Sam G. Howard
@samghoward.riliberator.com
Rhode Islander, education union data organizer and Democratic ward committee member. Recovering comms pro, RI's leading vexillologist (probably). Occasionally blogs at riliberator.com
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
January 16, 2026 at 2:36 AM
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
While the pasty incels who work the federal agencies continue to churn out feeble, bloodless AI pastiches of Axis propaganda, here’s how a living breathing artist powerfully invokes design history. This is by illustrator Emily K in South Philly, a free poster-sized download on her website: →
January 15, 2026 at 7:57 PM
While the pasty incels who work the federal agencies continue to churn out feeble, bloodless AI pastiches of Axis propaganda, here’s how a living breathing artist powerfully invokes design history. This is by illustrator Emily K in South Philly, a free poster-sized download on her website: →
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
At one point today, there were 283 Minnesota attorneys doing a training on how to file emergency habeas petitions to keep our neighbors from being shipped out of state and held indefinitely.
That would be the second largest law firm in the state. And that training was just put together this week.
That would be the second largest law firm in the state. And that training was just put together this week.
January 15, 2026 at 11:48 PM
At one point today, there were 283 Minnesota attorneys doing a training on how to file emergency habeas petitions to keep our neighbors from being shipped out of state and held indefinitely.
That would be the second largest law firm in the state. And that training was just put together this week.
That would be the second largest law firm in the state. And that training was just put together this week.
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
Witnesses in Iran comparing (in private coms to diaspora analysts) the violence now against past protest suppression. Said in past used batons, even armed units fired cautiously. This time sustained and constant fire at full volume against crowds, including with machine guns.
January 16, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Witnesses in Iran comparing (in private coms to diaspora analysts) the violence now against past protest suppression. Said in past used batons, even armed units fired cautiously. This time sustained and constant fire at full volume against crowds, including with machine guns.
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
New poll from Navigator also with an incredible result; the largest drop in support for ICE since June was actually among *Republicans*, 25% of which now say they have an unfavorable opinion of the agency.
January 15, 2026 at 10:31 PM
New poll from Navigator also with an incredible result; the largest drop in support for ICE since June was actually among *Republicans*, 25% of which now say they have an unfavorable opinion of the agency.
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
“The big problem in this case is that the cabinet secretaries and ostensibly the President of the United States are not honoring the First Amendment,” Young said during Thursday’s hearing in federal court in Boston to consider sanctions against the government.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/15/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/15/m...
Judge vows to protect immigration status of international students who sued Trump administration - The Boston Globe
US District Judge William G. Young said the order will be “crystal clear” that the government may not seek retribution against students and faculty who “had the courage” to file a suit against adminis...
www.bostonglobe.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:40 AM
“The big problem in this case is that the cabinet secretaries and ostensibly the President of the United States are not honoring the First Amendment,” Young said during Thursday’s hearing in federal court in Boston to consider sanctions against the government.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/15/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/15/m...
He put a constitutional amendment proposal in the budget?
RI Governor McKee’s proposed budget calls for millionaires tax and line-item veto. McKee is proposing a budget of $14.9b, an increase of $522.6m, as the state grapples with Trump administration funding cuts and policy changes. -- With @stephmachado.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/15/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/15/m...
R.I. Governor McKee’s proposed budget calls for millionaires tax and line-item veto - The Boston Globe
McKee is proposing a budget of $14.9 billion, an increase of $522.6 million, as the state grapples with Trump administration funding cuts and policy changes.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:14 PM
He put a constitutional amendment proposal in the budget?
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
US government's policy toward the Big 3 automakers—encouraging them to invest in massive, US-only SUVs & trucks, now encouraging them to underinvest in EVs—has reinforced their global irrelevance.
Ford sold 33% fewer vehicles worldwide in 2024 than 2015! GM sold 40% fewer vehicles!
Ford sold 33% fewer vehicles worldwide in 2024 than 2015! GM sold 40% fewer vehicles!
January 15, 2026 at 8:03 PM
US government's policy toward the Big 3 automakers—encouraging them to invest in massive, US-only SUVs & trucks, now encouraging them to underinvest in EVs—has reinforced their global irrelevance.
Ford sold 33% fewer vehicles worldwide in 2024 than 2015! GM sold 40% fewer vehicles!
Ford sold 33% fewer vehicles worldwide in 2024 than 2015! GM sold 40% fewer vehicles!
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
Older generations spent a lot less time parenting. Millennial dads spend nearly as much time parenting as Boomer moms did. Millennial and Gen X moms way more.
via The Economist
via The Economist
January 15, 2026 at 6:48 PM
Older generations spent a lot less time parenting. Millennial dads spend nearly as much time parenting as Boomer moms did. Millennial and Gen X moms way more.
via The Economist
via The Economist
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
In this context it is also worth noting that the quorum for both houses is 50%+1, wherever they may meet. If the Republicans and Trump's goons occupy the Capitol and refuse to seat a newly elected Democratic congress, they can just meet *literally anywhere,* meete quorum and be Congress.
here's what happens after house elections, which are conducted by each state and locality:
the state certifies the winner
the winners go to washington
they convene a new house
they choose a speaker
notice who isn't involved here? the president or the current speaker or the senate.
the state certifies the winner
the winners go to washington
they convene a new house
they choose a speaker
notice who isn't involved here? the president or the current speaker or the senate.
January 15, 2026 at 7:49 PM
In this context it is also worth noting that the quorum for both houses is 50%+1, wherever they may meet. If the Republicans and Trump's goons occupy the Capitol and refuse to seat a newly elected Democratic congress, they can just meet *literally anywhere,* meete quorum and be Congress.
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
Minneapolis is headed towards something resembling a general strike, if you were wondering how the campaign to cow working people into quiescence is going
Last night, The Minneapolis Federation of Educators Local 59 signed on to the call for a Jan 23 shutdown. That brings total labor support to: the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1005, SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, CWA Local 7250, St. Paul Federation of Educators Local 28, and the MFE 59
Unions and community orgs are calling for a Minnesota-wide shutdown in 10 days to protest the ferocious assault by federal immigration agents. They're saying on Jan 23, no work, no school, no shopping. SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, & others are supporting, w/ more to join. By me, Amie Stager
January 15, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Minneapolis is headed towards something resembling a general strike, if you were wondering how the campaign to cow working people into quiescence is going
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
Holy hell, what an obituary
Renfrew Christie Dies at 76; Sabotaged Racist Regime’s Nuclear Program
www.nytimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Holy hell, what an obituary
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
It is important to remember this.
My ballots are printed and distributed by my *county* and the worse things get the more those folks at the county offices will become defiant.
Do not obey in advance!
My ballots are printed and distributed by my *county* and the worse things get the more those folks at the county offices will become defiant.
Do not obey in advance!
the question to ask about this is, okay, he wants to cancel the midterms. how does he get the VA state board of elections to cancel the midterms? how does he get the georgia board of elections to do it? how does he convince republican house members to quit their jobs and give up their paychecks?
Trump says a lot of deranged shit, but, per this Reuters article — and the threats of invoking the Insurrection Act in Minnesota this morning — he is very clearly exploring how to cancel the midterms.
www.reuters.com/world/us/fiv...
www.reuters.com/world/us/fiv...
January 15, 2026 at 4:42 PM
It is important to remember this.
My ballots are printed and distributed by my *county* and the worse things get the more those folks at the county offices will become defiant.
Do not obey in advance!
My ballots are printed and distributed by my *county* and the worse things get the more those folks at the county offices will become defiant.
Do not obey in advance!
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
Reminder: even if we accepted this — which, to be clear, we shouldn't — proof won't protect you. They'll say your passport isn't enough, they need your birth certificate. Brought that? No, it's a copy, we need the original. Have the original? Sorry, can't be sure it's not a forgery.
January 15, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Reminder: even if we accepted this — which, to be clear, we shouldn't — proof won't protect you. They'll say your passport isn't enough, they need your birth certificate. Brought that? No, it's a copy, we need the original. Have the original? Sorry, can't be sure it's not a forgery.
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
I don't see anything in here to suggest "sharp division"? A majority of Chicagoans:
- Think ICE has gone too far
- Support Chicago's sanctuary policies
- Are satisfied with the response of local politicians
There are some significant differences in the *size* of the majorities, but that's it.
- Think ICE has gone too far
- Support Chicago's sanctuary policies
- Are satisfied with the response of local politicians
There are some significant differences in the *size* of the majorities, but that's it.
January 15, 2026 at 4:47 PM
I don't see anything in here to suggest "sharp division"? A majority of Chicagoans:
- Think ICE has gone too far
- Support Chicago's sanctuary policies
- Are satisfied with the response of local politicians
There are some significant differences in the *size* of the majorities, but that's it.
- Think ICE has gone too far
- Support Chicago's sanctuary policies
- Are satisfied with the response of local politicians
There are some significant differences in the *size* of the majorities, but that's it.
One of the weirdest possible outcomes of puzzling through this kind of scenario is a situation where Republicans boycott a "cancelled" midterm while everyone else turns out in protest.
ICE can't even deal with irate middle-aged midwesterners. how does he occupy hundreds, if not thousands, of polling cites and precincts? trump v. illinois clarified that he has no legal authority to unilaterally commandeer national guards, how does he move forward from there?
January 15, 2026 at 4:59 PM
One of the weirdest possible outcomes of puzzling through this kind of scenario is a situation where Republicans boycott a "cancelled" midterm while everyone else turns out in protest.
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
the question to ask about this is, okay, he wants to cancel the midterms. how does he get the VA state board of elections to cancel the midterms? how does he get the georgia board of elections to do it? how does he convince republican house members to quit their jobs and give up their paychecks?
Trump says a lot of deranged shit, but, per this Reuters article — and the threats of invoking the Insurrection Act in Minnesota this morning — he is very clearly exploring how to cancel the midterms.
www.reuters.com/world/us/fiv...
www.reuters.com/world/us/fiv...
January 15, 2026 at 4:29 PM
the question to ask about this is, okay, he wants to cancel the midterms. how does he get the VA state board of elections to cancel the midterms? how does he get the georgia board of elections to do it? how does he convince republican house members to quit their jobs and give up their paychecks?
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
A thing that is just a constant annoyance to me is that a huge theme of The Western Canon is welcoming strangers into your home.
Like, the entire Odyssey is just a series of dudes telling Odysseus and Telemachus "I am obligated to feed and shelter you for three days before you tell me who you are."
Like, the entire Odyssey is just a series of dudes telling Odysseus and Telemachus "I am obligated to feed and shelter you for three days before you tell me who you are."
“Psychologically Western.” In the Gilded Age, America’s elite embraced the pseudoscience of eugenics to justify their own sense of superiority and provide backing for racist and anti-immigrant policies. Pretty rich for Musk and his internet-broken brain to be judging the psyches of others.
January 15, 2026 at 2:41 PM
A thing that is just a constant annoyance to me is that a huge theme of The Western Canon is welcoming strangers into your home.
Like, the entire Odyssey is just a series of dudes telling Odysseus and Telemachus "I am obligated to feed and shelter you for three days before you tell me who you are."
Like, the entire Odyssey is just a series of dudes telling Odysseus and Telemachus "I am obligated to feed and shelter you for three days before you tell me who you are."
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
The import of this ruling: Foreign citizens in the United States—including green card holders—can be arrested for political speech and imprisoned for months or even years before being given a meaningful opportunity to challenge the constitutionality of their arrest and imprisonment.
Appeals Court Opens the Door to Mahmoud Khalil’s Rearrest
www.nytimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM
The import of this ruling: Foreign citizens in the United States—including green card holders—can be arrested for political speech and imprisoned for months or even years before being given a meaningful opportunity to challenge the constitutionality of their arrest and imprisonment.
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
This is the dynamic across most of America: Liberal cities generate revenue, which state governments then transfer to benefit conservative rural areas, whose residents despite city-dwellers and consistently vote to harm them. But politicians endlessly pander to rural voters and demonize cities.
Another critical piece of missing context in this story: tax dollars flow from the MSP metro to rural Minnesota. People in the city subsidize the lifestyles of people living in the country minnesotareformer.com/2023/12/04/t...
January 15, 2026 at 3:48 PM
This is the dynamic across most of America: Liberal cities generate revenue, which state governments then transfer to benefit conservative rural areas, whose residents despite city-dwellers and consistently vote to harm them. But politicians endlessly pander to rural voters and demonize cities.
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
All I'm saying is:
November 11, 2024 at 8:04 PM
All I'm saying is:
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
BREAKING: The controversial hepatitis B vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau has been *cancelled,* I can now report. A senior official with Africa CDC confirmed the cancellation and said GB officials are working to make sure any research is conducted ethically:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Controversial US study on hepatitis B vaccines in Africa is cancelled
$1.6m project drew outrage over ethical questions about withholding vaccines proven to prevent disease
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
Stage 5 pundit-brain is watching an innocent woman being killed by agents of the state and going, "hmm this says a lot about the urban-rural divide in America."
January 15, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Stage 5 pundit-brain is watching an innocent woman being killed by agents of the state and going, "hmm this says a lot about the urban-rural divide in America."
Reposted by Sam G. Howard
BREAKING: An appeals court has struck down the decision that freed pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil from immigration detention.
Appeals court reverses decision that freed pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil
A federal appeals panel has reversed a lower court decision that released former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil from an immigration jail, bringing the government one step closer to detaining and ultimately deporting the Palestinian activist.
bit.ly
January 15, 2026 at 3:01 PM
BREAKING: An appeals court has struck down the decision that freed pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil from immigration detention.