Naotoshi Maeda
Progressive. Husband. Singer and Songwriter. Jazz Enthusiast. We have 5 cats. 🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈 He/Him
naotoshimaeda.com
- The average Democratic constituent wants ICE dissolved and off the streets. No amount of negotiation can fix a system that despicable.
- To say there are horrors beyond what could have been imagined in the Epstein files release goes without saying. They will try to point to the uncorroborated parts to hide the overwhelming truths. Don't let them ignore this atrocity.
- In the wake of continued tragedies in our country, we must take a moment to acknowledge Black History Month. It is more important than ever to elevate Black voices, as it is clear that without them, the darkest parts of history are doomed to repeat. #BlackHistoryMonth
- America came of age with the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday because of that. While Trump's fascist regime and its corrupt DOJ are dismantling civil rights and promoting white supremacy, it's important to remember who we are as a nation. #MLK
- ICE has gained numerous surveillance systems. Historically, once technology is granted to federal agencies, it's almost impossible to take away. Anyone who tries to avoid the debate over abolishing ICE needs to understand that it's the only option to stop its rampant illegal operations.
- On Fox News, Bondi ranted about prosecutors who told her they wanted to resign, saying she "fired" them all. Her lack of impulse control likely made them eligible for unemployment benefits. Such idiocy. At least there is some hope that the stupidity of Trump's regime could collapse from the inside.
- Trump's attack on the Federal Reserve doesn't only affect Americans. It affects everyone who invests in USD. Many investors use USD assets because they are seen as safe and liquid. Once the Federal Reserve is politicized, global trust in the USD will fall. China will gain influence as a result.
- These horrifying ICE operations are not new in America. If you study history, you will notice that they use the same tactics as slave patrols. Trump's America is repeating a long-documented history of oppression. People would do well to remember that.
- The POC who work at ICE should realize they will never become white. They will never receive white privilege by proximity. Cooperating with Trump's racist regime will never make them white in the eyes of racists. They are just tools and pawns of white supremacists. Pathetic.
- The murder of Renee Nicole Good is not just a case of a white woman being killed. It's the killing of an LGBTQIA+ mother and wife. It's important to know that Trump's violence is always against minorities. ICE knows its targets.
- In 2025, Fetterman and Shaheen voted for 11 out of 22 of Trump's nominees, the highest support among Democratic senators. The GOP's lowest voting record is 18, held by McConnell. Compared to Warren's 1 and Schumer's 2, their horrifying voting records should not just be forgotten.
- The House passed the extension of ACA subsidies, but it still needs to pass the Senate. Call the GOP senators, and don't forget to also call the 8 Democratic senators who caved during the government shutdown. Let them know they cannot screw us over again.
- This moment will decide if there's a future presidential run for Tim Walz. This is the moment he should deliver a very public rebuke to Trump's fascist regime, like the map fight by Newsom. He needs to prove he will stand in defense of his citizens against the tyrant.
- The January 6 insurrection should never be forgotten. It was an act of terrorism against our constitutional process, our representatives, our senators, and the very dignity of this country. We are not angry enough.
- Hilton is a private business. Private businesses have every right to refuse service to government officials if they so choose. Government officials attacking Hilton for not receiving special treatment shows how this country is trying to model Soviet-style government control over private business.
- The reason for Trump's illegal military action in Venezuela is his private business interests in oil. Maduro being a dictator is not an issue for him. Don't credit this malicious grifter with benevolent reasons for his illegal actions. He only weaponizes the military for himself.
- Today marks the beginning of 2026. May this year bring accountability for Trump's fascist regime, and justice for all those harmed by his vindictive agenda. Happy New Year, and may this year be better than the last.
- Nixon's AG John N. Mitchell was only convicted after the regime weakened. He used the DOJ to protect Nixon, obstruct justice, and target political opponents. Pam Bondi is doing the same thing for her cult leader Trump. He'll sacrifice her before this ends.
- My wife, my cats, and I wish a Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. We're in a very dark timeline, but the horrors of this world can wait one more day.
- I will be spending the evening with my wife and our cats, with our annual Christmas Eve tradition of watching The Muppet Christmas Carol and pretending Donald Trump doesn't exist. Wishing all who celebrate a merry Christmas Eve!
- Birthright citizenship exists because Americans fought a war over slavery. Gun rights exist because America relied on citizen militias. The 3rd Amendment exists because of prior British rules. Constitutional rights cannot be voided based on "original intent." SCOTUS can't afford to screw this up.
- Saying, "I immigrated here the right way, so you should have done it that way, too," weaponizes timelines. It's no different from boasting, "I bought my house when I was 20, so you should have been able to, too." Don't be ignorant. Have consideration for those in very different circumstances.
- If more people had paid attention and voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, we could have avoided all of Trump's malicious political whims. He should have been in jail for his 34 felony convictions. Nearly 90 million eligible voters failed to even vote in the 2024 election. So now we all get to suffer.
- Single-issue voters need to realize that their behavior is a privilege. Democracy is collapsing. Healthcare subsidies are being lost. Immigrants and minorities are in danger. Negative campaigning against Democratic candidates because you disagree on one issue throws vulnerable people under the bus.
- As the Christmas season approaches, I'd like to share a personal milestone alongside my progressive thoughts. My version of Burl Ives' Holly Jolly Christmas is available on streaming services. I'd be delighted if you'd give it a listen, or add it to your festive playlists. Happy holidays!
- Rob Reiner was one of the greatest directors of all time. His run from the mid 80s through the early 90s, including Stand by Me, was extraordinary. A well-informed, decent human being, Reiner stood with humanity. His death is a great loss to America, and he will be missed.
- My wife and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary today. Now we're back home, playing defense against our five cats as we set up our Christmas tree. A lovely way to end the day. To many more years. ❤️
- The legendary Frank Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915. Known for his rich baritone and phenomenal phrasing skills, his talents ranged from swing songs to ballads. He will always be a musical icon.
- Democrat Eileen Higgins won today's Miami mayoral race. She will be the first woman to be mayor of Miami. This election result ends nearly 30 years of GOP control. The recent Democratic momentum shows that Trump's treasonous policies are extremely unpopular. This kind of news is a beacon of hope.
- If your favorite video games sell character skins featuring Black or LGBTQIA+ characters, buy them. The Right attacks video game companies for being "woke." Show them they can make money on this market. Besides, nothing pisses bigoted players off more than seeing those skins in-game.
- A vaccine panel at the CDC voted to end the recommendation that newborns receive hepatitis B vaccines at birth. Early vaccination strategy has been proven safe and effective. After implementing, childhood infections fell significantly. RFK Jr. and Trump's regime have destroyed the CDC's credibility.
- A federal grand jury rejected the attempt to reindict Letitia James. Trump's racist regime's transparent attack on this intelligent Black woman has failed. It had no bearing in reality in the first place.
- There are over 700,000 people in Tennessee's heavily Blue Davidson County. Today, only about 42,000 voters turned out to vote. If just a few more people had shown up and voted blue, the margin could have flipped in Behn's favor. Voting is important. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise.
- The majority of voters in Davidson County (which includes Nashville), voted for Behn today. However, thanks to gerrymandering, they don't receive fair representation. These underhanded tactics are fundamental to the GOP cult. Blue states can't afford to take the high road in redistricting fights.
- Today is Election Day in the 7th congressional district in Tennessee. Vote for Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn. Tell anyone you know who lives there to get out and vote. This is a must-win step toward taking back Congress and saving democracy.
- The Tennessee 7th congressional district election on December 2 is so important. This red-voting district is now a close race according to the Emerson College poll. Vote for Democratic Aftyn Behn. If you know someone who lives there, encourage them to vote. Stop the MAGA insanity destroying America.
- Anecdotally, when you see a racially and socially diverse tourist group abroad, it's likely composed of Americans. People from many other countries don't often get the opportunity to form such diverse groups. This is a strength Americans should be proud of. Don't let bigotry win.
- As many give thanks today and celebrate with their families, take time to remember the Indigenous communities whose sacrifice and suffering this country was founded upon. Thanksgiving is a time for both gratitude and remembrance, and we can make room for both. Happy Thanksgiving.
- Our hearts should go out to the two National Guard members who were shot today. Our National Guard isn't supposed to be deployed to pick up trash on the road. This wouldn't have happened without Trump's vindictive political games. This tragic nonsense is disturbing.
- Our ally Ukraine needs justice. Whether Putin is blackmailing Trump or Trump is just easy to manipulate, he is obviously a Putin-owned lapdog. His behavior makes the United States look weak. Electing this idiot was recent history's biggest mistake.
- Mark Kelly is an honorable human being with a decent career, unlike anyone in Trump's fascist regime. Of course they would target someone with such obvious values. He flies in the face of everything they stand for.
- A lot of MAGA accounts on X are now known to be foreign-made. This obvious bot farming intentionally spreads misinformation. Americans seriously need net literacy to protect themselves from foreign propaganda. They are pushing Trump because they want to harm Americans. Educate yourselves.
- Zohran Mamdani has his work cut out for him and, of course, will face plenty of hurdles, but today's meeting with Trump shows he has more than enough charisma to manage. Hopefully, his policies will be successful and serve as a template for other cities, making all of America more affordable.
- Trump posted a death-threat style message toward several Democratic lawmakers. Don't normalize this. Imagine if any Democratic president had said anything close to this. The GOP would have immediately called to impeach them. Where is the accountability? Don't normalize his insanity.
- This appeared on the CDC vaccine safety website. "Vaccines don't cause autism" is an evidence-based claim because there is no credible evidence linking them. If you make a claim, you need actual proof. That's how burden of proof works. RFK Jr. and Trump's regime have destroyed the CDC's credibility.
- MTG divorcing herself from her cult leader shows he's losing support among her constituents. The public pressure is working. Trump fascism enablers only care if their political careers are threatened. Constituent pressure forces them to speak up. Make them work for the people. Make them apologize.
- Trump's regime wants people to reapply for SNAP benefits, supposedly because they're cracking down on fraud and abuse. Americans should demand a re-count of the presidential election for the same reason. As for caring about abuse, I can't think of a more hypocritical group to make that claim.
- Trump's regime is an anti-science crusade. The Department of Education wants to exclude many public-health degrees from counting as professional degrees. These students will struggle to access federal loans. This will further weaken our crumbling public health infrastructure, hurting Americans.
- Just a reminder that Valve Corporation, which runs Steam, has donated exclusively to Democratic candidates and the Democratic Party in federal elections for 2020, 2022, and 2024. It's one of the few tech companies still aligned with morality. They deserve credit for standing with democracy.
- Happy Veterans Day, especially to our veterans from marginalized communities. Their sacrifices deserve greater recognition from our leaders and communities.
