Chris Houston
@chrishouston.ca
Exec Director @canadianpeacemuseum.ca, newspaper columnist, teaching humanitarianism (U of Toronto), consulting at @humanitarianassociates.org
Ex @redcrosscanada.bsky.social 🇳🇵🇱🇧, @who.int 🇾🇪, @msf.org 🇨🇦🇵🇬🇳🇬🇪🇹🇹🇷🇵🇰, @gccanada.bsky.social
🌐 chrishouston.ca
Ex @redcrosscanada.bsky.social 🇳🇵🇱🇧, @who.int 🇾🇪, @msf.org 🇨🇦🇵🇬🇳🇬🇪🇹🇹🇷🇵🇰, @gccanada.bsky.social
🌐 chrishouston.ca
Pinned
Chris Houston
@chrishouston.ca
· Jan 26
🧵👋 Hi, I'm a university instructor and writer about peace, health, human rights and humanitarianism.
Given the unprecedented times we're in, here's a 🧵 of thoughts and resources for:
PROTECTING YOUR WELL-BEING AND ADAPTABILITY DURING AND BEYOND 2025 (I'll keep adding to this over the next week).
Given the unprecedented times we're in, here's a 🧵 of thoughts and resources for:
PROTECTING YOUR WELL-BEING AND ADAPTABILITY DURING AND BEYOND 2025 (I'll keep adding to this over the next week).
“We will stop racing to topple foreign regimes that we know nothing about, that we shouldn’t be involved with...” (2016)
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016...
Donald Trump: 'We will stop racing to topple foreign regimes'
President-elect in Fayetteville declares focus on destroying Isis, hours after Barack Obama dismissed ‘false promises’ of bombing terrorists into surrender
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:03 AM
“We will stop racing to topple foreign regimes that we know nothing about, that we shouldn’t be involved with...” (2016)
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016...
As I like to say: "protests work"
But also, it's abominable that this was ever tolerated and will continue to be tollerate in some places
www.bbc.com/news/article...
But also, it's abominable that this was ever tolerated and will continue to be tollerate in some places
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Elon Musk's X to block Grok from undressing images of real people
Grok will no longer allow users to remove clothing from images of real people, a statement posted on X reads.
www.bbc.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:03 AM
As I like to say: "protests work"
But also, it's abominable that this was ever tolerated and will continue to be tollerate in some places
www.bbc.com/news/article...
But also, it's abominable that this was ever tolerated and will continue to be tollerate in some places
www.bbc.com/news/article...
I have no words for how despicable this news is.
This horror was brought to you via @whatbutlersaw.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
This horror was brought to you via @whatbutlersaw.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
If you like a lot of chocolate on your biscuit … look away now
Club and Penguin bars are now ‘chocolate flavour’ after owner McVitie’s cuts cocoa content amid soaring prices
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:59 AM
I have no words for how despicable this news is.
This horror was brought to you via @whatbutlersaw.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
This horror was brought to you via @whatbutlersaw.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Chris Houston
I loved this column, by @chrishouston.ca chrishouston.ca/stories-of-p... Chris is well aware of the challenges before us, and steadfast in his dedication to resisting, buildinga radically better world.
January 14, 2026 at 8:48 PM
I loved this column, by @chrishouston.ca chrishouston.ca/stories-of-p... Chris is well aware of the challenges before us, and steadfast in his dedication to resisting, buildinga radically better world.
Donald Trump gave someone the middle finger on Tuesday, reportedly responding to shouts admonishing him as a “pedophile protector”
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Trump gives heckler the middle finger during Michigan Ford plant visit
US president’s flustered response to shouts calling him a ‘pedophile protector’ was to issue rude hand gesture
www.theguardian.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:44 AM
Donald Trump gave someone the middle finger on Tuesday, reportedly responding to shouts admonishing him as a “pedophile protector”
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Killing protestors should trigger foreign intervention - says Donald Trump.
“The new tariff comes after Trump threatened to intervene militarily if Tehran killed protesters.”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Trump announces 25% tariff on countries that do business with Iran
Trump says the new levy is "effective immediately" as anti-government protests in Iran enter a third week.
www.bbc.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Killing protestors should trigger foreign intervention - says Donald Trump.
“The new tariff comes after Trump threatened to intervene militarily if Tehran killed protesters.”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Trump announces 25% tariff on countries that do business with Iran
Trump says the new levy is "effective immediately" as anti-government protests in Iran enter a third week.
www.bbc.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:20 AM
“The new tariff comes after Trump threatened to intervene militarily if Tehran killed protesters.”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Typically considered crimes:
⚪ Activism
⚪ Protest
🔘 Shooting people
Priority groups to investigate:
⚪ Victims
🔘 Shooters
⚪ Activism
⚪ Protest
🔘 Shooting people
Priority groups to investigate:
⚪ Victims
🔘 Shooters
F.B.I. Inquiry Into ICE Shooting Is Examining Victim’s Possible Ties to Activist Groups www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/u...
F.B.I. Inquiry Into ICE Shooting Is Examining Victim’s Possible Ties to Activist Groups
www.nytimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:46 AM
Typically considered crimes:
⚪ Activism
⚪ Protest
🔘 Shooting people
Priority groups to investigate:
⚪ Victims
🔘 Shooters
⚪ Activism
⚪ Protest
🔘 Shooting people
Priority groups to investigate:
⚪ Victims
🔘 Shooters
Policy idea for the US: oblige armed authorities in USA to also wear uniforms and drive in marked vehicles.
Breaking NYT:
The Pentagon used a secret aircraft painted to look like a civilian plane in its first boat attack, according to officials briefed on the matter.
The laws of armed conflict forbid combatants from feigning civilian status.
That is a war crime called "perfidy."
The Pentagon used a secret aircraft painted to look like a civilian plane in its first boat attack, according to officials briefed on the matter.
The laws of armed conflict forbid combatants from feigning civilian status.
That is a war crime called "perfidy."
U.S. Attacked Boat With Aircraft That Looked Like a Civilian Plane
www.nytimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:43 AM
Policy idea for the US: oblige armed authorities in USA to also wear uniforms and drive in marked vehicles.
"DE-FUND ICE" - most Americans
🇺🇸 A poll of US adults about ICE found a majority want:
- higher recruitment standards
- prosecution of agents who kill people
- reductions to ICE size and funding
Source (page 3): d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/IC...
- higher recruitment standards
- prosecution of agents who kill people
- reductions to ICE size and funding
Source (page 3): d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/IC...
January 13, 2026 at 1:33 AM
"DE-FUND ICE" - most Americans
🇺🇸 A poll of US adults about ICE found a majority want:
- higher recruitment standards
- prosecution of agents who kill people
- reductions to ICE size and funding
Source (page 3): d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/IC...
- higher recruitment standards
- prosecution of agents who kill people
- reductions to ICE size and funding
Source (page 3): d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/IC...
January 13, 2026 at 1:15 AM
🇺🇸 A poll of US adults about ICE found a majority want:
- higher recruitment standards
- prosecution of agents who kill people
- reductions to ICE size and funding
Source (page 3): d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/IC...
- higher recruitment standards
- prosecution of agents who kill people
- reductions to ICE size and funding
Source (page 3): d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/IC...
Bonjibon received two letters from the US Department of Defense last year. It seems the Pentagon wants Bonjibon to stop sending butt plugs to Bahrain.
Soldiers stationed at a US naval base were likely unaware they had purchased items prohibited in the Gulf kingdom.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Soldiers stationed at a US naval base were likely unaware they had purchased items prohibited in the Gulf kingdom.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Vinay Menon: The Toronto sex shop that got angry letters from the Pentagon is onto something — butt plugs could be a tool for world peace
There is no point in trying to reason with this U.S. administration. But it is prone to distraction. And nothing distracts quite like boxes of adult toys that keep showing up at military bases.
www.thestar.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Bonjibon received two letters from the US Department of Defense last year. It seems the Pentagon wants Bonjibon to stop sending butt plugs to Bahrain.
Soldiers stationed at a US naval base were likely unaware they had purchased items prohibited in the Gulf kingdom.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Soldiers stationed at a US naval base were likely unaware they had purchased items prohibited in the Gulf kingdom.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Reposted by Chris Houston
"The National Portrait Gallery removed a swath of text that mentioned President Donald Trump’s two impeachments and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection..." - by @kelseyables.bsky.social, @janaykingsberry.bsky.social @samanthachery.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
Smithsonian removes Trump impeachment text as it swaps his portrait
A Trump official previously complained about a caption beside his National Portrait Gallery photo mentioning his impeachments and the U.S. Capitol insurrection.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 11, 2026 at 5:04 AM
"The National Portrait Gallery removed a swath of text that mentioned President Donald Trump’s two impeachments and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection..." - by @kelseyables.bsky.social, @janaykingsberry.bsky.social @samanthachery.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
Reposted by Chris Houston
The State Department has warned of dangerous armed paramilitaries roaming around the streets, posing a danger to American citizens.
Americans should "remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Americans should "remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
US urges its citizens to flee Venezuela amid reports of paramilitaries
State department says armed ‘colectivos’ appear to be setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for Americans
www.theguardian.com
January 11, 2026 at 5:15 AM
The State Department has warned of dangerous armed paramilitaries roaming around the streets, posing a danger to American citizens.
Americans should "remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Americans should "remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Chris Houston
BIG statement coming out of the White House on indigenous land rights
Trump: "I'm a fan of Denmark too. They've been very nice to me. But the fact that they had a boat land there [Greenland] 500 years ago doesn't mean they own the land. I'm sure we had lots of boats go there also."
January 10, 2026 at 8:35 PM
BIG statement coming out of the White House on indigenous land rights
Government of Canada travel advice:
🟨 United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden - Exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism.
🟩 United States - No concerns
travel.gc.ca/travelling/a...
🟨 United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden - Exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism.
🟩 United States - No concerns
travel.gc.ca/travelling/a...
Travel Advice and Advisories
Travel Advice and Advisories from the Government of Canada.
travel.gc.ca
January 11, 2026 at 5:50 AM
Government of Canada travel advice:
🟨 United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden - Exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism.
🟩 United States - No concerns
travel.gc.ca/travelling/a...
🟨 United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden - Exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism.
🟩 United States - No concerns
travel.gc.ca/travelling/a...
The State Department has warned of dangerous armed paramilitaries roaming around the streets, posing a danger to American citizens.
Americans should "remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Americans should "remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
US urges its citizens to flee Venezuela amid reports of paramilitaries
State department says armed ‘colectivos’ appear to be setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for Americans
www.theguardian.com
January 11, 2026 at 5:15 AM
The State Department has warned of dangerous armed paramilitaries roaming around the streets, posing a danger to American citizens.
Americans should "remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Americans should "remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
"The National Portrait Gallery removed a swath of text that mentioned President Donald Trump’s two impeachments and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection..." - by @kelseyables.bsky.social, @janaykingsberry.bsky.social @samanthachery.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
Smithsonian removes Trump impeachment text as it swaps his portrait
A Trump official previously complained about a caption beside his National Portrait Gallery photo mentioning his impeachments and the U.S. Capitol insurrection.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 11, 2026 at 5:04 AM
"The National Portrait Gallery removed a swath of text that mentioned President Donald Trump’s two impeachments and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection..." - by @kelseyables.bsky.social, @janaykingsberry.bsky.social @samanthachery.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
Disruptive protests annoy some people, but are effective at shifting public opinion and creating policy change.
The recent phenomenon of criminalizing peaceful protest is detrimental to public safety and a dangerous, authoritarian trend.
chrishouston.ca/stories-of-p...
The recent phenomenon of criminalizing peaceful protest is detrimental to public safety and a dangerous, authoritarian trend.
chrishouston.ca/stories-of-p...
Peaceful protests work
Lessons from the UK
chrishouston.ca
January 11, 2026 at 4:52 AM
Disruptive protests annoy some people, but are effective at shifting public opinion and creating policy change.
The recent phenomenon of criminalizing peaceful protest is detrimental to public safety and a dangerous, authoritarian trend.
chrishouston.ca/stories-of-p...
The recent phenomenon of criminalizing peaceful protest is detrimental to public safety and a dangerous, authoritarian trend.
chrishouston.ca/stories-of-p...
Canada strongly condemns the killing of protesters
The reports of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by the Iranian regime against its own people are profoundly concerning. Canada strongly condemns the killing of protesters, and urges Iran to allow for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.
January 11, 2026 at 4:50 AM
Canada strongly condemns the killing of protesters
"Well, that seems very unlikely"
Me, a few days before many of the things actually happening.
Me, a few days before many of the things actually happening.
January 11, 2026 at 3:28 AM
"Well, that seems very unlikely"
Me, a few days before many of the things actually happening.
Me, a few days before many of the things actually happening.
"...high school grads who can "barely read or write," overweight candidates with doctor's notes saying they're unfit, and even applicants with pending criminal charges." - via @rawstory.com
www.rawstory.com/ice-shooting...
www.rawstory.com/ice-shooting...
ICE shooting comes after bombshell probe finds new recruits 'can barely read or write'
A deadly shooting in Minneapolis at the hands of a federal immigration officer comes weeks after a bombshell report on President Donald Trump's desperate drive to rush 10,000 deportation officers onto...
www.rawstory.com
January 11, 2026 at 2:18 AM
"...high school grads who can "barely read or write," overweight candidates with doctor's notes saying they're unfit, and even applicants with pending criminal charges." - via @rawstory.com
www.rawstory.com/ice-shooting...
www.rawstory.com/ice-shooting...
Reposted by Chris Houston
“Is this dissent a crime? Is it a reason for killing?”
Page 34, Life Magazine, May 15, 1970
Page 34, Life Magazine, May 15, 1970
January 10, 2026 at 8:01 PM
“Is this dissent a crime? Is it a reason for killing?”
Page 34, Life Magazine, May 15, 1970
Page 34, Life Magazine, May 15, 1970