James Barta
@bartajam.bsky.social
Proud Portlander, recovering politico, from Montana via Michigan. College football, Timbers, Thorns fan. Want to make government work effectively as possible for those we serve and for the tax payers.
New theory: we don't see many great Generation X political leaders because (saying this as a Gen Xer) this generation doesn't know how to effectively use social media.
August 22, 2026 at 7:13 PM
New theory: we don't see many great Generation X political leaders because (saying this as a Gen Xer) this generation doesn't know how to effectively use social media.
Wow. This is messed up.
July 8, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Wow. This is messed up.
Makes a good case that ICE is trying to recruit 'losers' to help with autocracy
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/w...
Actually, Democracy Dies in H.R.
www.nytimes.com
May 19, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Makes a good case that ICE is trying to recruit 'losers' to help with autocracy
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/w...
A man reported transient camps next to his property, the city eventually showed up and fined him for his hedge. Portland city workers up and down the org chart should be embarrassed by the terrible service. www.oregonlive.com/politics/202...
He asked for help with chronic camps outside his home. Portland cracked down on his hedge instead
Residents have dealt with chop shops, sex trafficking and squatters, but Chris Bolton's overgrown laurel got immediate attention and a $693 penalty.
www.oregonlive.com
May 4, 2026 at 3:00 AM
A man reported transient camps next to his property, the city eventually showed up and fined him for his hedge. Portland city workers up and down the org chart should be embarrassed by the terrible service. www.oregonlive.com/politics/202...
Figured I would read a Canadian news source. Here's the top story on CTV. www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
Why would Canadians ever trust America again?
Why would Canadians ever trust America again?
Deported Canadian grandfather, detained at Alligator Alcatraz, returns home
When he got off the American Airlines flight from Miami, Douglas Dixon was wearing the same clothes he had worn in February, the day he was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
www.ctvnews.ca
April 16, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Figured I would read a Canadian news source. Here's the top story on CTV. www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
Why would Canadians ever trust America again?
Why would Canadians ever trust America again?
I wish Iran would just turn over the Epstein Files so we didn't have to go to war.
February 28, 2026 at 6:17 PM
I wish Iran would just turn over the Epstein Files so we didn't have to go to war.
Many are worried about AI replacing them at work.
February 18, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Many are worried about AI replacing them at work.
An amazing interview with two women in ICE custudy who likely saved the life of an ICE agent who suffered a seizure. The two other agents left the two with the incapacitated ICE agent and his service weapon. They then were handcuffed again. youtu.be/duzC0C9zFkI?...
Two women in ICE custody save the federal agent who detained them from a seizure
YouTube video by NBC News
youtu.be
January 30, 2026 at 7:19 PM
An amazing interview with two women in ICE custudy who likely saved the life of an ICE agent who suffered a seizure. The two other agents left the two with the incapacitated ICE agent and his service weapon. They then were handcuffed again. youtu.be/duzC0C9zFkI?...
Well worth a watch.
This 1943 U.S. Army film warned about fascism in America
January 20, 2026 at 5:59 PM
Well worth a watch.
This administration's authoritarian actions won't stop until Republicans start speaking out against it.
But do Republicans hate Democrats more than they love the ideal of America? It sure seems so.
But do Republicans hate Democrats more than they love the ideal of America? It sure seems so.
January 19, 2026 at 10:08 PM
This administration's authoritarian actions won't stop until Republicans start speaking out against it.
But do Republicans hate Democrats more than they love the ideal of America? It sure seems so.
But do Republicans hate Democrats more than they love the ideal of America? It sure seems so.
Reading the Oregonian in its original paper form, can be a strange experience
January 18, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Reading the Oregonian in its original paper form, can be a strange experience
Yay to Winter Solstice! 7am pacific time this morning. The reason for the season - and I'm looking forward to the longer days.
December 21, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Yay to Winter Solstice! 7am pacific time this morning. The reason for the season - and I'm looking forward to the longer days.
Another bike-ride along the I-205 trail on a beautiful Portland day. Only 16 tents/RVs along the trail from Gateway to Springwater. Add 5 tents/RVs along the Springwater. Far fewer than the 100+ I used to see in years past.
Rode again on the I-205 trail. Far fewer tents only about 20 with +6 along the Springwater trail. A lot better than previous visits, although there were what like two bike chop shops. That was new.
Maybe the federal troops could pick up some pockets of garbage I found.
Maybe the federal troops could pick up some pockets of garbage I found.
November 29, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Another bike-ride along the I-205 trail on a beautiful Portland day. Only 16 tents/RVs along the trail from Gateway to Springwater. Add 5 tents/RVs along the Springwater. Far fewer than the 100+ I used to see in years past.
Here's a real Portland problem, not the nonsense from the right-wing media machine. From the departing director of the Portland Art Museum examples of how local gov'ts create too many unnecessary hoops for businesses and organizations to easily do their work. www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2025...
November 17, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Here's a real Portland problem, not the nonsense from the right-wing media machine. From the departing director of the Portland Art Museum examples of how local gov'ts create too many unnecessary hoops for businesses and organizations to easily do their work. www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2025...
People should support the D they want in a given primary, but make no mistake - the worst person who speaks up against this President is *always* better than anyone who makes excuses for him.
Trump is an existential threat to our democracy. From a federal judge: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump is an existential threat to our democracy. From a federal judge: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Why I Am Resigning
A federal judge explains his reasoning for leaving the bench.
www.theatlantic.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:36 AM
People should support the D they want in a given primary, but make no mistake - the worst person who speaks up against this President is *always* better than anyone who makes excuses for him.
Trump is an existential threat to our democracy. From a federal judge: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump is an existential threat to our democracy. From a federal judge: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Are you ready to make Trump pay for not negotiating to help health care and keeping the House closed?
Do like I did and donate to #AftynBehn. Running in the Tennessee 7th Congressional district against a Trump selected R on Dec 2. Republicans won the last race by 21 points in 2024, but now...?
Do like I did and donate to #AftynBehn. Running in the Tennessee 7th Congressional district against a Trump selected R on Dec 2. Republicans won the last race by 21 points in 2024, but now...?
November 9, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Are you ready to make Trump pay for not negotiating to help health care and keeping the House closed?
Do like I did and donate to #AftynBehn. Running in the Tennessee 7th Congressional district against a Trump selected R on Dec 2. Republicans won the last race by 21 points in 2024, but now...?
Do like I did and donate to #AftynBehn. Running in the Tennessee 7th Congressional district against a Trump selected R on Dec 2. Republicans won the last race by 21 points in 2024, but now...?
Among so much like trying to withhold SNAP, a poorly trained force that abducts based on their skin color, the military killing people on the high seas, and more there is a lot to track.
Trump also pardons an embezzler, racist, and serial abuser Cade Cothren. www.nbcnews.com/politics/don...
Trump also pardons an embezzler, racist, and serial abuser Cade Cothren. www.nbcnews.com/politics/don...
Trump pardons former Tennessee House speaker and his aide, who were convicted on federal corruption charges
Glen Casada, a Republican, was sentenced to 36 months in prison after being convicted on 17 charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
www.nbcnews.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Among so much like trying to withhold SNAP, a poorly trained force that abducts based on their skin color, the military killing people on the high seas, and more there is a lot to track.
Trump also pardons an embezzler, racist, and serial abuser Cade Cothren. www.nbcnews.com/politics/don...
Trump also pardons an embezzler, racist, and serial abuser Cade Cothren. www.nbcnews.com/politics/don...
Wonderful news in Oregon. Full SNAP benefits are on. apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsr...
Post - Newsroom
apps.oregon.gov
November 7, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Wonderful news in Oregon. Full SNAP benefits are on. apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsr...
Went to a downtown touristy shop Hello From Portland to buy actual Portland apparel. Found a slightly overpriced sweatshirt saying Portland Oregon that I can now wear while traveling.
I asked about business and they said October sales were really good. Ha!
I asked about business and they said October sales were really good. Ha!
November 4, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Went to a downtown touristy shop Hello From Portland to buy actual Portland apparel. Found a slightly overpriced sweatshirt saying Portland Oregon that I can now wear while traveling.
I asked about business and they said October sales were really good. Ha!
I asked about business and they said October sales were really good. Ha!
Excellent column encouraging Ds to build a big tent. As Mamdani likes to say "If you agree with me on 9 out of 12 issues, vote for me. 12 out of 12, see a psychiatrist." Ds can't keep using purity tests to kick people out.
Pictured is one telling paragraph of many.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/o...
Pictured is one telling paragraph of many.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/o...
November 2, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Excellent column encouraging Ds to build a big tent. As Mamdani likes to say "If you agree with me on 9 out of 12 issues, vote for me. 12 out of 12, see a psychiatrist." Ds can't keep using purity tests to kick people out.
Pictured is one telling paragraph of many.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/o...
Pictured is one telling paragraph of many.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/o...
On Facebook so many Trump supporters react with the laughing emoji on posts describing the importance of getting SNAP out to people.
No wonder polls show that the plurality of voters blame Republicans for the shutdown.
No wonder polls show that the plurality of voters blame Republicans for the shutdown.
November 1, 2025 at 4:31 PM
On Facebook so many Trump supporters react with the laughing emoji on posts describing the importance of getting SNAP out to people.
No wonder polls show that the plurality of voters blame Republicans for the shutdown.
No wonder polls show that the plurality of voters blame Republicans for the shutdown.
I'm embarrassed that I first learned about The Tulsa Race Massacre and the Freedom House of Pittsburgh (the first EMT service) from tv shows: Watchmen and The Pitt respectively.
Anyone who says Americans get enough black history doesn't actually know their history.
Anyone who says Americans get enough black history doesn't actually know their history.
October 15, 2025 at 5:04 AM
I'm embarrassed that I first learned about The Tulsa Race Massacre and the Freedom House of Pittsburgh (the first EMT service) from tv shows: Watchmen and The Pitt respectively.
Anyone who says Americans get enough black history doesn't actually know their history.
Anyone who says Americans get enough black history doesn't actually know their history.
Amazing that the Trump administration will broker a deal with Hamas and Netanyahu, but refuses to have a serious conversation with Democrats to talk health care and end the shut down.
October 13, 2025 at 5:34 AM
Amazing that the Trump administration will broker a deal with Hamas and Netanyahu, but refuses to have a serious conversation with Democrats to talk health care and end the shut down.
Reposted by James Barta
From Evans' The Coming of the Third Reich "[The Nazis disruptions gave] pretext for banning concerts and operas on the grounds that they might give rise to public disorder. The disorder was fermented by the Nazis themselves, [an] illustration of the dialectic that drove the seizure of power onward."
October 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
From Evans' The Coming of the Third Reich "[The Nazis disruptions gave] pretext for banning concerts and operas on the grounds that they might give rise to public disorder. The disorder was fermented by the Nazis themselves, [an] illustration of the dialectic that drove the seizure of power onward."