Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

That’s my take and I am available for criticism at this time.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.

Donald Trump found guilty as fuck – May 30, 2024!

’Where will you hide, Roberts, the laws all being flat?’

The republican speaker is a slippery little devil.

Never give a known liar the benefit of the doubt.

She burned that motherfucker down, and I am so here for it. Thank you, Caroline Kennedy.

So fucking stupid, and still doing a tremendous amount of damage.

Authoritarian republicans are opposed to freedom for the rest of us.

If you are still in the gop, you are either an extremist yourself, or in bed with those who are.

They traffic in fear. it is their only currency. if we are fearful, they are winning.

He really is that stupid.

Speaker Mike Johnson is a vile traitor to the House and the Constitution.

Putting aside our relentless self-interest because the moral imperative is crystal clear.

Let the trolls come, and then ignore them. that’s the worst thing you can do to a troll.

T R E 4 5 O N

Trumpflation is an intolerable hardship for every American, and it’s Trump’s fault.

We are learning that “working class” means “white” for way too many people.

Republicans don’t lie to be believed, they lie to be repeated.

Hey hey, RFK, how many kids did you kill today?

Good lord, these people are nuts.

With all due respect and assumptions of good faith, please fuck off into the sun.

75% of people clapping liked the show!

Nothing says ‘pro-life’ like letting children go hungry.

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Open Thread: Gus Walz Interview

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I somehow missed this…but what a great interview.  What a great young man.

I’m just back from LA – I have thoughts, but no energy to put them together. But I have said to others that this summer could make 1968 look like a party.

This is the spirit of Los Angeles.

This is California.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

#FreeDavidEndRaids

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— California Fast Food Workers Union (@cafastfoodunion.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 2:43 PM

Someone suggested everyone should carry American Flags so when the US military, etc, attack them, the media, as stupid as they are, gets the point.

#California

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— 5nark Twain (@5narktwain.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 8:17 AM

 

Also, I spent some time with young folks this past month as they graduated; it was eye-opening, somewhat inspiring, and a little concerning. Again – I have the intention of sharing that, too. Just need the brain cells/energy to do that.

This is an open thread

 

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Signs (Open Thread)

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I think the first time I saw a protest sign that said, “Things are so bad, even the introverts are here” was at the Women’s March in DC on 1/21/2017. It was funny because it was true.

This week I got another informal general distress-level indicator: Bill is coming with me to the No Kings protest! He’s never been to a protest in his entire life.

Now I have to make four signs — two for a pair of friends who are frequent protest buddies and two for Bill and me. (I’m the official sign-maker because my handwriting is fairly neat and I have lots of Sharpies.)

Signage ideas welcome! We’re trying to keep a positive spin, e.g., “WE ❤️ DEMOCRACY” rather than “FUCK TRUMP,” though, of course, “fuck that fascist prick straight to hell” is the subtext.

Open thread.

 

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Tuesday Morning Open Thread: Dems Fighting Back

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I’m co-leading a bill that would name the House Press Gallery after Frederick Douglass. It passed the House today.
This isn’t just symbolic – it’s making sure our history isn’t erased.

— Congressman André Carson (@carson.house.gov) June 9, 2025 at 9:27 PM


===

Frederick Douglass was the first Black man to report on Congress and be allowed into the Capitol press gallery, covering critical debates during reconstruction.
It’s past time for a permanent recognition of his groundbreaking and legendary work.

— Congressman André Carson (@carson.house.gov) June 9, 2025 at 9:27 PM

Republicans BURIED a line in their "big beautiful bill" that would help Trump officials ignore court orders.
One problem? It violates the Senate's rules.
I’m going to fight to strip this provision out. And we need everyone in the fight against this bill.

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— Elizabeth Warren (@warren.senate.gov) June 9, 2025 at 10:02 AM

While some states are taking away the rights of our LGBTQ+ community, we're protecting them here in our state.
Illinois will always be a beacon of equality and hope for all. There's still work to do, but we have your back.

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— Governor JB Pritzker (@govpritzker.illinois.gov) June 9, 2025 at 3:13 PM

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War for Ukraine Day 1,201: Russia Continues It’s Nightly Bombardments

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A painting by NEIVANMADE> In the center of the painting is a green swing set. It is over a targeting reticle with the red dot dirctly under the swing. Behind it on both the left and right are residential apartment buildings and trees. Above the swing set is an incoming Russian missile. It is red with a yellow "Z" symbol on it. To it's left if the caption "Russian "Ceasefire" in red. Below the reticle, in black, is Stop Child Killers!

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Russia set a new record for strikes on Ukraine last night:

Russia unleashed 499 air targets on Ukraine overnight — a new record of terror.

Art by Nikita Titov

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 4:41 AM

A staggering 499 drones and missiles were launched by Russia last night, targeting Ukrainian cities as their residents slept.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 7:48 AM

What a night.
– The Ukrainian Defence Forces intercepted 479 out of 499 enemy air threats;
– Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to target the russian war machine: hitting the Savasleyka airbase where at least 2 jets were hit (likely MiG-31 & Su-30/34) & a Shahed component factory in Cheboksary 🔥

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 7:57 AM

Again? Again.

Russian planes are in the air and on their way to bomb Ukraine.

After unleashing almost 500 drones and missiles on Ukraine just last night.

Too bad we couldn’t destroy all of them.

Please keep Ukraine in your thoughts tonight.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 4:42 PM

According to monitoring groups, planes landed back without launching missiles. We are under russian drone attack tho

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 6:52 PM

And they are back at it tonight. All of eastern and most of central Ukraine is under air raid alert for drone swarms at 3:50 AM local time in Ukraine/8:50 PM EDT.

A maternity hospital, along with other buildings, is on fire in Odesa following a Russian drone strike.

Monsters.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 7:03 PM

Russian drone strike damaged the administrative building of a maternity hospital in Odesa. The fact that no one died is nothing short of a miracle.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 7:29 PM

Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.

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A Note of Thanks for All of Us

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We received a lovely message from The Civics Center today.

It was written to me, but it’s really for all of us.

Thank you so much for your support of The Civics Center and for energizing your community. Thank you to the angels!

Having sparked combined giving of $60K is a huge accomplishment, especially as we are emerging from a period of profound disengagement. This means so much in starting momentum for real impact.

We can use the funds not just to kick off efforts in PA but also to motivate others about what is possible. Holding out hope and possibility of something concrete and important is so meaningful right now, and it is your leadership that is making it possible.

The young people with whom we work are engaged and looking for ways to support democracy and to make a positive contribution. We could not do this work without you. Thank you for being part of it.

I look forward to sending you updates about all we will be able to accomplish because of your commitment.

With appreciation,
Laura

You guys did this with your Angel matches and donations.

I am so proud to be part of the collective action of this community.  I may organize it, but you guys are the ones who make it happen.

Together, we are indeed the little engine that could.

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Standing Up For Science

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I’m not a scientist, but I’m glad lots of smarter people are because, otherwise, I’d be dead. Millions of us would be. I think most normal people know this and regard activities like finding new cures for diseases and discovering better ways to stay healthy as uncontroversial.

In addition to alleviating suffering, it turns out that funding health-related scientific research also generates prosperity more broadly! Check this out from the Harvard Gazette:

A new report from the nonprofit United for Medical Research (UMR) shows that every dollar of research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) delivers $2.56 in economic activity, a multiplier effect that extends the agency’s impact as the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world.

But since sociopathic grifters and conspiracy kooks are currently running the country, science is under attack. Trump and lackeys like National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya and the ambulatory catcher’s mitt/disgrace to his family’s legacy whom Trump put in charge of Health & Human Services (HHS) are waging war on science.

Well, science is fighting back. Check out the Bethesda Declaration, which dropped this morning at the Stand Up for Science site.

Scores of NIH scientists go public to declare their dissent from Trump’s deep program cuts and upheaval at their agency.

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— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) June 9, 2025 at 9:30 AM

Here’s an excerpt of the press release accompanying the declaration:

Washington, D.C. — Federal employees at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have stood up for the health and safety of the American people and faithful stewardship of public resources, demanding HHS and NIH leadership uphold the mission of the NIH “to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.” The Bethesda Declaration, addressed to Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Secretary Kennedy, and members of Congress who oversee the NIH, raises concern over pressure to implement measures that harm the public. The document outlines how recently enacted policies interrupt ongoing clinical trials and patient care, public health monitoring, critical research, and early career scientist training programs.

NIH Staff say that because of termination of essential employees, politicization of research, and funding cuts they are unable to uphold their commitment to the NIH mission, the American people, and their ethical charge as scientists. Despite fears of retaliation, the Bethesda Declaration has been signed by over 300 NIH Staff including 93 staff who signed their full name.

“Standing up in this way is a risk, but I am much more worried about the risks of not speaking up. If we don’t speak up, we allow continued harm to research participants and public health in America and across the globe. If we don’t speak up, we allow our government to curtail free speech, a fundamental American value.” says Jenna Norton, PhD, MPH, NIDDK Program officer and one of the lead organizers of the Declaration.

Experts say the abrupt changes to the NIH threaten the ecosystem of the biomedical advancement. “The partnership between NIH and the academic community has made huge contributions to the almost every aspect of health of people across the US. Since January, the NIH staff have been forced to focus on issues other than the noble NIH mission. A large group of public servants have found the courage to speak out and say ‘Enough. Let us get back to our important work.’”, says Jeremy M. Berg, PhD, Former Director, National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

“It has been soul destroying to witness the politicization of research resulting in mass termination of grants that are in progress and doing well. It violated my Hippocratic oath,” says one NIH employee who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.

Stand Up for Science is hosting the Bethesda Declaration and a letter of support. They are asking the public to join with them in supporting these federal employees by signing their open letter. Current supporters include Nobel Laureates, prominent scientists, politicians, activists, patients, and more.

According to Colette Delawalla, MA, MS, founder and executive director of Stand Up for Science, “These NIH employees have devoted their lives to civil service—they care deeply about the public. This is why they are courageously holding NIH and HHS leadership accountable. We are honored they have trusted us with this act of resistance and welcome any such future collaborations with other groups.”

At this historic moment, Stand Up for Science calls on the members of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee who will be soliciting testimony from NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya Tuesday at 10am to seek his commitment of support for NIH staff members signing the Bethesda Declaration.

Bhattacharya will meet with the Senate Appropriations subcommittee tomorrow. If any of your senators are on that committee, this would be a good day to call them and urge them to explain how duly appropriated funding is supposed to work to the NIH director.

No matter who your senators are, now would also be a good time to express your opposition to the budget proposal Trump and Republicans are trying to ram through Congress. It includes a 40% cut to NIH’s discretionary budget and other measures that would further devastate biomedical research in the U.S. and undermine scientific leadership worldwide.

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Monday Morning Open Thread: The LA Protests

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Hundreds of National Guard troops dispatched by President Donald Trump arrived on Sunday, a move Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called “unconstitutional,” as protesters continued demonstrating against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. wapo.st/3HxkXAK

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— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost.com) June 9, 2025 at 7:38 AM

LOS ANGELES — Hundreds of National Guard troops dispatched by President Donald Trump arrived here Sunday, a move Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called “unconstitutional,” as protesters continued demonstrating against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

While calm reigned for much of the day, tensions flared anew in the afternoon as authorities lobbed tear gas at a growing crowd of protesters gathered by the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, which houses an immigration detention center near the city’s downtown core. Los Angeles police said people in the crowd were “throwing concrete, bottles and other objects” and that officers had begun making arrests and telling people to disperse.

In an interview with MSNBC, Newsom said Sunday that California would sue the administration over the deployment of the National Guard. “Commandeering a state’s National Guard without consulting the Governor of that state is illegal and immoral,” he wrote on X.

The National Guard’s arrival marks a new, potentially volatile phase in the Trump administration’s push to ramp up deportations and its contentious relationship with state and local authorities.

Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard personnel over the weekend to deploy following protests against immigration raids in the Los Angeles area that at times turned violent. And he acted over the objections of state and local officials in California — a state that is a frequent target of Trump’s ire — who denounced the move as unnecessary and incendiary…

On Sunday, the unease in Los Angeles grew as the day wore on. Several hundred protesters marched more than a mile from Mariachi Plaza to the federal building with an immigration detention center on the edge of the city’s downtown.

Most protesters appeared peaceful, though at least one man threw a water bottle toward the dozens of police officers in riot gear positioned by the detention center. More than two dozen National Guard members also appeared to be located there as well.

At one point, the National Guard members donned masks and police released a white cloud of what appeared to be noxious tear gas before firing volleys of what sounded like pepper balls. The crowd scattered, running to nearby streets, before many returned to their protest…

Trump said he was not yet at the point of invoking the Insurrection Act to quell the Los Angeles demonstrations, but was watching the situation closely to determine whether he would do so. The president also said he would decide that based on his own instincts.

“The bar is what I think it is,” he said of whether he’d invoke the 1807 act, which lets the president deploy the military for domestic law enforcement. “If we see danger to our country and to our citizens, we will be very, very strong in terms of law and order.”

State and local officials have pleaded with the Trump administration not to deploy troops to the area, including making unsuccessful direct appeals…

More at the link.

Around 300 National Guard members are in L.A. after President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 troops in a move California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized as inflammatory. About 500 Marines are also ready to deploy. NBC News' Courtney Kube discusses.
www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/…

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— MSNBC (@msnbc.com) June 9, 2025 at 8:03 AM

If you’re home alone or with family members and you hear a knock at the door, check the window, security camera or peephole so you can identify whether ICE agents are outside.

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— Bruno J. Navarro (@brunojnavarro.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 8:13 AM

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