Gail Helt
@gailhelt.bsky.social
CIA analyst, 2003-14. Close Guantanamo. Human Rights. China. My posts reflect only my views.
They can and should do both.
Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel calls on Democratic lawmakers to set aside plans to impeach President Trump if they win a majority in the House, pushing them instead to pass an ethics reform package.
Rahm Emanuel says Democrats should focus on ethics reforms rather than impeaching Trump
Democrats have publicly weighed whether they should pursue impeaching Trump for a third time.
nbcnews.to
October 6, 2026 at 11:54 AM
They can and should do both.
If these were normal days I would refer this threat to the FBI. But alas.
October 6, 2026 at 12:39 AM
If these were normal days I would refer this threat to the FBI. But alas.
Anyone who would make even one of these statements is not fit for public office.
Trump denigrates our fellow Americans every chance he gets.
It’s beneath the office of the president.
Trump denigrates our fellow Americans every chance he gets.
It’s beneath the office of the president.
Trump: "Annie 'Trannie' Andrews is running against our wonderful Darline Graham for the Senate in South Carolina ... Trannie is not for South Carolina, and South Carolina must show, in the upcoming Election, that it is not for her."
October 5, 2026 at 10:28 PM
Anyone who would make even one of these statements is not fit for public office.
Trump denigrates our fellow Americans every chance he gets.
It’s beneath the office of the president.
Trump denigrates our fellow Americans every chance he gets.
It’s beneath the office of the president.
My class is examining indicators of authoritarianism in Jason Stanley, David Kurtzer, and Ruth Ben-Ghiat’s books and judging from the conversations they’ve understanding what they’ve been reading.
I’m relieved.
I’m relieved.
October 5, 2026 at 6:20 PM
My class is examining indicators of authoritarianism in Jason Stanley, David Kurtzer, and Ruth Ben-Ghiat’s books and judging from the conversations they’ve understanding what they’ve been reading.
I’m relieved.
I’m relieved.
Mr Haney is contemplating a presidential bid. Egads.
(it’s a green acres reference)
(it’s a green acres reference)
Republican elitist who graduated from Vanderbilt University, University of Virginia School of Law, & Elitest Oxford Rhodes Scholar with a Law degree, Senator John Kennedy is thinking about running for president
www.nbcnews.com/politics/202...
Watch his phony accent
bsky.app/profile/dian...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/202...
Watch his phony accent
bsky.app/profile/dian...
October 5, 2026 at 12:19 PM
Mr Haney is contemplating a presidential bid. Egads.
(it’s a green acres reference)
(it’s a green acres reference)
And if Hegseth is going to encourage soldiers to boost their testosterone, sickening events like this one will become more commonplace.
Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja called for revisions to the agreement governing U.S. military personnel in Japan after a Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing a local woman.
Okinawa governor confronts US military over Marine suspected of weekend homicide
Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja called for revisions to the agreement governing U.S. military personnel in Japan after Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard’s arrest.
www.stripes.com
October 5, 2026 at 9:53 AM
And if Hegseth is going to encourage soldiers to boost their testosterone, sickening events like this one will become more commonplace.
Reposted by Gail Helt
Robert Jeffress says Texans should vote their conscience, even if for Talarico:
David French: What if a parishioner says, ‘My conscience is telling me Talarico’?
'Follow what you feel like God’s leading you to do,' Jeffress responded. 'Period.'
www.nytimes.com/2026/10/04/o...
David French: What if a parishioner says, ‘My conscience is telling me Talarico’?
'Follow what you feel like God’s leading you to do,' Jeffress responded. 'Period.'
www.nytimes.com/2026/10/04/o...
Opinion | The ‘God Gap’ Is Narrowing in Texas (Gift Article)
It may not be enough for James Talarico to win. But might it also be a sign of a change to come?
www.nytimes.com
October 4, 2026 at 11:28 PM
Robert Jeffress says Texans should vote their conscience, even if for Talarico:
David French: What if a parishioner says, ‘My conscience is telling me Talarico’?
'Follow what you feel like God’s leading you to do,' Jeffress responded. 'Period.'
www.nytimes.com/2026/10/04/o...
David French: What if a parishioner says, ‘My conscience is telling me Talarico’?
'Follow what you feel like God’s leading you to do,' Jeffress responded. 'Period.'
www.nytimes.com/2026/10/04/o...
It possible Trump made up that number. It’s also possible Trump just divulged classified Information.
Trump: "I get along great with Kim Jong Un. Kim Jong Un, you know who that is? North Korea. When people have 112 nuclear missiles, it's nice to get along."
October 4, 2026 at 1:08 AM
It possible Trump made up that number. It’s also possible Trump just divulged classified Information.
So the 386 explains his bruised hands.
Trump: "I take an aspirin a day. I don't know if it works but psychologically I need it. It thins the hell out of your blood I guess ... They want me to go down to the 80. I take the 386. I don't know what the hell it is. It's a monster. They said, 'Sir, you don't need that!'"
October 4, 2026 at 12:56 AM
So the 386 explains his bruised hands.
There was never accountability for the Mitchell-Jessen-CIA torture program.
While it was immoral and illegal and unconscionable on its own, that lack of accountability set a dangerous precedent and guaranteed it would continue.
1/2
While it was immoral and illegal and unconscionable on its own, that lack of accountability set a dangerous precedent and guaranteed it would continue.
1/2
The Supreme Court will simply allow the Trump admin to keep deporting immigrants to African prisons while they figure out if it's torture www.jezebel.com/third-countr...
October 3, 2026 at 8:02 PM
There was never accountability for the Mitchell-Jessen-CIA torture program.
While it was immoral and illegal and unconscionable on its own, that lack of accountability set a dangerous precedent and guaranteed it would continue.
1/2
While it was immoral and illegal and unconscionable on its own, that lack of accountability set a dangerous precedent and guaranteed it would continue.
1/2
So this administration has targeted brown people, people with accents, civil servants, Trump’s perceived enemies, a reflecting pool, the East Wing, Iran, our oil supply, innocent fishermen, starving people, sick people, farmers, and now sailors and TSA.
TSA says it is removing chairs at document checks in airports, requiring staff to stand for their shift.
TSA explained the reason as twofold: to ensure its employees meet its fitness standards and to create an amiable environment for travelers.
TSA explained the reason as twofold: to ensure its employees meet its fitness standards and to create an amiable environment for travelers.
TSA officers must now stand up on the job
The agency is removing chairs from document-checking stations.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 3, 2026 at 2:52 PM
So this administration has targeted brown people, people with accents, civil servants, Trump’s perceived enemies, a reflecting pool, the East Wing, Iran, our oil supply, innocent fishermen, starving people, sick people, farmers, and now sailors and TSA.
We have got to start pushing back on this vile language. Maybe some people get used to it, but I know people who’ve been on the receiving end who hear it so much they can’t shake the feeling they don’t belong.
This is her country. She belong. There’s no ideological litmus test to be an American.
This is her country. She belong. There’s no ideological litmus test to be an American.
I don't think this line got as much coverage as it should have.
JD Vance Says Black, Socialist Candidate for Senate Doesn’t ‘Belong in America’
A New Chapter in Vance’s Effort to Police Who’s American JD Vance...
talkingpointsmemo.com
October 2, 2026 at 1:16 PM
We have got to start pushing back on this vile language. Maybe some people get used to it, but I know people who’ve been on the receiving end who hear it so much they can’t shake the feeling they don’t belong.
This is her country. She belong. There’s no ideological litmus test to be an American.
This is her country. She belong. There’s no ideological litmus test to be an American.
The blasphemy hurts my head.
Also, Muslims do not want to take over America. But if you are an American citizen and you happen to be Muslim, this is as much your country as it is mine and I’m glad you’re here.
Also, Muslims do not want to take over America. But if you are an American citizen and you happen to be Muslim, this is as much your country as it is mine and I’m glad you’re here.
"He's gonna fix it. Believe in him ... all the abortion, it's evil ... I want to see 2 people -- Trump & Jesus...we do not want Muslims taking over...I have horrible thoughts. I don't think they should be here. This isn't their country...they need to pack up & go back where they came from."
October 1, 2026 at 8:06 PM
The blasphemy hurts my head.
Also, Muslims do not want to take over America. But if you are an American citizen and you happen to be Muslim, this is as much your country as it is mine and I’m glad you’re here.
Also, Muslims do not want to take over America. But if you are an American citizen and you happen to be Muslim, this is as much your country as it is mine and I’m glad you’re here.
But a president can do anything, right Mr President…?
Washington Sun: President Donald Trump wants the Oval Office declared a federal landmark so no one can take down the gilded accents he’s affixed to the walls.
October 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM
But a president can do anything, right Mr President…?
The state of Tennessee may have permanently impaired this woman. Does Yoo think we should literally prop her up in front of a stake, or strap her to a tree then force a firing squad to shoot her slumped, immobile body? Is that what it’s come to, John?
This guy’s bloodlust is sickening.
This guy’s bloodlust is sickening.
John Yoo on Christa Pike, who survived a botched execution: "Why not use the firing squad? So I think what's gonna have to happen is Tennessee is gonna have to go back and try again."
October 1, 2026 at 6:06 PM
The state of Tennessee may have permanently impaired this woman. Does Yoo think we should literally prop her up in front of a stake, or strap her to a tree then force a firing squad to shoot her slumped, immobile body? Is that what it’s come to, John?
This guy’s bloodlust is sickening.
This guy’s bloodlust is sickening.
It’s disturbing that any US official would attempt to co-opt God in this way.
God doesn’t take sides in wars, but if He did, why is Hegseth so sure He would choose our side?
God doesn’t take sides in wars, but if He did, why is Hegseth so sure He would choose our side?
On Wednesday, Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a new entity within the Pentagon: the Office of Religious Affairs.
The office will “sponsor and oversee research, technology, and analytical tools to support and assess spiritual fitness, spiritual readiness, and spiritual resilience.”
The office will “sponsor and oversee research, technology, and analytical tools to support and assess spiritual fitness, spiritual readiness, and spiritual resilience.”
What to know about Hegseth’s new office of religious affairs
"Our department is, you might say, putting on the full armor of God."
www.motherjones.com
October 1, 2026 at 4:12 PM
It’s disturbing that any US official would attempt to co-opt God in this way.
God doesn’t take sides in wars, but if He did, why is Hegseth so sure He would choose our side?
God doesn’t take sides in wars, but if He did, why is Hegseth so sure He would choose our side?
So the Supreme Court of the United States has legalized what is essentially two-thirds of the CIA’s RDI (rendition, detention, interrogation) program, allowing extraordinary rendition of people not even suspected of a crime to countries where they are being illegally detained and tortured.
October 1, 2026 at 1:08 PM
So the Supreme Court of the United States has legalized what is essentially two-thirds of the CIA’s RDI (rendition, detention, interrogation) program, allowing extraordinary rendition of people not even suspected of a crime to countries where they are being illegally detained and tortured.
Reposted by Gail Helt
The fact is Trump not only lost his war but it's the biggest L the US has taken at least since Vietnam. Our bases are destroyed & abandoned, Iran is emboldened, China is toying w/ us. Hegseth & co want to move on to culture war slop, but they got routed & we'll be dealing w/repercussions for decades
September 30, 2026 at 11:20 PM
The fact is Trump not only lost his war but it's the biggest L the US has taken at least since Vietnam. Our bases are destroyed & abandoned, Iran is emboldened, China is toying w/ us. Hegseth & co want to move on to culture war slop, but they got routed & we'll be dealing w/repercussions for decades
Roads and signage aren’t the purview of the USPS.
New: USPS is to put cameras in its trucks that continuously record. This is to gather data on roads, signage, and to improve "community safety," the agency tells me. The cameras are marketed to capture passing license plates too, but don't run ALPR software
www.404media.co/usps-to-put-...
www.404media.co/usps-to-put-...
USPS To Put Cameras in Trucks That Scan Roads for ‘Community Safety’
USPS says the cameras, put on USPS truck dashboards, will scan roads, signs, and more.
www.404media.co
September 30, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Roads and signage aren’t the purview of the USPS.
Because he knew he was lying…
extremely weird shit during the Jack Smith hearing -- Sen. Eric Schmitt's team briefly displays a poster board that Schmitt claims contains evidence Smith committed perjury, but then Schmitt's team takes it down before anybody can read it and refuses to show Smith what it says
September 30, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Because he knew he was lying…
Oh Lordy I see both…. It’s a goat-bird.
September 30, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Oh Lordy I see both…. It’s a goat-bird.
So Microsoft has decided to make its email so secure it won’t even allow me to access it.
Stupid Authenticator app. Whomever came up with that would should have all their accesses cut off for a few weeks.
Stupid Authenticator app. Whomever came up with that would should have all their accesses cut off for a few weeks.
September 30, 2026 at 1:04 PM
So Microsoft has decided to make its email so secure it won’t even allow me to access it.
Stupid Authenticator app. Whomever came up with that would should have all their accesses cut off for a few weeks.
Stupid Authenticator app. Whomever came up with that would should have all their accesses cut off for a few weeks.
@mollyjongfast.bsky.social ‘a interview with Mahmoud Khalil is a must listen
And if you can hear him say he still believes in the premise and potential of this country and not weep, there’s something wrong with you.
I hope he wins his lawsuit.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
And if you can hear him say he still believes in the premise and potential of this country and not weep, there’s something wrong with you.
I hope he wins his lawsuit.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
Stuart Stevens & Mahmoud Khalil
Podcast Episode · Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast · September 30 · 58m
podcasts.apple.com
September 30, 2026 at 11:18 AM
@mollyjongfast.bsky.social ‘a interview with Mahmoud Khalil is a must listen
And if you can hear him say he still believes in the premise and potential of this country and not weep, there’s something wrong with you.
I hope he wins his lawsuit.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
And if you can hear him say he still believes in the premise and potential of this country and not weep, there’s something wrong with you.
I hope he wins his lawsuit.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
Schmitt almost certainly knew his info was faulty when he presented it in the hearing, knowing it would be red meat to the base and the effort would score points with Trump. Didn’t matter to him if it was actually true info…
This is priceless.
Check out how local news is reporting on Sen Eric Schmidt’s clown-show grilling of Jack Smith.
They found Jack Smith at the game…
“Top corner, section 109, row 1. In fact, that seat doesn’t even exist in Atlanta.”
Check out how local news is reporting on Sen Eric Schmidt’s clown-show grilling of Jack Smith.
They found Jack Smith at the game…
“Top corner, section 109, row 1. In fact, that seat doesn’t even exist in Atlanta.”
September 30, 2026 at 1:35 AM
Schmitt almost certainly knew his info was faulty when he presented it in the hearing, knowing it would be red meat to the base and the effort would score points with Trump. Didn’t matter to him if it was actually true info…
This is not that far from Hitler sending German Jews and other minorities to camps in other countries.
The Supreme Court authorizing deportations to third countries in Africa is a sanctioning of cruel and unusual punishment. What are we becoming?
September 29, 2026 at 11:09 PM
This is not that far from Hitler sending German Jews and other minorities to camps in other countries.