Josh Mensch

@joshmensch.bsky.social

New York Times bestselling author and documentary television producer with a focus on American history and politics. Newest book: #TheJFKConspiracy, with bradmeltzer.bsky.social Website: joshmensch.com

When I was little, the U.S. military came to our home at gunpoint and took me and my family away. We were imprisoned for years in barbed wire camps simply because we were Japanese American. I have spent my life telling that story, hoping it would never be repeated.

From NYC to LA, we are in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters. People deserve to be safe in their homes, workplaces, schools and neighborhoods. We will not allow this administration—or anyone—to strip away the dignity and humanity that every person deserves.

This is an obvious point, but cannot overstated. There is an enormous difference between deporting someone - where they get off a plane as a free citizen in their home country AND FUNNELING THEM INTO A BRUTAL PRISON FROM WHICH THEY HAVE NO CHANCE OF EVER EMERGING!!!

The AHA has released a statement in support of the Smithsonian Institution, the target of the recent EO, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” This order “egregiously misrepresents the work of the Smithsonian Institution” and “completely misconstrues the nature of historical work.” 🗃️

Historians Defend the Smithsonian - AHA

The American Historical Association has released a statement in support of the Smithsonian Institution, the target of the recent executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” This...

historians.org

Ozturk was arrested by six masked officers — like the Gestapo. Her only offense appears to be writing an op-ed in her school newspaper. While I strongly disagree with the views expressed in her op-ed, they are not a valid basis for deportation. This is flat out un-American.

one thing i keep thinking about is how there is simply no way to design a constitutional system that can resist authoritarian incursion if participants in that system do not actually care that much

I have worked with many untenured staff scientists & PIs at NIH. They are incredible colleagues who chose science in public service over more lucrative careers. Devaluing their commitment & professionalism is among the most cruel aspects of the DOGE purge www.science.org/content/arti...

NIH ban on renewing senior scientists adds to assaults on its in-house research

Policy follows firings of tenure-track scientists and suspension of training programs

science.org

RIP Gene Hackman - One of the most influential screen actors ever. There was nothing he couldn’t do. His work was searingly truthful and often brutally honest -he never let you off the hook . Not afraid of ambiguity- a lost quality these days . Lucky & grateful to have share screen with him.

I was so sad to learn about Clint Hill’s passing earlier this week. His story featured prominently in my book with @bradmeltzer.com, #TheJFKConspiracy. In 1960, Hill was a young Secret Service given the job of a lifetime: handling security for the incoming First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy. (1/3)

Clint Hill, Who Sprang to Kennedys’ Side as Shots Were Fired, Dies at 93

A Secret Service agent, he leaped onto the president’s limousine in Dallas in 1963 and was credited with saving the first lady’s life. But he was haunted by his inability to save her husband.

nytimes.com

Imagine being rich enough to do anything you want and choosing to take food and medicine from starving children to give yourself even more money.

One thing that's been very revealing is how many politicians valorized working-class and middle-class workers, unless those folks work for the federal government. The cheering of the purging of regular people who have had their entire financial lives upended has been something to see.

Letters went out to federal workers this morning stating they were fired due to poor performance. However, all employees had been rated as “exceptional” performers by their supervisors. Please keep these records and pursue wrongful termination claims. Let the lawsuits begin.