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Spot

@mconors.bsky.social
66 followers 41 following 22 posts

Large and furry. Occasionally counter surfer. I block trolls.

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Reposted by Spot
Jay Willis @jaywillis.net · 30/04/2026
What do conservatives always say when liberals criticize a Supreme Court decision? "Get Congress to pass a law," right? That is EXACTLY what happened here. In 1982, Congress explicitly overruled a Court case that narrowly interpreted the VRA. Today, Sam Alito said, nope, we were right all along.
In 1982, when Congress passed a series of amendments strengthening the Voting Rights Act of 1965, lawmakers wanted to make one thing very clear: that minority voters seeking to prove violations of the Voting Rights Act do not have to prove that lawmakers intentionally discriminated against them based on race. Instead, under a provision of the law known as Section 2, Congress said, it is enough for voters to show that a given policy—a redistricting plan, for example—has the effect of making it more difficult for them to actually participate in democracy. 

At the time, Congress had good reason to be specific. Two years earlier, the Supreme Court in City of Mobile v. Bolden had held that a facially neutral electoral map did not violate the Voting Rights Act, even though it had the practical effect of reducing Black voting strength. In the 1982 amendments, Congress explicitly overruled Bolden; in its final report on the bill, the Senate Judiciary Committee affirmed that requiring challengers to prove discriminatory intent would impose an “inordinately difficult burden,” and would make it too easy for racist lawmakers to disguise their true motivations by leaving a “false trail” of non-discriminatory justifications.In Louisiana v. Callais, which the Supreme Court decided on Wednesday, the six conservative justices took it upon themselves to reimpose the “inordinately difficult burden” Congress lifted five decades ago. In his opinion for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito strains to present Callais as faithful to the law passed by Congress: His opinion, he says, merely “updates” the tests that courts use to evaluate Section 2 claims, and “realigns” that framework with the text of the Voting Rights Act. 

In reality, what Alito and the majority have done is make it functionally impossible for voters to prove that a given map is an illegal racial gerrymander, no matter how discriminatory the map’s real-world impact. Their opinion in Callais preserves only a husk of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, leaving intact the ability of minority voters to cast ballots while simultaneously guaranteeing lawmakers’ power to ensure that those ballots are meaningless. Going forward, the same racist lawmakers whom Congress sought to bind in 1982 will be freer than ever to draw lines that gerrymander their Black and brown constituents out of electoral existence.
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 15/04/2026
Gov. Kathy Hochul has decided to push for a so-called pied-à-terre tax aimed at the ultrawealthy who primarily live outside New York City. She's set to propose a yearly tax surcharge on second homes in the city that are worth $5 million or more. nyti.ms/4ensGja
nyti.ms
Hochul Proposes Tax on N.Y.C. Second Homes That Are Worth $5 Million
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has opposed raising taxes, favored a “pied-à-terre” luxury tax because it largely targets the ultrawealthy who primarily live outside New York City.
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 14/04/2026
The Trump administration pledged to root out “rampant” fraud in federal benefit programs like SNAP and welfare. But the DOJ has shut down more than 900 cases of federal program or procurement fraud in the first six months of this administration.
propublica.org
Trump’s Justice Department Dropped 23,000 Criminal Investigations in Shift to Immigration
Under Attorney General Pam Bondi, the DOJ abandoned a record number of cases — including hundreds of investigations into terrorism, white-collar crime and drugs — in just the first six months of Presi...
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The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 14/04/2026
"Add to that the fact that an American-born pope means Donald Trump is no longer the world’s most influential American, and it may make for some frustrations at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave." From 2025:
lnk.thebulwark.com
Donald Trump Is on a Collision Course With the Catholic Church
Plus: Why is a Democratic leader posting fit pics on the grid?
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 12/04/2026
The cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran is already fracturing—in The Atlantic Daily, Nancy Youssef explains to @willgottsegen.com what it would take for the agreement to hold:
bit.ly
Iran Has the Upper Hand in the Upcoming Negotiations
Turning the cease-fire into a longer stalemate is a matter of political will.
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Tom Nichols @radiofreetom.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Another country heard from
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Carl Quintanilla @carlquintanilla.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Monday - Send more troops Tuesday - Say we’re ending war Wednesday - Send more troops Thursday - Say ending war Friday - Send more troops Saturday - Golf Sunday - Golf
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Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
They lie about EVERYTHING.
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 21/03/2026
Foreign food safety inspections have hit a historic low after Trump staffing cuts. The dramatic shift in oversight comes as the U.S. has never been more reliant on foreign food. “It’s only a matter of time before people die,” one expert said. (Published Nov. 2025)
propublica.org
Foreign Food Safety Inspections Hit Historic Low After Trump Cuts
The dramatic shift in oversight comes at a time when the U.S. has never been more reliant on foreign food, which accounts for the vast majority of the nation’s seafood and more than half its fresh fru...
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
"He doesn't care about the distinction between truth and lies...Truth has no meaning to him. All that has any meaning to him in any given moment is whether or not he's receiving praise or adulation...He thinks he can create his own reality & the great megalomaniacs of history have always done that."
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davidrlurie @davidrlurie.com · 20/03/2026
Perry thinks Iran can't get the money China pays for its oil because the ATMs are out of service in Tehran.
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
"I don't think people are sufficiently prepared notwithstanding what happened in 2021, for the possibility that [Donald Trump] will try to fuck with this election. And he will. He's already basically telling us that's what he's going to do, just the same way he told us he would do that in 2020."
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Adam Kinzinger @adamkinzinger.substack.com · 17/03/2026
Seems like Trump is in a bit of a pickle. Maybe he’s finally realizing that allies aren’t a liability, they’re an asset. Full breakdown on my YouTube and Substack pages. Substack: adamkinzinger.substack.com/p/quick-vide...
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Tom Nichols @radiofreetom.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Do I need to tap the sign again about how a functioning fascist regime wouldn’t do this
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Marc Elias @marcelias.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
In Stalin's Russia the rule was “Don’t ever be the first to stop applauding!" In Trump's cabinet, the rule is to wear the oversized, wrong-sized shoes Trump picked out for you. www.democracydocket.com/opinion/who-...
democracydocket.com
Who will be the first to take off their shoes?
Across Washington, D.C., a new fashion trend has taken hold of those in Trump’s circle: embarrassingly oversized clown shoes.
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The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 14/03/2026
Scott Bessent was pulled out of an interview for more than an hour to join Trump in the Situation Room. When he came back, the tone had suddenly changed. @samsteindc.bsky.social and @crampell.bsky.social discuss the weird moment and what it might reveal.
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David Gilbert @davidgilbert.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
NEW At 2.30am on Saturday morning Donald Trump announced he had decided to attack Iran Two hours later, he shared a link suggesting Iran rigged the 2020 election Here's why www.wired.com/story/heres-...
wired.com
Here’s Why Trump Posted About Iran ‘Stealing’ the 2020 Election Hours After the US Attacked
Donald Trump’s post on Truth Social about Iran echoed a conspiracy theory that has been circulating online for years.
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WIRED @wired.com · 04/03/2026
Google is partnering with Back Market to sell USB sticks that let you install ChromeOS Flex on older Windows and Intel-powered Macs collecting dust. www.wired.com/story/back-m...
wired.com
These Official ChromeOS Flex USB Sticks Can Give Your Old Mac or Windows PC a Second Life
Google is partnering with Back Market to sell USB sticks that let you install ChromeOS Flex on older Windows and Intel-powered Macs collecting dust.
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 01/03/2026
The deal between the Pentagon and Anthropic fractured in part over the proposed use of autonomous weapons. @rossandersen.bsky.social on the question OpenAI staff should now be asking Sam Altman about his company’s new deal with the Pentagon:
bit.ly
Inside Anthropic’s Killer-Robot Dispute With the Pentagon
New details on precisely where the lines were drawn
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Frank Figliuzzi @frankfigliuzzi.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Three US service members killed in action, five seriously wounded so far per CENTCOM.
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southpaw @nycsouthpaw.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Seems like the emerging policy is: you people out there are responsible for setting up your own governments, but if the US doesn’t like who ends up in charge we’ll just assassinate or kidnap them and then the ball is back in your court.
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Tom Nichols @radiofreetom.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Yes, I have a piece going up shortly about the war. *checks watch* Around dawn
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 28/02/2026
Just as Iranians began their workweek on Saturday morning, U.S. and Israeli strikes sent panicked residents of Tehran into the streets and parents racing back to schools where they had just dropped off their children. nyti.ms/4rN74Ri
nyti.ms
Chaos and Panic Grip Tehran as Airstrikes Shake City
Iranians were beginning their workweek as U.S. and Israeli strikes sent people fleeing parts of the capital and parents racing to collect children from schools.
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
I am hopeful that the war in Iran will bring needed democratic change to … the United States of America.
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
THIS.
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The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 28/02/2026
"A Kaine-led war powers resolution—of the type that rarely gains real traction on Capitol Hill—has been gaining real traction on Capitol Hill; a vote is expected soon." Maybe Congress will act a wee bit like Congress?
lnk.thebulwark.com
The No New Wars President Is Beating the War Drums
Will Congress do anything about the impending bombing of Iran?
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Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
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Greg Sargent @gregsargent.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
This is striking: Trump's deranged attacks on Canada have caused a big drop in Canadian visits to states like Michigan, hurting the state's economy. There are 3 vulnerable House Republicans in Michigan. So this lunacy could help cost GOP the House. 1/ (new piece) newrepublic.com/article/2071...
newrepublic.com
Trump’s Fury at Canada Backfires in Surprise Blow to GOP’s 2026 Hopes
The number of Canadians visiting the U.S. fell off a cliff in 2025. It’s pretty clear why. And this fall, the GOP should be made to pay a political price for it.
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The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 19/02/2026
Republicans have spent more than a decade trying to roll back, undermine, or simply eliminate the Affordable Care Act. Part one million:
lnk.thebulwark.com
Trump Is Launching a Stealth Attack on Obamacare
The administration’s new solution to affordability sounds great—until you get sick.
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Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
RFK Jr/MAHA disciples, you got PLAYED. And everyone else saw it coming except you.
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Frank Figliuzzi @frankfigliuzzi.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
@jkbjournalist.bsky.social fills us in on Les Wexner, Victoria’s Secret and Epstein. More on Substack: substack.com/@thefrankfig...
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Adam Kinzinger @adamkinzinger.substack.com · 19/02/2026
Love to see it. Subscribe to my Substack and YouTube pages for more of these breakdowns.
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Roger Sollenberger @sollenbergerrc.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Hey everyone, my independent reporting is free for everyone and always will be. But if you feel my work has meaning & value and you want to express your appreciation, I’ve set up a place where you can do that. Link here: gofund.me/3b4b36462
gofund.me
Donate to Independent Journalism Has Value, organized by Roger Sollenberger
I think honest and deeply reported journalism is important, so my work is free for… Roger Sollenberger needs your support for Independent Journalism Has Value
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Ro Khanna @rokhanna.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Trump officials say there's a 90% chance of strikes on Iran. He can’t without Congress. Rep. Thomas Massie & I have a War Powers Resolution to debate & vote on war before putting U.S. troops in harm’s way. I will make a motion to discharge to force a vote on it next week.
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Greg Sargent @gregsargent.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
ICE is crushing Minneapolis economy. On the pod, Mayor Jacob Frey tallies up damage: $203 million overall $80 million small biz losses $5 million hotel cancellations 75K people food insecurity "Impact is staggering," Frey tells us. Bleeding city for being diverse: newrepublic.com/article/2066...
newrepublic.com
Minneapolis Mayor’s Emotional Message to Trump: You Failed to Break Us
In an interview, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says ICE’s attack came from the top—and shares new details about how badly it damaged his city, while explaining how the people there are emerging utterly...
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Roger Sollenberger @sollenbergerrc.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
As promised, NEWS: The woman who told the FBI that Trump sexually assaulted her as a child included a matching claim against a "prominent, wealthy man" from New York in the lawsuit she filed against Epstein's estate and was reportedly paid to settle. sollenbergerrc.substack.com/p/underage-a...
sollenbergerrc.substack.com
Underage Accuser Included Trump 'Rape' Allegations In Her Lawsuit Against Epstein
The victim, represented by Lisa Bloom's firm, reportedly received a financial settlement from the Epstein Estate.
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America Is Divided @petrep.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
#TrumpTrainWreck
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 19/02/2026
Black women in America are more than twice as likely as white women to have a stillbirth. Getting physicians to take their concerns seriously is one reason for this disparity, they say: “If you’re a Black woman, you get dismissed.” (Published Dec. 2022)
propublica.org
She Says Doctors Ignored Her Concerns About Her Pregnancy. For Many Black Women, It’s a Familiar Story.
Black women in America are more than twice as likely as white women to have a stillbirth. Getting physicians to take their concerns seriously is one reason for this disparity, they say: “If you’re a B...
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Frank Figliuzzi @frankfigliuzzi.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Was this Victoria’s Secret? Join award winning Miami Herald reporter Julie K. Brown as we talk Epstein and Les Wexner. Thursday at 1p ET: open.substack.com/live-stream/...?
open.substack.com
LIVE SOON: Was this Victoria’s Secret? LIVE with award winning Epstein reporter Julie K. Brown
Starting Feb 19 at 1:00 PM EST
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Adam Kinzinger @adamkinzinger.substack.com · 19/02/2026
Lets help the redistricting in Texas backfire on GOP, please support or consider a donation to a real astronaut, and best candidate, @astroterry.bsky.social Terry Virts will beat GOP candidate if he wins. And he’s the best chance. I’ve donated personally. terryvirts.com
terryvirts.com
HOME | Terry Virts for Congress
Terry Virts is running for the 9th Congressional district in Texas Congress
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 18/02/2026
NEW: The FDA has removed a webpage warning about dangerous therapies claiming to treat autism. It’s part of a series of actions the agency has taken under RFK Jr. to discredit long-established science. By @megomatz.bsky.social
propublica.org
Chlorine Dioxide, Raw Camel Milk: The FDA No Longer Warns Against These and Other Ineffective Autism Treatments
The FDA has taken down a webpage warning about therapies and products making “false claims” of treating autism. It’s part of a series of actions the agency has taken under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy ...
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Adam Kinzinger @adamkinzinger.substack.com · 18/02/2026
CBS Censors Colbert? Trump’s FCC Sparks Free Speech War youtu.be/qMZxf2hmRqc
youtu.be
CBS Censors Colbert? Trump’s FCC Sparks Free Speech War
YouTube video by Adam Kinzinger
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Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
This repulsive fool is in Congress because Trump gave him an early endorsement in the primary. Trump went out of his way to elevate Fine. The leader of the Republican Party wanted this scumbag in Congress. bsky.app/profile/atru...
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Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 18/02/2026
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
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Senator Chris Van Hollen @vanhollen.senate.gov · 18/02/2026
DHS is holding a 2-month-old BABY at a detention facility in Texas. Last night, Juan Nicolás was rushed to the hospital after choking on his own vomit & being unable to breathe. This demands accountability — not a blank check for more cruelty.
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The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 18/02/2026
"To punish an officer for having served under a particular senior leader is to misunderstand the very nature of military service." It looks like that is what Hegseth is doing. New from @markhertling.bsky.social: lnk.thebulwark.com/4roeU3t
lnk.thebulwark.com
America’s Generals Shouldn’t Face Political Loyalty Tests
Keeping politics out of the military is what keeps the military out of politics.
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Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 16/02/2026
Goldman: "If Trump wants to put his name on everything, as he does, then let's start calling this the Trump-Epstein files"
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