I always try to think historically when I read your articles.
The recent ICE operations in Minnesota, which led to the deaths of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, are not isolated events. They follow a long pattern in U.S. history where law enforcement has been used to project power over certain communities — from the Fugitive Slave Act to Jim Crow policing and the militarization of cities. What is framed as “enforcing the law” is often more about asserting authority than protecting people, and the use of militarized federal agents in American cities is the latest example.
Immigration enforcement has always been a political tool: by portraying certain groups as threats, the government makes extreme measures appear necessary. The result is predictable — escalating force, often with deadly consequences. Minneapolis shows us what happens when enforcement is unchecked: citizens are threatened in their own neighborhoods, and the state operates without accountability. Demanding transparency and limits on this power is not radical; it is defending the basic rules that keep democracy alive.
“The part of this I wish weren’t true is travel data - I don’t even need a plane ticket at the airport anymore.” They scan my face & essentially say - ‘we knew you were coming & know where you’re going.
The part of this I wish weren’t true is that what I do.. say.. read.. post.. etc…. could affect my loved ones.
Actually, I wish none of it were true but I make my decisions knowing what it could cost me but am I willing to put my family and close friends in danger too?
I’m certain I probably already have and that terrifies me.
PS. Quick question. Do you recommend any particular email provider? I lost an account when I upgraded my iPhone and I need to add another and give up on getting that one back.
Jack, there is no manner of resistance to this phenomenon that is effective. Indeed, in order to apply for a visa in any European country for residency one must give up biometric data so that you can be enrolled in Interpol’s database. I’ve decided the best defense is to go on offense: I have my own cameras surrounding my properties and vehicles so that if I must encounter these goons, I have my own record of it. At least my family can sue these Nazis for wrongful death or kidnapping with some tangible evidence to give to a lawyer.
The part I wish weren't true is how much data has been collected on all of us. I'm getting ready to travel and we are disabling the biometric sign ins on phones. It is chilling that this is where we are at.
Neighbor received email from Census asking for lots of private information supposedly for rural communities including ancestry, exact income (not just a range). What they already knew - their email address that coincided with their street address.
23 and me owned by TTAM who got it when the DNA collector became bankrupt. Owner of TTAM is the same as what was. If you had your DNA checked, or say your brother or sister did, they literally have your number.
AMAZON pictures sorts all photos stored and puts them in albums automatically. Sounds great until you realize they used facial recognition and a pic of me at 17 and all others were correctly sorted. Should I be flattered I haven't changed much in six decades, or scared?
NSA has their plant in Utah. Huge. They can listen in on every phone conversation in the US, but you can trust them. Can't you?
The rest of their access, travel, favorite hair color, what we had for breakfast, for me would be pretty boring. But when they spread it further, to family and friends, their little data machine can hurt real people.
Can we sue Elon & Trump because DOGE stole our data and shared it. Isn't that the same as Trump suing the IRS for his tax info being shared?
I always try to think historically when I read your articles.
The recent ICE operations in Minnesota, which led to the deaths of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, are not isolated events. They follow a long pattern in U.S. history where law enforcement has been used to project power over certain communities — from the Fugitive Slave Act to Jim Crow policing and the militarization of cities. What is framed as “enforcing the law” is often more about asserting authority than protecting people, and the use of militarized federal agents in American cities is the latest example.
Immigration enforcement has always been a political tool: by portraying certain groups as threats, the government makes extreme measures appear necessary. The result is predictable — escalating force, often with deadly consequences. Minneapolis shows us what happens when enforcement is unchecked: citizens are threatened in their own neighborhoods, and the state operates without accountability. Demanding transparency and limits on this power is not radical; it is defending the basic rules that keep democracy alive.
Exceptional writing and coverage, Jack!
#HOLDFAST #FUCKICE
“The part of this I wish weren’t true is travel data - I don’t even need a plane ticket at the airport anymore.” They scan my face & essentially say - ‘we knew you were coming & know where you’re going.
I know, with Global Entry, they have my face, my fingerprints and probably the name of my firstborn.
Big Brother is here now!!!
The part of this I wish weren’t true is that what I do.. say.. read.. post.. etc…. could affect my loved ones.
Actually, I wish none of it were true but I make my decisions knowing what it could cost me but am I willing to put my family and close friends in danger too?
I’m certain I probably already have and that terrifies me.
Jack, thank you for the analysis.
#HOLDFAST
~Susan
PS. Quick question. Do you recommend any particular email provider? I lost an account when I upgraded my iPhone and I need to add another and give up on getting that one back.
Why can’t this be done re Trump in Epstein Files? He’s mentioned at least 5,000 times!
Jack, there is no manner of resistance to this phenomenon that is effective. Indeed, in order to apply for a visa in any European country for residency one must give up biometric data so that you can be enrolled in Interpol’s database. I’ve decided the best defense is to go on offense: I have my own cameras surrounding my properties and vehicles so that if I must encounter these goons, I have my own record of it. At least my family can sue these Nazis for wrongful death or kidnapping with some tangible evidence to give to a lawyer.
I have to admire the way you're getting us to comment through your questions, thus (rightly, I'm not complaining) boosting your reach.
My answer to your midstage question is .... the system knows more about me than I do!
The part I wish weren't true is how much data has been collected on all of us. I'm getting ready to travel and we are disabling the biometric sign ins on phones. It is chilling that this is where we are at.
The part of this I wish weren’t true is the part I damn well know is true.
The detail most people don’t understand is that it compromises individual freedom without recourse.
The part of this I wish weren’t true is using this capability destructively with malicious intent.
I wish it wasn’t true that we gave our privacy up so slowly but WILLINGLY over the past 25 years.
“The part of this I wish weren’t true is _______.” THE EASE OF INTEGRATION.
ALL OF IT!
Neighbor received email from Census asking for lots of private information supposedly for rural communities including ancestry, exact income (not just a range). What they already knew - their email address that coincided with their street address.
23 and me owned by TTAM who got it when the DNA collector became bankrupt. Owner of TTAM is the same as what was. If you had your DNA checked, or say your brother or sister did, they literally have your number.
AMAZON pictures sorts all photos stored and puts them in albums automatically. Sounds great until you realize they used facial recognition and a pic of me at 17 and all others were correctly sorted. Should I be flattered I haven't changed much in six decades, or scared?
NSA has their plant in Utah. Huge. They can listen in on every phone conversation in the US, but you can trust them. Can't you?
The rest of their access, travel, favorite hair color, what we had for breakfast, for me would be pretty boring. But when they spread it further, to family and friends, their little data machine can hurt real people.
#HoldFast
Sue