolutely ineffective as a minority leader. He has to go.
Literally resign tonight.
He will have shown himself to be absolutely ineffective as a minority leader. He has to go.
Literally resign tonight.
November 10, 2025 at 12:57 AM
If Schumer votes AGAINST this but enough Ds vote FOR it that it passes, he needs to RESIGN immediately.
He will have shown himself to be absolutely ineffective as a minority leader. He has to go.
Literally resign tonight.
He will have shown himself to be absolutely ineffective as a minority leader. He has to go.
Literally resign tonight.
Pretty sure that Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 because there were sick kids.
I remember it very differently, but I must be wrong if the Makin’ Copies guy is spitting facts
October 25, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Pretty sure that Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 because there were sick kids.
What is she on?
Leavitt: "The Democrat Party's main constituency is made up of Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens, and violent criminals."
October 16, 2025 at 10:03 PM
What is she on?
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
John Lewis had John Roberts' number from the jump: takebackthecourt.substack.com/p/john-lewis...
October 16, 2025 at 8:34 PM
John Lewis had John Roberts' number from the jump: takebackthecourt.substack.com/p/john-lewis...
What is going on here, Chicago? Pritzker?
Troopers just violently attacked protesters, tackled several, several arrests, shoving activists and press with batons.
October 12, 2025 at 12:09 AM
What is going on here, Chicago? Pritzker?
What is wrong with this man???
Hakeem Jeffries still refuses to endorse the Democratic Nominee for NYC mayor but has plenty of praise for Eric Adams who, left the party, openly supports Trump, & cut a deal with Trump to disappear the DOJ’s bribery & corruption charges against him. Can’t imagine why the Dem Party has 26% approval🤔
September 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM
What is wrong with this man???
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
Jesus Christ, how are you so unbelievably bad at this?
A deeply unpopular president is recklessly destroying our government, wrecking our democracy, covering up pedophilia and now threatening to use military force against our own citizens but you're tsk-tsking about protecting healthcare?
A deeply unpopular president is recklessly destroying our government, wrecking our democracy, covering up pedophilia and now threatening to use military force against our own citizens but you're tsk-tsking about protecting healthcare?
The Trump administration’s threat to deploy troops in Portland is unlawful.
Here’s a thought.
Focus on protecting the healthcare of the American people.
Here’s a thought.
Focus on protecting the healthcare of the American people.
September 28, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Jesus Christ, how are you so unbelievably bad at this?
A deeply unpopular president is recklessly destroying our government, wrecking our democracy, covering up pedophilia and now threatening to use military force against our own citizens but you're tsk-tsking about protecting healthcare?
A deeply unpopular president is recklessly destroying our government, wrecking our democracy, covering up pedophilia and now threatening to use military force against our own citizens but you're tsk-tsking about protecting healthcare?
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
Oh no. Tom Lehrer gone. At his great age, it’s not a tragedy, I know, but it just does feel bad not having his genius in the world.
July 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Oh no. Tom Lehrer gone. At his great age, it’s not a tragedy, I know, but it just does feel bad not having his genius in the world.
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
tfw you've just stripped healthcare from 17 million Americans and ensured the closure of rural hospitals
July 1, 2025 at 6:38 PM
tfw you've just stripped healthcare from 17 million Americans and ensured the closure of rural hospitals
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
On the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, the “T” is out of the acronym on the govt website, and the Trevor Project is fighting to keep specialized services for LBGTQ youth on 988.
My interview with one of their directors www.allrisenews.com/p/stonewall-...
My interview with one of their directors www.allrisenews.com/p/stonewall-...
Stonewall after Skrmetti: Transgender people refuse to be erased
The transgender community fights back after Trump cut off a suicide crisis line that helped 70,000 LGBTQ kids every month.
www.allrisenews.com
June 28, 2025 at 3:41 PM
On the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, the “T” is out of the acronym on the govt website, and the Trevor Project is fighting to keep specialized services for LBGTQ youth on 988.
My interview with one of their directors www.allrisenews.com/p/stonewall-...
My interview with one of their directors www.allrisenews.com/p/stonewall-...
Reposted by Shawn Maeder
“what are we? a bunch of Americans?!” is a great strategy and I’ve been waiting for them to do this for a long time
MPs publicly call out and criticise JK Rowling in Parliament.
I think this might be a first?
That is now in the Hansard record for all time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwBm...
I think this might be a first?
That is now in the Hansard record for all time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwBm...
June 26, 2025 at 1:09 AM
“what are we? a bunch of Americans?!” is a great strategy and I’ve been waiting for them to do this for a long time