Community

Community https://www.dailykos.com/tags/Community News Community Action Copyright - Kos Media, LLC Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:19:41 +0000 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:19:41 +0000 rsshelp@dailykos.helpscoutapp.com rsshelp@dailykos.helpscoutapp.com Ratings Updates to the Progressive Primary Campaign Tracker https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/13/2377655/-Ratings-Updates-to-the-Progressive-Primary-Campaign-Tracker?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p class="AlignCenter"><a href="https://dub.sh/jeidksheet" target="_blank" title="">The Candidate Connections Progressive Campaign Tracker</a></p> <p>Last night and this morning, I added new sections of data to my master sheet and performed additional calculations, then turned those into ratings.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>The tracker now identifies:</p> <ul> <li>General Election campaigns (Incumbents and Primary winners) that need suport.</li> <li>A vibes-based rating of how unlikely/likely the candidate is to be a General Election loss if they win their primary</li> <li>The potential of a blue turnout boost being provided because the candidate is running in a Safe Democratic or Safe Republican area</li> </ul> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>Those three elements are collapsed into a numeric rating system, by which the sheet is sorted. If you’re looking for an at-a-glance guide for where to consider spending time or sending money, this is a good start.</p> <p>The ratings aren’t comprehensive, and I definitely need to get in touch with candidates directly so that they can fill out details in my Tracker form and I can learn about the details of their operation.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>You’ll note that Jessica Salas is highlighted. Jessica and I have had at-length discussions and I’m going to be directly supporting her campaign as a volunteer, because she’s focusing on rural and unlikely voters in a safe Dem district — and I think we need that kind of work.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p><strong>Purposes of the Tracker</strong></p> <ul> <li>Highlighting candidates with Trans Rights or Anti-Outside Spending endorsements</li> <li>Identifying same-State candidates whose offices/districts overlap geographically, to encourage cross-campaign coordination (which I am providing a Digital HQ hub for)</li> <li>Demonstrating that progressives are running in all kinds of races <ul> <li>Strong D</li> <li>Strong R</li> <li>Close call</li> </ul> </li> <li>Ranking available public data about progressiveness on issues/policies in three categories <ul> <li>Trans Rights</li> <li>Affordability</li> <li>Overall progressiveness</li> </ul> </li> <li>Making it easier to see where donations can have the most impact</li> <li>Providing combined GIS-based office/district overlap notes for volunteer cooperation</li> </ul> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>Candidates/campaigns can contact me to get a link to a web form that they can use to update their row data, or to request that a new row be added for them.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p><strong>Long term</strong></p> <p>I hope to be inviting campaigns to have staff join the Digital HQ hub to coordinate and share resources, and volunteers to join a separate Digital HQ hub for staying engaged in local action year-round every year.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (JShCD15) 2026Elections 2026midterms 2026primaries Affordability BlueSky Campaigning Campaigns Candidates Community Competitiveness Cooperation Coordination Data Democrats digitalhq Donations Elections elections2026 Endorsements Fundraising Midterms Midterms2026 mobilizing Organizing Primaries primaries2026 progressivecampaigns Progressives PVI Spreadsheet tracker TransRights Volunteering _2377655 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:39:19 +0000 Top Comments: A Visit to the Museum of American Art at Huntington Gardens https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/12/2377595/-Top-Comments-A-Visit-to-the-Museum-of-American-Art-at-Huntington-Gardens?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="top_comments_header.jpg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1335826/large/top_comments_header.jpg?1724012551" title="top_comments_header.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <blockquote> <p><span>Here at Top Comments we strive to nourish community by rounding up some of the site's best, funniest, most mojo'd & most informative commentary, and we depend on your help!! If you see a comment by another Kossack that deserves wider recognition, please send it either to topcomments at gmail or to the </span><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/newthread/Top%20Comments" target="_blank" title="">Top Comments group mailbox</a><span> by 9:30pm Eastern. Please please please include a few words about why you sent it in as well as your user name (even if you think we know it already :-)), so we can credit you with the find!</span></p> </blockquote> <p>Here are some photos I took on Friday when we spent the day at Huntington Gardens, one of hubby’s favorite gardens.  On the grounds of the gardens, there is a museum of American Art, and while there, I took some photos, mostly of crafts rather than paintings.  As I’m running low on time, I’m going to just post these photos without comments.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_2212.JPG" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1544049/large/IMG_2212.JPG?1776044840" title="IMG_2212.JPG"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_2213.JPG" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1544044/large/IMG_2213.JPG?1776044836" title="IMG_2213.JPG"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_2221.JPG" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1544053/large/IMG_2221.JPG?1776045307" title="IMG_2221.JPG"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_2211.JPG" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1544054/large/IMG_2211.JPG?1776045308" title="IMG_2211.JPG"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_2218.JPG" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1544055/large/IMG_2218.JPG?1776045309" title="IMG_2218.JPG"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_2229.JPG" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1544031/large/IMG_2229.JPG?1776044826" title="IMG_2229.JPG"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_2222.JPG" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1544025/large/IMG_2222.JPG?1776044819" title="IMG_2222.JPG"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>Comments are below the fold.</p> rss@dailykos.com (gizmo59) Art Community HuntingtonGardens Museums TopComments _2377595 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:00:42 +0000 New Day Cafe- Monday: Paints, Artifacts, & Such https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/13/2377566/-New-Day-Cafe-Monday-Paints-Artifacts-amp-Such?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Good morning, Newdists. It’s Monday, and I am your diarist today.</p> <p>Sending Samantha all our love. </p> <p>The opposition in Hungary won. And he’s a fan of the feline. Thought you’d like to know that Peter Magyar, as a lawyer in Hungary, in 2006, offered pro-bono representation in court to anti-govt protesters who had been arrested. </p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-twitter-content="&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;HUNGARY---Victor Orban concedes to this man, Peter Magyar, a cat guy! Bravo to the Hungarian people who stood up to dictatorship. &lt;a href="https://t.co/yKRC1rCrJ7"&gt;pic.twitter.com/yKRC1rCrJ7&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— The Spirit of Lorenzo the Cat (@LorenzoTheCat) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/LorenzoTheCat/status/2043446785838874920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 12, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>HUNGARY---Victor Orban concedes to this man, Peter Magyar, a cat guy! Bravo to the Hungarian people who stood up to dictatorship. <a href="https://t.co/yKRC1rCrJ7">pic.twitter.com/yKRC1rCrJ7</a></p>— The Spirit of Lorenzo the Cat (@LorenzoTheCat) <a href="https://twitter.com/LorenzoTheCat/status/2043446785838874920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2026</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-twitter-content="&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Sunday Night at the legion &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;acrylic on card &lt;a href="https://t.co/gBQfsPfaUs"&gt;pic.twitter.com/gBQfsPfaUs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Sarah Evans (@SarahjevsEvans) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/SarahjevsEvans/status/2043392947853422991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 12, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Sunday Night at the legion <br><br>acrylic on card <a href="https://t.co/gBQfsPfaUs">pic.twitter.com/gBQfsPfaUs</a></p>— Sarah Evans (@SarahjevsEvans) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahjevsEvans/status/2043392947853422991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2026</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:zmxjw6wrtcizyj3pypxg77fb/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjbxxpqekk2b" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreidqxfiwqhp42k44rf2jhbibwfuj7su6hxx3ebvcurdvrqtnuwohnm" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Good morning from Exmoor!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rainbow over Landacre.&lt;br&gt;Photo by Susan Smith.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zmxjw6wrtcizyj3pypxg77fb/post/3mjbxxpqekk2b?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Exmoor4all (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zmxjw6wrtcizyj3pypxg77fb?ref_src=embed"&gt;@exmoor.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zmxjw6wrtcizyj3pypxg77fb/post/3mjbxxpqekk2b?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 12, 2026 at 4:52 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:zmxjw6wrtcizyj3pypxg77fb/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjbxxpqekk2b" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreidqxfiwqhp42k44rf2jhbibwfuj7su6hxx3ebvcurdvrqtnuwohnm"><p>Good morning from Exmoor!</p><p>Rainbow over Landacre.<br>Photo by Susan Smith.<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zmxjw6wrtcizyj3pypxg77fb/post/3mjbxxpqekk2b?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Exmoor4all (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zmxjw6wrtcizyj3pypxg77fb?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@exmoor.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zmxjw6wrtcizyj3pypxg77fb/post/3mjbxxpqekk2b?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 12, 2026 at 4:52 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:7tmjpsxeul46msiu4ilonsx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjcpyijrh22q" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreifpzzvl24uoyqmoe2e7a75akj773ol63fg5vlhfto2u2dbssi46sq" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;These ancient stone figures in Kyrgyzstan are part of the long tradition of Turkic balbals—human-shaped memorial stones found across the Eurasian steppes. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many examples in Kyrgyzstan date to the 6th to 10th centuries CE and are linked to early Turkic funerary culture&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#History #HistoryMatters&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7tmjpsxeul46msiu4ilonsx5/post/3mjcpyijrh22q?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Paul (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7tmjpsxeul46msiu4ilonsx5?ref_src=embed"&gt;@atticusfinch-105.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7tmjpsxeul46msiu4ilonsx5/post/3mjcpyijrh22q?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 12, 2026 at 12:02 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:7tmjpsxeul46msiu4ilonsx5/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjcpyijrh22q" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreifpzzvl24uoyqmoe2e7a75akj773ol63fg5vlhfto2u2dbssi46sq"><p>These ancient stone figures in Kyrgyzstan are part of the long tradition of Turkic balbals—human-shaped memorial stones found across the Eurasian steppes. </p><p>Many examples in Kyrgyzstan date to the 6th to 10th centuries CE and are linked to early Turkic funerary culture</p><p>#History #HistoryMatters<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7tmjpsxeul46msiu4ilonsx5/post/3mjcpyijrh22q?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Paul (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7tmjpsxeul46msiu4ilonsx5?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@atticusfinch-105.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7tmjpsxeul46msiu4ilonsx5/post/3mjcpyijrh22q?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 12, 2026 at 12:02 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:zrwpozkma2oz6cmznv3gk72o/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjcx3iuwsk2j" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreigkvv76xe4evftzygmlovdfx3rogi5h7brzp2m2aurfscs2n4drem" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Had to turn off Meet the Press. Instead I’ll be watching the livestream of the Big Bear eagles’ nest. Little buggers are already starting to grow! &amp;nbsp;#Nature&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zrwpozkma2oz6cmznv3gk72o/post/3mjcx3iuwsk2j?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Brendan Patrick (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zrwpozkma2oz6cmznv3gk72o?ref_src=embed"&gt;@brendanpatrick.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zrwpozkma2oz6cmznv3gk72o/post/3mjcx3iuwsk2j?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 12, 2026 at 2:09 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:zrwpozkma2oz6cmznv3gk72o/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjcx3iuwsk2j" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreigkvv76xe4evftzygmlovdfx3rogi5h7brzp2m2aurfscs2n4drem"><p>Had to turn off Meet the Press. Instead I’ll be watching the livestream of the Big Bear eagles’ nest. Little buggers are already starting to grow!  #Nature<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zrwpozkma2oz6cmznv3gk72o/post/3mjcx3iuwsk2j?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Brendan Patrick (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zrwpozkma2oz6cmznv3gk72o?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@brendanpatrick.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zrwpozkma2oz6cmznv3gk72o/post/3mjcx3iuwsk2j?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 12, 2026 at 2:09 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:bstxvlyxevoxangwrhbbotfe/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj7xpp5ags2b" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreifd42slnakso7anmfdo6zv4paudokxzhf2jrsruucrvmhbp454jie" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;"Strawberry Daydream" was painted using gouache in my sketchbook. 🐈‍⬛️🍓&lt;br&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;Prints: www.the-inner-observer.com &lt;br&gt;#gouache #blackcat #painting&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bstxvlyxevoxangwrhbbotfe/post/3mj7xpp5ags2b?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Kaitlyn Page (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bstxvlyxevoxangwrhbbotfe?ref_src=embed"&gt;@theinnerobserver.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bstxvlyxevoxangwrhbbotfe/post/3mj7xpp5ags2b?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 11, 2026 at 9:42 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:bstxvlyxevoxangwrhbbotfe/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj7xpp5ags2b" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreifd42slnakso7anmfdo6zv4paudokxzhf2jrsruucrvmhbp454jie"><p>"Strawberry Daydream" was painted using gouache in my sketchbook. 🐈‍⬛️🍓<br> <br>Prints: www.the-inner-observer.com <br>#gouache #blackcat #painting<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bstxvlyxevoxangwrhbbotfe/post/3mj7xpp5ags2b?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Kaitlyn Page (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bstxvlyxevoxangwrhbbotfe?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@theinnerobserver.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bstxvlyxevoxangwrhbbotfe/post/3mj7xpp5ags2b?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 11, 2026 at 9:42 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:bixgd4wmgktf7fcf4a2pntdu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj66cwopl22f" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreic2nems6ynfrrpkm663ae5hludcoybbqy5eqhkbezvrvym7evhjge" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Mostly Cloudy &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#art #painting #traditionalart #birds #nature&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bixgd4wmgktf7fcf4a2pntdu/post/3mj66cwopl22f?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Jaxon (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bixgd4wmgktf7fcf4a2pntdu?ref_src=embed"&gt;@jaxonsigns.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bixgd4wmgktf7fcf4a2pntdu/post/3mj66cwopl22f?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 10, 2026 at 4:35 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:bixgd4wmgktf7fcf4a2pntdu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj66cwopl22f" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreic2nems6ynfrrpkm663ae5hludcoybbqy5eqhkbezvrvym7evhjge"><p>Mostly Cloudy </p><p>#art #painting #traditionalart #birds #nature<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bixgd4wmgktf7fcf4a2pntdu/post/3mj66cwopl22f?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Jaxon (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bixgd4wmgktf7fcf4a2pntdu?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@jaxonsigns.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bixgd4wmgktf7fcf4a2pntdu/post/3mj66cwopl22f?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 10, 2026 at 4:35 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:cstpqsz6bvq3xtaa2vnvx7xb/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjaduf5ntc2m" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreid2u2gjpjvy5zteyzi6jqc6oj2ialtlk7epgxhwwy5xueaxdgh4n4" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Pants still wet on this #new #PleinAirApril #seascape. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#BlueSkyArtShow &amp;nbsp;#art #Clevedon #somerset #watercoloronpaper&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:cstpqsz6bvq3xtaa2vnvx7xb/post/3mjaduf5ntc2m?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Mark Vasey (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:cstpqsz6bvq3xtaa2vnvx7xb?ref_src=embed"&gt;@markmakingartmarks.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:cstpqsz6bvq3xtaa2vnvx7xb/post/3mjaduf5ntc2m?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 11, 2026 at 1:20 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:cstpqsz6bvq3xtaa2vnvx7xb/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjaduf5ntc2m" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreid2u2gjpjvy5zteyzi6jqc6oj2ialtlk7epgxhwwy5xueaxdgh4n4"><p>Pants still wet on this #new #PleinAirApril #seascape. </p><p>#BlueSkyArtShow  #art #Clevedon #somerset #watercoloronpaper<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:cstpqsz6bvq3xtaa2vnvx7xb/post/3mjaduf5ntc2m?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Mark Vasey (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:cstpqsz6bvq3xtaa2vnvx7xb?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@markmakingartmarks.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:cstpqsz6bvq3xtaa2vnvx7xb/post/3mjaduf5ntc2m?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 11, 2026 at 1:20 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:viegbbwbb2k7wykfj32agb3b/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj2xz46luc2r" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreierwmcfqkkkw6jgilruun3siojztx7pidqrx72annhcs33ojtjfri" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;My flower painting 🪻&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:viegbbwbb2k7wykfj32agb3b/post/3mj2xz46luc2r?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Vera Kober (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:viegbbwbb2k7wykfj32agb3b?ref_src=embed"&gt;@vera-kober-art.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:viegbbwbb2k7wykfj32agb3b/post/3mj2xz46luc2r?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 9, 2026 at 10:04 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:viegbbwbb2k7wykfj32agb3b/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj2xz46luc2r" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreierwmcfqkkkw6jgilruun3siojztx7pidqrx72annhcs33ojtjfri"><p>My flower painting 🪻<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:viegbbwbb2k7wykfj32agb3b/post/3mj2xz46luc2r?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Vera Kober (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:viegbbwbb2k7wykfj32agb3b?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@vera-kober-art.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:viegbbwbb2k7wykfj32agb3b/post/3mj2xz46luc2r?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 9, 2026 at 10:04 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:22q23ofx54ekzug5tlns2v36/app.bsky.feed.post/3mja4bcjhhs2w" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreih4a3zzlxkdjfpiyp53ebmxynhg5dfs6zbilhb6z4mxjnvz2zs65m" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Pembroke Street, Cambridge, a small oil painting on board&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:22q23ofx54ekzug5tlns2v36/post/3mja4bcjhhs2w?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Richard Baker (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:22q23ofx54ekzug5tlns2v36?ref_src=embed"&gt;@bakerart.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:22q23ofx54ekzug5tlns2v36/post/3mja4bcjhhs2w?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 11, 2026 at 11:03 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:22q23ofx54ekzug5tlns2v36/app.bsky.feed.post/3mja4bcjhhs2w" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreih4a3zzlxkdjfpiyp53ebmxynhg5dfs6zbilhb6z4mxjnvz2zs65m"><p>Pembroke Street, Cambridge, a small oil painting on board<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:22q23ofx54ekzug5tlns2v36/post/3mja4bcjhhs2w?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Richard Baker (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:22q23ofx54ekzug5tlns2v36?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@bakerart.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:22q23ofx54ekzug5tlns2v36/post/3mja4bcjhhs2w?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 11, 2026 at 11:03 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-twitter-content="&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;oil pastel art process &lt;a href="https://t.co/HPppcqshxI"&gt;pic.twitter.com/HPppcqshxI&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— DaVinci (@BiancoDavinci) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/BiancoDavinci/status/2036218936262582302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;March 23, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>oil pastel art process <a href="https://t.co/HPppcqshxI">pic.twitter.com/HPppcqshxI</a></p>— DaVinci (@BiancoDavinci) <a href="https://twitter.com/BiancoDavinci/status/2036218936262582302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:5f4ohnsylmrokx6ggqjl5vkv/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj2dw76d4k2r" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibduberkd2ro2ghfelfl2x4qamtzxw5mtw4h4h3mjp7n5pp4neyby" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;A painting from a couple of years ago. Acrylic on canvas.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5f4ohnsylmrokx6ggqjl5vkv/post/3mj2dw76d4k2r?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Lee Madgwick (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5f4ohnsylmrokx6ggqjl5vkv?ref_src=embed"&gt;@leemadgwick.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5f4ohnsylmrokx6ggqjl5vkv/post/3mj2dw76d4k2r?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 9, 2026 at 4:04 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:5f4ohnsylmrokx6ggqjl5vkv/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj2dw76d4k2r" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibduberkd2ro2ghfelfl2x4qamtzxw5mtw4h4h3mjp7n5pp4neyby"><p>A painting from a couple of years ago. Acrylic on canvas.<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5f4ohnsylmrokx6ggqjl5vkv/post/3mj2dw76d4k2r?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Lee Madgwick (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5f4ohnsylmrokx6ggqjl5vkv?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@leemadgwick.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5f4ohnsylmrokx6ggqjl5vkv/post/3mj2dw76d4k2r?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 9, 2026 at 4:04 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:bfh7axkk5ajsrmzsvyazg2gh/app.bsky.feed.post/3miyil3mfxs2q" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreih4wgs2ulubkhylra6hvi5mh33iu637cjxewdgr7hvr55rw3j4ifi" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;My first A3 format painting :) The first one that worked out. It is much harder to work on larger formats.&lt;br&gt;#art #bskyart #painting #watercolor #SciArt #mountains #mist&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bfh7axkk5ajsrmzsvyazg2gh/post/3miyil3mfxs2q?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— fluxxxxx (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bfh7axkk5ajsrmzsvyazg2gh?ref_src=embed"&gt;@fluxxxxx.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bfh7axkk5ajsrmzsvyazg2gh/post/3miyil3mfxs2q?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 8, 2026 at 10:22 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:bfh7axkk5ajsrmzsvyazg2gh/app.bsky.feed.post/3miyil3mfxs2q" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreih4wgs2ulubkhylra6hvi5mh33iu637cjxewdgr7hvr55rw3j4ifi"><p>My first A3 format painting :) The first one that worked out. It is much harder to work on larger formats.<br>#art #bskyart #painting #watercolor #SciArt #mountains #mist<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bfh7axkk5ajsrmzsvyazg2gh/post/3miyil3mfxs2q?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— fluxxxxx (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bfh7axkk5ajsrmzsvyazg2gh?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@fluxxxxx.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bfh7axkk5ajsrmzsvyazg2gh/post/3miyil3mfxs2q?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 8, 2026 at 10:22 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:u2zs2typsklaohqmfyxiunvy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mizwm6wsw22v" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreidnxhmudpamu376eq7vkpuplnrxbhsw64qldwesrlkor5uvvdw2em" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;The #fox appears in the folklore of many cultures and is associated with cunning and tricks or as a familiar animal, possessed of magic powers #FolkloreThursday &lt;br&gt;Artwork by Jackie Morris, artist, author, illustrator #WomensArt&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:u2zs2typsklaohqmfyxiunvy/post/3mizwm6wsw22v?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— womensartbluesky.bsky.social (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:u2zs2typsklaohqmfyxiunvy?ref_src=embed"&gt;@womensartbluesky.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:u2zs2typsklaohqmfyxiunvy/post/3mizwm6wsw22v?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 9, 2026 at 12:06 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:u2zs2typsklaohqmfyxiunvy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mizwm6wsw22v" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreidnxhmudpamu376eq7vkpuplnrxbhsw64qldwesrlkor5uvvdw2em"><p>The #fox appears in the folklore of many cultures and is associated with cunning and tricks or as a familiar animal, possessed of magic powers #FolkloreThursday <br>Artwork by Jackie Morris, artist, author, illustrator #WomensArt<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:u2zs2typsklaohqmfyxiunvy/post/3mizwm6wsw22v?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— womensartbluesky.bsky.social (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:u2zs2typsklaohqmfyxiunvy?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@womensartbluesky.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:u2zs2typsklaohqmfyxiunvy/post/3mizwm6wsw22v?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 9, 2026 at 12:06 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:b5mts57un2huzcy7bqvzht6b/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjdl4xgjdc2z" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreieez72zqzi7j3bh32bz33hbwqzy7vdlu3oye4sb4rfncbdv2b4kxa" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Stig Eklund (1978-) Norwegian&lt;br&gt;"Where the River Narrows " 2023&lt;br&gt;Photographic print on paper&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:b5mts57un2huzcy7bqvzht6b/post/3mjdl4xgjdc2z?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— rubecula24.bsky.social (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:b5mts57un2huzcy7bqvzht6b?ref_src=embed"&gt;@rubecula24.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:b5mts57un2huzcy7bqvzht6b/post/3mjdl4xgjdc2z?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 12, 2026 at 8:07 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:b5mts57un2huzcy7bqvzht6b/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjdl4xgjdc2z" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreieez72zqzi7j3bh32bz33hbwqzy7vdlu3oye4sb4rfncbdv2b4kxa"><p>Stig Eklund (1978-) Norwegian<br>"Where the River Narrows " 2023<br>Photographic print on paper<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:b5mts57un2huzcy7bqvzht6b/post/3mjdl4xgjdc2z?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— rubecula24.bsky.social (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:b5mts57un2huzcy7bqvzht6b?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@rubecula24.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:b5mts57un2huzcy7bqvzht6b/post/3mjdl4xgjdc2z?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 12, 2026 at 8:07 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <blockquote> <p><em><strong>All are welcome to join the fun, the silliness, the conversations. If you don’t know...just ask! Some things really<span> </span>do<span> </span>require a bit of explanation.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>We do not post photos of snakes, creepy crawlies, or any photo depicting harm to humans or animals.</strong></em></p> <p><u><em><strong>We, as a group, have declared a moratorium on photos of Trump.  We’ve seen enough, heard enough.  This is a mostly Trump-Free Zone!</strong></em></u></p> <p><em><strong>There will be a few surprises along the way, all good ones, we hope.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>We are here to keep building the Daily Kos Community.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>We post<span> </span>Mon-Sun at 10:30 a.m. Eastern.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Pie fights will be met with outrageous ridicule and insults. Trolls will be incinerated and served at the next group BBQ.  As briquettes.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (Crimson Quillfeather) Community Monday NDC NewDayCafe OpenThread Recommended _2377566 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:30:05 +0000 Save The Images: Beloved Animals https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/12/2377553/-Beloved-Animals?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Another image heavy diary/post.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-md"><img alt="Zoe.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/238980/large/Zoe.jpg?1460698754" title="Zoe.jpg"> <figcaption>Zoe</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_E1394.JPG" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/506465/large/IMG_E1394.JPG?1518323358" title="IMG_E1394.JPG"> <figcaption>Zoe</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_7112.JPG" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/510326/large/IMG_7112.JPG?1519185727" title="IMG_7112.JPG"> <figcaption>Zoe</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="98359528-87C7-4199-AB6D-3793DD7515A0.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/739374/large/98359528-87C7-4199-AB6D-3793DD7515A0.jpeg?1574133826" title="98359528-87C7-4199-AB6D-3793DD7515A0.jpeg"> <figcaption>Zoe</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_9470.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/504819/large/IMG_9470.jpg?1517976859" title="IMG_9470.jpg"> <figcaption>Coco</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Lucy___Ricky_III.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/455232/large/Lucy___Ricky_III.jpg?1506740668" title="Lucy___Ricky_III.jpg"> <figcaption>Lucy & Ricky</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Ricky002.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/689657/large/Ricky002.jpg?1561521314" title="Ricky002.jpg"> <figcaption>Ricky</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Ricky_001.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/524089/large/Ricky_001.jpg?1522016864" title="Ricky_001.jpg"> <figcaption>Ricky</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Lucy001.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/689654/large/Lucy001.jpg?1561521088" title="Lucy001.jpg"> <figcaption>Lucy</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Ricky.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/689651/large/Ricky.jpg?1561520906" title="Ricky.jpg"> <figcaption>Ricky</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_1728.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/662565/large/IMG_1728.jpg?1554666884" title="IMG_1728.jpg"> <figcaption>Fred</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_1729.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/662568/large/IMG_1729.jpg?1554666984" title="IMG_1729.jpg"> <figcaption>Gigi</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_2878.JPG" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/662559/large/IMG_2878.JPG?1554666366" title="IMG_2878.JPG"> <figcaption>Louis</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_2890.JPG" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/662560/large/IMG_2890.JPG?1554666496" title="IMG_2890.JPG"> <figcaption>Jacks</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="AD0C619B-ED69-4837-B5C8-A5854FF98C30.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/683362/large/AD0C619B-ED69-4837-B5C8-A5854FF98C30.jpeg?1559843280" title="AD0C619B-ED69-4837-B5C8-A5854FF98C30.jpeg"> <figcaption>Kitty</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="7E5AC66D-4E6A-4876-AB43-8DB10B824650.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/954961/large/7E5AC66D-4E6A-4876-AB43-8DB10B824650.jpeg?1623204795" title="7E5AC66D-4E6A-4876-AB43-8DB10B824650.jpeg"> <figcaption>Maci</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (Pam from Calif) Cats Community Dogs Images SaveTheImages _2377553 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:13:21 +0000 Kitchen Table Kibitzing April 12, 2026 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/12/2377547/-Kitchen-Table-Kibitzing-April-12-2026?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="exponentialgrowthchart.JPG" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/782483/large/exponentialgrowthchart.JPG?1585097541" title="exponentialgrowthchart.JPG"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>Up and up</strong></p> <p>Inflation and the war are major topics around many kitchen tables right now.They are, of course, connected.</p> <p>I chose 1950 as a measure since I was already earning money delivering papers and becoming aware of prices.</p> <p><span>“Since 1950, US consumer prices have risen by over 1,250%, with an </span>average annual inflation rate of approximately 3.5%<span>. A $1,000 purchase in 1950 would cost over $13,500 today, reflecting a roughly 93% loss in the dollar's purchasing power.”</span> </p> <p>At 3.5% inflation isn’t so obvious in the short run. But the older one gets, the measure becomes more and more obvious. This jumped out at me recently when I saw a candy bar in the store, similar in size to what I used to buy for 5 cents. It was $2.99.</p> <p>I remember talking to an old gardener when we first moved to California 50+ years ago. He told me that he used to cut, split, and stack a cord of firewood, and receive $3 in pay.</p> <p>A while ago it was the price of eggs; now it’s gasoline. Today’s paper points out that the average new car price just hit $50K. My first new car, a Volvo 544, cost me $2,300 in 1963. Now…..<span>New Volvo sedans currently start in the low $40,000s to the high $50,000s.</span></p> <p><span>But not all is lost. </span><span>Continued efficiencies in manufacturing have kept tech, such as TVs, from seeing high price increases. Whip Inflation Now. Buy more TVs.</span></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Jersey Shore Sunset KTK boilerplate" height="175" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50112671546_96e5771e73_z.jpg" width="640"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <div></div> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (side pocket) Community Inflation KitchenTableKibitzing KTK Recommended _2377547 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Save The Images: Maci, My Maine Coon Girl https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/12/2377545/-Maci-My-Maine-Coon-Girl?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>It’s raining cats & dogs in the San Francisco Bay Area. Everyone, please be careful & safe. I realized that I didn’t share my images of Maci. This is a photo heavy diary/post. </p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_5161.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1398036/large/IMG_5161.jpeg?1739433717" title="IMG_5161.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_7592.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1446321/large/IMG_7592.jpeg?1750198548" title="IMG_7592.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="93EF796C-A775-4E6A-B10E-EAD2FD36C74D.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1016935/large/93EF796C-A775-4E6A-B10E-EAD2FD36C74D.jpeg?1639541886" title="93EF796C-A775-4E6A-B10E-EAD2FD36C74D.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="93B3B4DE-2034-4213-A1F6-8EBF0FE89D93.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/879037/large/93B3B4DE-2034-4213-A1F6-8EBF0FE89D93.jpeg?1604605704" title="93B3B4DE-2034-4213-A1F6-8EBF0FE89D93.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_5708.JPG" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/765445/large/IMG_5708.JPG?1581389767" title="IMG_5708.JPG"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="DFAE3B8F-AB99-4CEE-9AE6-190B7666039F.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/782578/large/DFAE3B8F-AB99-4CEE-9AE6-190B7666039F.jpeg?1585112182" title="DFAE3B8F-AB99-4CEE-9AE6-190B7666039F.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="F8A02E4B-CF1F-4A4B-B3AC-E6DD7350400A.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/837102/large/F8A02E4B-CF1F-4A4B-B3AC-E6DD7350400A.jpeg?1595876871" title="F8A02E4B-CF1F-4A4B-B3AC-E6DD7350400A.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="6FD36E00-44F1-4ECD-8F5D-6F1645B427F8.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/846914/large/6FD36E00-44F1-4ECD-8F5D-6F1645B427F8.jpeg?1598066234" title="6FD36E00-44F1-4ECD-8F5D-6F1645B427F8.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="0D08D5B4-27AA-462E-8AD0-BF7A8689D1AE.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/891410/large/0D08D5B4-27AA-462E-8AD0-BF7A8689D1AE.jpeg?1607312502" title="0D08D5B4-27AA-462E-8AD0-BF7A8689D1AE.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="36FB7E92-5C38-4056-8038-1F1A21C500B3.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/938241/large/36FB7E92-5C38-4056-8038-1F1A21C500B3.jpeg?1618682819" title="36FB7E92-5C38-4056-8038-1F1A21C500B3.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="8A3AD6E0-CDE3-4C71-8748-F699A440EC5C.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/954962/large/8A3AD6E0-CDE3-4C71-8748-F699A440EC5C.jpeg?1623204846" title="8A3AD6E0-CDE3-4C71-8748-F699A440EC5C.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="364CD524-369D-41CB-9214-97235B5699C4.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/954960/large/364CD524-369D-41CB-9214-97235B5699C4.jpeg?1623204741" title="364CD524-369D-41CB-9214-97235B5699C4.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="499D3D7E-227E-4412-87F8-9B847D53ADC0.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/975234/large/499D3D7E-227E-4412-87F8-9B847D53ADC0.jpeg?1628651479" title="499D3D7E-227E-4412-87F8-9B847D53ADC0.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="D4785EE7-F024-46B9-B2DD-D1EBEF39103C.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/984535/large/D4785EE7-F024-46B9-B2DD-D1EBEF39103C.jpeg?1631072598" title="D4785EE7-F024-46B9-B2DD-D1EBEF39103C.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="761952C9-AB8B-4750-8CCB-BC1F300E3030.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/984534/large/761952C9-AB8B-4750-8CCB-BC1F300E3030.jpeg?1631072574" title="761952C9-AB8B-4750-8CCB-BC1F300E3030.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="F0E13018-A9E0-4283-B656-F0B57B3D8E75.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1021256/large/F0E13018-A9E0-4283-B656-F0B57B3D8E75.jpeg?1640673888" title="F0E13018-A9E0-4283-B656-F0B57B3D8E75.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_7948.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1471498/large/IMG_7948.jpeg?1756169106" title="IMG_7948.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_7950.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1471500/large/IMG_7950.jpeg?1756169163" title="IMG_7950.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_8063.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1475808/large/IMG_8063.jpeg?1757302994" title="IMG_8063.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_8819.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1507814/large/IMG_8819.jpeg?1765741468" title="IMG_8819.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_9548.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1528410/large/IMG_9548.jpeg?1771501293" title="IMG_9548.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_9965.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1535861/large/IMG_9965.jpeg?1773726669" title="IMG_9965.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_9644.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1529708/large/IMG_9644.jpeg?1771862066" title="IMG_9644.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_3733.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1300706/large/IMG_3733.jpeg?1715746447" title="IMG_3733.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_3640.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1288671/large/IMG_3640.jpeg?1712531238" title="IMG_3640.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_0937.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1251156/large/IMG_0937.jpeg?1701228306" title="IMG_0937.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="D0BABE4F-8C40-47A5-B238-8A932796B045.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1171827/large/D0BABE4F-8C40-47A5-B238-8A932796B045.jpeg?1679434581" title="D0BABE4F-8C40-47A5-B238-8A932796B045.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="F5B1EF32-CD90-40A2-8728-B2CEA2151A76.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1171793/large/F5B1EF32-CD90-40A2-8728-B2CEA2151A76.jpeg?1679423120" title="F5B1EF32-CD90-40A2-8728-B2CEA2151A76.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_1643.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1181220/large/IMG_1643.jpeg?1682130962" title="IMG_1643.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_2448.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1234299/large/IMG_2448.jpeg?1696482495" title="IMG_2448.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_2517.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1238022/large/IMG_2517.jpeg?1697570740" title="IMG_2517.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_3896.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1300699/large/IMG_3896.jpeg?1715746268" title="IMG_3896.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_3882.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1300703/large/IMG_3882.jpeg?1715746372" title="IMG_3882.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_6346.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393733/large/IMG_6346.jpeg?1738445798" title="IMG_6346.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_4026.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1398029/large/IMG_4026.jpeg?1739431290" title="IMG_4026.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="D36FE528-F5CB-41D3-A6E7-A385C059B4A4.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1097885/large/D36FE528-F5CB-41D3-A6E7-A385C059B4A4.jpeg?1659415423" title="D36FE528-F5CB-41D3-A6E7-A385C059B4A4.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="D37E999D-1B62-4389-A3B5-FF61BC4C0F12.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1147393/large/D37E999D-1B62-4389-A3B5-FF61BC4C0F12.jpeg?1672176237" title="D37E999D-1B62-4389-A3B5-FF61BC4C0F12.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="3888FF07-6497-4A78-BCC6-286AC7E16727.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1077905/large/3888FF07-6497-4A78-BCC6-286AC7E16727.jpeg?1654582446" title="3888FF07-6497-4A78-BCC6-286AC7E16727.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="376F1ED3-710A-4B2F-8E52-D723E57BB3B8.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1159709/large/376F1ED3-710A-4B2F-8E52-D723E57BB3B8.jpeg?1675830678" title="376F1ED3-710A-4B2F-8E52-D723E57BB3B8.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="E1EDC447-E762-40D0-8B59-6AE4AA356357.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1079883/large/E1EDC447-E762-40D0-8B59-6AE4AA356357.jpeg?1655060363" title="E1EDC447-E762-40D0-8B59-6AE4AA356357.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Screenshot" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1535456/large/IMG_9962.jpeg?1773601830" title="Screenshot"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (Pam from Calif) Cat Cats Community Images Maci Recommended SaveTheImages _2377545 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 20:56:17 +0000 Introducing the Candidate Connections Progressive Campaign Tracker https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/12/2377523/-Introducing-the-Candidate-Connections-Progressive-Campaign-Tracker?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>I’ve had several elections-related projects in the fires, and this is one I’m most proud of.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p class="AlignCenter"><a href="https://dub.sh/jeidksheet" target="_blank">The Candidate Connections Progressive Campaign Tracker</a></p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p><strong>Purposes</strong></p> <ul> <li>Highlighting candidates with ties to Trans Rights or Anti-Outside Spending endorsements</li> <li>Identifying same-State candidates whose offices/districts overlap geographically, to encourage cross-campaign coordination (which I am providing a Digital HQ hub for)</li> <li>Demonstrating that progressives are running in all kinds of races <ul> <li>Strong D</li> <li>Strong R</li> <li>Close call</li> </ul> </li> <li>Ranking available public data about progressiveness on issues/policies in three categories <ul> <li>Trans Rights</li> <li>Affordability</li> <li>Overall progressiveness in form responses</li> </ul> </li> <li>Making it easier to see where donations can have the most impact</li> <li>Providing combined GIS-based office/district overlap notes for volunteer cooperation</li> </ul> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>Candidates/campaigns can contact me to get a link to a web form that they can use to update their row data, or to request that a new row be added for them.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p><strong>Long term</strong></p> <p>I hope to be inviting campaigns to have staff join the Digital HQ hub to coordinate and share resources, and volunteers to join a separate Digital HQ hub for staying engaged in local action year-round every year.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (JShCD15) 2026Elections 2026midterms 2026primaries Affordability BlueSky Campaigning Campaigns Candidates Community Competitiveness Cooperation Coordination Data Democrats digitalhq Donations Elections elections2026 Endorsements Fundraising Midterms Midterms2026 mobilizing Organizing Primaries primaries2026 progressivecampaigns Progressives PVI Spreadsheet tracker TransRights Volunteering _2377523 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 17:01:33 +0000 New Day Cafe: Presidential Favorite Foods, First Ladies Edition https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/12/2377489/-New-Day-Cafe-Presidential-Favorite-Foods-First-Ladies-Edition?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Good morning, Newdists! I’ve done a couple of New Day Cafe diaries so far on the favorite foods of some of our presidents. See <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2025/9/28/2345864/-New-Day-Cafe-Presidential-Favorite-Foods" target="_blank">Part 1 here</a> and <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2025/10/19/2349342/-New-Day-Cafe-Presidential-Favorite-Foods-pt-2" target="_blank">Part 2 here</a>. Rather than do a third this morning, I thought it would be fun to feature the ladies this time.</p> <p>Because fuck the men, am I right? I mean, we gave the men two chances, and they (Richard Nixon) came up with shit like cottage cheese with ketchup as their favorite foods. (I guess this is why Nixon famously said, “I am not a cook.”) Surely the women will have more refined tastes.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="ratio3x2_960.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543808/large/ratio3x2_960.jpeg?1775994679" title="ratio3x2_960.jpeg"> <figcaption>Whatcha cookin’, Barbara?</figcaption> </figure> </div> rss@dailykos.com (Chrislove) Community Food NewDayCafe OpenThread Recipes Recommended _2377489 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:30:02 +0000 Kitchen Table Kibitzing 4/11/26 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/11/2377450/-Kitchen-Table-Kibitzing-4-11-26?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>hugely distracted by life this week...but still found time to get some pics</p> <p>which is your fave..??</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_1500.jpeg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543700/large/IMG_1500.jpeg?1775951406" title="IMG_1500.jpeg"> <figcaption>it rains</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_1516.jpeg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543706/large/IMG_1516.jpeg?1775951411" title="IMG_1516.jpeg"> <figcaption>finding your way thru</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_1528.jpeg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543703/large/IMG_1528.jpeg?1775951408" title="IMG_1528.jpeg"> <figcaption>morn vs...</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_1537.jpeg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543704/large/IMG_1537.jpeg?1775951409" title="IMG_1537.jpeg"> <figcaption>...eve</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_1501.jpeg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543701/large/IMG_1501.jpeg?1775951408" title="IMG_1501.jpeg"> <figcaption>guilty..??</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_1534.jpeg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543702/large/IMG_1534.jpeg?1775951409" title="IMG_1534.jpeg"> <figcaption>satan cat</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="IMG_1491.jpeg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543705/large/IMG_1491.jpeg?1775951411" title="IMG_1491.jpeg"> <figcaption>angel kitty </figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (Glen The Plumber) Community KitchenTableKibitzing KTK Recommended _2377450 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:30:02 +0000 📚 The Inoculation Project 4/12/2026: Texas Owls, California Books https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/12/2377428/--x1f4da-The-Inoculation-Project-4-12-2026-Texas-Owls-California-Books?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>This week, we’re helping a Texas fourth grade dissect owl pellets, and a southern California middle school get some library books the students will want to read.<span> We hope that readers who support quality public school education will help by sharing or supporting our featured projects.</span></p> <p><span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/The%20Inoculation%20Project" target="_blank">The Inoculation Project</a><span> </span>is an ongoing, volunteer effort to crowdfund science, math, and literacy projects for public schools in low-income neighborhoods.</span><span> </span>As always, our conduit is<span> </span><a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/" target="_blank">DonorsChoose</a>,<span> </span><span style="text-align:center">a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation</span><span> </span>that facilitates tax-deductible donations to specific, vetted projects in public schools.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Inoculation Project lower banner with Neil Degrasse Tyson quote, with caption." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1136035/large/TheInoculationProjectnewTysontriptychblue.jpg?1668980974" title="Inoculation Project lower banner with Neil Degrasse Tyson quote, with caption."> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> rss@dailykos.com (belinda ridgewood) Community DonorsChoose Education Literacy Mathematics Science STEM TheInoculationProject _2377428 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:00:18 +0000 What Melania meant to say... https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/12/2377409/--What-Melania-meant-to-say?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <div> <p>Melania’s <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/04/first-lady-melania-trump-statement/" target="_blank">baffling presser</a> while hubby was discussing war plans with individuals mostly “devoid of ethical standards, humility, and respect”, was packed with riddles waiting to be solved.  Anytime a member of the Trump family leads with accusations that others are lying about them, one can be sure the truth is hiding somewhere in plain sight.  In this case, Melania was signaling that the Epstein files were about to get personal.</p> <p>As reported <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/11/opinion/melania-trump-epstein-statement.html" target="_blank">elsewhere</a>, there seems to be a catfight brewing between two ex-models who entered the Trump orbit at around the same time.  That sordid tale can be read <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-strange-case-of-melania-trump-and-amanda-ungaro-the-model-deported-by-ice/" target="_blank">here</a>. Amanda Ungaro, who was recruited as a “model” by the same agent who recruited Melania Knauss, threatened the first lady for not helping when ICE deported her in 2025. She married Paolo Zampolli, who owned a modeling agency and who traveled in the same circles as Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump back in the day. Zampolli is the man who has claimed to introduce Donald to Melania at a party at the Kit Kat Club in 2000, a claim repeated in her 2024 best-selling memoir. Zampolli and Trump remained close, and Trump has since appointed the Italian businessman to several mostly ceremonial positions during his two administrations. Zampolli, given his overlapping association with Epstein and Trump during the period when the three men shared party invitations and women, would seemingly know just how close the Trumps and Epstein were. More importantly, Ungaro, who was married to Zampolli from 2002 until their 2018 divorce, may have stories to tell. Zampolli’s and Epstein’s relationship is described on Wikipedia during this period as both personal and business:</p> <blockquote> <p>Zampolli’s social circle overlapped with that of Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein patronized Zampolli’s ID Model Management, and was a partner in Zampolli’s 2004 bid to purchase Elite Model Management. His name appears several times in the Epstein Files; in one 2011 email, Epstein warned an Emirati businessman that “zampoli [<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sic" target="_blank"><em>sic</em></a>] is trouble”. Zampolli was named as one of four partners in Ghislaine Maxwell’s charity, the TerraMar Project, in 2013.</p> <p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Zampolli#Trump_administration_positions" target="_blank"><sup><span>— Wikipedia</span></sup></a></p> </blockquote> <p>Ungaro shared that orbit and presents a danger to the Trumps' recollection of their relationship with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, which the president and his wife have tried mightily to discount. Here are some outtakes from Melania’s rather odd press conference:</p> <ul> <li>“I have never been friends with Epstein.”  </li> <li>“Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach.”</li> <li>“To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell.”  </li> <li>“My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence.  My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note.”</li> </ul> <p>and the most curious of Melania’s denials,</p> <ul> <li>“I am not Epstein’s victim.”   </li> </ul> <p>Most of her attempts to distance herself from the crimes of Epstein and Maxwell, which she dismisses with such umbrage, seem strangely off the point or easily disproved.  Unless someone close to their relationship has other information, for example, who has suggested that Melania was a victim of Epstein?</p> <p>Enter author and Jeffrey Epstein whisperer, Michael Wolff.  In “Fire and Fury,” Wolff alleges that Epstein told him that he had actually introduced Trump and Melania Knauss and that they first had sex on Epstein’s <em>Lolita Express.  </em>Wolff has alleged that Epstein had damning evidence of Donald with underage girls locked in a safe that should be in the FBI’s hands after they had raided Epstein’s home. In Melania’s retelling, she discounts the possibility that both Trump-Knauss stories could be true at the same time— or that Zampolli’s claim is one that most conveniently fits the Trump narrative.   </p> <p>Amanda Ungaro was 17 when she met Zampolli in 2002— he was 32.  She was recruited by Jean-Luc Brunel and was flown from Paris on Epstein’s plane.  Brunel, who, like Epstein, committed suicide while in a French prison, is alleged to have been a procurer for Epstein’s modeling agency.  What brings together the four men, Brunel, Zampolli, Trump, and Epstein, is their shared attraction to young, and often underage, women.  It also appears that the promise of a “modeling career” was little more than a ruse to lure young, beautiful girls into the web Epstein spun.  According to Michael Gross, who interviewed Donald Trump for his book, <em>My Generation:</em></p> <blockquote> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>Far more interesting—and relevant to the current political debate, where Bill Clinton’s decades-old sexual improprieties are now being regurgitated by his wife’s enemies—is Trump’s history as what’s commonly referred to as a model-fucker.</p> <p>Before his first marriage, Trump told me in an interview for my book,<span> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Generation-Revolution-Glamour-Silicon-ebook/dp/B01CIQDH4Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468961872&sr=1-1&keywords=My+Generation+gross" target="_blank"><em>My Generation</em></a>, he indulged in consequence-free promiscuity—or “my second business,” as he put it—mostly with women he met at Le Club, an East Side private nightclub known for privileged debauchery. “You had drugs, women and booze all over the fuckin’ place.” In 1977, though, Trump married Ivana Winklmayr, a “model” from Czechoslovakia, shortly after she came to New York from Montreal, where she’d come to promote the 1976 Olympic Games in Canada. That glamorous modeling job was the equivalent of standing in a bikini next to a new car at an auto show.</p> <p><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/donald-trump-used-model-parties-215500198.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHElTKn-HEKD4NbbB1N2dQ3CzdlIJsJMnNvpFyEzHGIYnwn9BMF1Y-dkNpZ2G8L2ZGhbDaFiMYLmbqWCUBR7eX1bHKghp8ZCnfkyeiShT4ClgwClfO-2AVsOk2z0mJrGFUq5_ViPrxV48YAwTzBgsoG6vHGlI4tTGToNnXevFf7F" target="_blank">-- Daily Beast, “Donald Trump Used Model Parties to Seal Deals, Industry Sources Say,” by Michael Gross</a></p> </blockquote> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>So, Melania appears to have attempted a preemptive strike to blunt accusations that may be coming from unreleased documents from the Epstein files or from the scorned Ungaro, who may have expected help from a former friend before ICE took her into custody and deported her, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/20/us/paolo-zampolli-ice-melania-trump-epstein.html" target="_blank">ostensibly as a favor to her former husband</a>.  An angry posting attributed to Ungaro on <strong>X </strong>threatened to reveal secrets that would implicate her friend in Epstein’s affairs:</p> <blockquote> <p>Amanda Ungaro, a 41-year-old former model from Brazil, threatened to upend the first lady's life in a series of intensifying posts on X just hours before Trump on Thursday<span> </span><a href="https://www.newsweek.com/melania-trump-jeffrey-epstein-files-allegations-statement-11807430" target="_blank">disavowed all ties to Jeffrey Epstein</a><span> </span>or knowledge of his crimes.</p> <p>"I have nothing left to lose in my life," Ungaro posted on X early Thursday. "I will tear down the entire system — be careful with me b****."</p> </blockquote> <p>and, </p> <blockquote> <p>"I will tear down your corrupt system, even if it’s the last thing I do in my life," Ungaro posted. "I will go all the way — I am not afraid. Maybe you should be afraid of what I know … of who you are, and who your husband is."</p> <p>In another reply to an archived post from Melania's former @FLOTUS45 account, Ungaro vowed to "take legal action" against Trump and her "pedophile husband" while alleging long-standing ties to former model.</p> <p><a href="https://www.newsweek.com/who-is-amanda-ungaro-what-we-know-as-melania-trump-speaks-out-on-epstein-11813227" target="_blank">— Newsweek, “Who Is Amanda Ungaro? What We Know as Melania Trump Speaks Out on Epstein,” by Joshua Rhett Miller</a></p> </blockquote> <p>If it is true that Trump had no idea what his wife was up to, Melania may have been sending a message to Donald as well.  She was very careful in her denials to use the singular personal pronouns, leaving it to Donald to fend for himself. </p> <p>The family that trades in lies, like the Trumps, thinks that bluster and stunts like the one Melania pulled this week can fool us, dazzle us with bullshit.  They fail to understand that we are on to their tricks.  Her protestations are rich:</p> <ul> <li>Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years now.  </li> <li>I am not a witness or a named witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes.  </li> <li>My name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements, or FBI interviews surrounding the Epstein matter.</li> <li>I have never been legally accused or convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein’s sex trafficking, abuse of minors, and other repulsive behavior.</li> <li>The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop.</li> </ul> <p>The rejoinder to each is a hearty, “So what?”  None of the above are relevant as long as more than 3 million unreleased files remain under the control of her husband’s corrupt DOJ. </p> <p>Also rich is her demand that Congress act on allowing the Epstein victims to testify— as if her husband and his lackeys were not the ones standing in the way of a real investigation of the Epstein case.  </p> <p>We are left to wonder why Melania chose to throw her little public tantrum now.  Why did she decide to become Epstein’s victims' advocate when her husband is on record demanding that we forget the whole affair? </p> <p>What is more interesting, even more important than what Melania actually said, is what she really <em>meant to say</em>, as she tried to inoculate herself from stories that are waiting to come out…</p> <p>“Not my circus, not my monkeys...”</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (vjr7121) Community DonaldTrump MelaniaTrump Recommended _2377409 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:07:21 +0000 What If Trump Punched Out the Pope on Fifth Avenue? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/11/2377397/-What-If-Trump-Punched-Out-the-Pope-on-Fifth-Avenue?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>     Behind closed doors early this year, Trump aides reportedly sat down with the Vatican’s long-time chief diplomat to our country.  Not for peaceful, constructive talks, mind you; for an imperious, overbearing, freedom-stifling threat.  Warning.  Tongue-lashing.  Shakedown.  Dictate.   </p> <p>   This week, we learned that, 3 months ago, Ambassador Cardinal Christophe Pierre apparently became a target for US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby to (verbally) pummel.  As first reported in the generally right-leaning Free Press, Colby honked “The United States has the military <a href="https://newrepublic.com/post/208820/pentagon-threatened-pope-criticized-donald-trump" target="_blank" title="">power</a> to do whatever it wants. The Catholic Church had better take its side.” </p> <p>   Translation: Trump’s way or the highway to hell.</p> <p>   And there’s more.  An unnamed Colby sidekick reportedly suggested that history, in a bad way, could repeat.  For nearly 70 years starting in 1309, the French decreed that the Pope must reside in Avignon, not Rome.  With the Trump Regime now reportedly floating such power of relocation, our profess haven of ‘no established religion’ would make bold to establish no small grip on the Pontiff and his charges.  (Go figure.)   </p> <p>   But where would Trump choose to raise a Papal Palace?  On one hand, “Arlington” (Texas or Virginia, take your pick) sounds like “Avignon.”  But wait.  Pope Leo himself hails from Chicago.  Perhaps even more to the point, that city happens to be the site of what Trump himself called a <a href="https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/operation-midway-blitz-the-economic-and-human-costs-to-illinois-communities" target="_blank" title="">“Blitz</a>” on ostensibly free Americans.</p> <p>   Not to suggest that all would be pleased.  If memory serves, some scholars have compared the Avignon Papacy’s ‘when not in Rome, do as some foreign overlords tell you’ sway to the Jews’ captivity in ancient Babylon.  </p> <p>   Beyond even that, on two grounds I take issue with Colby’s reported claim to the effect that military might confers hegemonic right.  One, by dint of it being quintessentially un-Christian AND dead, stinking wrong.  Two, in his reported wording, he connotes that the bumptious, oil-seeking, bloodthirsty Trump represents “The United States.”   </p> <p>   In truth, at bottom, he does not.  The reason we call Alaska a politically small state & New Jersey a big one is that what really count are WE, THE PEOPLE.  Such tyranny as lawless, grossly unpopular bombing at the kaleidoscopic whim of one power-crazed plutocrat was NEVER supposed to be part and parcel of our democracy’s essence, principles, or future.   </p> <p>   Oh, well!  Happy weekend after Easter!  (If you believe our Dear Leader’s a basket case, you’re not alone!)    </p> <p class="is-empty-p"> </p> rss@dailykos.com (Inspector Clueso) Community Democracy DonaldTrump Freedom Iran PopeLeo Religion Theocracy Tyranny UnitedStates War _2377397 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:04:43 +0000 New Day Cafe - Saturday: Fun Bits https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/11/2377366/-New-Day-Cafe-Saturday-Fun-Bits?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Good morning, Newdists. I hope you all are well. So we migrate next week. Are you ready? I haven’t been around much to have played with the beta. I guess I’ll figure it out next week. When I came in, it was still the HTML way of dairying. And then within a month after I joined up, we moved into this current system (which has always felt very intuitive, to me).</p> <p>And now we move to a different style again.</p> <p>That's two for me, with a new one coming up.</p> <p>How many DK site switches have y’all experienced? </p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>Onward — </p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:53xho4273ziopu2njgclkdq2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mipfvp3b3k2h" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreig5x3b3mijhbxhwez7t3vwcgtdhawa72qn3i23kox3frb6syspaim" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Don’t do that…&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:53xho4273ziopu2njgclkdq2/post/3mipfvp3b3k2h?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— I 💙 Dogs (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:53xho4273ziopu2njgclkdq2?ref_src=embed"&gt;@dogs100.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:53xho4273ziopu2njgclkdq2/post/3mipfvp3b3k2h?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 4, 2026 at 7:41 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:53xho4273ziopu2njgclkdq2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mipfvp3b3k2h" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreig5x3b3mijhbxhwez7t3vwcgtdhawa72qn3i23kox3frb6syspaim"><p>Don’t do that…<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:53xho4273ziopu2njgclkdq2/post/3mipfvp3b3k2h?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— I 💙 Dogs (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:53xho4273ziopu2njgclkdq2?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@dogs100.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:53xho4273ziopu2njgclkdq2/post/3mipfvp3b3k2h?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 4, 2026 at 7:41 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-twitter-content="&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;18th-century tricycle replica: stable three wheels, central pedals chained to the rear—England&amp;#39;s road-ready velocipede from the late 1700s! Patented 1818 by Denis Johnson, safer than draisines, opening cycling to women &amp;amp; novices. &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BikeHistory?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#BikeHistory&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VintageTech?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#VintageTech&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://t.co/E5GKKzwead"&gt;pic.twitter.com/E5GKKzwead&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 (@Steampunk_T) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/Steampunk_T/status/2036103175376359847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;March 23, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>18th-century tricycle replica: stable three wheels, central pedals chained to the rear—England's road-ready velocipede from the late 1700s! Patented 1818 by Denis Johnson, safer than draisines, opening cycling to women & novices. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BikeHistory?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BikeHistory</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VintageTech?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VintageTech</a> <a href="https://t.co/E5GKKzwead">pic.twitter.com/E5GKKzwead</a></p>— 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 (@Steampunk_T) <a href="https://twitter.com/Steampunk_T/status/2036103175376359847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:z57utqz4btsx22qlksspxosc/app.bsky.feed.post/3miwxiq6zt22a" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibhvhqyeyl25zqqsr5cqfigrmdwu7ciqrutrjypahqukztr4hqjba" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;#RockinTuesday&lt;br&gt;Page, AZ&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:z57utqz4btsx22qlksspxosc/post/3miwxiq6zt22a?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— 🌱 El(iza)beth 🌬️ K 🔥 T 🌊 (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:z57utqz4btsx22qlksspxosc?ref_src=embed"&gt;@arachnereid.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:z57utqz4btsx22qlksspxosc/post/3miwxiq6zt22a?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 7, 2026 at 7:44 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:z57utqz4btsx22qlksspxosc/app.bsky.feed.post/3miwxiq6zt22a" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibhvhqyeyl25zqqsr5cqfigrmdwu7ciqrutrjypahqukztr4hqjba"><p>#RockinTuesday<br>Page, AZ<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:z57utqz4btsx22qlksspxosc/post/3miwxiq6zt22a?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— 🌱 El(iza)beth 🌬️ K 🔥 T 🌊 (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:z57utqz4btsx22qlksspxosc?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@arachnereid.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:z57utqz4btsx22qlksspxosc/post/3miwxiq6zt22a?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 7, 2026 at 7:44 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:2ji47gdtbrczp2lipml6dofi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj6bfc2uks2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreig2p4kh2b4ktxrpa2scsjkesabqpsxmr33pwkz6wf7qkuphbbojke" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;#sciart&lt;br&gt;Night Sky in Cobalt &amp;amp; Viridian&lt;br&gt;10”x10” Oil on cradled wood panel&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2ji47gdtbrczp2lipml6dofi/post/3mj6bfc2uks2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Long_Painter (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2ji47gdtbrczp2lipml6dofi?ref_src=embed"&gt;@longpainter.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2ji47gdtbrczp2lipml6dofi/post/3mj6bfc2uks2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:2ji47gdtbrczp2lipml6dofi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj6bfc2uks2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreig2p4kh2b4ktxrpa2scsjkesabqpsxmr33pwkz6wf7qkuphbbojke"><p>#sciart<br>Night Sky in Cobalt & Viridian<br>10”x10” Oil on cradled wood panel<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2ji47gdtbrczp2lipml6dofi/post/3mj6bfc2uks2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Long_Painter (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2ji47gdtbrczp2lipml6dofi?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@longpainter.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2ji47gdtbrczp2lipml6dofi/post/3mj6bfc2uks2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:4732wedqtrky6ntca3beq3f4/app.bsky.feed.post/3miztsf3yek2a" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreihq5tp2lva2bw2eulk5wm4ning547w3so675rf7cjrt5wjxow2kny" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Vanessa Stockard (Australian, b.1975) &lt;br&gt;"Satan Taking a Break from Hate Crimes," 2022 &lt;br&gt;Oil on dibond&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#art #painting #artist #BlueSkyArt #catlover&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4732wedqtrky6ntca3beq3f4/post/3miztsf3yek2a?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— ΜΑΝΟΣ ΤΡΑΧΙΑΣ™ (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4732wedqtrky6ntca3beq3f4?ref_src=embed"&gt;@trahias.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4732wedqtrky6ntca3beq3f4/post/3miztsf3yek2a?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 8, 2026 at 11:16 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:4732wedqtrky6ntca3beq3f4/app.bsky.feed.post/3miztsf3yek2a" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreihq5tp2lva2bw2eulk5wm4ning547w3so675rf7cjrt5wjxow2kny"><p>Vanessa Stockard (Australian, b.1975) <br>"Satan Taking a Break from Hate Crimes," 2022 <br>Oil on dibond</p><p>#art #painting #artist #BlueSkyArt #catlover<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4732wedqtrky6ntca3beq3f4/post/3miztsf3yek2a?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— ΜΑΝΟΣ ΤΡΑΧΙΑΣ™ (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4732wedqtrky6ntca3beq3f4?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@trahias.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4732wedqtrky6ntca3beq3f4/post/3miztsf3yek2a?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 8, 2026 at 11:16 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:vuq4ikcstkjsygmyg3d7fcnq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj6c2xobik2v" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreiflgfynchc7ebraweqftdodtpvfsjactommt5mkcc6vmhsnkmskje" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Fun Facts 🐝🐜&lt;br&gt;#TheOutpost #Ouch&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vuq4ikcstkjsygmyg3d7fcnq/post/3mj6c2xobik2v?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— TheSnarkyFarmer (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vuq4ikcstkjsygmyg3d7fcnq?ref_src=embed"&gt;@thesnarkyfarmer.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vuq4ikcstkjsygmyg3d7fcnq/post/3mj6c2xobik2v?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 10, 2026 at 5:40 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:vuq4ikcstkjsygmyg3d7fcnq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj6c2xobik2v" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreiflgfynchc7ebraweqftdodtpvfsjactommt5mkcc6vmhsnkmskje"><p>Fun Facts 🐝🐜<br>#TheOutpost #Ouch<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vuq4ikcstkjsygmyg3d7fcnq/post/3mj6c2xobik2v?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— TheSnarkyFarmer (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vuq4ikcstkjsygmyg3d7fcnq?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@thesnarkyfarmer.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vuq4ikcstkjsygmyg3d7fcnq/post/3mj6c2xobik2v?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 10, 2026 at 5:40 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-twitter-content="&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;The doctors had to treat a sick man and his cat was there watching everything, all worried about what was happening.&lt;a href="https://t.co/GJp1GWLzJm"&gt;pic.twitter.com/GJp1GWLzJm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/2042784699781648518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 11, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>The doctors had to treat a sick man and his cat was there watching everything, all worried about what was happening.<a href="https://t.co/GJp1GWLzJm">pic.twitter.com/GJp1GWLzJm</a></p>— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/2042784699781648518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:bmnpvze7646upla4kv7djd5a/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj2wodf6e225" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreifrm75cezshpdxroepp5dkfvomfbfiwc2q4ggm2nlfyx66jy7g2d4" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;A morning view from the Yellowstone River. There is an eagle in the tree to the left. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The river is slowly rising as melt off begins. The snowpack in the region is 81% of normal.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bmnpvze7646upla4kv7djd5a/post/3mj2wodf6e225?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— That Scott Guy (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bmnpvze7646upla4kv7djd5a?ref_src=embed"&gt;@bisontattooguy.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bmnpvze7646upla4kv7djd5a/post/3mj2wodf6e225?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 9, 2026 at 9:40 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:bmnpvze7646upla4kv7djd5a/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj2wodf6e225" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreifrm75cezshpdxroepp5dkfvomfbfiwc2q4ggm2nlfyx66jy7g2d4"><p>A morning view from the Yellowstone River. There is an eagle in the tree to the left. </p><p>The river is slowly rising as melt off begins. The snowpack in the region is 81% of normal.<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bmnpvze7646upla4kv7djd5a/post/3mj2wodf6e225?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— That Scott Guy (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bmnpvze7646upla4kv7djd5a?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@bisontattooguy.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bmnpvze7646upla4kv7djd5a/post/3mj2wodf6e225?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 9, 2026 at 9:40 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-twitter-content="&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Hazel Scott masterfully plays two pianos at once in 1943&lt;a href="https://t.co/L59usKh5Ek"&gt;pic.twitter.com/L59usKh5Ek&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/2042739412979847420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 10, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Hazel Scott masterfully plays two pianos at once in 1943<a href="https://t.co/L59usKh5Ek">pic.twitter.com/L59usKh5Ek</a></p>— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/2042739412979847420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2026</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:hqp4sby2esq5iaz54ddid2gj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj6e2hmqak2b" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreigxobgzw3ithblc6rbwr3eegfnjacqw6ep53uizzklgwc4rbueabe" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Grand Canyon Arizona &lt;br&gt;from 41,000&amp;#39;&lt;br&gt;#NationalMonument&lt;br&gt;#Nature&lt;br&gt;#Geology &lt;br&gt;#Erosion&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:hqp4sby2esq5iaz54ddid2gj/post/3mj6e2hmqak2b?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— michaeledward (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:hqp4sby2esq5iaz54ddid2gj?ref_src=embed"&gt;@michaeledward.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:hqp4sby2esq5iaz54ddid2gj/post/3mj6e2hmqak2b?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 10, 2026 at 6:17 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:hqp4sby2esq5iaz54ddid2gj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj6e2hmqak2b" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreigxobgzw3ithblc6rbwr3eegfnjacqw6ep53uizzklgwc4rbueabe"><p>Grand Canyon Arizona <br>from 41,000'<br>#NationalMonument<br>#Nature<br>#Geology <br>#Erosion<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:hqp4sby2esq5iaz54ddid2gj/post/3mj6e2hmqak2b?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— michaeledward (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:hqp4sby2esq5iaz54ddid2gj?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@michaeledward.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:hqp4sby2esq5iaz54ddid2gj/post/3mj6e2hmqak2b?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 10, 2026 at 6:17 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:a3ekktfqlxcjhddlvxosaus6/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj6h6ll4xs2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreiaubz2exuogql3ze7bpobbcmku3smettxtqhkj7unrxdai7vdbij4" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;#theBeeAt3 &lt;br&gt;Basic bee facts every day at 3pm. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;# 304&lt;br&gt;# 303 contd.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Research found that a bumblebee colony’s demand for nectar and pollen is a function of the number of larvae in the nest rather than the number of active female adult workers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#bees&lt;br&gt;#nature &lt;br&gt;#science &lt;br&gt;#education&lt;br&gt;#worldbeesanctuary&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:a3ekktfqlxcjhddlvxosaus6/post/3mj6h6ll4xs2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— The Bee Guy (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:a3ekktfqlxcjhddlvxosaus6?ref_src=embed"&gt;@thebeeguy.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:a3ekktfqlxcjhddlvxosaus6/post/3mj6h6ll4xs2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 10, 2026 at 7:13 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:a3ekktfqlxcjhddlvxosaus6/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj6h6ll4xs2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreiaubz2exuogql3ze7bpobbcmku3smettxtqhkj7unrxdai7vdbij4"><p>#theBeeAt3 <br>Basic bee facts every day at 3pm. </p><p># 304<br># 303 contd.</p><p>Research found that a bumblebee colony’s demand for nectar and pollen is a function of the number of larvae in the nest rather than the number of active female adult workers.</p><p>#bees<br>#nature <br>#science <br>#education<br>#worldbeesanctuary<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:a3ekktfqlxcjhddlvxosaus6/post/3mj6h6ll4xs2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— The Bee Guy (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:a3ekktfqlxcjhddlvxosaus6?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@thebeeguy.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:a3ekktfqlxcjhddlvxosaus6/post/3mj6h6ll4xs2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 10, 2026 at 7:13 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-twitter-content="&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Smooth Landing &lt;a href="https://t.co/cmRWSIoo1L"&gt;pic.twitter.com/cmRWSIoo1L&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— fluxfolio (@fluxfolio_) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/fluxfolio_/status/2042222202246836387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Smooth Landing <a href="https://t.co/cmRWSIoo1L">pic.twitter.com/cmRWSIoo1L</a></p>— fluxfolio (@fluxfolio_) <a href="https://twitter.com/fluxfolio_/status/2042222202246836387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2026</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-twitter-content="&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;When David Gilmour invited a Venice street musician to perform ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ on stage (2006) &lt;a href="https://t.co/wgjxKpRCiH"&gt;pic.twitter.com/wgjxKpRCiH&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— internet archiva (@internetarchiva) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/internetarchiva/status/2042754767034704351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 11, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>When David Gilmour invited a Venice street musician to perform ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ on stage (2006) <a href="https://t.co/wgjxKpRCiH">pic.twitter.com/wgjxKpRCiH</a></p>— internet archiva (@internetarchiva) <a href="https://twitter.com/internetarchiva/status/2042754767034704351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-twitter-content="&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;As a tribute to all enslaved people buried in cemeteries in unmarked graves, artist Craig Walsh illuminated trees with faces to honour their souls &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This installation is called Monuments and was in Charlotte NC&lt;br&gt; &lt;a href="https://t.co/prF7N15v0b"&gt;pic.twitter.com/prF7N15v0b&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Science girl (@sciencegirl) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/sciencegirl/status/2034522702678053044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;March 19, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>As a tribute to all enslaved people buried in cemeteries in unmarked graves, artist Craig Walsh illuminated trees with faces to honour their souls <br><br>This installation is called Monuments and was in Charlotte NC<br> <a href="https://t.co/prF7N15v0b">pic.twitter.com/prF7N15v0b</a></p>— Science girl (@sciencegirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/sciencegirl/status/2034522702678053044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2026</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:5lezow4ulgybhmpwmim6bfas/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj6iymgox32c" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreigkytks4bzgb2a6wjs7xnstqsbt4uff7d22jwobf2yp47wl4hwrbi" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;🌎 2026&lt;br&gt;🗓 9th - 10th April&lt;br&gt;🕤 21:30Z&lt;br&gt;🛰 GOES18&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5lezow4ulgybhmpwmim6bfas/post/3mj6iymgox32c?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Earth (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5lezow4ulgybhmpwmim6bfas?ref_src=embed"&gt;@earthin24.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5lezow4ulgybhmpwmim6bfas/post/3mj6iymgox32c?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 10, 2026 at 7:46 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:5lezow4ulgybhmpwmim6bfas/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj6iymgox32c" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreigkytks4bzgb2a6wjs7xnstqsbt4uff7d22jwobf2yp47wl4hwrbi"><p>🌎 2026<br>🗓 9th - 10th April<br>🕤 21:30Z<br>🛰 GOES18<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5lezow4ulgybhmpwmim6bfas/post/3mj6iymgox32c?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Earth (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5lezow4ulgybhmpwmim6bfas?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@earthin24.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5lezow4ulgybhmpwmim6bfas/post/3mj6iymgox32c?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 10, 2026 at 7:46 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-twitter-content="&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Sound on.. 😂 &lt;a href="https://t.co/FLnAUbzycJ"&gt;pic.twitter.com/FLnAUbzycJ&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/buitengebieden/status/2042630078962483449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 10, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Sound on.. 😂 <a href="https://t.co/FLnAUbzycJ">pic.twitter.com/FLnAUbzycJ</a></p>— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) <a href="https://twitter.com/buitengebieden/status/2042630078962483449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2026</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-twitter-content="&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;I put my microphone in front of a 7 week old baby red squirrel. &lt;a href="https://t.co/JrRRvE9ngN"&gt;pic.twitter.com/JrRRvE9ngN&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Dani Connor Wild 🐿 (@DaniConnorWild) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/DaniConnorWild/status/1275349417508384768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;June 23, 2020&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I put my microphone in front of a 7 week old baby red squirrel. <a href="https://t.co/JrRRvE9ngN">pic.twitter.com/JrRRvE9ngN</a></p>— Dani Connor Wild 🐿 (@DaniConnorWild) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaniConnorWild/status/1275349417508384768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote></div> <p>.</p> <p>Newdists, please grab a cuppa, something to eat and join us in the thread below.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-lg"><img alt="animated coffee pouring" class="width-lg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1419345/large/2823c8293d66cd486ee644360f2b240c.gif?1744237382" title="animated coffee pouring"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content">x</div> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content"><a class="new_iframe_placeholder" href="#">x</a></div> <a class="iframe_placeholder youtube dk-embed" href="//youtube.com/watch?v=dXq8WPbOmsU" title="" data-frameborder="0" data-height="281" data-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dXq8WPbOmsU" data-width="500">YouTube Video</a></div> </div> <p>.</p> <h2 class="AlignCenter">New Day Cafe is an Open Thread</h2> <p class="AlignCenter"><strong>What do you want to talk about today?</strong></p> rss@dailykos.com (Crimson Quillfeather) Community NDC NewDayCafe OpenThread Recommended Saturday _2377366 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 14:30:05 +0000 Caturday Pootie Diary: Moving part 1 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/11/2377349/-Caturday-Pootie-Diary-Moving-part-1?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>“Human, why are you on the ground?” Freddie demanded, leaning toward me to catch my scent.</p> <p>“Getting ready,” I said, poking through the box on the floor in front of me. I pulled out a meme and showed it to him. “What do you think of this one?”</p> <p>He smelled it, carefully. “Funny,” he said.</p> <p>I nodded. “I think so too,” I agreed, packing it carefully back in the box.</p> <p>“I still don’t know what’s happening,” he said.</p> <p>“Daily Kos is moving, and we’re going with it,” I explained.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong><em>A gentle reminder of how we do things:  </em>🐱🐶🐦</strong></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="StFrancisandthebird.jpg" class="width-xl" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/914058/large/StFrancisandthebird.jpg?1612489159"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <ul> <li>Do not troll the diary. If you hate pootie diaries, leave now. No harm, no foul.</li> <li>Please do share pics of your fur kids!  If you have health/behavior issues with your pets, feel free to bring it to the community.</li> <li>Pooties are cats; Woozles are dogs.  Birds... are birds! Peeps are people.</li> <li>Whatever happens in the outer blog STAYS in the outer blog.  If you’re having “issues” with another Kossack, keep it “out there.” This is a place to relax and play; please treat it accordingly.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>There are some pics we never post:  </strong>snakes, creepy crawlies, <em>any and all photos that depict or encourage human cruelty toward animals.</em>  These are considered “out of bounds” and will not be tolerated.  If we alert you to it, please remember that we do have phobic peeps who react strongly to them.  If you keep posting banned pics...well then...the Tigress will have to take matters in hand.  Or, paw.</li> </ul> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (Flowergirl77) Caturday Community movingday Pooties PWBPeeps Recommended _2377349 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:45:05 +0000 📁NewDK5 Grps#42-final. + Critical series & staff grp to follow going into Wordpress/DK6 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/10/2377344/--x1f4c1-NewDK5-Grps-42-final-Critical-series-amp-staff-grp-to-follow-going-into-Wordpress-DK6?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <h3><u><span>▓ </span>DK6Wordpress Community Mini Tutorials <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/DK6Wordpress%20Community%20Mini%20Tutorials" target="_blank" title="">homepage</a></u></h3> <div class="table-wrapper"> <table align="center" class="basic-table" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="background-color:#c4fdc4"> <div> <div> <div> <p>for kosaks with the tech chops to offer the community their each-one-teach-one, per the African-American adage's ideal of liberation through education.<br> <br> To accept your invitation once you're told it's sent WHILE WE'RE STILL IN DK5, go up to the group's URL bar and add <strong>/join</strong> smack onto the end of it, no spaces. Hit enter, you should get a pop-up saying you're in. Immediately message to any group admin to request being made an editor/moderator so you can freely post your tutorials to the group.</p> </div> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>See also: <strong>■<u>📁<strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/7/27/2112826/--x1f4c1-DK-Meta-comm-ty-amp-staff-grps-tags-etc-for-keeping-up-on-site-tech-amp-issues" target="_blank" title="">DK Community & Staff Meta Groups, Community Advisory Panel, persons & follow-tags for keeping up on site tech & issues</a>.<u>■</u></strong></u></strong></p> <p><strong><u><strong><u>____________________________________________________________________________</u></strong></u></strong></p> <h3><u><span>▓</span> Write On Group <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/Write%20On%20Group" target="_blank" title="">homepage</a></u></h3> <blockquote> <p><strong>Continuing in wordpress the diary series for fiction and related writing theory and practice first begun by SensibleShoes January 1, 2009.<br> <br> Comments in wordpress appear to be limited to 360 words. Here's a URL for a wordcounter that hopefully will work to help deal with that:<br> <br> https://wordcounter.net/</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>_______________________________________________________________________</p> <h3><u><span>▓ </span>People in DK history to remember no matter where DK goes </u><strong><u><span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/People%20in%20DK%20history" target="_blank" title="">homepage</a></span></u></strong></h3> <div class="table-wrapper"> <table align="center" class="basic-table" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="background-color:#c4fdc4"> <div> <div> <div> <p><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/People%20in%20DK%20history" target="_blank" title="">founded</a> April 7, 2026 <em><em>—</em></em><em><em> </em></em>honoring those who have given so much to the building and nurturing of the ideals and strength of this community, who are no longer on site for whatever reason, wherever they may be. Some have walked on. Some just have moved on. Let’s keep recollection of them with us always. They are part of who we are, and what we may aspire to become.<br> <br> Before April 14 there’s still time to upload to the image library screenshots the <strong>key</strong> sections of DK4 profiles of kosaks no longer with us, who were leaders, builders, inventors and inspirations to the Daily Kos community.<br> <br> Check tags of diaries already posted for who’s already there, so no precious or energy is lost duplicating effort. </p> <p>Most diaries include how to find DK4 profiles, and we welcome dropping screenshots into the threads. If you prefer to post diaries with those screenshots, give <em><em> </em></em><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/users/mettle%20fatigue" target="_blank">mettle fatigue</a><em><em>  </em></em>the link so we can reblog — not necessary to join the group.</p> </div> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>See also: <strong>■<u>📁<strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/7/27/2112826/--x1f4c1-DK-Meta-comm-ty-amp-staff-grps-tags-etc-for-keeping-up-on-site-tech-amp-issues" target="_blank" title="">DK Community & Staff Meta Groups, Community Advisory Panel, persons & follow-tags for keeping up on site tech & issues</a>.<u>■</u></strong></u></strong></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________</p> <h3><u><span>▓ </span></u>TheWeatherUnderground <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/TheWeatherUnderground" target="_blank" title="">homepage</a></h3> <blockquote> <p>WOO(weather underground organization) Weather Underground is a Weather discussion group on dk. For discussion of your local Weather and climate related changes to yours and any Weather that you wish to discuss.</p> <p>Created Mar 3, 2026 — <span>Admins:</span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/users/angmar" target="_blank">Angmar</a>, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/users/elenacarlena" title="" target="_blank">elenacarlena</a>, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/users/mollybloom" target="_blank">MollyBloom</a>, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/users/niemann" target="_blank">niemann</a>, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/users/kj%20in%20missouri" target="_blank">kj in missouri</a></p> </blockquote> <p>_______________________________________________________________________</p> <h3><u><span>▓ </span>Room Temp Podcast <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/Room%20Temp%20Podcast" target="_blank" title="">homepage</a></u></h3> <blockquote> <div>The news is overheated. The takes are unhinged. The spin is absurd. Room Temp laughs at that. #roomtemp #roomtemppodcast</div> <p>Created Feb 19, 2026. <span>Admins:</span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/users/daily%20kos%20staff" title="" target="_blank">Daily Kos Staff</a>, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/users/peri%20duguet" title="" target="_blank">Peri Duguet</a></p> </blockquote> <p>_______________________________________________________________________</p> <h3><u><span>▓ </span>Anti Scam AI YouTube Videos Reporters <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/ASAYVR" target="_blank" title="">homepage</a></u></h3> <blockquote> <p>Created Jan 6, 2026 — <span>Admins:</span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/users/clytemnestra" target="_blank">Clytemnestra</a></p> </blockquote> <p>_______________________________________________________________________</p> <h3><span>▓ </span><u>Save the Images <strong><span>■ <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/SaveTheImages" target="_blank" title="">homepage</a>  ■ <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/blog/savetheimages" target="_blank" title="">diary list</a></span></strong></u></h3> <div class="table-wrapper"> <table align="center" class="basic-table" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="background-color:#c4fdc4"> <div> <div> <div> <p><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/SaveTheImages" target="_blank">founded</a> Dec 31, 2025 <em><em>by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/strawbale/" target="_blank" title="">strawbale</a></em></em> — a working group to create diaries full of sorted images that will be ported to Wordpress, so we don't lose the image library entirely [for purposes of commenting].</p> </div> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>See also: <strong>■<u>📁<strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/7/27/2112826/--x1f4c1-DK-Meta-comm-ty-amp-staff-grps-tags-etc-for-keeping-up-on-site-tech-amp-issues" target="_blank" title="">DK Community & Staff Meta Groups, Community Advisory Panel, persons & follow-tags for keeping up on site tech & issues</a>.<u>■</u></strong></u></strong>_______________________________________________________________________</p> <h2><u>TAG SERIES CRITICAL TO FOLLOW RIGHT NOW</u></h2> <ul> <li> <h3><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/tags/wordpress" target="_blank" title="">Wordpress</a></h3> </li> </ul> <p>and the DK staff group</p> <h2><span>▓ </span><strong><u>Daily Kos Announcements</u></strong><u><span> ◼ <strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/blog/dailykosannouncements" target="_blank" title="">diary list</a></strong> ◼</span></u><strong><u><strong> </strong><strong> </strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/DailyKosAnnouncements" target="_blank" title="">homepage</a></u></strong></h2> <div class="table-wrapper"> <table align="center" class="basic-table" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="background-color:#c4fdc4"> <p><em><em><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/DailyKosAnnouncements" target="_blank" title="">founded </a>2019 by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/elfling/" target="_blank">elfling</a></em></em> — Official Blog of Meta Stuff You Might Want To Know About Happenings At Daily Kos ... important postings.,,</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> rss@dailykos.com (mettle fatigue) Community Meta NewDKgroups wordpress _2377344 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:55:05 +0000 10 Gems of Bluesky Today - Day 309 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/11/2377339/-10-Gems-of-Bluesky-Today-Day-309?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Well guys an dolls, here we are my last contribution to this wonderful feature on this site. Let’s get started shall we? Some of these aren’t from this week, but they’re funny all the same.</p> <p>This one is very current.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:vzu7j24crqmawkevzi3i6n3v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj32qeybwv2s" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibzs367mydve3kb6qxwbrzfyavj4e7fo7dsbm24wwwr5qm22f66wy" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Cartoon view of a dangerous &amp;amp; colossal failure by this regime…&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vzu7j24crqmawkevzi3i6n3v/post/3mj32qeybwv2s?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— @Boom-WhatsGoingOn.bsky.social (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vzu7j24crqmawkevzi3i6n3v?ref_src=embed"&gt;@boom-whatsgoingon.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vzu7j24crqmawkevzi3i6n3v/post/3mj32qeybwv2s?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 9, 2026 at 10:53 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:vzu7j24crqmawkevzi3i6n3v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj32qeybwv2s" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibzs367mydve3kb6qxwbrzfyavj4e7fo7dsbm24wwwr5qm22f66wy"><p>Cartoon view of a dangerous & colossal failure by this regime…<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vzu7j24crqmawkevzi3i6n3v/post/3mj32qeybwv2s?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— @Boom-WhatsGoingOn.bsky.social (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vzu7j24crqmawkevzi3i6n3v?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@boom-whatsgoingon.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vzu7j24crqmawkevzi3i6n3v/post/3mj32qeybwv2s?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 9, 2026 at 10:53 AM</a></blockquote></div> rss@dailykos.com (crystaline) 10GemsOfBlueskyToday Community Humor Recommended _2377339 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:00:10 +0000 Just the Stats Ma'am: Weekly Canvass Wrap-Up from CA, FL, GA, NC & TX https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/11/2377323/-Just-the-Stats-Ma-am-Weekly-Canvass-Wrap-Up-from-CA-FL-GA-NC-TX?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <div> <p>Easter weekend is traditionally a low turnout weekend for <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field PAC</a><span><span> </span>volunteers.  We began knocking on doors in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Texas on March 7th, and added California and North Carolina on the 21st.  But last Saturday, volunteers in Arizona and Nevada — neither having a Senate race this year — took the weekend off.  OTOH, today we’ll be adding Pennsylvania and Ohio to the list.  Volunteers in Michigan and Iowa (!) are getting antsy.  So the beat goes on.</span></p> <p>But this post, of course, is about last Saturday.  And while the weather was superb, most of our volunteers found other ways to spend their Saturday.  Things always pick up after Easter/Spring Break is over.  We’ll find out soon.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1535623/large/Clipboard01.png?1773659297" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption>          2026 Consensus Senate Battlegrounds</figcaption> </figure> <p>Regardless, we do go on.  One of the volunteers who did come out last weekend told her organizer that it was harder to come knowing that her friends wouldn’t be there to knock with her — even for those who stick around home last weekend felt the pull of everyone else not showing up.  You don’t really think of it that way, but canvassing is a peer-to-peer kind of thing, a community of volunteers.</p> <p>We don’t knock on doors where the Democratic party is strong — or where Democratic precinct captains are abundant.  Our targeted households have been ~65% unaffiliated voters and even the most intrepid of volunteers can feel nervous without their supporting (supportive) community around them.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-left"><img alt="hsffmap1.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1522213/large/hsffmap1.png?1769693231" title="hsffmap1.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>Last week, 1,938 volunteers showed up to knock on doors in 5 states.  This is the lowest turnout of the year.  Still, we had in-depth conversations with 6,424 voters and we came away with a real sense of frustration.  I <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/6/2376563/-Word-of-the-Day-We-re-Tired-of-this" target="_blank" title="">wrote about that on Monday</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/consumers-michigan-economy-sentiment" target="_blank" title="">Axios chimed in on</a> what we found at the doors yesterday, with the head-line, ‘<strong><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/consumers-michigan-economy-sentiment" target="_blank" title=""><em>Consumers are in a foul, foul mood</em></a></strong>.’  Yep.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:start">The first evidence of how Americans view<span> </span><a href="https://www.axios.com/economy" target="_blank" title="">the economy</a><span> </span>in April is in: People hate it.</p> <p style="text-align:start"><strong>The big picture:</strong><span> </span>Americans are remarkably down on the state of the economy, even though headline measures of conditions like unemployment and inflation are not that bad.</p> </blockquote> <p>But there’s a reason why <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs</a><span> volunteers are reporting this kind of data first: we talk to a lot more voters than they do, every single week.  Often more than 10 times the number.  Granted, we aren’t talking to Republicans, which is why we don’t compare them to polls (which are supposed to be random), but we definitely talk to more independents and swing voters — even on an Easter weekend.</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543528/large/Clipboard01.png?1775916132" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span>We knocked on 117,684 doors last Saturday. <span> </span></span>At every door, we left a piece of literature promoting the Democratic Party as an explanation of why we were there.  <span>Which means we left literature at a quarter of a million doors — which is why we ask for donor support in these diaries.</span></p> <p>We talked to 9,986 voters.  We collected 6,424 survey responses at the door.  These get entered into VAN and are available to Democratic campaigns that use it after Labor Day.</p> <p>Hope Springs volunteers<span> </span><strong>registered 8 new voters</strong><span><span> </span>and<span> </span></span><strong>re-registered 44 voters<span> </span></strong>at their current address to comply with federal law.  We continue to differentiate between new registrants and re-registrants because we like to engage in follow-up communications, as well as mentoring, with the people whom we newly register to vote.</p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field PAC</a><span><span> </span>started knocking on doors this year on March 7th.  We target Democrats and unaffiliated voters with a systematic approach that reminds them not only that Democrats care, but Democrats are determined to deliver the best government possible to all Americans.  The voters we talk to continue to tell us they come away more invested in governance and feel more favorably towards Democrats in general because of our approach.</span></p> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p>Obviously, we rely on grassroots support, so if you support field/grassroots organizing, voter registration (and follow-up) and our efforts to protect our voters, we would certainly appreciate your<span> </span><span>support:</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms</a></p> </div> </div> <div> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field</a><span><span> </span>understands that volunteer to voter personal interactions are critical.  Knocking on doors has repeatedly been found to be the most successful tactic to get voters to cast a ballot and that is the goal of what we do.</span></p> <p><strong>Yes, we really need your help here!</strong><span> </span><span> </span><span>Our printer’s bills are — like most things — much higher than we had anticipated for the year.  Adding extra states (like California) did not help our budget!</span></p> <h2>California</h2> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p>394 volunteers came out to knock on doors <span>in  the newly created CA-01, CA-02, CA-03 and CA-04</span>.  We knocked on 22,812 doors and talked to 1,929 voters.  1,239 of those voters answered at least some of the questions on our Issues Survey.  We registered 3 new voters and re-registered 7 voters.</p> <p><span>The War in Iran was the Number 1 issue for the Californians we talked to.  Rising Gas Prices<span> </span></span>was second<span><span> </span>and The Sluggish Economy was third.  118 voters filled out Constituent Service Request forms.</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span>1% of the voters we talked to said they approved of the job that Trump was doing.  68% disapproved.  There is no senate race next year here, but we are asking about job approval for<span><span> </span>GOP House incumbents (replacing them with Democrats is the reason we are here)</span></span><span>.  4% approved and 45% disapproved.  </span>44% approved of the job Gov. Newsom is doing while 4% disapproved.  These are definitely reddish counties with mostly Republican elected officials.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2>Florida</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <p>We wrote about last<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/7/2376746/-Bringing-Good-Trouble-to-Florida-causing-heartburn-to-the-GOP-there" target="_blank" title="">Saturday's canvass in Florida in our diary</a><span> </span>Tuesday.  341 volunteers knocked on 21,244 doors. They talked to 1,820 voters and had in-depth conversations with 1,177 of them, respectively, guided by our Issues Questionnaire.</p> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <h2>Georgia</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <p>We wrote about last<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/10/2377219/-Best-of-the-Week-Georgia-is-a-Toss-up-State-in-2026" target="_blank" title="">Saturday's canvass in Georgia in our diary</a><span> </span>yesterday.  485 volunteers knocked on 29,973 doors. They talked to 2,637 voters and had in-depth conversations with 1,693 of them, respectively, guided by our Issues Questionnaire.</p> </div> </div> </div> <h2>North Carolina</h2> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p>410 volunteers came out to knock on doors in North Carolina last Saturday.  We knocked on 24,436 doors and talked to 2,067 voters.  1,316 of those voters answered at least some of the questions on our Issues Survey.  We registered 1 new voter and re-registered 8 voters, updating their addresses to conform to the law.</p> </div> <div> <p><span>Rising Gas Prices was the Number 1 issues for the North Carolinians we talked to.  The War in Iran<span> </span></span>was second<span><span> </span>and The Sluggish Economy was third.  Will kids be able to find Summer Jobs was a concern specifically mentioned.</span></p> <p><span>3% of the voters we talked to said they approved of the job that Trump was doing.  62% disapproved.  </span><span>5% approved of the job their incumbent GOP Congressman was doing and 42% disapproved.  65% approved of Roy Cooper, the Democratic nominee for Senate (we make note of those voters who tell us they are voting for him).  </span>47% approved of the job Gov. Stein is doing while 3% disapproved.</p> <p><span>102 voters filled out Constituent Service Request forms.  2 voters filled out  an Incident Report, citing potential problems they had witnessed in a prior election.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2>Texas</h2> </div> <div> <p>308 volunteers came out to knock on doors in Texas last Saturday.  We knocked on 19,219 doors and talked to 1,533 voters.  999 of those voters answered at least some of the questions on our Issues Survey.  We re-registered 6 voters, updating their addresses to conform to the law.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-left"><img alt="Clipboar01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543529/large/Clipboar01.png?1775917108" title="Clipboar01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span>Rising Gas Prices was the Number 1 issues for the Texans we talked to.  Rising Costs<span> </span></span>were second<span><span> </span>and the War in Iran was third.  88 voters filled out Constituent Service Request forms. </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span>4% of the voters we talked to said they approved of the job that Trump was doing.  62% disapproved.  3% of the voters we talked to approved of the job Sen. Cornyn was doing; 54% disapproved.  61% approved of </span>James<span> Talarico, the Democratic nominee for senate (here, again, we make note of those voters who tell us they are voting for him).  </span>7% approved of the job Gov. Abbott is doing while 44% disapproved.</p> </div> <p>Grassroots support drives<span> </span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs</a>, and our grassroots organizing.  No amount is too small (and the FEC puts a strict ceiling on what we are allowed to accept).  Regardless, we would certainly appreciate your<span> </span><span>support:</span></p> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms</a></p> </div> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1538106/large/Clipboard01.png?1774448101" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span>We canvass with an Issues Survey that serves as our jumping off point for conversations with voters.  We find this is an easy way to begin the canvass season.</span></p> <p><span>I still get butterflies the very first times i engage with voters each year.  But then they go away, as the conversa-tions ensue.  You would think, after decades, those would go away before i go out, but no.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <p><strong>520 voters completed Constituent Service Request<span> </span></strong><span>forms last Saturday.  We send the completed CSRs to Democratic elected officials responsible for the requested functions, but if the appropriate office is held by a Republican, we still send it along anyway.</span></p> <p><strong>3 voters filled out Incident Reports<span> </span></strong><span>on Saturday.  A lot of these were reports about primary elections allegations.  Incident Reports are used to<span> </span></span><strong>plan Election Protection activities</strong><span>, and will be combined with other, historical incidents and handed over to District and State Attorneys, Attorney Generals and the DoJ Civil Rights Division right before Election Day as a precaution against Election Day Incidents in November.  Past polling place activity is a predictor of future voter intimidation or suppression activity.  </span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-left"><img alt="GenericConstituentServiceRequestForm.png" class="width-xl" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/968381/large/GenericConstituentServiceRequestForm.png?1626881685" title="GenericConstituentServiceRequestForm.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span>All the data we collect is entered into VAN, the  shared Democratic database.  </span>We knock on the doors of Democratic and Independent voters.  At every door, we leave a piece of “show the flag” lit, something that tells them we were there and hopefully reinforces the Democratic brand.  The lit focuses on the things voters told us were important to them last fall, aiming to appeal to every voter.  We also ask voters if they have an problems that local, state or federal governments need to address in their neighborhoods.  </p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/1173657/large/Clipboard01.png?1680012119" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field</a><span><span> </span>has a hybrid approach.  We aren’t interested in competing with regular campaign field organizing.  We are in the field before they get there and then move on when the Democratic campaigns start their own intensive field work.  Indeed, when we wind up the typical field work by Labor Day, we will encourage all the volunteers working with us to move over to the Senate campaigns in their states (and hope that our field organizers will be hired on by those campaigns).  After Labor Day, we will begin organizing our Election Protection Project.</span></p> <p><span>We continue to remind voters to verify their registration and also ask voters if they have any concerns about the upcoming elections.  Last year, we walked with lit about the changes in voting laws, but we also asked voters about their fears and experience in prior elections.  This year, we are asking about RealID and name changes, in the remote possibility president felon is able to force his newest whims about suppressing the vote into law.</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-md align-left"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-md" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1533748/large/Clipboard01.png?1773050351" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank">Hope Springs</a><span> </span>has targeted states that have competitive Senate races and/or the Electoral College in 2024, as well as districts that are remapped in ways that offer opportunities or vulner-abilities for Democrats this year (specifically those where a Republican won a Congressional District that voted for Biden in 2024).</span></p> <div> <div> <p>But the main focus of our canvassing is the Issues Survey, asking voters for their input and concerns.  Voter responses to the questionnaire are entered into VAN and made available to all Democratic candidates who use VAN in the state after the primary.  Creating this kind of data isn’t done with a specific goal in mind but has the purpose of engaging voters and creating a dataset that any Democratic candidate can use in opposition to a Republican.</p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank">Hope Springs</a><span> </span>is a seat-of-the-pants grassroots-driven operation.  We don’t have employees but we realize that to formalize and professionalize this effort that will have to change eventually.  We are a bottom up project, one that doesn't just help Democratic presidential, senate and house candidates, but every Democrat running for office in these swing state areas (who uses VAN).</p> </div> <p><span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank">Hope Springs</a><span> </span>has been called “the most comprehensive, organized grassroots voter contact project out there right now.  It is truly astonishing that it is grassroots-based!”  Not sure why it is “astonishing,” but i probably have more faith in grassroots or self-organized efforts because of my experience with Barack Obama’s early days in 2007.</span></p> <p><span>No other Democratically-aligned org has been methodically trying to circumvent MAGA efforts to rig the House Midterm elections.  And we need your help to continue.  Our printer costs alone are way beyond our budgeting.</span></p> <div> <div> <div> <p><span>If you are able to support<span> </span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field</a>’s efforts to turn out the vote here, protect Democratic voters, and believe in grassroots efforts to increase voter participation and election protection, we would appreciate your support:</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms</a></p> <p><span>If you would rather send a check, you can follow that link for our mailing address at the bottom of the page.<span> </span></span><span><span> </span>Thank you for your support.  This work depends upon you!</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> rss@dailykos.com (snowbored) 2026 2026Elections California canvassreports Community DailyKosElections DeepOrganizing Democraticgrassroots DemocraticGroundGame Democrats DKECommunity DoSomething earlyorganizing Election election2026 Elections FieldDrivesVictories FieldMatters Florida Georgia hopesprings NorthCarolina progressivegrassroots Texas VoterRegistration _2377323 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:26:19 +0000 Preparing for site migration: community guidelines (Rules of the Road) and moderation update https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/10/2377233/-Preparing-for-site-migration-community-guidelines-Rules-of-the-Road-and-moderation-update?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <div> <p>Hello again, friends!</p> <p><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/10/2377237/-The-End-of-Beta-Week" target="_blank"><strong>Beta Week is coming to a close</strong></a>, and we thank sincerely all of you who have been playing in the beta sandbox. Your feedback regarding the experience of the beta site is important to us.</p> <p>Over the next few days we’ll continue to post thematic stories here with information you need to know to ready yourselves for as seamless a move as possible to the new site on <strong>April 15, 2026</strong>. All of these stories will be collected in the <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/dailykosannouncements" target="_blank"><strong>Daily Kos Announcements</strong></a> Group.</p> </div> <div> <p>And you can help by spreading the word: mentioning these stories to friends among our community of site users, linking to these stories in your community Groups as a heads-up, republishing these stories to your active Groups for visibility among your membership, and encouraging community members to participate in the beta testing.</p> <p>Thus far we have discussed the need to know your <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/3/30/2375216/-Preparing-for-site-migration-do-you-know-your-Daily-Kos-login-credentials" target="_blank"><strong>login credentials</strong></a> (all users will have to log in at the new site when we launch), the need for you to <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/1/2375779/-Preparing-for-site-migration-what-won-t-be-migrated-what-you-need-to-do" target="_blank" title=""><strong>act now to preserve what can not be migrated</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/3/2376176/-Preparing-for-site-migration-bye-bye-Tip-Jars-and-TU-and-other-changes-to-community-moderation" target="_blank"><strong>changes to community moderation</strong></a>, (Tip Jars, Mojo, Trusted User Status, reporting), and <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/7/2376456/-Preparing-for-site-migration-changes-to-community-Group-features-and-functionality" target="_blank"><strong>changes to community Groups</strong></a> features and functionality. <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/users/iterology" target="_blank"><strong>iterology</strong></a> has also provided an <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/6/2376058/-What-You-Need-to-Know-about-the-Site-Migration" target="_blank"><strong>important timeline</strong></a> of the migration process and updated the site banner on the Front Page to alert users that the site will be down starting on April 14.</p> <p>We have also published basic guides covering <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/8/2377015/-Preparing-for-site-migration-the-basics-of-commenting-on-the-new-site" target="_blank" title=""><strong>how commenting will work</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/10/2377211/-Preparing-for-site-migration-the-basics-of-writing-a-story-on-the-new-site" target="_blank"><strong>how to write a story</strong></a> on the new site. Additional preparatory basic guides will appear over the next few days, prior to the site going dark on the morning of Tuesday April 14.</p> <p>Today we’re providing an update to the first story regarding <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/3/2376176/-Preparing-for-site-migration-bye-bye-Tip-Jars-and-TU-and-other-changes-to-community-moderation" target="_blank"><strong>changes to community moderation</strong></a>, and providing the revised community guidelines (Rules of the Road).</p> <hr> <h3><strong>UPDATE</strong> </h3> <p>We previously noted that the categories for reporting a comment for administrative review included a category (<em>“I Disagree with This User”</em>) that we didn’t want as an option and that you didn’t want as an option. Entertainment value as a honeypot? Absolutely. But any real value given that mere disagreement has never previously been and will never be a legitimate reason to flag or report a comment? Nope, none at all.</p> <p>Turns out we had a moment of Delphic oracular ambiguity similar to <em>The Pink Panther Strikes Again</em> (1976)</p> <blockquote> <ul> <li><span><span><strong>Clouseau</strong>: Does your dog bite?</span></span></li> <li><span><span><strong>Clerk</strong>: No.</span></span></li> <li><span><span><strong>Clouseau</strong>: [<em>bowing down to pet the dog</em>] Nice doggie.</span></span></li> <li><span><span>[<em>Dog barks and bites Clouseau in the hand</em>]</span></span></li> <li><span><span><strong>Clouseau</strong>: I thought you said your dog did not bite!</span></span></li> <li><span><span><strong>Clerk</strong>: That is not my dog.</span></span></li> </ul> </blockquote> <p>Once we asked the right question in the right way, it became possible—to our <strong>collective</strong> relief, I’m sure—to eliminate the <em>“I Disagree with This User”</em> category. Now we won’t have to filter those reports into the circular file.</p> <p>Here then are the eight reporting categories for comments.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="report_comment_vf_03_update.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543228/large/report_comment_vf_03_update.png?1775828536" title="report_comment_vf_03_update.png"> <figcaption>The eight, not nine, reporting categories for comments</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr> <h3>Revised Community Guidelines (Rules of the Road)</h3> <p>The revised community guidelines (Rules of the Road) are now <a href="https://beta.dailykos.com/rules-of-the-road/" target="_blank"><strong>published</strong></a> at the beta site (linked in the site footer), and will appear in that form and be operative at the new site on April 15, 2026.</p> <p>In outline:</p> <ul> <li>The guidelines (the former DOs and DON’Ts) have been significantly reduced and simplified.</li> <li>A <em>“Note to authors of posts”</em> (stories, diaries) has been added for clarity, combing information from several previous DOs and DON’Ts.</li> <li>A <em>“Note on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)”</em> has been introduced.</li> <li>The previous sections on community moderation via Flags has been replaced with information on community moderation via Reports and the Mute button.</li> <li>A new section on the purpose of administrative moderation concludes the revised guidelines. </li> </ul> <hr> <p>For ease, we are duplicating the revised community guidelines here as well:</p> <figure class="image-captioned align-right"><img alt="rotr_image.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543232/large/rotr_image.png?1775830296" title="rotr_image.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><em>Founded in 2002, Daily Kos is independent, reader-funded progressive media rooted in a partisan community. We focus on building power through the Democratic Party by explaining American politics clearly and honestly, sparking effective, collective action. </em></p> <p>This is a site and community for progressives. That premise underlies all expectations about posting, commenting, and interacting at Daily Kos. As progressives, we believe that the best way to build our coalition is through the Democratic Party—and we are committed to making it stronger, more effective, more just, and more forward-thinking. We are here to connect, find community, share and refine ideas, discuss and debate strategy, and work toward a common goal of electing more and better Democrats. That commitment does not preclude constructive criticism of Democrats; insisting on accountability is a core democratic principle. Advocacy and criticism alike must aim to strengthen the Democratic coalition, not weaken it. Given our mission, then, these are our only ideological prohibitions:</p> <ul> <li>Do not advocate for voting against Democrats or not voting at all</li> <li>Do not deploy misleading, deceptive, or malicious attacks against Democrats</li> <li>Do not promote the right-wing agenda</li> </ul> <p>But of course, participating in our community requires more than ideological alignment. Social media being what it is, we must have and enforce norms for participation here, which comprise our Rules of the Road. These are not the <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/terms" target="_blank">Terms and Conditions</a> required to create a user account. The expectations outlined here are enforced by our system of community moderation (replies, ratings, reports) backstopped by administrative moderation (warnings, suspensions, bans). A more detailed description of this system appears at the bottom of this page.</p> <p>We expect you to be a good citizen of our community. That means treating other community members with respect, valuing our community’s diversity, committing to factual accuracy, and being generous in both encouragement and disagreement. Participation is expected to be in good faith and with an intent to contribute constructively to discussion.</p> <p>Debate is central to the site’s identity, yet bear in mind our dictum <em>“fight hard, but fight fair.”</em> Learn from those with whom you disagree, argue issues rather than impugn character, and accept that reasonable people may in the end still disagree, and that’s okay!</p> <p>Taking all this together, site participation comes down to this simple edict:</p> <p><strong>Strengthen the Democratic coalition, and don’t be an asshole doing it.</strong></p> <p><strong>EXAMPLES:</strong></p> <p><strong>Don’t be an asshole in general:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Advocating violence or fantasizing harm</li> <li>Using dehumanizing rhetoric</li> <li>Advocating illegal acts</li> <li>Using racist, bigoted, or prejudiced speech</li> <li>Posting or linking to spam</li> <li>Embedding or linking to pornographic content</li> <li>Embedding or linking to images graphically depicting violence or death</li> <li>Plagiarizing content or violating copyright (text or image)</li> <li>Posting or linking to debunked or unverifiable conspiracy theories</li> <li>Posting or linking to misinformation or disinformation</li> <li>Engaging in coordinated or manipulative behavior intended to distort discussion, ratings, or community norms, whether organized on-site or off-site</li> </ul> <p><strong>Don’t be an asshole to others</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Attacking, threatening, harassing, or threadstalking any site user</li> <li>“Calling out” a site user in a post (naming or targeting a specific user in a way that invites pile-ons, shaming, or retaliation); the single exception to the rule is the site’s founder, Kos.</li> <li>Revealing the real-life identity (outing, doxxing) of a site user posting anonymously</li> <li>Posting private communications between site users</li> <li>Threadjacking</li> <li>Ignoring the specific guidelines for participation in thematic non-political community series</li> <li>Abusing the mute button</li> <li>Publicly accusing a site user of being a dishonest participant (a troll, or sockpuppet, or zombie, or shill, et cetera); the proper forum for all such accusations and evidence is a private message to the Help Desk</li> <li>Dismissing, denying, or trivializing the lived experience or identity of other community members, including through bad-faith skepticism, tone-policing, or repeated “just asking questions” framing</li> </ul> <p><strong>Don’t be an asshole to us:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Creating more than one active account (“sockpuppet”) or creating a new account if banned or suspended (“zombie”)</li> <li>Pretending to be someone you’re not, most especially pretending to be an ordinary person if you are in a paid campaign or organizational position</li> <li>Using profanity in the title of a post, which can trigger internet filtering software on networks and search engine suppression or delisting, resulting in our site being blocked (this is a technical constraint, not a moral judgment)</li> <li>Repeatedly publishing, unpublishing, and republishing a post to game the recommendation system</li> <li>Recommending posts or comments violating any of the above</li> <li>Abusing the Report buttons for posts or comments</li> <li>Abusing the Help Desk</li> <li>Posting a dramatic Goodbye Cruel World story proclaiming your aggrieved exit from the site</li> </ul> <p>The above lists are not exhaustive. Site administrators know deleterious behavior when they see it, so fair warning: Do not test the limits.</p> <p>Also, context and pattern matter. These rules are not a checklist to be gamed. Repeated behavior that undermines productive discussion may be moderated administratively even if no single action, viewed in isolation, violates a specific rule.</p> <hr> <p><strong>Note to authors of posts:</strong></p> <p>Contributing a post (also known as a story, article, or diary) is a responsibility, not a right. Support factual claims with links to original, credible, and verifiable sources and documentation. Avoid clickbait and deceptive headlines. If commenters raise reasonable questions about your facts or sources, take their concerns seriously. If you find that you made a mistake, edit and correct the post and add a note at the top explaining the correction. If the original source material changes substantially, it is your responsibility to update your post accordingly. If we are obliged to edit or retract your post ourselves, your site permissions may be suspended or revoked.</p> <hr> <p><strong>Note on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):</strong></p> <p>AI tools may be used to <em>assist</em> with outlining, editing, formatting, or refining text. Not everyone has access to professional editing support, and tools that help people better express their own writing are consistent with Daily Kos’ commitment to broad participation.</p> <p>However, content posted to Daily Kos must be meaningfully authored by the user and not generated solely and uncritically by AI. AI systems are prone to a range of well-documented issues, including factual errors, fabricated information, bias, and unreliable sourcing. Any use of AI to assist in drafting content requires careful human review and independent verification of all factual claims before publication.</p> <p>Users remain fully responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of everything they post. The use of AI does not absolve a user’s accountability for errors, misrepresentations, or violations of site rules.</p> <p>Disclosure of AI use is not required for minor assistance such as editing or proofreading. However, if AI plays a substantive role in generating content, that use should be clearly acknowledged.</p> <p>AI-generated imagery is not a substitute for photojournalism and may not be used to depict real-world events in news or journalistic contexts. In all other uses—such as illustration, satire, or commentary—AI-generated images can be used but must be clearly labeled.</p> <hr> <p><strong>Community Moderation: Reporting a Post (Story, Diary)</strong></p> <p>Logged-in community users have the ability to report a community-authored post for violations of these Rules of the Road, submitting the post for administrative review. When viewing the post, the Report button is located below and to the right of the title of the post. Clicking the Report button will initiate a pop-up window of reporting reasons. The reporting user must select from one of the four listed categories for reporting a post in order to activate the Submit Report button:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Spam</strong> (commercial spam content)</li> <li><strong>Pornography</strong> (inappropriate pornographic content)</li> <li><strong>Hateful or violent content</strong> (racism, bigotry, graphic depictions of violence or death in the featured title image, advocacy or fantasies of violence or self-harm)</li> <li><strong>Community Guidelines Violation</strong> (a violation of the Rules of the Road not covered by the first three reporting categories)</li> </ul> <p>Be cautious when selecting the Community Guidelines Violation category and be certain that the violation is substantive and unmistakable. If necessary, ambiguous edge cases can be reported to the <strong><a href="https://helpdesk.dailykos.com/" target="_blank">Help Desk</a></strong> with a detailed explanation.</p> <p>Please note that administrative review does not necessarily result in administrative action. Any action taken is a matter between site administrators and the reported user, and outcomes may not be visible to third parties.</p> <p>Reports are reviewed by real people, and each one takes time and attention. Misusing the reporting system or repeatedly submitting non-substantive complaints pulls resources away from exigent work. Serial abuse of the Report function or Help Desk may result in administrative sanctions.</p> <hr> <p><strong>Community Moderation: Reporting a Comment</strong></p> <p>Logged-in community users also have the ability to report a comment for violations of these Rules of the Road, submitting the comment for administrative review. When viewing the comment, the Report button is located at the far right of the comment box, next to the Share button. Clicking on the Report button will initiate a confirmation pop-up window. This confirmation pop-up is designed as a brake, to reinforce the seriousness with which a user should approach the notion and process of reporting a comment. If on second consideration you are certain that the content of the comment requires reporting, then click the Start Report button. Clicking the Start Report button in the confirmation window initiates a pop-up window of reporting reasons. The reporting user must select from one of the eight listed categories before clicking the Submit button to send the comment for administrative review.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Targeted Harassment</strong> (Degrading someone, repeated unwanted contact, attacking someone based on their identity such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation)</li> <li><strong>Spam</strong> (Soliciting currency, encouraging interaction with content under false pretences, leading users off the site by misleading links)</li> <li><strong>Inappropriate Username or Avatar</strong> (User’s name or avatar goes against Community Guidelines)</li> <li><strong>Threatening Content</strong> (Threats of violence directed at one or more individuals)</li> <li><strong>Impersonation</strong> (Representing themselves as another individual under false pretences)</li> <li><strong>Private Information</strong> (Sharing personally-identifying information)</li> <li><strong>Mis/Disinformation</strong> (False, inaccurate, misleading, or deceptive content)</li> <li><strong>Partisan Misalignment</strong> (Promotion of an anti-Democratic or right-wing agenda)</li> </ul> <p>When submitting a report, select the category that most closely matches a clear and substantive violation. As noted above, reports should be reserved for unmistakable rule-breaking. If necessary, ambiguous edge cases can be reported to the <strong><a href="https://helpdesk.dailykos.com/" target="_blank">Help Desk</a></strong> with a more detailed explanation.</p> <p>Administrative review does not necessarily result in action. Any action taken is a matter between site administrators and the reported user, and outcomes may not be visible to others.</p> <p>Reports are reviewed by real people, and each one requires time and attention. Misuse of the reporting system, including reporting content that does not violate site rules, takes resources away from exigent work. Serial abuse of the Report function or Help Desk may result in administrative sanctions.</p> <hr> <p><strong>Community Moderation: Muting a User</strong></p> <p>It is possible to mute a user so that you do not see their comments in comment threads and so that you are not notified of any of their activity in your notification feed. The muting action does not alter other users’ displays of the muted user’s comments in threads or feeds.</p> <p>To mute a user, click their username in a comment thread to open their commenting Profile. Clicking the MUTE button in the user’s commenting Profile will remove the muted user’s comments from the muter's view of comment threads and remove any notification of the muted user’s activity from the muter’s notification feed.</p> <p>Muting is intended for situations where interactions between users have become consistently unproductive or disruptive on a personal level, but do not rise to the level of a reportable violation. If behavior crosses into harassment or other rule violations, it should be reported rather than muted.</p> <p>Muting should not be used to avoid normal discussion, disagreement, or debate, nor should it be used in a coordinated way to isolate or target another user.</p> <p>Abuse of the mute function may result in administrative sanctions.</p> <hr> <p><strong>Administrative Moderation at Daily Kos</strong></p> <p>Administrative moderation at Daily Kos exists to make this community effective over the long term. It is designed to protect space for disagreement, not eliminate it; to keep debates focused on ideas and strategy, not personalities; and to ensure the site remains aligned with its mission. We ask members to engage in good faith, assume the same of others, and remember that moderation is about sustaining a shared space—not resolving every conflict to everyone’s satisfaction. When that balance holds, Daily Kos remains a place where challenging conversations can happen without driving good-faith participants away.</p> <p>Disagreements are inevitable, and many conflicts involve more than one person contributing to a breakdown in discussion. Moderation does not exist to declare one participant right and the other wrong, or to settle personal grudges or dead-end arguments, or to reward persistence in unproductive exchanges. When discussions become circular, hostile, or personal, moderation may focus on preventing escalation by all participants rather than assigning fault. Being frustrated does not mean the other person violated the rules. Being warned does not mean the other person won.</p> <p>Administrative moderation interventions are seldom based on a single, isolated comment. Interventions may take into account repeated behavior over time, prior warnings or interventions, and the context of patterns across multiple threads or posts. This is why administrative actions may sometimes appear delayed—or why an action may seem sudden based on narrow visible context. Bans are never applied heedlessly, and they require team consensus.</p> <p>We are transparent about the purpose of administrative moderation, not about individual moderation interventions. We do not publicly explain why another user was warned, timed out, or banned. This is intentional and serves the community in several ways:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Privacy:</strong> Communications between moderators and a user are private. We do not share them with third parties.</li> <li><strong>Safety and effectiveness:</strong> Publicly detailing how moderation decisions are made in specific cases could enable bad actors to evade detection.</li> <li><strong>Community protection:</strong> Sophisticated bad-faith actors often attempt to use third parties as wedges to advocate and exaggerate their claims to victimhood and thereby fracture the community. We will not engage those attempts at manipulation.</li> </ul> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (minos) Community CommunityModeration DailyKos Meta Moderation Recommended wordpress WordPressMigration _2377233 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:23:53 +0000 Street Prophets Friday: My Last Spring Diary Before The WordPressing of Daily Kos https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/10/2377225/-Street-Prophets-Friday-My-Last-Spring-Diary-Before-The-WordPressing-of-Daily-Kos?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Greetings and welcome to another bit of community-flavored fluff, teased from the burrs and bugs tangled in the gloriousness that is your incomparable host, Marko the Werelynx.</p> <p>I'm kinda looking forward to the new site and kinda dreading it. So much good, so much stupid. I've been romping around the beta site before it vanishes. Tried out making a diary post, played around with embedding stuff and made a few discoveries that nobody involved with the transition seemed to be aware of and I've yet to receive a medal, or even an effective flea and tick collar, for my efforts.</p> <p>I have been managing to surprise myself with <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2376966/92994651#comment_92994651" target="_blank" title="">my own failures to notice things</a>, which is always entertaining for me if not actually helpful for others.</p> <p>Anyway, I've got another collection of recent Spring photos to share.</p> rss@dailykos.com (Marko the Werelynx) Birds Community CzechRepublic OpenThread Photography StreetProphets _2377225 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:07:14 +0000 Best of the Week: Georgia is a Toss-up State in 2026 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/10/2377219/-Best-of-the-Week-Georgia-is-a-Toss-up-State-in-2026?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Easter weekend is always a downer for <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field PAC</a><span><span> </span>volunteer turnout.  Spring break, family trips, etc are all reflected in that downturn.  Yet we persist.</span></p> <p><span>Volunteers in two states chose not to canvass last weekend — Arizona and Nevada.  This happens when you are grassroots-driven.  </span></p> <div> <p><span>It has been my practice on Fridays to highlight the state where the most volunteers showed up the previous Saturday.  This week, that was Georgia.  But Georgia is a really important state this cycle.  So it didn’t surprise me that volunteers chose to give up of their time when there is so much at stake here.</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1532945/large/Clipboard01.png?1772806255" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption>      Consensus 2026 Gubernatorial Elections map</figcaption> </figure> <p>And, let’s face it, Georgia voters are showing up for Democrats in lots of ways this year.  It’s inspirational, to say the least.</p> </div> <div> <p>As you can see by the graphic above and to your right, Georgia has toss-up races in both the Senate and for Governor.  Finding Democrats and unaffiliated voters who will vote for Democrats is our key mission here.</p> <div> <p>You can see from the Congressional (District) map that Georgia is pretty well gerrymandered into safe seats.  But that’s not why we are here.<span> </span><span> </span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_hp_ossoff" target="_blank" title="">Jon Ossoff</a><span> </span>is up for re-election, without Sen. Warnock on the ballot (people may have forgotten that, even though Ossoff had run for Congress in the cycle before, it was Warnock who got the most votes in 2021).  And Ossoff created his own energy, but it was based in the Atlanta metro region, whereas Warnock had a more rural and suburban energy then.  It was why their campaigns were compatible in 2021.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-left"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1439999/large/Clipboard01.png?1749048826" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>Jon Ossoff had widely been consi-dered the most endangered Senate Democratic incumbent for the 2026 cycle, but that may no longer be the case now.  It’s still a toss-up, but<span> </span><span>Ossoff is the only Democratic Senator running for re-election in a state that Trump won in 2024, making him a top target for the GOP.</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span>He is definitely the primary target for MAGA Republicans in the 2026 midterms but<span> </span><a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/poll-shows-ossoff-leading-georgia-opponents-in-senate-race/" target="_blank" title="">recent polls show him leading</a><span> </span>his Republican challengers:</span></p> <blockquote> <p><span><a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/poll-shows-ossoff-leading-georgia-opponents-in-senate-race/" target="_blank" title="">Senator Jon Ossoff enters the 2026 election cycle just under 50%</a><span> </span>support, anchored by a strong base among independent voters, leading potential Republican opponents by an average of 16 points, along with voters under 50, leading by an average of 12 points, and women, leading by an average of 8 points</span></p> </blockquote> <p>One reason is because Republicans are divided.  </p> <blockquote> <p><a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/02/georgia-senate-ossoff-trump-republicans-00854884" target="_blank" title="">Republicans once saw Georgia as the crown jewel of their Senate pickup</a> opportunities. They’re now blaming each other as the GOP primary unravels into an intraparty brawl that could cost them their chance of defeating Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.</p> <p>The party is grappling with a crowded field, no dominant front-runner, no endorsement from President Donald Trump — and the reality that the May 19 primary will very likely extend into an expensive, bruising mid-June runoff.</p> </blockquote> <p>Meanwhile, “<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/02/georgia-senate-ossoff-trump-republicans-00854884" target="_blank" title="">incumbent Ossoff — who faces no primary challenge of his own — is</a> keeping his powder dry and has amassed a formidable eight-figure campaign war chest ready to deploy in the general election.”</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/02/georgia-senate-ossoff-trump-republicans-00854884" target="_blank" title="">Early general election polling shows Ossoff leading all three potential GOP</a> candidates in a head-to-head matchup. After five years in the Senate, he has built a formidable political operation, churned out razor-thin statewide wins and amassed a sizable fundraising cushion.</p> </blockquote> <p><span>On Saturday, Georgia had</span><span> </span><strong>485 volunteers come out</strong><span> </span><span>to canvass — about half the turnout from the last time Georgia was “Best of the Week.”  Volunteers<span> </span></span><span>knocked on<span> <strong>29</strong></span><strong>,973 doors</strong>.  They<span> </span><strong>talked to 2,637 voters</strong><span> </span>and had in-depth conversations with 1,693 of them, respectively, guided by our Issues Questionnaire</span>.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1530864/large/Clipboard01.png?1772200361" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span>We’ve added two things to our qu</span><span>estionnaire, both of them driven by president felon’s insistence on the Save Act.  These are just in case that thing passes so we can protect our voters for November.</span></p> <p><span>Other than that, the Issues Surveys haven’t really changed.  Voters like to tell us what is important to them!</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field PAC</a><span><span> </span>started knocking on doors Saturday.  We continue to target Democrats and unaffiliated voters with our systematic approach that reminds them not only that Democrats care, but that Democrats are determined to deliver the best, most affordable government possible to all Americans.  The voters we talk to continue to tell us they come away more invested in governance and feel more favorably towards Democrats in general because of our approach.</span></p> <div> <div> <div> <p>Obviously, we rely on grassroots support, so if you support field/grassroots organizing, voter registration (and follow-up) and our efforts to protect our voters, we would certainly appreciate your<span> </span><span>support:</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms</a></p> </div> </div> <div> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field</a><span><span> </span>understands that volunteer to voter personal interactions are critical.  Knocking on doors has repeatedly been found to be the most successful tactic to get voters to cast a ballot and that is the goal of what we do.</span></p> </div> </div> <div> <p><strong>Yes, we really need your help here!</strong><span> </span><span> </span><span>Our printer’s bills are — like most things — much higher than we had anticipated for the year.  Adding extra states (like California) did not help the budget last year!</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-left"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543200/large/Clipboard01.png?1775807400" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>On March 14th, “Uncontrolled Price Increases” was was the Number 1 issue for the voters we talked to. Rising Gas prices, Groceries — “Everything but my paycheck is going up,” one voter told us.  The War in Iran was second and a Weak Economy was third on Saturday.  “I’ve lost all hope that things will get better this year, we are just in survival mode,” another voter in southwest Georgia said.</p> <p><span>2% of the voters we talked to had a favorable impression of the job Trump was doing, while 66% disapproved.  For this canvass, we knocked on more unaffiliated than Democratic households, about 36% to 64% independent voters.  </span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-md align-right"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-md" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1533748/large/Clipboard01.png?1773050350" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span>61% of the voters who responded Approved of the job Sen. Ossoff was doing while 1% expressed Disapproval.  Voters specifically mentioned they were glad he was standing up to Trump on the War.  40% approved of what Gov. Kemp was doing, 33% disapproved.</span></p> <p>Hope Springs volunteers<span> </span><strong>registered 2 new voters</strong><span> </span>on Saturday.  We<span> </span><strong>re-</strong><strong>registered 14 voters</strong><span> </span>on Saturday, who mainly updated their addresses.</p> <p><span>In Georgia,</span><span> </span><strong>128 voters filled out Consti-tuent Service Request forms </strong><span>on<span> </span></span>Saturday<span>.  In Georgia,<span> </span></span><span>we are giving Sen. Ossoff’s office “first crack” at completed CSRs.  We encourage them to reach out immediately to the voter who filled out the Constituent Service Request forms and let them know they are working on the issue.  This credit-taking is enormously valuable to the Democratic office-holder.</span></p> <p><strong>1 voter filled out an Incident Report</strong><span>.  Incident Reports are used to<span> </span></span><strong>plan Election Protection activities</strong><span>, and will be combined with other, historical incidents and handed over to District and State Attorneys, Attorney Generals and the DoJ Civil Rights Division right before Election Day as a precaution against Election Day Incidents in November.  Past polling place activity is a predictor of future voter intimidation or suppression activity.</span></p> <p><span>W</span><span>e knock on the doors of Democratic and Independent voters and use a voter-driven approach to guide them through the Issues Survey, the CSR and Incident Report.  We record questions voters raise with a Q(uestion)-slip and record other relevant observations on an Observations form.  Q-slips are sent to the relevant Democrat to respond to and Observations are entered into VAN.  At every door, we leave a piece of “show the flag” lit, something that tells them we were there and hopefully reinforces the Democratic brand.  The lit focuses on the things voters told us were important to them last fall, aiming to appeal to every voter.</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-left"><img alt="GenericConstituentServiceRequestForm.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/968381/large/GenericConstituentServiceRequestForm.png?1626881685" title="GenericConstituentServiceRequestForm.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>But the main focus of our canvassing is the Issues Survey, asking voters for their input and concerns.  Voter responses to the questionnaire are entered into VAN and made available to all Democratic candidates who use VAN in the state after the primary.  Creating this kind of data isn’t done with a specific goal in mind but has the purpose of engaging voters and creating a dataset that any Democratic candidate can use in opposition to a Republican.</p> <div> <p><span>Hope Springs has targeted states that have competitive Senate races and/or Congressional Races in 2026.  There is a lot of work to be done!  Especially since we have had to expand the map this year.</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/1173657/large/Clipboard01.png?1680012119" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <div> <div> <p><span>By starting early, and aiming towards super-compliance with some really, really onerous new voter regulations,<span> </span></span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field</a><span><span> </span>seeks to undermine that strategy, while informing voters about the new laws and regulations aimed at them and helping them to check their current voter registration status, if they cannot access it online themselves.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p><span>Our biggest expense is Printing the Walk Lit that we leave at every door.  We printed more than 1,400,000 pieces of Walk Lit last year for Georgia.  Access to the Voter File is our second largest cost.  But it is also a fixed cost.  That won’t change as we raise and spend more money.  Printing and mailing our our Post Cards to New Voters is our third cost and paying the fees for ActBlue is the smallest of our monthly costs.</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-md align-left"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-md" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1533764/large/Clipboard01.png?1773066434" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span> </span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs</a><span> </span>is a seat-of-the-pants grassroots-driven operation.  We don’t have employees (yet) but we realize that to formalize and professionalize this effort that will have to change eventually.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>But here’s the reality: Identifying Single Issue Voters and Constitutional Amendment supporters and doing GOTV (Get-Out-the-Vote) costs us more money than our regular canvassing because this issue drives volunteer turnout higher and higher.  Which means we have to buy more lit to distribute and other minor expenses (like water for volunteers).</p> </div> <div> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs</a><span> </span>has been called “the most comprehensive, organized grassroots voter contact project out there right now.  It is truly astonishing that it is grassroots-based!”  Not sure why it is “astonishing,” but i probably have more faith in grassroots or self-organized efforts because of my experience with Barack Obama’s early days in 2007.</p> <p><span>No other Democratically-aligned org has been methodically trying to circumvent MAGA efforts to rig the House Midterm elections in 2026.  And we need your help to continue.  More and more candidates and Democratic orgs are reaching out for our help.</span></p> <p><span>If you are able to support<span> </span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field</a>’s efforts to protect Demo-cratic voters, especially in minority communities, expand the electorate, and believe in grassroots efforts to increase voter participation and election protection, we would appreciate your support:</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank" title="">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms</a></p> <p>If you would rather send a check, you can follow that link for our mailing address at the bottom of the page.  Thank you for your support.  This work depends upon you!</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> rss@dailykos.com (snowbored) 2026 2026Elections canvassreports Community DailyKosElections DeepOrganizing Democraticgrassroots DemocraticGroundGame Democrats DKECommunity DoSomething earlyorganizing Election election2026 Elections FieldDrivesVictories FieldMatters GA-Sen Georgia hopesprings progressivegrassroots SwingStates VoterRegistration _2377219 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:08:19 +0000 Musings for Friday - Roses https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/10/2377212/-Musings-for-Friday-Roses?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>Good morning all,</p> <p>filling in for TexDem again, he’s not feeling well. </p> <p>I’ve got nothing. So, here are some pictures of roses I’ve taken. All of these images were taken with my iPhone, which ever model I had at the time when I took the shot. </p> <p>Have a great weekend everyone.</p> <p>Bob</p> rss@dailykos.com (bsegel) Community Mojo Musings _2377212 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:30:05 +0000 IAN: April 10, 2026: Open Thread https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/9/2377209/-IAN-April-10-2026-Open-Thread?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Happy Friday. Hopefully Friday goes better than Thursday. As of this writing, I have a headache, I’m nauseous, and I’ve been dizzy all day. Joy. <br> <br> So you have an open thread today. <br> <br> Also, 5 more days to get your taxes done if you haven’t. <br> <br>  </p> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-sm align-right"><img alt="Concerned_Itzl.jpg" class="width-sm" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/454869/large/Concerned_Itzl.jpg?1506689820" title="Concerned_Itzl.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>As you can see by Itzl's concerned look, this group is for us to check in at to let people know we are alive, doing OK, and not affected by such things as heat, blizzards, floods, wild fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, power outages, or other such things that could keep us off DKos. If you're not here, or anywhere else on DKos, and there are adverse conditions in your area (floods, heatwaves, hurricanes, etc.), we are going to check up on you. If you are going to be away from your computer for a day or a week, let us know here. We care!</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p>IAN is a great group to join, and a good place to learn to write diaries. Drop one of us a PM to be added to the Itzl Alert Network anytime! We all share the publishing duties, and we welcome everyone who reads IAN to write diaries for the group! Every member is an editor, so anyone can take a turn when they have something to say, photos and music to share, a cause to promote or news!</p> <p>Monday Youffraita</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <p>Tuesday: bigjacbigjacbigjac</p> <p>Wednesday Tippy and Dad</p> <p>Thursday art ah zen</p> <p>Friday FloridaSNMOM</p> <p>Saturday FloridaSNDad</p> <p>Sunday loggersbrat<br>  </p> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content">x</div> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content"><a class="new_iframe_placeholder" href="#">x</a></div> <a class="iframe_placeholder youtube dk-embed" href="//youtube.com/watch?v=6wJpYwkrZ_E" title="" data-frameborder="0" data-height="281" data-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6wJpYwkrZ_E" data-width="500">YouTube Video</a></div> </div> <p> <br> I don’t know that I’d get these, given that they register over 2000 on the Geiger counter.  I know they’re supposed to be ‘safe’, but I don’t think I’d risk it. </p> </div> </div> </div> rss@dailykos.com (FloridaSNMOM) Community IAN ItzlAlertNetwork OpenThread _2377209 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:55:08 +0000 From AntiFreeze to DBT Skills Coach: My Therapist Told Me to Build This https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/10/2377170/-From-AntiFreeze-to-DBT-Skills-Coach-My-Therapist-Told-Me-to-Build-This?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Hey Kossacks,</p> <p>Some of you might recognize me as the solo developer behind <a href="https://antifreeze.app/" target="_blank">AntiFreeze</a>, the anonymous community-powered ICE sighting app that a lot of you helped go viral here on Daily Kos a few weeks back. The response from this community genuinely changed the trajectory of that project, and I'm still kind of in awe of what we built together. We're at 3,400+ users now, Cloudflare brought us into Project Galileo for enterprise-grade DDoS protection, and press coverage keeps rolling in.</p> <p>I'm back today to share something different. It's not political. It's personal. And I think a lot of you might need it.</p> <h2>The part of my story I haven't told you</h2> <p>I have borderline personality disorder.</p> <p>I started DBT therapy last September, and it has been, without exaggeration, one of the most important things I've ever done for myself. For those who don't know, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and is the gold-standard treatment for BPD. It's also become one of the most evidence-backed approaches for anyone dealing with intense emotions, anxiety, distress tolerance, and the kind of interpersonal struggles that wreck relationships and make daily life feel impossible.</p> <p>DBT teaches concrete skills. Not vague advice. Actual techniques with names and steps: TIPP, DEAR MAN, opposite action, radical acceptance, wise mind, the whole framework for building "a life worth living." It's structured, it's practical, and when you actually use the skills, they work.</p> <p>The problem is access. Real DBT programs have months-long waitlists. Individual DBT therapy is expensive. The official skills manual by Linehan is a $90 clinical textbook that's hard to navigate if you're not already in a structured group. And when you're in the middle of an emotional spiral at 11pm on a Tuesday, you don't have a therapist on call. You have yourself, and whatever skills you can remember.</p> <p>A few months ago, in one of my sessions, my therapist suggested I build a tool to help people practice DBT skills between appointments, myself included, but mostly thinking about all the people out there who need access to this stuff and don't have it. She knew I was a developer. She knew I'd already built AntiFreeze. So I built it.</p> <h2>What I built</h2> <p><a href="https://dbtskills.coach" target="_blank">DBTSkills.coach</a> is an AI assistant trained on the latest edition of <em>DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets</em> by Marsha M. Linehan, PhD, ABPP. It's not a chatbot pretending to be a therapist. It's a structured practice tool that helps you:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Work through specific DBT skills</strong> when you need them, with the actual Linehan framework rather than watered-down internet advice</li> <li><strong>Build diary cards</strong>, which are a core part of DBT and a pain to maintain on paper</li> <li><strong>Practice things like DEAR MAN</strong> before a hard conversation, or walk through TIPP when you're escalating</li> <li><strong>Get familiar with the skills</strong> so they're actually accessible to you when you need them, instead of being a vague memory from a worksheet you saw once</li> </ul> <p>I want to be really clear about what this is and isn't. <strong>It is not a crisis tool.</strong> If you're in active crisis, please call 988 or reach out to a human. It is also not a replacement for actual therapy with an actual therapist. It's a between-sessions practice tool, the same way Duolingo is a practice tool and not a replacement for living in another country. I built it for myself first, and I use it almost every day.</p> <h2>Why I'm telling Daily Kos about it</h2> <p>Building AntiFreeze has put me in contact with a lot of you, and what I keep hearing, in comments and in messages, is how much weight people are carrying right now. The dread. The hypervigilance. The doomscrolling at 2am. The relationships fraying because everyone is running on empty. The fights with family members who voted the other way. The exhaustion of caring this much for this long.</p> <p>You don't need a BPD diagnosis to benefit from DBT skills. The whole framework was built around the idea that everyone, in moments of high distress, needs concrete tools rather than platitudes. And right now, a lot of us are living in sustained high distress.</p> <p>I figured if there was any community that might appreciate a tool like this, built by someone who actually uses it, it'd be this one.</p> <h2>The details</h2> <p>It's $9.99/month normally. Every account gets up to 4 messages free without even starting a trial, so you can poke at it and see if it's useful before committing to anything. After that there's a 7-day free trial. You do need to enter a card to start the trial, but it's entered directly on Stripe's site (not mine), you won't be charged until the trial ends, and cancelling takes about 10 seconds. There's a "Trial: X days left" link at the top of the app that drops you straight into Stripe's billing portal where you can cancel with one click. No dark patterns, no "call this number to cancel," no hunting through settings.</p> <p>For Daily Kos readers, I made a promotion code: <strong>DK20</strong>. It gives you 20% off for life. So $7.99/month forever, not just the first month. I wanted to make sure the people who've supported AntiFreeze got something real, not a fake "first month free" gimmick.</p> <p>One more thing on the money: 5% of all revenue goes to carbon removal through Stripe Climate. It's not a marketing line I tacked on — it's built directly into the Stripe checkout, which literally says <em>"DBTSkills.coach will contribute 5% of your subscription to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere."</em> The climate crisis and the political crisis are the same crisis, and if I'm going to run a project that takes people's money, some of it needs to go toward the long fight too. It's a small contribution from a small project, but it's real and it's verifiable.</p> <p><a href="https://dbtskills.coach" target="_blank">DBTSkills.coach</a></p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <h2>One last thing</h2> <p>I'm a solo developer. I'm not a clinic, I'm not a startup with a marketing budget, I'm not VC-backed. I'm a guy in Nashville with BPD who got tired of not having a tool he needed and built it. AntiFreeze was the same story, just pointed at a different problem. The fact that this community showed up for that project is the only reason I have the confidence to share this one.</p> <p>If DBT has helped you, or if you've been curious about it, or if you just want a structured way to practice handling hard emotions in a moment when everything feels hard — give it a try. The first few messages are free.</p> <p>I'll be hanging out in the comments today, so if you have questions about the app, about DBT, about how I built it, or about my own experience with any of this, ask. I'd rather have a real conversation than leave a diary up and disappear.</p> <p>And take care of yourselves out there. Genuinely. The work we're doing politically only matters if we're still standing to do it.</p> <p>Much Love<br> -- Josh<br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/antifreeze.app" target="_blank" title="">Substack</a><br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/antifreeze.app" target="_blank">Bluesky</a></p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (joshhacks) AI antifreeze Anxiety ArtificialIntelligence BPD Climate ClimateChange Community copingskills DBT Depression ICE MentalHealth Recovery Technology Therapy _2377170 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:00:07 +0000 GNR Sunday ☀️ Good News Roundups: We leave no one behind! ☀️ Bye, DK5 and Hi, WordPress!! You Ready? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/12/2377139/-GNR-Sunday-Good-News-Roundups-We-leave-no-one-behind-Bye-DK5-and-Hi-WordPress-You-Ready?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <div> <p>We began posting daily <strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/blog/good%20news" target="_blank"><u>Good News Roundups</u></a></strong><span><strong> </strong>(GNRs) in 2017. Our writers collect upbeat news about the nation and world, news that we do not get from down-beating corporate media. Choosing not to flee, freeze, or fawn, with the help of Good News Roundups we engage (fight). We don’t sit and wait for the future to arrive, we invite the future with our actions. At our cores, we know that doom-scrolling beats down and inhibits our physical and mental health, so we choose to wash, feed, and rest in a flood of good news. You can find more good news by our writers</span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/blog/good%20news" target="_blank"><span> </span><strong><u>here</u></strong></a><span>.</span></p> <h2><strong>Welcome to this Good News Roundup! </strong></h2> <p>Welcome to Gnuville University, where we study Good News and focus on its beneficial effects on Our Bodies, Our Selves, and Our Communities. Here we are not plagued, infected, or infested by down-bringing news as brought to us by our major corporations, our traditional media, and our current federal administration, all of whom want to induce fear in us.  </p> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-md align-right"><img alt="US Flag against blue sky. [Size small, 248 x 248] Tags Good News Gnus " src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/689612/large/USFlagagainstblueskysmallTagsGoodNewsGnus.jpg?1561513575" title="US Flag against blue sky. [Size small, 248 x 248] Tags Good News Gnus "> <figcaption>We are fully clothed in patriotism, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/60163211-frederick-douglass-prophet-of-freedom" target="_blank">no specious garb for us</a>.</figcaption> </figure> <div> <p><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Good%20News/history" target="_blank">The Good Gnus group</a><span> </span>is a community of readers, writers, activists, supporters, community builders, and patriots. We begin gathering every day at 7 a.m. ET to celebrate national good news. Our most active members are of course a subgroup of members of Daily Kos, whose Front Pages celebrate “News, Community, Action.” However, you don’t have to be a member of Daily Kos to be a Gnusie.</p> <p>We are realists, not fools, idiots, or ostriches. We seek the truth. We know we live in a world where active, nefarious, and evil decision-makers do very bad things, and create stress and anxiety in us, our loved ones, our friends, our neighbors, and our allies, and destroy people and systems we hold dear. However, we choose to focus on the good news that people create around the country.</p> <p>Sometimes we ourselves create Good News. Together we are strong and resilient. We return regularly to these pages to revitalize.</p> <p><span>In a Good News Roundup, the weight of bearing good news is not borne by the author alone: Gnusies can be counted on to adorn the comment section with good news.</span></p> <p><strong><span>We bring good news, we celebrate good news, and we create good news.<span> </span></span></strong><span>We accomplish the latter in many ways. Our members participate in real-world activities to create justice.</span></p> <h2>Meta: How to Save Unpublished Daily Kos Images Quickly </h2> <p>As you may know, the new Daily Kos site on WordPress, coming Wednesday this week, will not include images you have unloaded if you have not published them in a diary. </p> <p>I’m planning to post a diary about saving such undiaried personal images as soon as I can. </p> <p>I'll post a link to that diary soon after I publish it. I may not be able to answer questions until later due to caregiving and imminent visits of my daughter and her 4-year-old child. </p> <p>I will be back with that link when I can.</p> <blockquote> <h2><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/12/2371278/-How-to-Save-Many-Unpublished-Daily-Kos-Images-Quickly?_=2026-04-12T07:35:31.000-07:00" target="_blank">How to Save Many Unpublished Daily Kos Images Quickly</a></strong></h2> </blockquote> <h2>On Who Did What for Our Country </h2> <p><span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2376503/92990437#comment_92990437" target="_blank">sweetthesound</a> </strong></span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/9/2376503/-We-are-the-cavalry-GNR-for-Thursday-April-9th" target="_blank">wrote</a> the following in response to DoctorStrange’s Thursday Roundup, “<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/9/2376503/-We-are-the-cavalry-GNR-for-Thursday-April-9th" target="_blank"><strong>We are the cavalry!</strong>” </a></p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <blockquote> <div><span>Speaking of who did what, We the People, the Resistance, are in large part responsible for dump’s cratering popularity.</span></div> <div></div> <div>The Good News Roundup writers have made a huge contribution to the Resistance in a number of ways:</div> <div></div> <div>First by keeping hope alive, like the snowdrops struggling up through the ice in Goodie’s headline picture.</div> <div></div> <div>And then by sharing information and links on local fights, national movements, and Resistance actions and tactics.</div> <div></div> <div>Postcards to Voters, No Buy Fridays, Tesla protests, No Kings, the Disney boycott, phone scripts for calling our reps, these are some of the actions we have promoted and participated in as a Gnuville community.</div> <div></div> <div>These ongoing efforts here spread out from each of us into our families, our friends, and our communities.</div> <div></div> <div>So hip, hip, hooray! for the GNR writers, you all  have my undying gratitude!</div> <div></div> <div>And another three cheers for us, for me and thee, for we’uns, the footsoldiers of Resistance itself! <em>[<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/04/09/2376503/-We-are-the-cavalry!-GNR-for-Thursday,-April-9th#comment_92990437" target="_blank"><strong>Source</strong>,</a> </em><em>lightly edited by 2thanks] </em></div> </blockquote> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> </div> </div> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2><span>What’s a Pip?</span></h2> <p><strong>A pip </strong>is a small seed or a dot on a domino. As a verb, pip means to break through the shell of an egg. Here are quite a few pips, a phrase or a sentence with a link.</p> <p><strong>How to read pips:<span> Slowly and with pauses. </span></strong>I recommend taking a moment to process each Good News pip. Don’t just speed-read the list. Instead, possibly invite the pip to sink down from your mind into your body, maybe letting go of any fear or anxiety you may find. Maybe take a deep breath? Deep breathing is good. Smell and sip your beverage, nibble on a bit of food, look out the window, discuss with a companion, make a note to discuss it with or email it to a friend.  </p> <h2><span>Poll #1: Who Won the Week? </span></h2> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned align-right"><img alt="Bill in Portland Maine in the kiddie pool at Netroots nation in Minneapolis" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/316355/large/Kiddie_Pool_Netroots_Nation_Minneapolis.jpg?1477238675" title="Bill in Portland Maine in the kiddie pool at Netroots nation in Minneapolis"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>Gnusie Bill in Portland Maine lets me repeat the results of his research. He arrayed the following items in his popular<span><span><span><span> </span></span></span><strong>Who Won the Week?<span> </span>poll</strong><span><span><span><span> </span>in<span> </span>Friday’s Cheers and Jeers</span>.<span><span> Many </span></span></span>people<span> already </span></span>voted in that poll. </span><span><span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Bill%20in%20Portland%20Maine/history" target="_blank">Please enjoy Bill’s on-point analysis and wit</a>,<span> </span></strong>vote in his poll,<span> </span></span>Rec his diaries, get on his bandwagon,<span> </span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/1/8/1730417/-Cheers-and-Jeers-Monday" target="_blank">send him a donation</a>,<span> </span></strong>and earn<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1807122/71790682#comment_71790682" target="_blank">his blessing</a><strong>.</strong><span><span> </span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <p><span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Bill%20in%20Portland%20Maine/history" target="_blank">Cheers and Jeers archive and future editions here</a>.<span> </span></strong><span>Way, way<span> </span></span>more than 2<strong> </strong>thanks to The One, our Wicked Wizard of Wit and writer of Who Won the Week, Willhelm von kosland!</span><br>  </p> <ol> <li>The rule of law, as Democratic state attorneys general filed their 100th lawsuit against the Trump administration as part of a strategy to block the fascist party's lawless wrecking ball<br>  </li> <li>California's economic dominance, as the Golden State passes Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy<br>  </li> <li>Luxembourg, for becoming the second country after France to enshrine abortion rights into its constitution<br>  </li> <li>The Artemis II astronauts and the NASA employees guiding them, for their record-setting mission to the far side of the moon<br>  </li> <li>The Wisconsin Election kaboom: Chris Taylor wins state Supreme Court seat, giving liberals 5-2 advantage, and Alicia Halvensleben flips Waukesha mayor's office from red to blue<br>  </li> <li>Kids' health in West Virginia, as a Fourth Circuit Court panel rejects a religion-based challenge to the state's school vaccine requirements law<br>  </li> <li>Anyone at the Department of Justice who had the privilege of throwing human-demon hybrid Pam Bondi's portrait in the trash after she got fired as AG<br>  </li> <li>Creative resistance, as leaders in Boise, Idaho obey a new state law forcing removal of pride flags, but then wrap its flag poles at City Hall with LGBTQ pride colors<br>  </li> <li>The green energy supporters who won a majority on the Arizona Utility Commission Board, defeating Turning Point USA's well-funded fossil fuel-loving candidates<br>  </li> <li>New York City under socialist leadership, as Mayor Mamdani and the NYPD Announce the fewest murders/shootings in recorded city history for the first 3 months of 2026<br>  </li> <li>The NCAA women's champion UCLA Bruins and men's champion Michigan Wolverines<br>  </li> </ol> <p>Find Bill’s Friday poll <strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/user/Bill%20in%20Portland%20Maine" target="_blank">here</a></strong>.</p> <div>Which item did you vote for? Why?</div> <div> <div> <p>Who made a winning move after Bill's deadline on Friday?</p> <p><strong>Above Image: </strong><span> </span><span>Bill in Portland Maine in the kiddie pool at Netroots Nation in </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netroots_Nation#Previous_conferences" target="_blank">Minneapolis</a><span>.</span><strong> </strong></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <h2></h2> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2>ICYMU: This Week in Gnuville</h2> <p><span><strong>In case you missed us:</strong> Miss a day or two? Need more Good News? Need a </span>respite from ruin scrolling? <span>New to Good News Roundups? Kicking doom scrolling out of your life?</span></p> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned align-right"><img alt="Three writers of the Good News Roundup on Daily Kos stand in front of a good gnu. Image created by Edward Song: " src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/1268438/large/ThreewritersoftheGoodNewsRounduponDailyKos.jpg?1706413624"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/11/2377250/-Surprisingly-Great-News-for-Democracy-GNR" target="_blank">Surprisingly Great News for Democracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday GNR</a></strong><br> GoodNewsRoundup</p> </div> <div> <div> <p><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/10/2376567/-GNR-for-Friday-April-10-2026-Beating-Back-Bullies" target="_blank">GNR for Friday, April 10, 2026: Beating Back Bullies</a></strong><br> chloris creator</p> </div> </div> <div> <div> <p><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/9/2376503/-We-are-the-cavalry-GNR-for-Thursday-April-9th" target="_blank">We are the cavalry! GNR for Thursday, April 9th.</a></strong><br> DoctorStrange</p> </div> </div> <div> <div> <p><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/8/2376951/-GNR-Wednesday-Good-News-Roundup-Potluck" target="_blank">GNR Wednesday ☀️ Good News Roundup Potluck</a></strong><br> 2thanks</p> </div> </div> <div> <div> <p><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/7/2374851/-Tuesday-April-7-GNR" target="_blank">Tuesday, April 7 GNR</a></strong><br> niftywriter</p> </div> </div> <div> <div> <p><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/6/2376518/-From-the-GNR-Newsroom-its-the-Monday-Good-News-Roundup" target="_blank">From the GNR Newsroom, its the Monday Good News Roundup</a></strong><br> Jessiestaf</p> </div> </div> <div> <div> <p><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/5/2375612/-GNR-Sunday-Good-Pips-Actions-Polls-WWtW-Bye-bye-DK5-and-Hello-DK6-Are-You-Ready" target="_blank"><strong>GNR Sunday ☀️ Good Pips, Actions ☀️ Polls: WWtW? + Bye-bye, DK5, and Hello, DK6!! Are</strong>You </a>Ready?<br> 2thanks</p> </div> </div> <p><strong>Image: </strong>In 2024 Edward Song created this fanciful image of three Gnuville authors who wrote Roundups at that time. Song drew these images out of his fertile imagination and titled it "Good Gnus by 2thanks, Chloris Creator, and Mokurai." Thanks again, Edward!</p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <h2></h2> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2>Extra! Extra! by Jess Craven</h2> <p>On Sunday afternoons, Jess Craven sends <strong>Extra! Extra!</strong> emails, free for sharing. Therein she lists many good news items. Excerpts from <a href="https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/p/extra-extra-817?utm_source=substack&publication_id=362618&post_id=170657185&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&utm_campaign=email-share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=true&r=fyfv8&triedRedirect=true" target="_blank">last Sunday’s <strong>Extra! Extra! </strong></a>follow.</p> <p>In some of them, she notes good resolutions of difficult situations. Perhaps you heard a bad-news item but have not heard her good followup.  </p> <p><a href="https://substack.com/@jesscraven101" target="_blank">Jess describes herself</a>: “Activist, organizer. Author of Chop Wood Carry Water Daily Actions. Political content creator. Co-host of the Practivist Pod. Mom to a  🏳️‍⚧️ kid.” She’s #28 on the <a href="https://substack.com/leaderboard/76739/paid" target="_blank">Substack political leaderboard</a>.</p> <figure class="image-captioned align-right"><img alt="A spiral of dominoes uploaded by Aleurophile." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/727818/large/dominoeffect.jpg?1571059049" title="A spiral of dominoes uploaded by Aleurophile."> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>You can <a href="https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/p/extra-extra-83?utm_source=substack&publication_id=362618&post_id=169449628&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&utm_campaign=email-share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=true&r=fyfv8&triedRedirect=true" target="_blank">subscribe to her almost-daily emails here</a>. On weekdays, she provides easy action steps for resisting patriots. Here’s the <a href="https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/archive?sort=new" target="_blank">archive of all her emails</a>.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <blockquote> <ol> <li><span>A judge<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/judge-halts-trumps-90000-square-foot-white-house-ballroom-construction/ar-AA1ZQQNR" target="_blank">ordered</a><span><span> </span>the White House to cease White House ballroom construction.</span></li> <li><span>A federal judge<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/31/judge-blocks-trump-npr-pbs-funding-cut" target="_blank">blocked</a><span><span> </span>Trump’s order to end funding for NPR and PBS. Huge!</span></li> <li><span>The US Supreme Court<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/01/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-case" target="_blank">appeared poised to protect birthright citizenship</a><span>, the longstanding policy that babies born in the US are American citizens, in what would be a blow to a key immigration policy for Donald Trump.</span></li> <li>Trump fired Bondi. Good riddance.</li> <li><span>Pope Leo XIV said that God doesn’t listen to the prayers of those who make war or cite God to justify their violence,<span> </span></span><a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-palm-sunday-francis-pope-5749906e8c5d5303b1fb06e33607e062?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">as he prayed especially for Christians in the Middle East during a Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square</a><span>.</span></li> <li><span>The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists,<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/dalai-lama-endorses-pope-leos-holy-week-message-peace?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">"wholeheartedly" endorsed Pope Leo XIV's call for peace</a><span>.</span></li> <li><span>A federal judge ruled that ICE and CBP must comply with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/bba0d087?m=7e0afc7e-802a-4d65-8ae0-472b4cd171a1" target="_blank">records related to immigration investigations and operations</a><span>, a First Amendment victory that will allow journalists and researchers to better analyze federal immigration enforcement activities.</span></li> <li><span></span><a href="https://9905ebc8.click.kit-mail3.com/k0u7kq7wqxc6h5vdpnmalhorxn7xra98ngn0o4x40dzrnmngzewkl5vp5358rlqzzm240vwo9q3l38nk2v464mwxzp6n9wz780xd69lddwqmow629lpooze9476ad9d8o/reh8hohmdze38vh6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZGdvb2Rnb29kLmNvL2FydGljbGVzL3N0ZXBoZW4tY29sYmVydC1sYXRlLXNob3ctdHNoaXJ0LWZ1bmRyYWlzZXI=" target="_blank">Stephen Colbert raised over $1 million for World Central Kitchen with “Late Show” t-shirts and a charity auction.</a><span><span> </span>Love him!</span></li> <li><a href="https://9905ebc8.click.kit-mail3.com/4zunmxn0xgiehp8z35mtxh6md6lkquz5qdq40w9w4e2nqmqd2xg7or8lr6r5nov22m3w48g0zv6o65q738wpwmg92lpqzg2k549epzoeegvm0gp3zol002xzwkpcw2w0x/9qhzhnhdwwdw37sz/aHR0cHM6Ly9tYXJ5bGFuZG1hdHRlcnMub3JnLzIwMjYvMDMvMDEvc29sYXItcGFuZWxzLW1kb3QtbGFuZC8=" target="_blank">Maryland will install $50 million worth of solar panels on land owned by the state’s Department of Transportation.</a><span><span> </span>The “highly visible” solar panels are coming to parking lots and brownfields across the state.</span></li> <li><a href="https://p.feedblitz.com/t3/1099925/27193028/28539109_/~feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/politicalwire/~https://news.gallup.com/poll/654560/quarterly-party-affiliation.aspx" target="_blank">Gallup</a><span><span> </span>finds the share of Americans saying they are Republicans or Republican-leaning independents in the first quarter of 2026 is 39%—a low dating back to 2015. At the same time, the share of Americans saying they are either Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents has reached 49%, matching highs from the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021.</span></li> <li><span>A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists finds two offshore wind farms — Vineyard Wind in Massachusetts and Revolution Wind in Rhode Island —<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/03/29/offshore-wind-energy-new-england/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--nWYts5AVL-5SFZjzysgENV1eRYYwehAH4YwutuBU-81z9Ll5Z-BJjYzCfpJt4XYxPROxlwL4vB1fmORViMyaCxURYJA&_hsmi=411313591&utm_content=411313591&utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">will significantly lower the risk of power outages in New England during winter storms</a><span>.</span></li> <li><span>A federal judge<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/jerome-powell-federal-reserve-probe-8e5da69b" target="_blank">denied the Justice Department’s request</a><span><span> </span>to reconsider his decision to quash a pair of subpoenas issued to the Federal Reserve, rejecting the government’s arguments in a sharply worded six-page opinion.</span></li> <li><span></span><a href="https://9905ebc8.click.kit-mail3.com/k0u7kq7wqxc6h5vdpnmalhorxn7xra98ngn0o4x40dzrnmngzewkl5vp5358rlqzzm240vwo9q3l38nk2v464mwxzp6n9wz780xd69lddwqmow629lpooze9476ad9d8o/8ghqhohodnx245fl/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXh0Y2l0eS5vcmcvdXJiYW5pc3QtbmV3cy9hbGJhbnktc21hbGwtY2FsaWZvcm5pYS1jaXR5LWhhcy1kaXZlc3RlZC1mcm9tLXdhci1jcmltaW5hbHMtaGVyZXMtaG93" target="_blank">Albany, California, a Bay Area city, is divesting its funds from companies linked to human rights abuses and war crimes.</a><span><span> </span>The effort was driven by local activists who spent over a year organizing events, protests, and education campaigns.</span></li> <li><span>New data shows that<span> </span></span><a href="https://ourworldindata.org/data-insights/denmarks-electricity-has-a-larger-share-of-wind-power-than-any-other-country?utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=%F0%9F%97%9E%EF%B8%8F%20Good%20News:%20Wind%20is%20powering%20Denmark%20-%2021260387&sh_kit=7a2950363f4b90b1881ae76c68d24551846eea9063b67a6a14e9fa39bc419e40" target="_blank">wind power supplied almost 60 % of Denmark’s electricity in 2023</a><span>, giving the country the highest share of wind‑generated electricity on a global scale.</span></li> <li><span>A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration<span> </span></span><a href="https://abcnews.com/US/administration-restore-legal-status-thousands-immigrants-judge-rules/story?id=131592574&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">must restore the legal status</a><span><span> </span>of potentially hundreds of thousands of immigrants who came to the United States legally through a Biden-era pathway.</span></li> <li><span>Marc Elias<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.democracydocket.com/cases/trump-mail-in-voting-executive-order-challenge-dscc/" target="_blank">filed a lawsuit</a><span><span> </span>to block Trump’s latest illegal and unconstitutional executive order targeting voting on behalf of the DSCC, DNC, DCCC, DGA, and Leaders Schumer and Jeffries.</span></li> <li><span>New Jersey just joined nine other states—California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington—</span><a href="https://boltsmag.org/new-jersey-immigrant-protections-codified-into-law/" target="_blank">in banning local participation in ICE’s 287(g) program</a><span>. It’s the fourth state to do so this year.</span></li> <li><span>A huge win in the conservative 8th Circuit! Arkansas’ requirement of an original "wet signature" on voter registration applications was<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.democracydocket.com/cases/arkansas-wet-signature-challenge/" target="_blank">BLOCKED</a><span><span> </span>for violating the Civil Rights Act.</span></li> <li><span>A fun fact from Melissa Walker at the States Project: in 2016, Democrats held 6 state government trifectas. Today we hold 17. That's the work of people like you! (We’re almost halfway to our goal for the<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/KXMhoaJ/Jess-Craven-s-Giving-Circle" target="_blank">Minnesota statehouse fundraiser</a><span>, too! Woot!)</span></li> <li><span>Trump’s approval rating on the economy<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/01/politics/cnn-poll-trump-approval-rating-economy" target="_blank">hit a new low</a><span>. Meanwhile, Trump's<span> </span></span><em>overall</em><span><span> </span>approval has collapsed to<span> </span></span><a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.j-2F64YLi3KtiKxJzXyS0ArRmWwjbtjd80yi99HqxggYzRt65ePJrDk3Spk30u2KlcIfbF-2BAaDLh9DL53Hg-2Fz9YCJDRfz42uQeBQHAyahbQi9CI1FMrp-2FmskbEMcXgEZUz3TgM_VIe8844sBgbcYpi-2FQhxuQsS22wAgHdHDa-2F8VeoSLw5Udm5wtJbsPN8VGtwAjcVOfpUDzbhCbnBwL0ofxdem1CMQp4HAUStMLS8ZdKEPt83Y4iG7m-2BRlFKPmqq4d9Tf696Wj5PpstrF2bqjK-2Fat1cvDgGoWDlaHMAEKBWTrjqwMBi50vz7qHP7KCoQvBYxkoyaUm-2FwPiJuve0pt-2BSRUMk8zVczFtgQeNiDrO8mdzB9Njw5YZx4WLbk7jY8MIMndlUGzvnmDxu11SHnj6uq2ubNf2vmAF8SI1M4C-2BHl2FxBe0IMQvQrYe-2F8JJxqaX6s-2B-2FSs0LzLMrBDbMSsY4vtT4XT-2FJqX-2BB9KgkKVwnxRsKUNF5qINCoK12PMTz5hsUwtzTwfYhZ9oPZPovEryQtDMOWgw-3D-3D" target="_blank">33%</a><span><span> </span>(UMass),<span> </span></span><a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.j-2F64YLi3KtiKxJzXyS0ArcT3AvocZ9rkquMR6HUTq9eS9U-2Bpn7uLew5Y3BDPpykc-2FX2CV3QWwWDlew5gOzZWpLQwa-2F-2FYuUtcXbYrIsygdFU70mhHFOp0jaaF33BwmCrl11jABJXhB-2BHdoQ2-2FK8KkDitYG98BZZjFrhXAjXQNbbWZqlYcRyqYiHerrgmtOI7-2BpFBM_VIe8844sBgbcYpi-2FQhxuQsS22wAgHdHDa-2F8VeoSLw5Udm5wtJbsPN8VGtwAjcVOfpUDzbhCbnBwL0ofxdem1CMQp4HAUStMLS8ZdKEPt83Y4iG7m-2BRlFKPmqq4d9Tf696Wj5PpstrF2bqjK-2Fat1cvDgGoWDlaHMAEKBWTrjqwMBi50vz7qHP7KCoQvBYxkoyaUm-2FwPiJuve0pt-2BSRUMk8zVczFtgQeNiDrO8mdzB9NgIzq2TIFVb4lBqEjtmbSLyLQ1hPnXC17FWGBkDydidqPAy-2B1kMCRAJC6A1TdiZJn2gQSLkjFvWH5c7tOF-2B9FQaBCBFjs2JcfujE1qmCY77FpN7DiHZImPd0xqErIgI7uy-2B3VI8Es7bKWUw32QTNEejfnR9brNGTqSH-2FNC5jdLy-2FQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">36%</a><span><span> </span>(Reuters/Ipsos), and<span> </span></span><a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.j-2F64YLi3KtiKxJzXyS0ArYTukXPWMOFbks5A-2BeeQTqWCQV2kMmmi7Tx21DywM-2F9zq4xTt0cXokxFL6Wi1aHC35kub7jLw05NBOXwUxwIOXU-3Da7OW_VIe8844sBgbcYpi-2FQhxuQsS22wAgHdHDa-2F8VeoSLw5Udm5wtJbsPN8VGtwAjcVOfpUDzbhCbnBwL0ofxdem1CMQp4HAUStMLS8ZdKEPt83Y4iG7m-2BRlFKPmqq4d9Tf696Wj5PpstrF2bqjK-2Fat1cvDgGoWDlaHMAEKBWTrjqwMBi50vz7qHP7KCoQvBYxkoyaUm-2FwPiJuve0pt-2BSRUMk8zVczFtgQeNiDrO8mdzB9Nj81Sxsxo8r0pGkFAGPW25lkB7mMdZ7ghUV9WoL-2FEW3-2BzSiYNzuzN9q3wrtaHnz2YLb4RyTI0lSkdm9vpvdUNB6eVtYm3U3XnNXoSiwnJk9DyiUEik2DiGkim484v2Rq2sPZUPRLPkSrYcpilFxtSG-2BPc2DIr-2B2kAZTdZOfaNeL1A-3D-3D" target="_blank">36%</a><span><span> </span>(The Economist). That’s the worst it’s ever been, folks.</span></li> <li><span>TMZ is exposing members of Congress who went on spring break while DHS continues to be shut down by<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/31/us/politics/tmz-congress.html?smid=threads-nytimes&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">posting pictures and videos of them</a><span><span> </span>on vacation. They’re encouraging members of the public to send in more such material “to show how fed up the American people are — because we are.”</span></li> <li><span>An endangered Cahow, one of the rarest seabirds in the world,<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/endangered-cahow-one-of-the-rarest-seabirds-in-the-world-hatched-on-nonsuch-island-in-bermuda/" target="_blank">hatched on Nonsuch Island in Bermuda</a><span>.</span></li> <li><span>Scott McConnell, a co-founder of<span> </span></span><em>The American Conservative</em><span>,<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ashamed-american-conservative-co-founder-105622474.html?emci=62a488b5-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=44a02fda-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=24376453" target="_blank">said he felt “ashamed and embarrassed” for voting for Trump three times in a row</a><span>.</span></li> <li><span>GOP CA gubernatorial candidate Sheriff Chad Bianco<span> </span></span><a href="https://click.ngpvan.com/k/128737114/612201854/812534527?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9OR1AvTkdQMDIvMS82MzcwNyIsDQogICJEaXN0cmlidXRpb25VbmlxdWVJZCI6ICI0NGEwMmZkYS1iYzJmLWYxMTEtOWE0OC0wMDBkM2ExNGI2NDAiLA0KICAiRW1haWxBZGRyZXNzIjogImplc2NueUBnbWFpbC5jb20iDQp9&hmac=mTckZVcYmY-xF1tt1vprM5FTgJA6bxfYtxkg1zQubTI=&emci=62a488b5-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=44a02fda-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=24376453" target="_blank">backed</a><span><span> </span>away from his investigation into baseless allegations of 2025 election fraud after Attorney General Rob Bonta and the UCLA Voting Rights Project mounted legal challenges.</span></li> <li><span>California<span> </span></span><a href="https://apnews.com/article/folic-acid-birth-defect-latino-corn-tortilla-13bad611bd3cc590d0e098635791eb04?emci=62a488b5-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=44a02fda-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=24376453" target="_blank">became the first state</a><span><span> </span>to require food makers to add folic acid, a crucial vitamin, to corn masa flour used to make tortillas and other traditional foods widely used in the Hispanic community. It’s a long-delayed move aimed at reducing Hispanic infants’ disproportionately high rates of serious conditions called neural tube defects.</span></li> <li><span>Maine<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/maine-data-center-ban-e768fb18?st=LCBvaR&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink&emci=62a488b5-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=44a02fda-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=24376453" target="_blank">is poised to freeze large data-center construction</a><span>, which would make it the first state to enact such a measure.</span></li> <li><span>A federal court in California<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/articles/judge-nixes-trump-changes-to-endangered-species-act-regs/" target="_blank">tossed out a set of regulatory rollbacks</a><span><span> </span>that undercut Endangered Species Act protections.</span></li> <li><span>Spain has<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/30/spain-closes-airspace-to-us-planes-involved-in-war-on-iran?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">closed its airspace</a><span><span> </span>to US planes involved in the war on Iran, the latest step in the country’s opposition to the conflict.</span></li> <li><span>France<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china/france-refused-israel-use-its-air-space-transfer-us-weapons-iran-war-sources-2026-03-31/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">didn’t allow Israel</a><span><span> </span>to use ‌its air space to transport American weapons to be used in the war against ⁠Iran.</span></li> <li><span>Right-leaning podcaster bros Joe Rogan and Theo Von<span> </span></span><a href="https://substack.com/redirect/95063622-4015-4a78-96e5-040fa3a0a1cc?j=eyJ1IjoiMWUxMTRvIn0._mMfc5Z9OkM7MykSW0eywpEbzlNUGDgPsoUoLLUyzwQ" target="_blank">both criticized</a><span><span> </span>Trump for going to war with Iran this week.</span></li> <li><span>A federal judge<span> </span></span><a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5811066-judge-allows-trump-jan6-suit/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">is allowing a civil suit</a><span><span> </span>brought against Trump for his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, to proceed in court.</span></li> <li><span>In South Carolina<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWg7dZilvgn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==" target="_blank">every statewide race has a Democratic candidate</a><span>. This is the most offices contested by SC Democrats in modern history. Amazing!</span></li> <li><span>Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=microsoft-start&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=subs-partner-msoft-seattle" target="_blank">new tax</a><span><span> </span>on high earners into law, ending Washington's run as one of the few states without an income tax on the books.</span></li> <li><span>A federal judge<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2026/03/31/texas-johnson-amendment-churches-political-endorsements-nonprofits-federal-judge/" target="_blank">dismissed a lawsuit</a><span><span> </span>that sought to allow churches to endorse political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status, dealing a blow to the Trump administration and other conservatives who have worked to eliminate the decades-old law barring nonprofits from supporting political office seekers.</span></li> <li><span>The DHS<span> </span></span><a href="https://archive.ph/KHTI5#selection-309.150-309.266" target="_blank">permitted a Mexican woman to return to the United States</a><span><span> </span>after a judge found her deportation was unlawful, a rare reprieve at a time when growing numbers of immigrants who arrived as children are being targeted for removal.</span></li> <li><span>Thanks to the efforts of amazing orgs like Blue Missouri, that state<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWkOq3rjXGp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==" target="_blank">will have a Democrat running in virtually every district this cycle</a><span>. HUGE!</span></li> <li><span>More than 40 animal species — including the snowy owl, cheetah and great hammerhead shark —<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/living/article315275270.html?emci=62a488b5-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=44a02fda-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=24376453" target="_blank">have been designated for international protection<span> </span></a><span>following a United Nations summit on migratory species.</span></li> <li><span>Austria<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.newsweek.com/austria-closes-airspace-to-us-military-11775108?emci=62a488b5-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=44a02fda-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=24376453" target="_blank">denied the United States permission</a><span><span> </span>to use its airspace for military operations related to the war with Iran, citing the country’s long‑standing policy of neutrality.</span></li> <li><span>A federal judge<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/31/us/politics/trump-homelessness-program-judge.html?unlocked_article_code=1.YVA.Ziph.vpeC-DIhaoTw&smid=url-share" target="_blank">ruled</a><span><span> </span>that the Trump administration had illegally demanded that groups seeking homelessness grants comply with its agenda on immigration enforcement, transgender rights and other unrelated issues.</span></li> <li><span>California<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/30/california-ai-regulations-trump?emci=62a488b5-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=44a02fda-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=24376453" target="_blank">will impose new standards</a><span><span> </span>on AI companies seeking to do business with the state, defying Trump’s demands to keep the controversial industry as deregulated as possible.</span></li> <li><span>Pedro Pascal, Madonna, Javier Bardem, Mark Ruffalo, and Jane Fonda<span> </span></span><a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/madonna-pedro-pascal-letter-ice-facility-dilley-1236702761/?emci=62a488b5-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=44a02fda-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=24376453" target="_blank">are among the dozens of Hollywood names who have signed an open letter<span> </span></a><span>calling on the federal government to shut down the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas, where ICE has been detaining children and their parents.</span></li> <li>In related news, a two-year-old boy who went 12 days without eating at Dilley was finally released after public pressure and pleas from Ms. Rachel and others.</li> <li><span>Amazon<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/amazon-data-center-pollution-settlement-1235539152/?emci=62a488b5-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=44a02fda-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=24376453" target="_blank">settled a class action lawsuit</a><span><span> </span>over one of their data centers’ polluting emissions for 20.5 million dollars.</span></li> <li><span>EU officials<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/iran-war-could-spur-europe-to-double-down-on-renewables-again?amp%3Butm_medium=email&%3Butm_campaign=canary&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--uMU_uNms7VRrDYXQSEtCitBQfLftOrOpN_HJaemcB0NBBFK_7NCR5LeszE09NuL-Cbb6pDwJXeTx5MBc_WVZwW6Ftlw&_hsmi=412104927&utm_source=newsletter" target="_blank">are embracing solar and wind</a><span><span> </span>as a result of the latest Iran-war-based energy crisis</span></li> <li><span>Democrats officially<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/30/us/politics/brian-nathan-florida-special-election.html?emci=62a488b5-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=44a02fda-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=24376453" target="_blank">claimed a second upset</a><span><span> </span>in Florida’s recent special elections when The AP declared an electrical workers union leader to be the winner of a tight state senate contest in reliably Republican West Tampa.</span></li> <li><span>Sixty percent of voters<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.familiesoverbillionaires.org//wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Families-Over-Billionaires-National-Survey-Memo-021326-1.pdf?link_id=11&can_id=239815ac26bf47454eff88110b2df461&source=email-dhs-negotiations-the-war-in-iran-message-guidance-and-more&email_referrer=email_3176282&email_subject=trump-said-the-quiet-part-out-loud-this-week&&" target="_blank">say</a><span><span> </span>that they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who says they would vote to raise taxes on billionaires, compared to only 13 percent who say they would be less likely.</span></li> <li><span>A federal judge<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/articles/maryland-net-zero-building-codes-survive-federal-court-challenge/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93OQWeaCXs9zjxaORih3-iWlrZK0cgNhc6yeu2-4FndefLeyoj5hesZrXmZg5Eviz0PyjRbfs7hNnvlHGDKl8EodbClw&_hsmi=412104927&utm_content=412104927&utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">declined to block Maryland rules</a><span><span> </span>requiring certain commercial and residential buildings to be net-zero by 2040, despite a Trump administration lawsuit to stop them.</span></li> <li><span>The Supreme Court of Montana<span> </span></span><a href="https://dailymontanan.com/2026/04/01/montana-supreme-court-dismisses-constitutionality-challenge-to-the-montana-plan-initiative/" target="_blank">has thrown out</a><span><span> </span>the legal challenge mounted by major corporations to kill The Montana Plan (a ballot measure that could well take down Citizens United)! HUGE!</span></li> <li><span>Used EV models are more plentiful and cheaper than they’ve ever been.<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/electric-vehicles/used-evs-are-bargain-buyers-noticing" target="_blank">Buyers are noticing</a><span>!</span></li> <li><span>Democratic Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-03-26/eric-election-integrity-security-abigail-spanberger-glenn-youngkin" target="_blank">announced</a><span><span> </span>that Virginia will rejoin the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), a bipartisan voter roll maintenance program.</span></li> <li><span>A New York pilot scheme is replacing gas stoves with electric induction models in public housing, offering residents a safer and cleaner way to cook after years of disruption from gas supply issues. The pilot is part of a wider $32m plan to install induction stoves in 10,000 apartments. Advocates say<span> </span></span><a href="https://ablink.editorial.theguardian.com/ss/c/u001.Yw_JkLMEmFuifc_XG18IRyTNtZQ7fIEMgszcCSneHEAhzD0WUI17vwhqJTqDOvEGMKdhZHNk-9WxtSCa_huxkCQDD7BPyc2ilWxV20xDAHu-h7zwBghf4Lt5NZDBVoUacVxy4NO5g_yeyWftUIchQiid83IT0Ig1d5ZL1GJCdwNMhmCgcvjhA1uwnYVt1qmIA-P2WffIthJXPGMbGN4uP9rC6Z6VgCmwv-TA7P5rqUU1MSCCDPRxvq9-hC0HoGCW3DAsbQHXVpXKAaEgQySCYkEgKemSHf07Ra2IS9KK3yjjgdFN9EuDDpLUxNrQRFbx/4ph/xZd3XkIAQ9aQAF3G3lfFfg/h29/h001.o1ovUkaDm5Y-7-U5VT9f9oRzbV5N6_PU8EgkKqefzqc" target="_blank">the switch could cut emissions and reduce harmful indoor air pollution</a><span>. (I have an induction stove. I LOVE IT!)</span></li> <li><span>Renewable power<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/renewables-grew-almost-50-global-electricity-capacity-2025-after-solar-boost-2026-03-31/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--HD1cXXQqY11oAOgG3BiV7rBRQF7azFNsqLSYUoXqzevvUjXdxTcUhno98crPZvKWbosDvSbTY7MdHw-BZj_m0ZYm07A&_hsmi=411745112&utm_content=411745112&utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">made up almost 50% of the world’s electricity capacity last year<span> </span></a><span>after a record ‌increase in solar installations</span></li> <li><span>Uber<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.theverge.com/transportation/905427/uber-go-electric-grant-driver-switch-ev?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8cOpNMCtdhi6VL1vpXrvAivp7Nrhk2yXhtpdq8QVZG84a9PiNMRU5dx70Txb9ks8TY7OkR6FnL-XXNgyNbEuUJTS3rRg&_hsmi=411947569&utm_content=411947569&utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">will expand its EV grant program</a><span><span> </span>from a few select cities, allowing drivers nationwide to apply for $4,000 to ditch their gas-powered cars.</span></li> <li><span>A new<span> </span></span><a href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/26/after-uchicago-trauma-center-reopened-nearby-shooting-deaths-fell-nearly-4-percent-study/" target="_blank">study</a><span><span> </span>found that after the 2018 reopening of UChicago Medicine, a Level 1 trauma center that had been closed for 30 years, shooting victims got to the hospital almost 10 minutes sooner, and, as a result, firearm-related deaths decreased by almost 4 percent. That’s 80 people a year!</span></li> <li><span>American commandos<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/04/04/world/iran-war-trump-news?campaign_id=60&emc=edit_na_20260405&instance_id=173617&nl=breaking-news&regi_id=70183721&segment_id=217760&user_id=a22cdf50ee78026aeb03bece73c2433c" target="_blank">rescued</a><span><span> </span>an injured crew member who bailed out when a U.S. fighter jet was shot down on Friday.</span></li> <li><span>One of the world's most endangered whale species, the North Atlantic right whale,<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/highest-number-north-atlantic-right-whale-calves-17-years#google_vignette" target="_blank">has recorded 23 births for the calving season</a><span>, the highest number seen in 17 years.</span></li> <li><span>Tesla<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2026/04/02/tesla-misses-vehicle-delivery-estimates-as-ev-market-struggles/?utm_campaign=forbes&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky" target="_blank">had another bad quarter</a><span>.</span></li> <li><span>A new study<span> </span></span><a href="https://futurism.com/science-energy/data-centers-construction-supply" target="_blank">finds</a><span><span> </span>that almost half of US data centers that were supposed to open this year are slated to be canceled or delayed.</span></li> <li><span>In Michigan, tens of thousands of acres in a remote stretch of the Upper Peninsula’s Huron Mountains<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.mlive.com/environment/2026/04/michigan-permanently-protected-73k-acres-in-the-up-and-secured-public-access.html" target="_blank">are now permanently protected from future development</a><span><span> </span>and open for public recreation.</span></li> <li><span>The Artemis II mission has been thrilling people across the planet. Little known fact: the four astronauts leading it<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.wired.com/story/these-are-the-4-artemis-ii-astronauts-leading-the-historic-return-to-the-moon/?emci=62a488b5-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=44a02fda-bc2f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=24376453" target="_blank">include</a><span><span> </span>the first woman, the first Black person, and the first non-American astronaut to travel to the lunar environment. Amazing!</span></li> </ol> <p class="is-empty-p" style="text-align:start"></p> </blockquote> <p><strong><a href="http://mlive.com/environment/2026/04/michigan-permanently-protected-73k-acres-in-the-up-and-secured-public-access.html" target="_blank">Expansion of Item 59: Michigan permanently protected 73k acres in the UP and secured public access </a></strong></p> <blockquote> <p>Tens of thousands of acres in a remote stretch of the Upper Peninsula’s Huron Mountains are now permanently protected from future development and open for public recreation.</p> <p>The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced it closed March 20 on a conservation easement with Lyme Timber for 73,000 acres of working forestland known as the Michigamme Highlands. The deal has been<span> </span><a href="https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2023/12/michigamme-highlands-in-up-protected-under-conservation-easement.html" target="_blank">years in the making</a><span> </span>and required millions in grants.</p> <div> <div>“It is seldom that the opportunity to secure public recreational access and protect forest land at such a large, landscape level comes along,” said Scott Bowen, DNR director.</div> <div></div> <div>The timber company will continue to own and harvest the forested property, where dense boreal forest is considered critical to<span> </span><a href="https://www.mlive.com/topic/climate-change/" target="_blank">climate</a><span> </span>resiliency. The area near<span> </span><a href="https://www.mlive.com/topic/great-lakes/" target="_blank">Lake Superior</a><span> </span>includes abundant wildlife habitat, high-quality brook trout streams and about 13,600 acres of wetlands used by Michigan’s reintroduced moose population.</div> </div> </blockquote> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned align-right"><img alt="Apple & Juicer, watercolor on paper by Jacqueline Gnott (American, born 1959). 2016 Watercolor on paper. " src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1199722/large/353775783_10227229746443623_4936695874975164831_n.jpg?1686931848" title="Apple & Juicer, watercolor on paper by Jacqueline Gnott (American, born 1959). 2016 Watercolor on paper. "> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2 style="text-align:start">3 Pips Points: A ., 2 ?’s, and a !</h2> <ul> <li>Pips math: 9 + 61 = 70.</li> <li>Which pip did you love the most?</li> <li>Did you read pips aloud to someone, one at a time?</li> <li>Pips request: Please share your pips with us in the comments!</li> </ul> <h2></h2> <h2><strong>The Five R’s of the Resistance:</strong></h2> <p>I’ve repeated these for many years.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Resist:<span> </span></strong>Protest on the streets, call senators and representatives, boycott, etc.</li> <li><strong>Rebel: </strong>Run for office, GOTV (Get Out The Vote), support a progressive.</li> <li><strong>Revolt: </strong>Change the laws, change the culture, build your communities.</li> <li><strong>Rely:<span> </span></strong>Trust that millions of others are fighting the good fight.</li> <li><strong>Rest:<span> </span></strong>Take care of yourself, we are in this for the long term.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <h2></h2> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2></h2> <h2>WineRev’s Good and Goofy Notes</h2> <figure class="image-captioned align-right"><img alt="Image: In the foreground, a hand holds the stem of a wine glass, slightly tipping the rose wine within. We see through the glass the horizon and a host of golden sunflowers in a green field under a blue sky. Tags tipped WineRev Good News Roundups GNR " src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1071023/large/sunflowerwinelarge.png?1652901874" title="Image: In the foreground, a hand holds the stem of a wine glass, slightly tipping the rose wine within. We see through the glass the horizon and a host of golden sunflowers in a green field under a blue sky. Tags tipped WineRev Good News Roundups GNR "> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span>Watch for WineRev’s History Corner in the comments: “Here there be highlights, lowlights, and sidelights from events of this date from years ago, so you might get a different and longer perspective on how humans have coped, as well as a few items that will help you win Bar Bets on Trivia Night at your favorite watering hole.” You can find<span> </span></span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/WineRev/comments" target="_blank">all his comments here</a></strong><span>, even today’s, once he posts it. </span><strong>Tech Tip:</strong> You can search for >>> in Roundups to quickly find his comments.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong><span>WineRev, last Sunday:</span></strong></p> <p><span><em>Holy … Week, decorations, comestibles, </em>comfort, a birth, a death, the Great Escape, </span></p> <p>Whew! Holy…..what a…..Week….indeed! A blessed Easter to each and all of you of the Resurrection-al Faith---today is the Day of Days! The Gnuville Breakfast Brunch has a display of lilies, complemented by decorated eggs (but you can get other breakfast stuff too at the Steam Table), chocolate and champagne (on Easter Sunday morning, the one washed down by the other certainly seems like a celebration) and eyes-brimming greetings everywhere.</p> <p>There’s lots of seating: sofas, recliners, wingbacks, rockers, and long tables set with traditional fare of the Day, in quatities meant to “Serve until Groaning” is reached.<span> </span><u>The Lounge of Life & Hope</u> this morning invites celebration, WiFi reading, rec-cing, bemusement, commenting and pondering things deep, and things remembered from childhood to yesterday.</p> <p>*  Myself, well…..its been quite a week.<span> </span><u>Rafael was born,<span> </span></u>my second grandchild, after a long...long...Labor that lived up to the term for my daughter Wine-Revette. The three of them (proud Papa Fernando) are home….and exhausted.</p> <p>That’s on one side of the ledger. Then yesterday morning came The Call…<u>.my aunt,</u><span> </span>age 96, in a bad way for the last several months,<span> </span><u>died.</u><span> </span>She was the last of my family on either side that was in the Great Escape by about 70,000 Estonians in 1944 from their homes to…..they did not know. She was 14...after 3 years of occupation of their nation by the Russians, the Nazis, and now the Russians coming again. IOW one of the hardest set of teenage years anyone could imagine.</p> <p>So...Holy Week...memories and hopes…..death and life….. yeah, after driving to Chicago sometime this coming week for a funeral, I’m looking forward to more ordinary things of Life…..even boring ones.</p> <p>Thank you 2thanks for today’s Launch. Thank you each and all for stopping by with your words, ideas, insights and heart. Its why we like this place…..even if we DO need to migrate to a new platform in 10 days….</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> </blockquote> <h2><strong>Notes: </strong></h2> <p>WineRev will take a well-earned and needed break from his Wednesday Roundup duties this week, April 15, the first day of our WordPress adventures. I’ll post the Good News Roundup on that day. Our group will be called Good News Roundups. I’ll insert GNR in the title, as all GNR authors should be doing, so you can search for Roundups on the Front Page. </p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2>Science</h2> <p><strong>Please share good science news with us! (</strong>Especially <strong><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/nasa-wont-rename-new-space-telescope-despite-anti-lgbtq-controversy-180978793/" target="_blank">JWST</a></strong>, health, environment.)</p> <p>A good place to look for science news if you are waiting for the Sunday Roundup is the archive of <strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/blog/overnight%20news%20digest" target="_blank">Overnight News Digest</a></strong>. On Saturdays, the OND always focuses on science, though not all of it is devoted to what I would call Good Science News.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2><span>Need more good news?  </span></h2> <p><span>… arhpdx posted a list of good news sites toward the top of a <strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/4/26/2092006/-Good-News-Roundup-for-Tuesday-April-26-Freaked-out-by-the-news-Choose-where-you-get-it" target="_blank">recent Roundup</a>, </strong>or you can find that same list in <strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2093540/83442055#comment_83442055" target="_blank">my comment: Good News Sources</a></strong>. Thank you, arhpdx and Mokurai! </span></p> <p><span>[On a desktop, you could open that comment in a new Tab by clicking the timestamp, and then you could Bookmark that page or save it to your Favorites.]</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <div> <h2><strong><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tygO225m0HHX9z-arUb27JWkW853LUwc&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Sunday, Mapday: Pin Dropping</a> </strong></h2> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned align-right"><img alt="Worldwide snapshot of members of Daily Kos's Gnuville (the Good News Roundup) on 14 May 2023." src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/1188085/large/Gnuville14May2023.jpg?1684067917" title="Worldwide snapshot of members of Daily Kos's Gnuville (the Good News Roundup) on 14 May 2023."> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span><span><strong><span><span><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1tygO225m0HHX9z-arUb27JWkW853LUwc&ll=27.611871857298503%2C-104.43123344999992&z=4" target="_blank">Our map of Gnuville</a>:<span><span> 900</span> </span></span></span></strong></span></span></span>of us have shared our global locations!</p> <p><span>To leave your mark, please Reply in the comments to</span><span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/newthread/tljdk" target="_blank">tljdk</a><span> </span>or the map-building comment<span>. Please indicate only your<span> </span><strong>general location</strong></span><span>,<span> </span></span><strong>NOT</strong><span><span> </span>street number and street. (Please persist, we are volunteers.)</span></p> <p><strong>Image:</strong><span><span> </span>Screenshot of the Google Map of the world showing locations<span> </span></span>of members of Daily Kos's Gnuville (the Good News Roundup group) on 14 May 2023. You can use the map’s zoom arrows to resize the view and focus on your pin to find neighbors. Please note that the Google Map, though convenient to operate, is visually inaccurate because, among other issues, it enlarges North America and shrinks Africa [<strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/04/16/2164201/-Maps-present-a-distorted-view-of-the-world,-but-its-a-lot-worse-than-you-think" target="_blank">Maps present a distorted view of the world </a></strong>by kos].</p> <p>If you join us regularly, are you<span> </span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2025321/80753110#comment_80753110" target="_blank">Following</a></strong><span> </span>us? More than 490 Kosacks Follow us.</p> <h2></h2> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2>Tech Talk for Kosacks</h2> <ul> <li>Got a Daily Kos tech question? Let us know. No question is too basic.  </li> <li>Solved a tech question recently? Please <s>brag</s> mentor in the comments.</li> </ul> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2>Where Ever is Herd</h2> </div> <p><strong>Morning Good News Roundups at 7 x 7: These Gnusies lead the herd at <span>7<span><span> </span>a.m. ET, 7<span> </span></span></span>days a week:</strong> </p> <div> <ul> <li>Mondays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Jessiestaf" target="_blank">The GNR Newsroom (Jessiestaf, Killer300, and Bhu). </a>Jessie’s invitation to <a href="https://discord.com/invite/dTZ9buB8xK" target="_blank">the Good News Roundup Discord</a>.</li> <li><span><span><span><span>Tuesdays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/arhpdx" target="_blank">arhpdx</a><span> and <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/niftywriter" target="_blank">niftywriter</a> alternate. </span></span></span></span></span></li> <li>Wednesdays <span>1st </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/bilboteach" target="_blank">bilboteach</a>, <span>2nd<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/MCUBernieFan" target="_blank">MCUBernieFan</a><span>, 3rd<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/WineRev" target="_blank">WineRev</a><span>, 4th and 5th </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/alamancedem" target="_blank">alamancedem</a>.<span> </span></li> <li>Thursdays<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/DoctorStrange" target="_blank">DoctorStrange</a> and <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Featheredsprite" target="_blank">Featheredsprite</a> also alternate.</li> <li>Fridays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/chloris%20creator" target="_blank">chloris creator</a>.</li> <li><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Saturdays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/GoodNewsRoundup" target="_blank">GoodNewsRoundup</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>, the one and only!</li> <li><span><span><span><span>Sundays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/2thanks/" target="_blank"><span><span><span>2thanks</span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span> — </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>A brief roundup of Roundups, a retrospective, a smorgasbord, a bulletin board, an oasis, a watering hole, a thunder of hooves, a wellness, a place for beginners to learn the rules of the veldt. For instance, we do not welcome grammar-police comments in Roundups.</li> </ul> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p><span><strong>Evening Shade diaries at 7:30 p.m. ET every day:<span> </span></strong><span>Sundays<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/girasol" target="_blank">girasol</a>. Mondays<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/user/kraigo" target="_blank">kraigo</a>. Tuesdays<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Nanny%20Ogg" target="_blank">Nanny Ogg</a>. Wednesdays<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Momma%20O" target="_blank">Momma O</a>. Thursdays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Nanny%20Ogg" target="_blank">Nanny Ogg</a>. Fridays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/girasol" target="_blank">girasol</a>. Saturdays<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/user/kraigo" target="_blank">kraigo</a>.</span><strong><span> </span></strong>After a long day, Gnusies meet in the evening shade and continue sharing Good News, good community, good actions, and many cats.<span> </span>Find most<span> </span></span><span>Evening Shades<span> </span></span><span>on the<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/blog/trending" target="_blank">Trending List</a><span>.</span></p> <p>For more information about the Good News group, please see our detailed Welcoming comment, one of the first comments in our morning diaries.</p> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2><span>How to Resist: </span><span>Do Something …</span></h2> <h2>”<strong>Build your communities,” said Kamala Harris </strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2025/4/14/2307401/-Katalogue-2025" target="_blank"><u>KOS Katalogue 2025</u></a></strong><span><strong>:</strong>  Support fellow Kosacks by buying goods and services. </span></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/tags/helpinghumpday" target="_blank"><span>Helping Humpday Diaries</span></a>:<span> </span></strong>Gnusies PeterHug, zenbassoon, and 2thanks.</li> </ul> <h2><strong>A Cascade of Protests.<span><span> </span>Be proactive and<span> </span></span></strong><strong>find nonviolent protests near you:</strong><span> </span></h2> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://substack.com/redirect/badff740-0306-4247-bba4-eea0d8b34152?j=eyJ1IjoicTE0aW0ifQ.9aggN3VIX7ATSoao_l6PIuuRMMkCQBsAZeFZ24CTwEo" target="_blank"><strong>FiftyFifty.one</strong></a><span><span> </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><strong><a href="https://www.mobilize.us/" target="_blank"><span>Mobilize.Us</span></a> </strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong><a href="http://maydaystrong.org" target="_blank">Friday, May 1st: May Day Strong</a></strong></p> </li> </ul> <h2><strong><span>How to call 3 Electeds in less than 5 minutes  </span></strong></h2> <p><span style="text-align:start">To determine my script for calling my Senators and Representative every day, I use the following:</span></p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/16/2310494/-GNR-Sunday-Tips-for-Calling-Electeds-2-Polls-WWtW-Are-you-calling-your-Senators-and-Rep#comment_90970544" target="_blank">Write a personal script for yourself: Here’s mine: </a></strong>When I read my introduction aloud, I can speak fast, and I forget nothing. Feel free to copy and edit my personal script and make it yours.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/?utm_campaign=email-home&r=fyfv8&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email" target="_blank"><span style="text-align:start">Chop Wood, Carry Water: </span></a></strong>Jessica Cravens provides great scripts every day.</li> </ul> <h2><span style="text-align:start">Action Steps from Gnusies</span></h2> <p>Seven of our Good News writers regularly post<span> </span><strong>a panoply of fantastic action steps<span> </span></strong>in their Good News Roundups. If you don’t see a way to become active that suits your personality, your funds, or your time, please review their most recent diaries for many different options to volunteer and/or donate:</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/user/arhpdx" target="_blank">arhpdx</a> </strong>— Alternate Tuesdays</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/user/chloris%20creator" target="_blank">chloris creator</a> </strong>— Fridays</li> <li><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/user/GoodNewsRoundup" target="_blank"><strong>GoodNewsRoundup</strong></a> — Saturdays</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Jessiestaf" target="_blank">Jessiestaf</a></strong> — Mondays</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/niftywriter" target="_blank">niftywriter</a> </strong>— alternate Tuesdays</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/user/2thanks" target="_blank">2thanks</a> </strong>— Sundays</li> </ul> <h2>Current Projects for Gnuville:</h2> <ul> <li> <p><span>We need just 3 seats to take back the House. GoodNewsRoundup's </span><strong><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/gnrtakesbackthehouse2026" target="_blank">ActBlue page: Take Back the House in 2026</a></strong>.<span> </span></p> </li> <li> <p><span>A Senate majority is possible: bilboteach's </span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/winthemajority2026/" target="_blank"><strong>ActBlue page: Win the Senate Majority</strong></a>. (<span>You can opt out of emails on both of those pages.) </span></p> </li> <li> <p><span>Check the comments for Progressive Muse’s report on<span> </span><strong>Postcards to Voters.</strong> </span></p> </li> <li> <p><span>Check the comments for 2thanks’s project:<span> </span></span><strong>Call your Senators today!</strong></p> </li> </ul> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p><strong>Bilboteach tracks weekly totals every Sunday</strong><span> in </span>reply to the Welcome comment. Thanks to organizers and supporters!</p> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Tags Gnuville Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved. " src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474" title="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Tags Gnuville Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved. "> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> </div> <h2><span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/Democratic%20Spotlight" target="_blank"><strong><u>Democrats Fight Back!</u></strong></a></span></h2> <p><span>Please support the following Daily Kos authors.<span> </span>Follow the<span> </span></span>Democratic Party Spotlight Group <span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/Democratic%20Spotlight" target="_blank"><strong>here<span> </span></strong></a>to find these stories easily in your Stream (DK Inbox for diaries).</span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Dems, Dems, and More Dems</strong>, Sundays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. ET, by<span> </span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Janesaunt" target="_blank">Janesaunt</a></strong>.</li> <li><strong>Congressional Black Caucus</strong>, Thursdays at 9 a.m. ET, by<span> </span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/lpeacock" target="_blank">lpeacock</a></strong>.</li> <li><span><strong>Hispanic Elected Democrats,<span> </span></strong><span>Saturdays </span>at 8 a.m. ET,<span> </span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/bilboteach" target="_blank">bilboteach</a></strong>.</span></li> <li><span><strong>Still Think Democrats Aren’t Fighting Back?</strong><span> Infrequently, </span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/dfh1" target="_blank">dfh1</a></strong>.</span></li> </ul> <h2><span>And These: </span></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Postcards to Voters: </strong>Watch for <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Progressive%20Muse/comments" target="_blank"><strong>comments by Progressive Muse</strong></a>.</li> <li>The<span> </span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Black%20Kos/history" target="_blank">Black Kos Community</a><span> </span></strong>posts diaries on Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. ET.<span> </span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Black%20Kos/history" target="_blank">Diaries here</a></strong>. This white guy is very, very grateful to the Editors and commenters of The Porch! And we love to see them here!</li> <li><strong>How to find Kosacks near you: </strong>The<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/history/user/mettle%20fatigue" target="_blank">persistent<span> </span></a>mettle fatigue regularly updates:<span> </span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/7/17/1961398/--x1f4be-New-DK-Groups-11-Kentucky-Mask-Making-Racism-Environment-and-DK-s-Open-Threads-Grps" target="_blank">Where the Daily Kos Groups Are: Links to Daily Kos’s 280+ Local, In-Real-Life, Political, and Geographic Groups, Organized by State and Beyond, 2011-Present</a></strong><span> </span></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div></div> </div> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned align-right"><img alt="Right horn, ear, and eye of a gnu, looking at us." src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/345588/large/gnu-ear.jpg?1483386460" title="Right horn, ear, and eye of a gnu, looking at us."> <figcaption>Looking at you, listening for your comment. On the horn of a dilemma?</figcaption> </figure> <h2>… Say Something</h2> </div> <p>We welcome certain comments in<span> </span>Roundups every day regarding:</p> <ul> <li><strong>National or local Good News.</strong></li> <li><strong>Links, stories, music, videos, quotes, and posts from Bluesky. No tweets.</strong></li> <li><strong>What was YOUR favorite good-news item, and why? </strong></li> <li><span><strong>Your<span> </span></strong>resistance activity</span><span>.</span></li> <li><strong>We stick to Good News, no meows or databases.</strong></li> <li><strong>Group Admins and 96% of Gnusies do NOT</strong> <strong>want images of the lying conman in diaries or comments.</strong></li> </ul> <p>In my Sunday smorgasbord Roundups, I<span> </span><strong>especially<span> </span></strong>welcome the following types of comments:</p> <p><strong>Who won YOUR week?</strong></p> <ul> <li><span><strong><span>Q</span>uestions </strong>about Daily Kos tech issues or our map.</span></li> <li><strong>Good News Roundups and you.</strong></li> <li><strong>How are you resisting? </strong></li> <li><strong>How are you supporting Democratic candidates? </strong></li> </ul> <p>In the comments of all Roundups, we do <strong>not </strong>welcome <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=grammar%20police&qs=n&form=QBRE&=%25eManage%20Your%20Search%20History%25E&sp=-1&pq=grammar%20police&sc=8-14&sk=&cvid=BBE0047FBC714244A2A72007DEE60E3C" target="_blank"><strong>Grammar Police</strong></a> or <strong><a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=Debbie+Downer&PC=U316&FORM=CHROMN" target="_blank">Debbie Downers</a></strong>.  </p> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2>Notes on Images</h2> <p><sup><strong>Top Image:<span> </span></strong>Our Starhawk created the above sketch of 3 gnus in brown, green, and black on white. Letters above and behind the three: “Happy Dance’in.” Signature: Nick Korolev, 1-21. — Thank you, Starhawk, for our dancing gnus!</sup></p> <p><sup><strong>Section-Divider Images:</strong></sup><span><sup><span> </span>Gnus range across the veld in the distance with a few acacia trees and sunlit desert hills. [Copyright © 2024 2thanks, a member of dailykos.com. All Rights Reserved. Use is permitted on dailykos.com in articles by authors of the Good News Roundups. 2thanks.dkos@gmail.com.]</sup></span></p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2><span>A Little Bit About Me </span></h2> <div> <p>Been pretty busy this week, preparing for Gnuville’s migration to WordPress, saving images and drafts. I posted 4 diaries about the move, and the discussions were valuable. Thank you, Commenters! These diaries are on the main Daily Kos site, so they will always be visible.  </p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/7/2376739/-Meta-Gnuville-Moves-to-WordPress" target="_blank">Meta: Gnuville Moves to WordPress. #1</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/8/2376850/-Meta-Gnuville-Moves-to-WordPress-2-Messages-HTML-and-Keyboard-Shortcuts" target="_blank">Meta: Gnuville Moves to WordPress. #2 .. .. .. Messages, HTML, and Keyboard Shortcuts!</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/9/2377095/-Meta-Gnuville-Moves-to-WordPress-3" target="_blank">Meta: Gnuville Moves to WordPress. #3 .. .. .. Reading Mode and Group Chats (Updated)</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/10/2377100/-Meta-Gnuville-Moves-to-WordPress-4-More-about-Reading-Mode-and-Group-Chats" target="_blank">Meta: Gnuville Moves to WordPress. #4 .. .. .. More about Reading Mode and Group Chats</a></strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>I hope you, dear Readers, will sign in to the new site to learn new things: </strong></p> <blockquote> <p><strong>     <a href="https://beta.dailykos.com/" target="_blank">beta.dailykos.com</a></strong> </p> </blockquote> <p>Today and tomorrow will be good days to practice and learn new ways to accomplish the same things, dear procrastinators, because our tech experts are shutting down the site on Tuesday and reopening on Wednesday. </p> </div> <p>It has some wonderful new features. (Text messaging works!) We started Gnuville more than 8 years ago, and our authors have had time to develop our skills and artistry. We’ll be starting over with talents but limited skills, so maybe some of our Roundups on the other side of the River of Change will be simple and brief, and even a simple comment of “Thanks” will encourage us. </p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Herd of gnus migrates in the distance across a veldt with acacia trees and hills in the dry background. Copyright 2thanks at dailykos.com 2025. All rights reserved." src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1393147/large/Herdofgnusmigratesinthedistanceacrossaveldtwithacaciatreesandhillsinthedrybackground.png?1738330474"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h2><span>Our Roundup is almost open!</span></h2> <p><span>Thank you for fighting for truth, justice, and Democracy with all us Gnusies! <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/1/20/1827780/-The-Week-in-Review-This-is-definitely-theSunday-Good-News-Roundup" target="_blank">50% of our<span> </span></a></span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/1/20/1827780/-The-Week-in-Review-This-is-definitely-theSunday-Good-News-Roundup" target="_blank">r</a><span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/1/20/1827780/-The-Week-in-Review-This-is-definitely-theSunday-Good-News-Roundup" target="_blank">eaders visit every day</a>, 40% of us  </span>don't<span>, and a few are here for the first time! We all do what we can. Since 2017, </span>we’ve shared positive news, laughed, organized, resisted, rebelled, revolted without being revolting, relied, rested, mentored, created, crossed rivers, chewed our cud, and laughed. Here’s looking at you, kid, and standing upwind! Beginners, you are cordially invited to comment!</p> <p><span>As always, please share more Good News than I can find or provide. </span></p> <p>This is a group diary, and by my power I declare this Good Gnus Salo(o)n open! Let the good-news sharing and community building begin! Laissez les bonnes nouvelles rouler!</p> <p><strong>Hugs and Love, and Power with, Not Power over </strong>❤️ ✊ ❤️</p> <p><strong>2thanks </strong>(he, him)</p> </div> <p><strong>May we please be your<span> </span></strong><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star_Thrower" target="_blank"><strong>starfish</strong></a><strong>?<span> </span></strong><span>Please help<span> </span></span><span>my lovely wife and me pay for her medical treatments. You could use<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/williamtutor" target="_blank"><span>PayPal</span></a><span><span> </span>(click “Friend”),<span> </span></span><a href="https://account.venmo.com/payment-link?note=Thank%20you!&recipients=William-Taylor-81818&txn=pay" target="_blank"><span>Venmo</span></a><span>, or<span> </span></span><a href="https://cash.app/%24Ipaywill" target="_blank"><span>CashApp</span></a><span>. For Amazon gift card or snail mail, send me a<span> </span></span><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/newthread/2thanks" target="_blank"><span>kosmail</span></a><span><span> </span>or<span> </span></span><a href="mailto:2thanks.dkos@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a><span><span> </span>for our details. We received $50 this week. Current total is $4,738 toward our $12,000 goal. More than one third of the way! If you’ve sent us a gift, we bow deeply in gratitude. Namaste with 💙,<span> </span></span><em>2thanks</em></p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (2thanks) BuildingCommunity Community DoItYourself GNR GNRMap Gnus Gnusies Gnuville GoodGnus GoodNews GoodNewsRoundupMap GoodNewsRoundups Newsies Potluck Recommended Resistance RoundupOfRoundups ruminations TechTalk WhoWonTheWeekbyBillinPortlandMaine Wildebeests _2377139 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:02:01 +0000 Black Kos, Week In Review - The Father of the Underground Railroad https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/10/2377113/-Black-Kos-Week-In-Review-The-Father-of-the-Underground-Railroad?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <div> <h4><strong>Commentary:<span> </span></strong>GREAT AFRICAN AMERICANS — <span>The Father of the Underground Railroad</span>By dopper0189, Black Kos Managing Editor</h4> <p><strong>William Still</strong><span> </span>(October 7, 1821 – July 14, 1902) was an African-American abolitionist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, businessman, writer, historian and civil rights activist. Before the American Civil War, Still was chairman of the Vigilance Committee of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, and directly aided fugitive slaves and kept records to help families reunite. After the war, he remained an important businessman and philanthropist, as well as used his meticulous records to write an account of the underground system and the experiences of many refugee slaves, entitled The Underground Railroad Records.</p> <p>In 1847, three years after settling in Philadelphia, Still began working as a clerk for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society. When Philadelphia abolitionists organized a Vigilance Committee to directly aid escaped slaves who had reached the city, Still became its chairman. By the 1850s, Still was one of the leaders of Philadelphia's African-American community.</p> </div> <div> <p>In 1855, he participated in the nationally covered rescue of Jane Johnson, a slave who sought help from the Society in gaining freedom while passing through Philadelphia with her master John Hill Wheeler, newly appointed US Minister to Nicaragua. Still and others liberated her and her two sons under Pennsylvania law, which held that slaves brought to the free state voluntarily by a slaveholder could choose freedom. Her master sued him and five other African Americans for assault and kidnapping in a high-profile case in August 1855. Jane Johnson returned to Philadelphia from New York and testified in court as to her independence in choosing freedom, winning acquittal for Still and four others, and reduced sentences for the last two.</p> <p>In 1859, Still challenged the segregation of the city's public transit system, which had separate seating for whites and blacks. He kept lobbying and, in 1865, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a law to integrate streetcars across the state.</p> <p>Often called "The Father of the Underground Railroad", Still helped as many as 800 slaves escape to freedom. He interviewed each person and kept careful records, including a brief biography and the destination for each, along with any alias adopted. He kept his records carefully hidden but knew the accounts would be critical in aiding the future reunion of family members who became separated under slavery, which he had learned when he aided his own brother Peter, whom he had never met before.</p> <p>Still worked with other Underground Railroad agents operating in the South, including in Virginia ports, nearby Delaware and Maryland, and in many counties in southern Pennsylvania. His network to freedom also included agents in New Jersey, New York, New England and Canada. Conductor Harriet Tubman traveled through his office with fellow passengers on several occasions during the 1850s. Still also forged a connection with the family of John Brown, and sheltered several of Brown's associates fleeing the 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry.</p> <p>During the American Civil War, Still operated the post exchange at Camp William Penn, the training camp for United States Colored Troops north of Philadelphia. He also opened a stove store and in 1861 bought a coal yard and operated a coal delivery business, which continued after the war.</p> <p>In 1867, Still published A Brief Narrative of the Struggle for the Rights of Colored People of Philadelphia in the City Railway Cars. In 1872, Still published an account of the Underground Railroad, The Underground Railroad Records, based on the carefully recorded secret notes he had kept in diaries during those years. His book includes his impressions of station masters such as Thomas Garrett, Daniel Gibbons and Abigail Goodwin. It went through three editions and in 1876 was displayed at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. Historians have since used it to understand how the Underground Railroad worked; both Project Gutenberg and the Internet archive make the text freely available.</p> <p>After the war, Still continued as an active businessman, philanthropist and social activist in the Philadelphia metropolitan areas. In addition to his ongoing coal business, Still owned considerable real estate, including Liberty Hall.  Liberty Hall was for along time the largest black owned public hall in the United States. He also owned stock in the journal the Nation, was a member of Philadelphia's Board of Trade, and financed and was officer of the Social and Civil Statistical Association of Philadelphia (which in part tracked freed people).</p> <p>Still remained active in the Colored Conventions Movement, having attended national conventions including the New England Colored Citizens' Convention of 1859, where Still advocated equal educational opportunities for all African Americans. He also advocated temperance. He was a member of the Freedmen's Aid Union and Commission, an officer of the Philadelphia Home for the Aged and Infirm Colored Persons, and an elder in the Presbyterian church (where he established Sabbath Schools to promote literacy including among freed blacks).</p> <p>Still had a strong interest in the welfare of black youth. He helped to establish an orphanage and the first YMCA for African Americans in Philadelphia. In addition to continuing as member of the board for the Soldiers and Sailors Orphan Home and the Home for the Destitute Colored Children, Still became a trustee at Storer College.  <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Still" target="_blank">Read More Here →</a></p> </div> <h3>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h3> <h3>News round up by dopper0189, Black Kos Managing Editor</h3> <h3>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h3> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <figure class="image-captioned width-sm align-left"><img alt="EDUCATION.png" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/752765/large/EDUCATION.png?1577902817"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h4><span style="text-align:center">From the University of Missouri to the University of Alabama, universities are gutting funding for minority student organizations in response to Trump’s anti-DEI push. <a href="https://newsone.com/6855369/universities-quietly-killing-black-student-life/" target="_blank">NEWSONE: How Universities Are Quietly Killing Black Student Life Without Saying DEI</a></span></h4> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <p>If you want to piss conservatives off, you don’t accuse them of racism outright. You show how they’ve laundered power through policy language so cleanly and deviously, they can look you right in the face and say,<span> </span><em>“We didn’t do anything racist.”</em></p> <p>This is what just happened at the<span> </span><a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2026-04-06/university-of-missouri-defunds-identity-based-student-organizations?utm_" target="_blank">University of Missouri</a>, where administrators announced that five major multicultural student organizations—including the<span> </span><a href="https://newsone.com/6855335/mizzou-pulls-funding-from-black-student-organizations/" target="_blank">Legion of Black Collegians</a>, the Association of Latin American Students, and the Queer Liberation Front—will lose their direct university funding starting in July 2026.</p> <p><span>Instead, those groups will be<span> </span></span><em>reclassified</em><span><span> </span>as standard “Recognized Student Organizations” and forced to compete with more than 600 other campus clubs for limited funds in a<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.highereddive.com/news/university-of-missouri-cuts-designated-funding-for-student-affinity-groups/816770/?utm_" target="_blank">shared pool</a><span>. Their existing funding, often tens of thousands of dollars annually, will disappear and be replaced by capped, competitive allocations that<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2026-04-07/university-of-missouri-student-groups-diversity-cuts?utm_" target="_blank">student leaders</a><span><span> </span>say will make it nearly impossible to sustain their programming or operations. </span></p> <p>University officials say the move is necessary to comply with federal guidance tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, specifically<span> </span><a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2026-04-06/university-of-missouri-defunds-identity-based-student-organizations?utm_" target="_blank">a memo</a><span> </span>from the U.S. Department of Justice. The Trump administration has been explicitly signaling that schools<span> </span><a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/17/trump-federal-funding-race-diversity-schools-education?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">risk losing federal money</a><span> </span>if they<span> </span><a href="https://newsone.com/5944996/black-academic-institutions-under-threat-department-of-education/" target="_blank">maintain DEI programs</a>. And not just signaling, but building enforcement mechanisms around it. There are proposals requiring universities to certify that they are not engaging in what the government defines as “DEI practices” in order to<span> </span><a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/diversity/2026/04/01/higher-ed-denounces-gsas-proposed-federal-funding-strings?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">receive federal funds</a>. But that DOJ memo is not law. It’s nonbinding, interpretive, and ultimately optional guidance.</p> <p>So what does that actually mean in practice?</p> <p>It means these universities are<span> </span><em>choosing</em><span> </span>to interpret that guidance in the most extreme way possible. They are<em><span> </span>choosing</em><span> </span>to preemptively dismantle programs, withdraw funding, restructure systems, and redraw the boundaries of who and what gets institutional support. And then they are presenting those choices as inevitable, as if their hands were tied, as if they had no discretion, and as if this outcome was forced.</p> <p><em>It wasn’t.</em></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="South African students from UCT (University of Cape Town) listen to Western Cape premier and Democratic Alliance, South African main opposition party, leader Helen Zille(not in picture) and Cape Town mayoral candidate for DA Patricia De Lille(not in picture) during a meeting at the University of Cape Town on May 10, 2011, 8 days before South African municipal elections in Cape Town, South Africa. South Africa has seen an increase in community protests against a lack of basic municipal services such as running water, electricity and housing, with voters threatening to boycott the polls..AFP PHOTO/GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP PHOTO / GIANLUIGI GUERCIA" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/830616/large/AFRICANSTUDENT.jpg?1594487310" title="South African students from UCT (University of Cape Town) listen to Western Cape premier and Democratic Alliance, South African main opposition party, leader Helen Zille(not in picture) and Cape Town mayoral candidate for DA Patricia De Lille(not in picture) during a meeting at the University of Cape Town on May 10, 2011, 8 days before South African municipal elections in Cape Town, South Africa. South Africa has seen an increase in community protests against a lack of basic municipal services such as running water, electricity and housing, with voters threatening to boycott the polls..AFP PHOTO/GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP PHOTO / GIANLUIGI GUERCIA"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <figure class="image-captioned width-sm align-left"><img alt="MONEY.png" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/764777/large/MONEY.png?1581211333"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h4><span style="text-align:center">New data from Candid and ABFE shows that most racial justice investments faded quickly and favored larger organizations. <a href="https://thegrio.com/2026/04/08/funding-boom-black-led-nonprofits-aftermath-george-floyd/" target="_blank">The Grio: The funding boom for Black-led nonprofits after George Floyd’s murder didn’t last</a></span></h4> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <p><span style="text-align:start">On May 25, 2020,<span> </span></span><a href="https://thegrio.com/topics/george-floyd/" target="_blank">George Floyd</a><span style="text-align:start"><span> </span>was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer, sparking a global racial reckoning at a time when much of the world was already grappling with the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.</span></p> <p><span style="text-align:start">His death, arriving after dozens upon dozens of high-profile killings of unarmed Black Americans and on the tragic heels of two earlier that same year — both Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery — became a watershed moment that prompted a record number of corporations, media institutions, philanthropies, universities and beyond to make sweeping promises to address racial inequities.</span></p> <p><span style="text-align:start">So much money was pledged that summer. The<span> </span></span><a href="https://15percentpledge.org/" target="_blank">Fifteen Percent Pledge</a><span style="text-align:start"><span> </span>launched, successfully pushing major retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands. Corporate diversity funds were announced. Diversity, equity and inclusion became both buzzwords and a booming career track. New grantmaking initiatives aimed at closing racial wealth gaps were rolled out. For a moment, it felt like long-overdue financial investment into Black communities and Black-led organizations was finally arriving.</span></p> <p style="text-align:start">But by 2023, questions about what had actually come from those lofty commitments were beginning to bubble up. By the following year, those concerns had only grown louder. In 2025, President Donald Trump’s dismantling of federal DEI initiatives accelerated a broader and bewildering corporate pullback. Now, new data suggests many of those early fears were justified.</p> <p style="text-align:start">A new report from Candid and ABFE, a philanthropic partnership focused on Black communities, entitled “<a href="https://www.issuelab.org/resources/52067/52067.pdf" target="_blank">From Transaction to Transformation: Three Ways Foundations Can Invest In Black-Led Nonprofits for Lasting Change,</a>” released Tuesday (Apr. 7), found that the much-publicized funding boost to Black-led nonprofits after 2020 was both narrow and extremely short-lived.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="MINNEAPOLIS, MN- SEPTEMBER 4: A general view of the George Floyd memorial and surrounding area where George Floyd was killed near 38th Street and Chicago Avenue on September 4, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Credit: Chris Tuite/ImageSPACE/MediaPunch /IPX" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1378910/large/AP20249401599560.jpg?1734457797" title="MINNEAPOLIS, MN- SEPTEMBER 4: A general view of the George Floyd memorial and surrounding area where George Floyd was killed near 38th Street and Chicago Avenue on September 4, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Credit: Chris Tuite/ImageSPACE/MediaPunch /IPX"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <h4><span style="text-align:center">Despite leading in education and workforce participation, Black women continue to lag in pay, wealth, and retirement security. <a href="https://thegrio.com/2026/04/08/black-women-are-still-working-twice-as-hard-for-less-new-economic-report-finds/" target="_blank">The Grio: The Black women are still working twice as hard for less, new economic report finds</a></span></h4> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <div style="text-align:start"> <p style="text-align:start">For generations stretching back decades, Black women in this country have bemoaned, warned, teased, and testified about having to “work twice as hard to get half as far” as our counterparts.<span> </span><a href="https://thegrio.com/2026/03/26/the-gender-pay-gap-has-widened-for-the-second-year-in-a-row-and-black-women-may-not-catch-up-until-2183/" target="_blank">New economic data</a><span> </span>is backing up the claims.</p> <p style="text-align:start">A new report by The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, entitled “<a href="https://jointcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Economic-State-of-Black-Women_Brief_Updated.3.27.26.pdf" target="_blank">The Economic State of Black Women in the United States</a>,” has revealed that despite being the largest demographic of women in the workforce and among the most educated, they continue to earn less, generate less wealth, and face greater long-term financial security.</p> <p style="text-align:start">“Black women have made gains in education and maintain high levels of labor force participation, yet substantial disparities in income, wealth, and retirement security remain,” authors write in the report. “These patterns suggest that progress in human capital and workforce engagement has not translated into equal economic outcomes across racial and gender lines.”</p> <p style="text-align:start">What the report, published in March, makes abundantly clear is something many Black women already know. The issue has never been a lack of ambition. Instead, the data shows how systemic gaps in pay, wealth-building opportunities, and economic protection continue to shape how Black women’s work is valued, even as they remain a driving force in both the labor force and their own families’ financial stability.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="230524-black-women-restaurants-owners-workers-labor-racism-rights-justice-2-Tiana-The-Princess-and-the-Frog-disney.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1195931/large/230524-black-women-restaurants-owners-workers-labor-racism-rights-justice-2-Tiana-The-Princess-and-the-Frog-disney.jpg?1686055068" title="230524-black-women-restaurants-owners-workers-labor-racism-rights-justice-2-Tiana-The-Princess-and-the-Frog-disney.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> </div> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <figure class="image-captioned width-sm align-left"><img alt="LAW.png" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/758728/large/LAW.png?1579652685"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h4><span>Olivia has been detained for months at the sprawling Dilley center in Texas. She has lost 20lb, and wakes up every day with a headache. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/09/day-in-the-life-19-year-old-ice-detention" target="_blank">The Guardian: A day in the life of a 19-year-old in ICE detention: ‘I feel that this nightmare is not going to end’</a></span></h4> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <p>Each day in detention feels like 48 hours for Olivia.</p> <p>The 19-year-old asylum seeker from the<span> </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/congo" target="_blank">Democratic Republic of the Congo</a><span> </span>has been at the Dilley Immigration processing center in Texas for more than four months.</p> <p>“Another day passes, another night comes,” she said. “And sometimes I feel that this nightmare is not going to end.”</p> <p>She is one of about<span> </span><a href="https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/human-rights-first-and-raices-release-new-report-exposing-systemic-due-process-violations-and-cruelty-at-dilley-ice-family-prison/" target="_blank" title="">5,600 immigrants</a>, more than half of them children, who have been detained at the sprawling Texas facility since it reopened last year. In recent months, human rights advocates, pediatricians and lawmakers have all called on the Trump administration to shut down the facility – and to stop incarcerating children.</p> <p>Olivia was apprehended with her mother and two younger siblings in November. Then they were separated, reunited at Dilley and separated again after ICE agreed to release them, but not her. Since then, Olivia has grown increasingly listless as the days pass.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="OliviaICEdetainee.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542938/large/OliviaICEdetainee.jpg?1775744906" title="OliviaICEdetainee.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <figure class="image-captioned width-sm align-left"><img alt="INTERNATIONAL.png" class="width-sm" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/752766/large/INTERNATIONAL.png?1577902918"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h4>Bargains and deceit. <a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article315294059.html" target="_blank" title="">Miami Herald: How the assassination of Haiti’s president unfolded, unraveled</a></h4> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <p>In the hours after Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was shot to death inside the bedroom of his mountaintop home, an inner circle of people suspected of being involved in the assassination plot in South Florida and in Port-au-Prince were frantically trying to steer events in their favor.</p> <p>One of them, Antonio “Tony” Intriago, who owned a Doral-based security firm, reached out to Haiti’s police chief, Léon Charles, for cover. In a text message, Intriago wrote that certain Americans needed Charles’ protection after acting under a Haitian judge’s order that led to Moïse’s slaying more than four years ago.</p> <p>Intriago told Charles that he “must stop any confrontation” between the Haitian national police and a group of former Colombian soldiers suspected of killing the president. He also offered the head of the Haiti National Police the opportunity to come work with his security firm, along with “international protection” for him and his family.</p> <p>The outreach by the Venezuelan American accused of hiring the squad of Colombian commandos was part of a flurry of communications that federal prosecutors presented over the past week at the Miami federal trial of Intriago and three other South Florida men accused of conspiring to kidnap or kill Moïse on July 7, 2021.</p> <p>The four defendants are among 11 individuals charged in the United States. Of those, five pleaded guilty to conspiring to kill Haiti’s president while a sixth pleaded guilty to smuggling ballistic vests into the Caribbean country. As the trial heads into week five, prosecutors introduced their exchanges as part of a vast trove of text messages to show the planning behind the plot and the frantic maneuvering that followed.</p> <p>The evidence also captures the tensions, shifting alliances, aborted missions — there were at least three — and what prosecutors describe as an effort by the defendants to recast the operation as legitimate while seeking protection and political backing. The defendants’ main argument is that Haitian national police officers and presidential security details had already killed Moïse before the Colombian commandos arrived at his home to assist in his arrest.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="HaitispresidentJovenelMose.jpg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/963711/large/HaitispresidentJovenelMose.jpg?1625661735" title="HaitispresidentJovenelMose.jpg"> <figcaption>Ee-Haitian President Jovenel Moïse assassinated on July 7, 2021</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="porch.png" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/752770/large/porch.png?1577903914" title="porch.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <h2>WELCOME TO THE FRIDAY PORCH</h2> <h4>IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE BLACK KOS COMMUNITY, GRAB A SEAT, SOME CYBER EATS, RELAX, AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF.</h4> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (Black Kos) BlackKos blackstudents BlackWoman Community DEI Haiti ICE NonProfits Recommended _2377113 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:00:12 +0000 KKK: The Threat is Real, On-going and Growing. Voter Protection is the Answer https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/9/2377097/-The-Threat-is-Real-On-going-and-Growing-Voter-Protection-is-the-Answer?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>I was supposed to write about last Saturday’s canvass in North Carolina — which had the second most volunteers show up on the day before Easter.  Instead, i am forced to talk about my participation in efforts to combat KKK and Republican disinformation attempts to suppress the African-American vote here in Virginia.</p> <p>I wasn’t particularly interested in getting involved in <a href="https://www.virginiansforfairelections.com/" target="_blank">Virginia’s Yes campaign</a>, as <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field PAC<span> </span></a><span>has started canvassing again in 9 states (so far) in anticipation of the November elections.  I thought i had my hands full.  But we’ve been knocking on doors in VA-02 (and VA-01) for a couple of years now, so when i got a call from a volunteer who is a part of the NAACP in Virginia Beach and a couple of Black ministers in VA-02 about KKK activities in the area, i listened to their plea.</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned align-right"><img alt="KKKflyer.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542940/large/KKKflyer.png?1775745240" title="KKKflyer.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>You may remember that <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field</a> <span>saw a similar voter suppression by the Ku Klux Klan in Georgia in December of 2020 and many of our volunteers had heard how a Black farmer in southern Georgia had offered our volunteers the use of his drone to watch over (protect) canvassers in African-American neighborhoods for the next month.</span></p> <p>The story is apparently memorable and i’ve asked several of our Georgia Super Volunteers to join me in the next two weeks as i speak to Black Churches and other groups in southeastern and northwestern Virginia.  Not sure why they asked me but i am always happy to brag about what our <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">Hope Springs</a> <span>volunteers have accomplished and if it helps ease some voter fears, all the better.</span></p> <p>As i posted in December 2020, </p> <blockquote> <p><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2020/12/13/2001699/-Prepping-Voter-Protection-through-Black-Churches-in-Georgia" target="_blank">there is an active effort by the KKK to suppress the vote across</a> the Black Belt and Southern Georgia.  People have had these flyers mailed to them in the last few days, as well as left on their cars at African-American salons.  Canvassers were shown the flyer by voters and have taken them to church services today.</p> <p>Starting voter protection efforts was already scheduled to begin this weekend, after voter registration was completed.  That was the plan.  But it wasn't predicted that voter intimidation efforts would begin so soon.  Bringing swing state best practices to, well, an emergent swing state compliments existing efforts in the state.  There are dozens and dozens of local civil rights and political organizations (just as there were in Alabama) but they all agree that Georgia voters have the right to vote safely and in a timely manner.</p> </blockquote> <p>These KKK voter suppression efforts aren’t new, and they have never really stopped.  We’ve seen them in every Southern state we canvass in year election year.  When Biden was president, we had confidence that they would be properly investigated and dealt with.</p> <figure class="image-captioned align-left"><img alt="LWKKKKdrop.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542945/large/LWKKKKdrop.jpg?1775746052" title="LWKKKKdrop.jpg"> <figcaption>          KKK Lit drop in Clarke, Frederick, Loudoun,<br>                 Shenandoah & Warren counties</figcaption> </figure> <p>We no longer have that confidence.</p> <p>What is worse, is that the Klan seems to be coordinating their efforts with GOP to fight off the Fair Maps effort.  “<span style="text-align:start">MAGA activists attempting to<span> </span></span><a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2025/12/01/maga-robo-callers-sentenced-for-intimidating-michigan-voters/" target="_blank">use misinformation</a><span style="text-align:start"><span> </span>to<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.ms.now/the-reidout/reidout-blog/douglass-mackey-trump-internet-troll-rcna130497" target="_blank">mislead Black voters</a><span style="text-align:start"><span> </span>has become a recurring trend.</span>” [<a href="https://www.ms.now/opinion/virginia-pac-led-by-ex-gop-lawmaker-invokes-kkk-in-anti-redistricting-ad" target="_blank">MS NOW</a>]</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="https://virginiaindependentnews.com/elections/mailed-flyers-and-texts-use-jim-crow-era-imagery-in-anti-redistricting-campaign/" target="_blank">Voters across Virginia have received text messages</a> and mailers from opponents of a proposed amendment to the Virginia Constitution on redistricting that contain images and messages evoking 1960s Jim Crow-era segregation and the suppression of Black votes.</p> <p>Activists, politicians, and officials have condemned the campaign, which they say targets Black voters, as dishonest and manipulative.</p> </blockquote> <p>“<a href="https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/equality/507232-kkk-flyers-are-circulating-in-virginia-neighborhoods/" target="_blank">At least three Virginia police departments are investigating the recent distribution</a> of Ku Klux Klan material in several neighborhoods.”</p> <p>Local police departments, not the FBI.  Not the DoJ Civil Rights division.  Local police departments with limited resources investigating organizations way beyond their reach.</p> <p>Which, i suppose, is why i’ve been asked to speak to what voters can do to mitigate (and fight back) against them.  And it is why i am bringing in <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">Hope Springs </a><span>reinforcements, so to speak, from our Georgia volunteers.  Always good for people to see people who have fought back, won and happy to share their experience!</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field PAC</a><span> </span>has been knocking on doors, serving as a resource to Elections Committees in Black Churches and partnering with local civics and civil rights groups to raise awareness of the fact that Democrats care about our voters and are working to protect their rights.  We are thinking about how to mitigate Voter Suppression efforts, get around them and make sure we have "super compliance," both informing and helping our voters meet the requirements and get out and vote.</p> <p><span>Obviously, we rely on grassroots support, so if you support field/grassroots organizing and our efforts to protect our voters, we would certainly appreciate your support:</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect</a></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field</a><span> </span>was started by former Obama Field Organizers because field was the cornerstone of our success.  Election Protection was central to the Obama primary effort in 2008 because we were running against a party favorite with strong roots in state and local party organizations and we needed to appeal to voters outside that framework.  <span>We are returning to the old school basics: looking for patterns, addressing issues that have come up in the past and making sure authorities know about issues that are likely to (or even just may) come up in this election.  Especially in light of True the Vote activities in majority minority areas.</span></p> <blockquote> <p><span>Meanwhile, Norfolk Police<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.norfolk.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4970" target="_blank"><span>announced</span></a><span><span> </span>Monday similar flyers from the Loyal White Knights had been found in driveways by residents in an East Beach neighborhood Sunday. Detectives believe these flyers could be related to a similar occurrence that happened on the Eastern Shore in June of 2020.</span></p> <p><span>Last week, authorities in<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/prince-william-county-police-department/pwc-police-suspicious-incident/1734697749912984/" target="_blank"><span>Prince William County</span></a><span>, Virginia said “several suspicious pamphlets depicting hate propaganda” were found at the ends of multiple driveways in the Gainesville and Bristow areas. Police said the pamphlets did not contain any threats and did not appear to target anyone specific in the neighborhood. </span></p> <p><span>The Loyal White Knights are based in Pelham, N.C., and include approximately 100 members, according to the Anti-Defamation League.  [<a href="https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/equality/507232-kkk-flyers-are-circulating-in-virginia-neighborhoods/" target="_blank">The Hill</a>]</span></p> </blockquote> <p>The link between the KKK and MAGA, again, is nothing new.  We saw that in the Georgia runoff, too.  </p> <blockquote> <p><span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2020/12/5/2000120/-Trump-is-Coming-Trump-is-Coming-Porch-Lights-amp-Phone-Trees-in-SW-Georgia-Runoff" target="_blank">Tonight, Saturday night, porch lights are lit across the African-</a>American neighborhoods in southwest Georgia.  Trump is coming, and people are afraid his presence or words will spark violence, damage or just plain old acts of intimidation in their neighborhoods.  For the last few days, people have been pulling out their phone tree lists to remind their friends and neighbors to share any reports of concern in their neighborhoods and turn on their porch lights tonight (and the next few nights until they feel the threat dims).</span></p> </blockquote> <p>We have learned from our <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/8/2376954/-Taking-on-Trump-s-DoJ-and-their-accusations-of-fraud-in-Hope-Springs-Voter-Protection" target="_blank">own interactions with Trump’s DOJ</a> just how little they care about attempts to strike fear into Black voters.  “<span><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/04/09/virginia-redistricting-obama-civil-rights/" target="_blank">A Republican-aligned political action committee in Virginia</a> called Democracy and Justice has used images and language from the civil rights movement to raise fears of gerrymandering, long wielded to marginalize Black political power.</span>”</p> <figure class="image-captioned align-right"><img alt="KKKmailer1.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542954/large/KKKmailer1.png?1775747940" title="KKKmailer1.png"> <figcaption>               Mailer from Democracy and Justice</figcaption> </figure> <p><span>African-Americans make up nearly 20 percent of Virginia’s population. “A recent<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/04/03/virginia-redistricting-poll-trump-spanberger/" target="_blank">Washington Post-Schar School poll</a><span><span> </span>found that 79 percent of Black voters support the measure, the most of any racial group.” [<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/04/09/virginia-redistricting-obama-civil-rights/" target="_blank">WashPost</a>]  They are a cornerstone of the Democratic Party here and crucial to the referen-dum’s chances.</span></p> <blockquote> <p><a href="https://wtop.com/virginia/2026/03/virginia-lawmakers-criticize-anti-redistricting-mailer-with-jim-crow-era-images/" target="_blank">Jones, Virginia’s first Black attorney general, said the mailers are disturbing</a>, shocking, offensive and deceptive.</p> <p>“It’s very clear a MAGA-linked group that opposes the referendum is sending these mailers to Black voters, and they’re misusing very, very hurtful imagery from the Civil Rights Movement, even invoking Jim Crow, to weaponize one of the darkest chapters in our history, to scare people into voting no and help Republicans maintain a rigged map for 2026 so they can keep control of Congress,” Jones said.</p> <p>[...]</p> <p>The purpose of the mailers, Jones said, is to “suppress the vote. It’s to make sure that people don’t go make their voices heard during this election.”</p> </blockquote> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field</a> <span>volunteers are stopping from our normal canvasses in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Texas.  We hope to add Pennsylvania and Ohio to that list this weekend, if the weather cooperates. But the fact is this work allows us to connect dots and offer expertise in the area where these voters thought they were isolated and alone in these threats.</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned align-left"><img alt="KKKmailer2.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542957/large/KKKmailer2.png?1775748658" title="KKKmailer2.png"> <figcaption>               other side of MAGA mailer</figcaption> </figure> <p>It’s all part of our strategy to prevent these MAGA interference in the conduct of free and fair elections, in helping ensure that every voter can cast a ballot that is counted.  Action like<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2021/9/10/2051385/-Registering-the-Suppressed" target="_blank">registering voters in historically suppressed</a><span> </span>counties.<span> </span><span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2024/10/29/2279405/-Ballot-Curing-Chasing-Ballots-that-are-incomplete-or-missing-data-begun-We-got-this" target="_blank">Chasing Ballots for VBM voters who didn’t complete the process</a>.<span> </span><span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2022/5/2/2094967/-Georgia-Voter-ID" target="_blank">Free Voter Photo ID days for voters</a><span> </span>who don’t have one.  Making sure<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2024/3/13/2227575/-Back-in-the-Field-in-Georgia" target="_blank">Purged Voters weren’t erroneously deleted</a><span> </span>from the Voter Rolls.  Extra communications with<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/2/16/2368861/-Is-Our-Postcards-to-New-Voters-Program-Working" target="_blank">Newly Registered Voters</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field</a><span><span><span> </span>has also been talking to our partners in Black Church Election Committees, who have been working with us already to help organize our<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/1/20/2364189/-Let-My-People-Vote-Free-Voter-Photo-ID-Wrapup-for-2025" target="_blank">Free Voter ID Days</a>.  </span></span>We are doing everything we can think of pro-actively to circumvent the intended Voter Hassles envisioned by these proposals like the Save Act.</p> <div> <div style="text-align:left"> <div> <p>We’ve continue to lay down the marker for Election Protection, making sure that District and State’s Attorney, the state’s Attorney General, as well as the DoJ Civil Rights Division, know what we know going in.  And the thing about making sure that our local attorney volunteers, the District and State’s Attorneys all know that we take this information to the Department of Justice means that they have to play by the rules.  Let people vote, have their votes counted and prevent voter intimidation and suppression.  Seems simple.  We are prepared.  But we do need your help.</p> <figure class="image-captioned align-right"><img alt="EPTable2.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1071629/large/EPTable2.jpg?1653065622" title="EPTable2.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>One way we deal with Voter Suppression is through Super-Oversight and Poll Protection.  The main reason why<span> </span><span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopemobilization" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field</a><span><span> </span>is organized as a federal political action committee is because that gives us the ability to request poll watcher credentials in most states.  And making sure polls have poll watchers in places where Voter Suppression or Intimidation is common is a part of it, but Voter Protection Tabling — including in areas where we make sure there’s a poll watcher inside — is also key.  Years of experience has taught us that voters don’t always understand what has happened to them inside the polling place.  They may walk away stunned or confused about how they’ve been treated.  Voter Protection Tabling allows voters to talk through their experience and discuss with others how it may be remedied.</span></span></p> <p><span>No other Democratically-aligned org has been methodically trying to circumvent MAGA efforts to rig the House Midterm elections in 2026.  And we need your help to continue.  Our printer costs alone are way beyond our budgeting and we are asking for your help (if you are able).</span></p> <p>If you are able to support our efforts to protect Democratic voters, especially in minority communities, expand the electorate, and believe in grassroots efforts to increase voter participation and election protection, please donate.  We need help more than ever because of all the literature supporting Democratic candidates that we left at more than 13,765,242 doors this year:</p> </div> <div> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect</a></p> <p>You can follow that link for our mailing address, as well (for those who would rather send us a check).  Thank you for your support.  This work depends upon you!</p> </div> </div> </div> rss@dailykos.com (snowbored) 2026 2026Elections Community DailyKosElections Democrats DKECommunity DoSomething Election election2026 ElectionProtection Elections getoutthevote GOTV KKK MAGAFraud Virginia voterintimidation voterprotection VoterSuppression VotingRights _2377097 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:04:40 +0000 New Day Cafe - Spring Flowers https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/9/2377083/-New-Day-Cafe-Spring-Flowers?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>It’s late Wednesday night, I’ve been seriously busy all week, and I still have a diary to compose. Since I don’t feel like writing, I will Say It With Flowers. All pics are from 2026.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"> </p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="Buttercups at Mabry Park" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542842/large/20260405_174030.jpg?1775705698" title="Buttercups at Mabry Park"> <figcaption>Buttercups at Mabry Park, Cobb County, Georgia</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="Azalea at water" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542843/large/20260405_180127.jpg?1775705923"> <figcaption>Native azalea at Mabry Park.</figcaption> </figure> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="Iris blossoms" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542844/large/20260404_121139.jpg?1775706011" title="Iris blossoms"> <figcaption>Another view of the irises.</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="Red azaleas" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542845/large/20260404_120951.jpg?1775706097" title="Red azaleas"> <figcaption>An impossibly vivid red azalea.</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="Petunia blooming" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542846/large/20260310_171331.jpg?1775706324" title="Petunia blooming"> <figcaption>I kept four pots of petunias in the basement all winter. They quickly began blooming when I took them outside.</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="Birdfoot violet and white azalea" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542848/large/20260402_142511.jpg?1775706454" title="Birdfoot violet and white azalea"> <figcaption>Birdfoot violet and white azalea in my yard.</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="Narvik with azaleas and phlox" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542849/large/20260403_163255.jpg?1775706589" title="Narvik with azaleas and phlox"> <figcaption>Of course I had to include a picture of Narvik.</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>If you were feeling <em>oorie</em>, perhaps these flowers will make your <em>riant</em> (two words from last week’s diary).</p> rss@dailykos.com (foresterbob) Community Flowers Georgia NewDay NewDayCafe Photography Wildflowers _2377083 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:30:08 +0000 IAN: Thursday 4/9/2026 This may be my last diary https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/8/2377071/-IAN-Thursday-4-9-2026-This-may-be-my-last-diary?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>I have been trying to read and understand the diaries about how to go forward and I have to admit, they are complete gibberish to me.  There is no way I am going to be able to make this transition right now.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-sm align-right"><img alt="Concerned_Itzl.jpg" class="width-sm" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/454869/large/Concerned_Itzl.jpg?1506689820" title="Concerned_Itzl.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>As you can see by Itzl's concerned look, this group is for us to check in at to let people know we are alive, doing OK, and not affected by such things as heat, blizzards, floods, wild fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, power outages, or other such things that could keep us off DKos. If you're not here, or anywhere else on DKos, and there are adverse conditions in your area (floods, heatwaves, hurricanes, etc.), we are going to check up on you. If you are going to be away from your computer for a day or a week, let us know here. We care!</p> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p>IAN is a great group to join, and a good place to learn to write diaries. Drop one of us a PM to be added to the Itzl Alert Network anytime! We all share the publishing duties, and we welcome everyone who reads IAN to write diaries for the group! Every member is an editor, so anyone can take a turn when they have something to say, photos and music to share, a cause to promote or news!</p> <p>Monday Youffraita</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <p>Tuesday: bigjacbigjacbigjac</p> <p>Wednesday Tippy and Dad</p> <p>Thursday art ah zen</p> <p>Friday FloridaSNMOM</p> <p>Saturday FloridaSNDad</p> <p>Sunday loggersbrat</p> <p>I got a new phone yesterday and have not figured out how to make it work well.  I got new internet today and the AT&T folks put it all in,made it work, got the tv and Bill’s laptop changed out, got my sites (this being one) to work, did a fine fob.  But we forgot the printer and now it doesn’t connect.  My Saturday BFF will be here to check it out Saturday and I know she can fix it because she fixed her major problems with her new printer.  This one probably needs a password change but I can’t find where to do that.  Can you say Luddite?  </p> <p>Anyway, I am stressed to the point of needed medication.  I picked up the new computer but won’t have that put in until after the quilt show because I am afraid of losing info in the transition.  I hope I can regain some calm soon but am not going to put any money on it.  So, fair warning, I may not be here next Thursday.  One of you who has the capacity to roll with the changes may have to spot me.  I will come back if I can get in.  I will send a message to MOM with my email and phone number.  Maybe I can get it together before them but right now, I am not hopeful.</p> </div> </div> rss@dailykos.com (art ah zen) Community IAN _2377071 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:45:06 +0000 Write On Fiction Works In Progress (WIP): Eve of Summer https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/9/2377064/-Write-On-Fiction-Works-In-Progress-WIP-Eve-of-Summer?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <div> <div> <div> <div> <p>This is a weekly community diary for writers here on Daily Kos to showcase microfiction, ongoing serialized stories, and pieces of larger works in progress.  All DK fiction writers are welcome to post chapters and excerpts<span> </span><strong>as comments<span> </span></strong>in the<span> </span><strong><u><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/tags/WriteOnFictionWIP" target="_blank" title="">Fiction Works-in-Progress</a></u></strong><span> </span>diaries</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="CommentsFormatHeaderButtonIn.png" class="width-xl" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/1299036/large/CommentsFormatHeaderButtonIn.png?1715298623" title="CommentsFormatHeaderButtonIn.png"> <figcaption>The above is the header button</figcaption> </figure> <p>At the top of those comments, use the header format button to accentuate the title of the work in progress from which your material comes, so readers can find it from week to week.</p> </div> <div> <p>If you would like feedback,  be sure to say so in bold (the format button next to H).  Readers, please ensure your feedback is constructive (this does not mean it has to be only positive, but it should always be actionable and sincere advice; e.g. compare “this protagonist is terrible” vs “I didn’t feel a connection to your protagonist”) and limit it to writers who request it.  Writers, please ensure you are comfortable receiving feedback and commentary before requesting it in your post. Together we can keep this a positive place to share our work, our progress, and indulge in our hobby.</p> <p class="AlignCenter" style="text-align:center"><u><strong>This series is a co-op: writers take turns as diarists</strong></u></p> <div> <p>[1] Ahead of your date and time, copy from the previous week all the paragraphs you see in the boilerplate blockquote like the one you’re reading right now, and paste them into a blockquote in your draft.</p> <p>[2] Put tags on your draft, following the list below.<br> series tag —<strong><u>FictionWIP</u></strong><br> tags of the groups who publish the series —<span> </span><strong><u>R&BL</u></strong><span> </span><strong>■</strong><span> </span><strong><u>FreeWriters</u> </strong><br> and topic tag:<strong><span> </span><u>Fiction</u></strong><br> If ambitious, add:<span> </span><strong>FictionWorksInProgress<u> <span> </span></u>■<span> <span> </span></span><u>Readers&Booklovers<span> </span></u>■<span> <span> </span></span><u>ReadersAndBooklovers<span> </span></u>■<span> <span> </span></span><u>writing</u><span> <span> </span></span>■<span> <span> </span></span><u>WriteOnFictionWIP</u><span> </span>■<span> </span></strong>so followers of those tags can find the diary.</p> <p>[3] When your date and time comes, go into your drafts folder, find your FWIP draft, and hit publish.</p> <p>[4] Now it’s no longer a draft but a full-fledged diary, with a Daily Kos URL in your browser’s address bar! Copy that URL in full — it will start with<span> </span><tt>https://www.dailykos.com/stories...</tt><span> </span>— and come on over to tonight’s<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/tags/WriteOn" target="_blank">WriteOn</a><span> </span>to paste that URL into a comment where you ask us to reblog your FWIP diary to the R&BL and FreeWriters groups.</p> <p>[5] Finally, go back to the diary, and put your own WIP excerpt or chapter into a comment there,</p> <p>If you can, add a schedule comment copied from<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/tags/FictionWIP" target="_blank" title=""><span> </span>the previous week</a>, and say in that comment, “Please sign up!”</p> </div> <p class="AlignCenter" style="text-align:center"><strong><u>A WORD OF WARNING</u></strong></p> <p>Many publishers and agents won’t accept a manuscript that’s been publicly available online in part or in whole, because of risk of getting sued for copyright infringement by someone ripping off your work there and claiming it as his own. So, if you hope to sell it professionally, you probably don’t want to post it in DK. If you plan on self-publishing, that risk is only to you. If you don’t plan to publish it anywhere else, then it’s probably no concern at all.</p> <p>Click on any of the Readers & Book Lovers tags at the foot of each published diary in this series to reach our shared host-group and find today’s<span> </span><em>WriteOn</em><span> </span>series post.</p> <p><strong>Writers participating regularly are encouraged to share in posting these diaries</strong></p> <hr> <div> <div> <div> <div> <h2>Schedule for Fiction Works In Progress Diaries</h2> </div> </div> <p><strong>If you can help, add your name in a comment below!</strong></p> </div> </div> <div> <p><strong>Apr 16 — dconrad</strong></p> <p><strong>Apr 23 — sagesource</strong></p> <p><strong>Apr 30 — </strong></p> <p><strong>May 7 — </strong></p> <p><strong>May 14 —</strong></p> <p><strong>May 21st —</strong></p> <p><strong>May 28 —</strong></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> rss@dailykos.com (sagesource) Community Fiction FictionWIP FictionWorksInProgress FreeWriters FWIP R&BL Readers&BookLovers ReadersandBookLovers WorksInProgress Writing _2377064 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:58:21 +0000 Preparing for site migration: the basics of commenting on the new site https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/8/2377015/-Preparing-for-site-migration-the-basics-of-commenting-on-the-new-site?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <div> <p>Hello again, friends!</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/8/2376966/-Daily-Kos-Beta-Day-3-Comment-here-with-feedback" target="_blank"><strong>beta site is open to all</strong></a>, and we’ll continue to post thematic stories and updates here with information you need to know to ready yourselves for as seamless a move as possible to the new site on <strong>April 15, 2026</strong>. All of these stories will be collected in the <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/groups/dailykosannouncements" target="_blank"><strong>Daily Kos Announcements</strong></a> Group.</p> </div> <div> <p>And you can help by spreading the word: mentioning these stories to friends among our community of site users, linking to these stories in your community Groups as a heads-up, republishing these stories to your active Groups for visibility among your membership, and encouraging community members to participate in the beta testing.</p> <p>Thus far we have discussed the need to know your <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/3/30/2375216/-Preparing-for-site-migration-do-you-know-your-Daily-Kos-login-credentials" target="_blank"><strong>login credentials</strong></a> (all users will have to log in at the new site when we launch), the need for you to <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/1/2375779/-Preparing-for-site-migration-what-won-t-be-migrated-what-you-need-to-do" target="_blank" title=""><strong>act now to preserve what can not be migrated</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/3/2376176/-Preparing-for-site-migration-bye-bye-Tip-Jars-and-TU-and-other-changes-to-community-moderation" target="_blank"><strong>changes to community moderation</strong></a>, (Tip Jars, Mojo, Trusted User Status, reporting), and <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/7/2376456/-Preparing-for-site-migration-changes-to-community-Group-features-and-functionality" target="_blank" title=""><strong>changes to community Groups</strong></a> features and functionality. <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/users/iterology" target="_blank"><strong>iterology</strong></a> has also provided an <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/6/2376058/-What-You-Need-to-Know-about-the-Site-Migration" target="_blank" title=""><strong>important timeline</strong></a> of the migration process and updated the site banner on the Front Page to alert users that the site will be down starting on April 14.</p> <p>Today we’re providing a look at the <strong>basic aspects of commenting on the new site</strong>, both to assist users experimenting on the beta site and to give non-beta testers a sense of what commenting will look like and how it will work on the new site starting next Wednesday, April 15.</p> <hr> <blockquote> <p class="AlignCenter"><strong>THIS STORY COVERS JUST THE BASICS OF COMMENTING AT THE BETA SITE AND AT THE NEW SITE: HOW TO COMMENT; HOW TO ADD AN IMAGE TO A COMMENT; HOW TO EDIT A COMMENT; SHARING OPTIONS FOR COMMENTS; HOW TO REPLY TO A COMMENT</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>The comment section is located below the story, and the Comment Editor in which you compose a comment is located at the top of the comment section. If you are logged into your Daily Kos account, you will see the prompt "Join the conversation, [your username]".</p> <p><em>[Note: if you are not logged in, you will see the prompt "Join the conversation" and after entering text and clicking POST you will be prompted to log in]</em></p> <p class="AlignRight"><a href="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542698/large/01_comment_box_location.png?1775677127" target="_blank">(direct link to full-sized version of image below)</a></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="01_comment_box_location.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542698/large/01_comment_box_location.png?1775677127" title="01_comment_box_location.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>Clicking in the Comment Editor box will activate the Comment Editor, which will expand to show the Add Image icon (lower left) and an active CANCEL button (lower right).</p> <p class="AlignRight"><a href="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542701/large/02_comment_box_location_clicked.png?1775677244" target="_blank">(direct link to full-sized version of image below)</a></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="02_comment_box_location_clicked.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542701/large/02_comment_box_location_clicked.png?1775677244" title="02_comment_box_location_clicked.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr> <ul> <li><strong>ADD COMMENT (with text only)</strong></li> </ul> <p>Compose your text (no text formatting is available) and click the POST button. Your comment will appear at the top of the comment section if the section is sorted by Newest (a user-defined preference, with Newest being the default).</p> <p class="AlignRight"><a href="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542706/large/03_comment_placed.png?1775677420" target="_blank">(direct link to full-sized version of image below)</a></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="03_comment_placed.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542706/large/03_comment_placed.png?1775677420" title="03_comment_placed.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr> <ul> <li><strong>ADD COMMENT (with image)</strong></li> </ul> <p>Compose your text if you wish, then click the Add Image icon (lower left). That will open the Finder on your local device. Navigate in the Finder to the image file stored on your local device, and click the Open button to add it into the Comment Editor. You are required to enter Alt Text in the clickable field below the image (shown below). There is a limit of one image per comment, and that image will be located at the bottom of the comment.</p> <p class="AlignRight"><a href="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542708/large/07_comment_with_image_edit.png?1775677544" target="_blank">(direct link to full-sized version of image below)</a></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="07_comment_with_image_edit.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542708/large/07_comment_with_image_edit.png?1775677544" title="07_comment_with_image_edit.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>Once Alt Text is entered, click the now activated POST button and your comment will appear at the top of the comment section if the section is sorted by Newest (a user-defined preference, with Newest being the default).</p> <p class="AlignRight"><a href="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542709/large/08_comment_with_image_placed.png?1775677623" target="_blank">(direct link to full-sized version of image below)</a></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="08_comment_with_image_placed.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542709/large/08_comment_with_image_placed.png?1775677623" title="08_comment_with_image_placed.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr> <ul> <li><strong>EDIT COMMENT</strong></li> </ul> <p>Commenters have a five-minute period from publishing a comment in which to edit the comment for typos or errors. Clicking the three-dot menu icon at the far upper right of a published comment will display the <strong>edit</strong> button, with countdown clock. The three-dot menu icon is not displayed if the comment is more than five minutes old.</p> <p class="AlignRight"><a href="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542711/large/04_comment_edit_clock.png?1775677817" target="_blank">(direct link to full-sized version of image below)</a></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="04_comment_edit_clock.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542711/large/04_comment_edit_clock.png?1775677817" title="04_comment_edit_clock.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>Clicking the <strong>edit</strong> button will allow you to edit and POST the comment, which will then be displayed with the EDITED notation at the end of the comment.</p> <p class="AlignRight"><a href="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542712/large/05_comment_edit_notation.png?1775677922" target="_blank">(direct link to full-sized version of image below)</a></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="05_comment_edit_notation.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542712/large/05_comment_edit_notation.png?1775677922" title="05_comment_edit_notation.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr> <ul> <li><strong>SHARE COMMENT</strong></li> </ul> <p>The SHARE button is located at the far lower right of a published comment. Clicking the SHARE button opens a menu to select sharing to Facebook, to X, to email, or by copying the comment URL.</p> <p class="AlignRight"><a href="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542714/large/06_comment_share_options.png?1775678033" target="_blank">(direct link to full-sized version of image below)</a></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="06_comment_share_options.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542714/large/06_comment_share_options.png?1775678033" title="06_comment_share_options.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <ul> <li><strong>REPLY TO A COMMENT</strong></li> </ul> <p>To reply to an existing comment, click the REPLY button at the lower left of the comment to open a Comment Editor window with an "Add your reply" prompt.</p> <p class="AlignRight"><a href="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542716/large/09_comment_reply_box.png?1775678131" target="_blank">(direct link to full-sized version of image below)</a></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="09_comment_reply_box.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542716/large/09_comment_reply_box.png?1775678131" title="09_comment_reply_box.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>Proceed as above, composing your comment with text and/or image, and clicking the POST button to publish your reply.</p> <p class="AlignRight"><a href="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542717/large/10_comment_reply_threaded.png?1775678188" target="_blank">(direct link to full-sized version of image below)</a></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="10_comment_reply_threaded.png" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542717/large/10_comment_reply_threaded.png?1775678188" title="10_comment_reply_threaded.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>The thin gray line on the left indicates a reply thread. Clicking the orange "Reply to [<strong>username</strong>] - view message" hyperlink will open a pop-up highlighting the replied comment and the reply within the thread.</p> <hr> <p>A version of this information is also available at the <a href="https://helpdesk.dailykos.com/article/163-how-to-comment-v6" target="_blank"><strong>Knowledge Base</strong></a>.</p> <p><strong>Next up:</strong> your notification bell and tray, where you’ll find replies to your comments and other goodies.</p> <hr> <blockquote> <p><strong>P.S.:</strong> for those of you may yet participate in <a href="https://beta.dailykos.com/" target="_blank"><strong>beta testing</strong></a> between now and next Monday, April 13, please note that use of the beta site involves <strong>creating a new account</strong> for use ONLY at the beta site, and that account (and associated content and Groups) will exist ONLY for the duration of the beta testing. The username, email address of record, and password for an account on the beta site are independent from your existing account here, and beta accounts will not be migrated to the new version of the site.</p> </blockquote> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (minos) Community DailyKos Meta wordpress WordPressMigration _2377015 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:43:44 +0000 Taking on Trump's DoJ and their accusations of fraud in Hope Springs' Voter Protection https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/8/2376954/-Taking-on-Trump-s-DoJ-and-their-accusations-of-fraud-in-Hope-Springs-Voter-Protection?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Meeting with president felon’s Department of Justice is supposed to be scary — or so i’ve been told.  Maybe it is for some people, but i am old AF and i have worked professionally on elections for decades.  My girlfriend in college was later Janet Reno’s Chief of Staff (IIRC), the documentation <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field PAC </a><span>volunteers</span><span><span> use is decades old and has been tested in courts for just as long and i have other reasons to feel pretty bullet-proof. So, to me, no big deal.</span></span></p> <p>None of that changes the fact that the Trump Administration has been exceptionally bold, and even more so with its Department of Justice.</p> <p>I’ve mentioned <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/3/11/2372655/-Efforts-to-Circumvent-the-Trump-Plans-to-RIG-the-2026-Elections" target="_blank">numerous times</a> that <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/3/26/2374723/-Another-meeting-w-DoJ" target="_blank">we (me and</a> several of our volunteer attorneys) have met with DoJ officials (the last two meetings at their request), i have yet explained all the aspects of our last sit-down with them.  My posts are already too long (so i’ve been told), so it is easier to break it down to just a few elements each time.</p> <p>This diary is specifically what the Justice Department asked us NOT TO DO this election in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina and Texas.  They contend our Voter Protection activities “scare off” MAGA observers and activists.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="IncidentReportmarkup.jpg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542610/large/IncidentReportmarkup.jpg?1775661478" title="IncidentReportmarkup.jpg"> <figcaption>                                DoJ markup</figcaption> </figure> <p>Probably the most interesting thing they “asked” (demanded) us to do was to stop recording the names of Republican voters and/or election observers.  This Incident report to the right shows what they want us to remove from our documentation over the next 3 years.  Basically, the names of any Republicans on these reports.</p> <p>To say the least, i was a little taken aback by the request.  “Have you ever been a poll watcher,” i asked.</p> <p>It didn’t really matter how they replied (no one said yes, but) because the item they focused in on was not information we usually gather from GOP poll watchers.  Poll Watchers are required to present their credentials to Election Workers — and it is from that list that we gather the “names of judges” that we record.  </p> <p>Kurt <span>Olsen basically accused me and </span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field </a>of “suppressing” political activism that “guarantees the integrity of American elections.”  To stop collecting these witness reports of election interference and voter suppression, and, especially, to remove the lines about Republican names.  “I could have you arrested,” he said.</p> <p>Like i said, supposed to be scary.  Here’s why it was not: Credentialed Poll Watchers is basically public record.  They probably aren’t aware that we even record their names here — unless they paid close attention to the blank Incident Report that we will provide them upon request.</p> <p>So when Olsen asked us, “What right does your poll watcher have to record the names and badge numbers of LEOs,” one of the attorneys pointed out that this documentation has been tested in courts for decades.</p> <p>“Most of us believe elections should be completely transparent.”</p> <p>You might have the impression the Trump Administration doesn’t share those values.</p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field PAC</a><span> </span>has been knocking on doors, serving as a resource to Elections Committees in Black Churches and partnering with local civics and civil rights groups to raise awareness of the fact that Democrats care about our voters and are working to protect their rights.  We are thinking about how to mitigate Voter Suppression efforts, get around them and make sure we have "super compliance," both informing and helping our voters meet the requirements and get out and vote.</p> <p><span>Obviously, we rely on grassroots support, so if you support field/grassroots organizing and our efforts to protect our voters, we would certainly appreciate your support:</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect</a></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field</a><span> </span>was started by former Obama Field Organizers because field was the cornerstone of our success.  Election Protection was central to the Obama primary effort in 2008 because we were running against a party favorite with strong roots in state and local party organizations and we needed to appeal to voters outside that framework.  <span>We are returning to the old school basics: looking for patterns, addressing issues that have come up in the past and making sure authorities know about issues that are likely to (or even just may) come up in this election.  Especially in light of True the Vote activities in majority minority areas.</span></p> <p>Here’s the thing: we don’t exactly take these witness reports given on days other than Election Day totally at face value.  Very few Incident Reports we take at a voter’s door is complete (how could they be?).  The Incident Reports we collect given to our volunteers other than Election Day are a starting point.  A lot of work goes into verification and expansion before we use them as a basis for a legal request (by others) or submission to DoJ, District and State’s Attorneys or the state Attorney General’s offices.  </p> <p>Which is why the suggestion of fraud was so ridiculous.  <span>Heather Honey told us they they would do their own, independent investigation of our documentation, “sure that there is more to the story here.”  I assume we were supposed to be intimidation — after all, they had already told us to stop collection Incident Reports.  </span></p> <p>And they specifically mentioned they were creating a new fraud unit to do so.  This was before Trump fired Pam Bondi.</p> <p>So this was not news (to us):</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/04/07/blanche-acting-attorney-general-bondi/" target="_blank" title="">Blanche said the department would be creating a new unit to combat the “fraud</a> crisis,” drawing from top prosecutors in Washington and U.S. attorney’s offices across the country. The National Fraud Enforcement Division will be headed by Colin McDonald. The White House created the division and nominated McDonald — a longtime federal prosecutor who has been co-leading the Justice Department’s Weaponization Working Group this administration.</p> <p>The task force would pull largely from current employees, though Blanche said the agency could hire more people. He said that the department also would create a fraud detection center, which would aid law enforcement in analyzing the reams of paperwork and data that typically come with fraud investigations.</p> <p>“We will spare no resources,” Blanche said. “The American people deserve an end to this crisis of fraud.”</p> </blockquote> <p>As you might imagine, a lot — maybe half — of the precincts from which we have documented election irregularities has been in precincts where a majority of the voters are African-American.  “And I would bet that most of the (presumably Republican) ‘targets’ you’ve recorded are not.  That opens up all kinds of problems,” Olsen told us.</p> <p>BTW, all four of us wrote down that comment in our notes, it really stood out.</p> <p>But this lead to another complaint: that <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field</a><span> </span>should stop putting up Voter Protection tables in front of precincts that we’ve identified as problematic.  </p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-left"><img alt="EPTable2.jpg" class="width-xl" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/1071629/large/EPTable2.jpg?1653065622" title="EPTable2.jpg"> <figcaption>Voter Protection Tabling outside Polling Precinct</figcaption> </figure> <div> <div> <div style="text-align:left"> <p>Last year, we identified 76 polling locations in the areas we canvassed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia where we established Voter Protection tables outside those polling places.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <p><span><span>This year, we will be expanding our Poll Watchers and our Voter Protection Tables outside of Polling Precincts</span></span>.</p> <p>It’s all part of our strategy to prevent these MAGA interference in the conduct of free and fair elections, in helping ensure that every voter can cast a ballot that is counted.  Action like<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2021/9/10/2051385/-Registering-the-Suppressed" target="_blank" title="">registering voters in historically suppressed</a><span> </span>counties. <span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2024/10/29/2279405/-Ballot-Curing-Chasing-Ballots-that-are-incomplete-or-missing-data-begun-We-got-this" target="_blank" title="">Chasing Ballots for VBM voters who didn’t complete the process</a>. <span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2022/5/2/2094967/-Georgia-Voter-ID" target="_blank" title="">Free Voter Photo ID days for voters</a><span> </span>who don’t have one.  Making sure<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2024/3/13/2227575/-Back-in-the-Field-in-Georgia" target="_blank" title="">Purged Voters weren’t erroneously deleted</a><span> </span>from the Voter Rolls.  Extra communications with<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/2/16/2368861/-Is-Our-Postcards-to-New-Voters-Program-Working" target="_blank" title="">Newly Registered Voters</a>.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="VotingReasons1.jpg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1071743/large/VotingReasons1.jpg?1653073065" title="VotingReasons1.jpg"> <figcaption>another grassroots innovation: selfie stations at Voter Protection tables (in this case, why you vote)</figcaption> </figure> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field</a><span><span><span> </span>has also been talking to our partners in Black Church Election Committees, who have been working with us already to help organize our<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/1/20/2364189/-Let-My-People-Vote-Free-Voter-Photo-ID-Wrapup-for-2025" target="_blank" title="">Free Voter ID Days</a>.  Not a surprise, but the SAVE Act proposals are alarming to the African-American women we’ve talked to about this.  </span></span>We are doing everything we can think of pro-actively to circumvent the intended Voter Hassles envisioned by these proposals.</p> <div> <div style="text-align:left"> <div> <p>We’ve continue to lay down the marker for Election Protection, making sure that District and State’s Attorney, the state’s Attorney General, as well as the DoJ Civil Rights Division, know what we know going in.  And the thing about making sure that our local attorney volunteers, the District and State’s Attorneys all know that we take this information to the Department of Justice means that they have to play by the rules.  Let people vote, have their votes counted and prevent voter intimidation and suppression.  Seems simple.  We are prepared.  But we do need your help.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-left"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1071750/large/Clipboard01.png?1653073076" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>One way we deal with Voter Suppression is through Super-Oversight and Poll Protection.  The main reason why<span> </span><span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopemobilization" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field</a><span><span> </span>is organized as a federal political action committee is because that gives us the ability to request poll watcher credentials in most states.  And making sure polls have poll watchers in places where Voter Suppression or Intimidation is common is a part of it, but Voter Protection Tabling — including in areas where we make sure there’s a poll watcher inside — is also key.  Years of experience has taught us that voters don’t always understand what has happened to them inside the polling place.  They may walk away stunned or confused about how they’ve been treated.  Voter Protection Tabling allows voters to talk through their experience and discuss with others how it may be remedied.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Here’s the thing: nothing has upset the MAGA-verse in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Wisconsin than Hope Springs volunteers (and others) pulling out these Incident Reports and recording what has happened.  I’d bet most of the threats made against my person have been as a result of this data collection.  In our experience, MAGA Intimidators don’t want to provide their name — and they don’t want their attempts at disrupting an election recorded.  Arming people with Incident Reports seems to have deterred promised acts of disruption from occurring.  Several poll workers (that i know of) have thanked us because disruptive behavior stopped inside their poll when someone pulled out an Incident Report.  My favorite example of this has to be when several MAGA voters started filming after an Incident Report was brought out (pretty sure they weren’t supposed to film inside the polling place) and when our Poll Watcher asked for their names they quickly decided they were done.  <strong>We have power</strong><span> </span>— we just have to use it.</span></span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="EPTable.jpg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1071630/large/EPTable.jpg?1653065623" title="EPTable.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span>No other Democratically-aligned org has been methodically trying to circumvent MAGA efforts to rig the House Midterm elections in 2026.  And we need your help to continue.  Our printer costs alone are way beyond our budgeting and we are asking for your help (if you are able).</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field</a><span> </span><span>is trying to reinstitute best field practices, such as canvassing with people who look like the voters we are talking to and targeting former voters thrown off the rolls.  But we have also want to adopt best practices we find “out in the wild,” like these first time voter parties.  But because we study and teach field work as a profession, we bring in skillsets and tactics that may be new to the Democratic party regulars as well as activists in the area.  But it is a two way street.  That’s why it is so important to start developing Election Protection strategies now, and not wait until a couple of weeks or so before the general election.  We have a lot of work to do.  Can you help?</span></p> <p><span>Like everyone else, we are asking for your financial support for these vital efforts.  If you are like me, you are inundated with requests.  We don’t have any cute pets, or special treats, to offer up to encourage your support.  Nor will we try to guilt you by telling you the threat is real, ongoing and getting more sophisticated.  We are all getting tired of it.</span></p> <p>If you are able to support our efforts to protect Democratic voters, especially in minority communities, expand the electorate, and believe in grassroots efforts to increase voter participation and election protection, please donate.  We need help more than ever because of all the literature supporting Democratic candidates that we left at more than 13,765,242 doors this year:</p> </div> <div> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect" target="_blank" title="">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopevoteprotect</a></p> <p>You can follow that link for our mailing address, as well (for those who would rather send us a check).  Thank you for your support.  This work depends upon you!</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> rss@dailykos.com (snowbored) 2026 2026Elections Community DailyKosElections DeepOrganizing Democraticgrassroots DemocraticGroundGame Democrats DKECommunity DoSomething earlyorganizing Election election2026 ElectionProtection Elections FieldDrivesVictories FieldMatters GOTV hopesprings progressivegrassroots voterintimidation voterprotection VoterSuppression VotingRights _2376954 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:33:04 +0000 GNR Wednesday ☀️ Good News Roundup Potluck https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/8/2376951/-GNR-Wednesday-Good-News-Roundup-Potluck?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Welcome to today’s Potluck Good News Roundup! At this point we do not know why no one posted a Roundup today, but we know that the Best Comment Section on the Internet can handle it. Fortunately for us, we all (500 Followers, more than 900 pins on our Map of Gnuville, and untold millions) know what to do. 😉</p> <h2><strong>Welcome to this Good News Roundup!</strong></h2> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-md align-right"><img alt="US Flag against blue sky. [Size small, 248 x 248] Tags Good News Gnus " src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/689612/large/USFlagagainstblueskysmallTagsGoodNewsGnus.jpg?1561513575" title="US Flag against blue sky. [Size small, 248 x 248] Tags Good News Gnus "> <figcaption>We are fully clothed in patriotism, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/60163211-frederick-douglass-prophet-of-freedom" target="_blank">no specious garb for us</a>.  </figcaption> </figure> <div> <p><span>That’s the short version.<span> If you’re new to the Good News Roundups, </span></span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2147155/85438411#comment_85438411" target="_blank">please check out our longer version.</a></p> </div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Good%20News/history" target="_blank">The Good Gnus group</a><span> </span>is a community of readers, writers, activists, supporters, community builders, and patriots. We begin gathering every day at 7 a.m. ET to celebrate national good news. Our most active members are of course a subgroup of members of Daily Kos, whose Front Pages celebrate “News, Community, Action.” However, you don’t have to be a member of Daily Kos to be a Gnusie.</p> <p>We are realists, not fools, idiots, or ostriches. We seek the truth. We know we live in a world where active, nefarious, and evil decision-makers do very bad things, and create stress and anxiety in us, our loved ones, our friends, our neighbors, and our allies, and destroy people and systems we hold dear. However, we choose to focus on the good news that people create around the country.</p> <p>Sometimes we ourselves create Good News. Together we are strong and resilient. We return regularly to these pages to revitalize.</p> <p><span>In a Good News Roundup, the weight of bearing good news is not borne by the author alone: Gnusies can be counted on to adorn the comment section with good news.</span></p> <p><strong><span>We bring good news, and we create good news.<span> </span></span></strong><span>We accomplish the latter in many ways. Our members participate in real-world activities to create justice.</span></p> <h2>Where Ever is Herd</h2> <p><strong>Morning Good News Roundups at 7 x 7: These Gnusies lead the herd at <span>7<span><span> </span>a.m. ET, 7<span> </span></span></span>days a week:</strong> </p> <div> <ul> <li>Mondays The <span>GNR Newsroom (</span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Jessiestaf/history" target="_blank">Jessiestaf</a>, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/3/8/2019929/-Monday-Good-News-Roundup" target="_blank">Killer300, and Bhu</a>)</li> <li><span><span><span><span>Tuesdays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/arhpdx" target="_blank">arhpdx</a><span> and <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/niftywriter" target="_blank">niftywriter</a> </span></span></span></span></span></li> <li>Wednesdays: 2nd <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/MCUBernieFan" target="_blank">MCUBernieFan</a>, 3rd <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/WineRev" target="_blank">WineRev</a>,  4th <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/karij" target="_blank">karij</a>. 1st and 5th: <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/lemay50" target="_blank">lemay50</a>, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Andrew%20F%20Cockburn" target="_blank">Andrew F Cockburn</a>, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/DoctorStrange" target="_blank">DoctorStrange</a>.</li> <li>Thursdays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Mokurai" target="_blank">Mokurai</a> </li> <li>Fridays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/chloris%20creator" target="_blank">chloris creator</a>, regular links to the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/" target="_blank">White House Briefing Room</a><span>. </span></li> <li><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Saturdays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/GoodNewsRoundup" target="_blank">GoodNewsRoundup</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>, the one and only!</li> <li><span><span><span><span>Sundays <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/2thanks/" target="_blank"><span><span><span>2thanks</span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span> — </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>A brief roundup of Roundups, a retrospective, a smorgasbord, a bulletin board, an oasis, a watering hole, a thunder of hooves, a wellness, a place for beginners to learn the rules of the veldt. For instance, we do not welcome grammar-police comments in Roundups.</li> </ul> <p><span><strong>Evening Shade diaries at 7:30 p.m. ET every day. </strong>After a long day, Gnusies meet in the evening shade and continue sharing Good News, good community, and good actions. </span>Find <span>Evening Shades </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Good%20News/history" target="_blank">here</a> or on the Trending List.</p> <p><span>For more information about the Good News group, please see our detailed Welcoming comment, one of the first comments in our morning diaries.</span></p> <div> <div> <h2>Say Something!</h2> </div> <p>We welcome comments in<span> </span>Roundups every day regarding:</p> <ul> <li><strong>National or local Good News.</strong></li> <li><strong>Links, stories, music, videos, quotes, tweets</strong>. (No tweets or images of the saffron chlamidiot, please.)</li> <li><span><strong>Your<span> </span></strong>resistance activity</span><span>.</span></li> </ul> <p>In my Roundups, I<span> </span><strong>especially </strong>welcome the following types of comments:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Who won YOUR week?</strong></li> <li><span><strong><span>Q</span>uestions </strong>about Daily Kos tech issues.</span></li> <li><strong>Good News Roundup diaries and you.</strong></li> <li><strong>How are you resisting? </strong></li> <li><strong>How are you supporting Democratic candidates? </strong></li> <li><strong>Please let’s stick to Good News today, no mews or databases. </strong></li> </ul> <p>In the comments of all Roundups, we do <strong>not </strong>welcome <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=grammar%20police&qs=n&form=QBRE&=%25eManage%20Your%20Search%20History%25E&sp=-1&pq=grammar%20police&sc=8-14&sk=&cvid=BBE0047FBC714244A2A72007DEE60E3C" target="_blank"><strong>Grammar Police</strong></a> or <strong><a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=Debbie+Downer&PC=U316&FORM=CHROMN" target="_blank">Debbie Downers</a></strong>.  </p> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <h2>Do Something!</h2> <p>Please post action items in the comments.</p> <hr> <p><strong>Top Image:<span> </span></strong><span>Gnusie Starhawk created the above cartoon for Gnuville. A gnu butts a shocked lion under a "NO KINGS" sign, and a crown falls off the lions head.  As well as a mane, this lion has long, blowy blond hair and crinkled whiskers. Thanks, Starhawk!</span></p> </div> </div> <h2><span>Our Roundup is almost open!</span></h2> <p><span>Thank you for fighting for truth and justice with all us Gnusies! <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/1/20/1827780/-The-Week-in-Review-This-is-definitely-theSunday-Good-News-Roundup" target="_blank">40% of our<span> </span></a></span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/1/20/1827780/-The-Week-in-Review-This-is-definitely-theSunday-Good-News-Roundup" target="_blank">R</a><span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/1/20/1827780/-The-Week-in-Review-This-is-definitely-theSunday-Good-News-Roundup" target="_blank">eaders don’t visit every day</a>, 50% of us do, and 10% are here for the first time! We all do what we can. </span>For 5 years, we’ve shared positive news, laughed, organized, resisted, rebelled, revolted without being revolting, relied, rested, mentored, created, crossed rivers, chewed our cud, puffed methane out both ends, and laughed. Here’s looking at you, kid, and standing upwind! Beginners, you are cordially invited to comment!</p> <p><span>As always, please share more Good News than I can find or provide. </span></p> <p>This is a group diary, and by my power I declare this Good Gnus Salo(o)n open! Let the good-news sharing and community building begin!</p> <p><strong>Power with, not power over </strong>❤️ ✊ ❤️</p> <p><strong>2thanks </strong>(he, him)</p> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (2thanks) BuildingCommunity Community DoItYourself GNR GNRMap Gnus Gnusies Gnuville GoodGnus GoodNews GoodNewsRoundupMap GoodNewsRoundups Newsies Potluck Recommended Resistance RoundupOfRoundups ruminations TechTalk WhoWonTheWeekbyBillinPortlandMaine Wildebeests _2376951 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:30:29 +0000 Wisconsin adds another liberal to its Supreme Court liberal majority https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/7/2376912/-Wisconsin-adds-another-liberal-to-its-Supreme-Court-liberal-majority?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>The race has been called by the New York Times. Liberal Chris Taylor leads conservative Lazar by about 20 points with 63% of the vote in. The New York Times projects an eventual 17 point win. This is a crazy large lead in purple Wisconsin. Taylor’s addition will mean a 5-2 liberal majority. In addition, this ensures that there will be a liberal majority until at least 2030. </p> <p>Cheers to all.</p> rss@dailykos.com (Radsci) Community DonaldTrump Elections Recommended _2376912 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 02:14:44 +0000 Top Comments: Updated Stories of Note edition https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/9/2376895/-Top-Comments-Updated-Stories-of-Note-edition?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>A follow-up to several stories appearing in this space, after-the-jump:</p> <blockquote><em><strong>But first</strong></em>: Top Comments appears nightly, as a round-up of the best comments on Daily Kos. <em>Surely</em> ... you come across comments daily that are perceptive, apropos and .. well, perhaps even humorous. But they are more meaningful if they're well-known ... which is where <strong><em>you</em></strong> come in (especially in diaries/stories receiving little attention). <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br> Send your nominations to <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/newthread/Top%20Comments" target="_blank">our KosMail message board</a> by 9:30 PM Eastern, or to our GMail account at topcomments at gmail.com. Please indicate (a) why you liked the comment, (b) a link to the comment itself, and (c) your screen name at DK.</p> </blockquote> <p>Last month, I suggested that the slogan <a href="https://www.maxboxing.com/news/news/joe-louis-and-the-bum-of-the-month-not-really" target="_blank">Bum of the Month Club</a> — which was unfairly used to describe the worthy opponents of the heavyweight champion Joe Louis (who were simply over-matched against a colossus) — ought to be revived for a far more accurate description of the attorneys conned into filing flimsy lawsuits on behalf of Dear Leader. You can see <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/3/12/2372308/-Top-Comments-the-Bum-of-the-Month-Club-edition" target="_blank">my original post at this link</a>.</p> <blockquote> <p class="AlignCenter"><em><strong>Now …... an update</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p>OK, this is a fool’s errand, trying to maintain a list of bums — it’s a never-ending journey — and besides, this lawsuit was not filed directly on behalf of Krasnov.</p> <p>Still, I got a kick out of Trump toady Richard Grenell losing a libel lawsuit against former Mike Pence aide Olivia Troye (a frequent guest on MS-NOW) for her claims that <span>he "<em>hung out with Nazis</em>" during his time as U.S. Ambassador to Germany and that he also tried to arrange for Mike Pence to attend a white supremacist event.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.alternet.org/trump-sues-news-lawfare/" target="_blank">By his own admission</a>: subsequent to her remarks, Grenell was named as:</p> <blockquote> <p><span style="text-align:start">“<em>Presidential Envoy for Special Missions, Interim Director of the Kennedy Center, and joined the Board of Directors at [Fox News’] Live Nation</em>.” — and was also offered private equity opportunities overseas.</span></p> </blockquote> <p>The case was dismissed with prejudice — and thus, Richard Grenell cannot refile the case elsewhere. Welcome to the <strong>Bum of the Month Club</strong>!</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="top_comments_header.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542468/large/top_comments_header.jpg?1775611437" title="top_comments_header.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>Last month, my T/C colleague brillig concluded her Monday weekly essay that she wished the <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/3/16/2373084/-Top-Comments-Butter-Running-Edition" target="_blank">Academy Award for Best Original Song</a> had gone instead to the song (from the film <em>Sinners</em>) by Miles Caton entitled <em>I Lied to You</em>. In agreeing, I was only disappointed to see one of my blues heroes <a href="https://rockhall.com/inductees/buddy-guy/" target="_blank">Buddy Guy</a> (wearing his trademark large polka-dot shirts) not a featured soloist in the on-stage performance.</p> <blockquote> <p class="AlignCenter"><em><strong>Now …... an update</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p>While at age 89 he has been <a href="https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/buddy-guy-not-retiring-until-blues-gets-higher-profile" target="_blank">slowing down</a>, I guess I wasn’t aware of some recent health issues he’s been having (including prostate cancer) which may explain his reduced role at the Academy Awards. <em>Guess I’m just glad he’s still with us</em>.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-sm"><img alt="BuddyGuy.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542471/large/BuddyGuy.jpg?1775613643" title="BuddyGuy.jpg"> <figcaption>Buddy Guy will be 90 on July 30</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>Two months ago, I noted the near-completion of a bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario with the city of Detroit — and named after the legendary Canadian-born hockey player <a href="https://www.nhl.com/player/gordie-howe-8448000" target="_blank">Gordie Howe</a> (<em>who played much of his career in Detroit</em>).</p> <p>Alas, an existing bridge (owned by a GOP donor) has tried to thwart the new bridge’s opening and Krasnov started making noises about trying to <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-michigan-canada-gordie-howe-bridge-reversal" target="_blank">stop it</a>. You can read the <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/2/12/2368003/-Top-Comments-the-Gordie-Howe-Bridge-edition" target="_blank">original essay at this link</a>.</p> <blockquote> <p class="AlignCenter"><u><em><strong>Now …... an update</strong></em></u></p> </blockquote> <p>I was delighted to note that the new bridge plans to offer <a href="https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/gordie-howe-bridge-launches-discount-toll-program-for-windsor-essex-travellers" target="_blank">discounted tolls</a> that can be less-than-half the rate of the existing bridge. And for the open US Senate race, GOP hopeful <a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/02/10/mike-rogers-says-donald-trumps-gordie-howe-bridge-threat-is-the-right-thing-to-do/" target="_blank">Mike Rogers</a> has been defending Krasnov’s actions — which the Michigan Democratic Party has jumped on, referring to him as “<a href="https://michigandems.com/rogers-backed-threats-to-block-the-gordie-howe-bridge-would-mean-higher-toll-prices-for-michiganders/" target="_blank">Price Hike Mike</a>”. </p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-lg"><img alt="GordieHowe.jfif" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542481/large/GordieHowe.jfif?1775615348" title="GordieHowe.jfif"> <figcaption>June, 2024 handshake after final girders laid in place</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>In late February, I recounted the surrender by New Hampshire GOP governor Kelly Ayotte about the plans by ICE to convert a warehouse in the town of Merrimack into an ICE prison camp — after a firestorm of protest across the political spectrum here (which the state ACLU broke wide-open and Rachel Maddow featured on her MS-NOW program). My <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/2/26/2370056/-Top-Comments-the-Merrimack-ICE-prison-camp-defeat-edition" target="_blank">original quite happy essay is at this link</a>.</p> <blockquote> <p class="AlignCenter"><u><em><strong>Now …... an update</strong></em></u></p> </blockquote> <p>The second week in March is for the traditional Town Meeting Day in New Hampshire (for towns that use that format, which Merrimack does). A reporter for <em>New Hampshire Public Radio</em> attended, and her report largely covered the relief that attendees had that the project was killed. <a href="https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-03-18/merrimack-town-meeting-after-ice-facility-newhampshire" target="_blank">As for the town meeting itself</a>:</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-md"><img alt="Merrimacktownmeeting2.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542486/large/Merrimacktownmeeting2.jpg?1775616864" title="Merrimacktownmeeting2.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <blockquote> <p>There were far more empty folding chairs in the gym than voters, a stark contrast to the crowded protests held just around the corner weeks earlier.</p> <p>“<em>I wish people were as enthusiastic about all Merrimack issues as they were about that one</em>,” said the town’s media coordinator Nick Lavalle.</p> <p>Karen Contos echoed the sentiment, saying she wished more people would have come that night and “<em>be part of the community</em>.”</p> </blockquote> <p>Given that the prison camp never came up in discussion … perhaps town residents wanted a return to normalcy. They <a href="https://afsc.org/news/how-small-new-hampshire-town-stopped-ice-warehouse-jail" target="_blank">richly deserved</a> it.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Merrimackprotest.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542490/large/Merrimackprotest.jpg?1775617534" title="Merrimackprotest.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>Over a dozen years ago, I profiled the Hal Roach short films (from 1922-1938) that were shown in theaters (before feature length films) under the name <em>Our Gang</em> — which in the 50’s-60’s were repackaged as children’s cartoons under the title <strong>The Little Rascals</strong>. This was because Hal Roach had sold the <em>Our Gang</em> series to MGM in 1938 (the lot on which the series had been filmed), and they ran the series until ending it in 1944, retaining the rights to the name.</p> <p>It was <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/122313.The_Little_Rascals" target="_blank">based on a book</a> co-written by the <em>Entertainment Tonight</em> critic Leonard Maltin and I noted some of the child stars who went on to a career in films as adults (which were not many). My <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2013/12/19/1262937/-Top-Comments-the-Little-Rascals-edition" target="_blank">original essay is at this link</a>.</p> <blockquote> <p class="AlignCenter"><u><em><strong>Now …... an update</strong></em></u></p> </blockquote> <p>I just recently learned of the death (right after New Year’s Day) of the final “major” child actor in the Hal Roach series. There may possibly be a survivor from the tail end of the MGM series without speaking roles, yet cannot be many.</p> <p>This was Sidney Kibrick, who appeared in the series from 1935-1939, with the last two years as a featured performer. He portrayed “<em>Woim</em>”, the sidekick to the series bully Butch and had speaking roles (albeit minor).</p> <p>Like most of the child actors, he left appearing in films at age fifteen and became a real estate developer. He participated in <em>Our Gang</em> reunions, and in 2022 attended an exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the series. <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sidney-kibrick-dead-our-gang-little-rascals-1236465493/" target="_blank" title="">He died</a> at the age of ninety-seven.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-sm"><img alt="SidKibrick.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542507/large/SidKibrick.jpg?1775619562" title="SidKibrick.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>Let’s close with drummer Billy Cobham’s instrumental Le Lis.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content">x</div> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content"><a class="new_iframe_placeholder" href="#">x</a></div> <a class="iframe_placeholder youtube dk-embed" href="//youtube.com/watch?v=Pjb_NV8fr5U" data-frameborder="0" data-height="281" data-src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Pjb_NV8fr5U" data-width="500">YouTube Video</a></div> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p class="AlignCenter"><em><strong><u>Now, on to Top Comments (and some Top Photos)</u>:</strong></em></p> <p>  </p><p>Several from <strong>belinda ridgewood</strong>:</p> <p></p> <blockquote> <p><em>Here are two great comments from Thursday's <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/9/2377086/-Abbreviated-Pundit-Roundup-Remember-there-is-no-bottom" title="" target="_blank">Abbreviated Pundit Roundup</a> by </em><strong><em>Chitown Kev</em>: </strong></p> <p> <strong>learn</strong> <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2377086/92990048#comment_92990000" title="" target="_blank">wondered why</a> the current regime even bothers to round immigrants up, rather than just pocketing the money and lying about the whole operation, but concluded it's because they enjoy terrorizing people. <strong>ByTor</strong> <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2377086/92990048#comment_92990048" title="" target="_blank">responded</a> by suggesting a brilliant and unexpected use for A.I.</p> <p>And then, <strong>The Geogre</strong> <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2377086/92989988#comment_92989988" title="" target="_blank">discussed a new article</a> by Jonathan Kozol, about what's really at the bottom of the aggressive attacks on the humanities in education.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>Finally, I could not pass up <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2377164/92992528#comment_92992528" title="" target="_blank">this beautiful comment</a> by <strong>marksb</strong>, in <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/9/2377164/-Caring-for-a-single-spirit-and-the-annihilation-of-entire-civilizations" title="" target="_blank">an equally lovely diary</a> by <strong>Examined.</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Highlighted by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2377112/92991982#comment_92991982" target="_blank"><strong>No Dolls 4 Donny</strong></a>:</p> <blockquote> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-lg"><img alt="TC1-NoDolls.jpeg" class="width-lg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543067/large/TC1-NoDolls.jpeg?1775774211" title="TC1-NoDolls.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> </blockquote> <p>Highlighted by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2377120/92991809#comment_92991809" target="_blank"><strong>DarkPhoenix</strong></a>:</p> <blockquote> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-lg"><img alt="TC2-DarkPhoenix.png" class="width-lg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1543068/large/TC2-DarkPhoenix.png?1775774336" title="TC2-DarkPhoenix.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> </blockquote> <p>And from <strong>Ed Tracey</strong>, your faithful correspondent this evening ........</p> <blockquote>In the diary by <strong>acclay</strong> about MAGA pundits expressing dismay over the war solely for <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/9/2377102/-Not-my-son-Why-the-MAGA-Anti-War-Pundits-Are-Finally-Speaking-Up" target="_blank" title="">family reasons</a>, <strong>GabeAngel</strong> <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2377102/92991657#comment_92991657" target="_blank" title="">sums up best</a> the thoughts of others in the diary, citing a book by a Pulitzer-winning <a href="https://www.sevenstories.com/books/4473-the-greatest-evil-is-war?srsltid=AfmBOoqgQ_yW9Vhb6Z0fbF1uNpbIU4VJUjkh8pUy71c89DLgdIUvKe1x" target="_blank">reporter</a> on the subject of war.</blockquote> <p>And lastly: yesterday's <strong>Top Mojo</strong> - <em>mega-mojo</em> to the intrepid <strong>mik</strong> ...... who rescued this feature from oblivion (and — with any luck — can be revived later on, after it disappears in the new D/K).</p> <div>1)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987484" target="_blank">The pope could follow up his clear and welcome w …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/jcmeiners" target="_blank">jcmeiners</a>  +117</div> <div>2)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987392" target="_blank">Guess who’s not coming to our 250th birthday? …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Satya1" target="_blank">Satya1</a>  +106</div> <div>3)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376818/92984001" target="_blank">Thanks Greg. Daily Toons: Us</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +95</div> <div>3)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376934/92983851" target="_blank">It would take another diary to go into this, but …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Bring%20the%20Lions" target="_blank">Bring the Lions</a>  +95</div> <div>5)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987543" target="_blank">It would be nice if this got some traction. This …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Dartagnan" target="_blank">Dartagnan</a>  +86</div> <div>6)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987537" target="_blank">[embed]</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/DRo" target="_blank">DRo</a>  +84</div> <div>7)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987574" target="_blank">I'm shocked that someone in the Trump administra …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/raboof" target="_blank">raboof</a>  +79</div> <div>8)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987443" target="_blank">I recall Pope Francis wasn’t too keen on war eit …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Baby%20Seal" target="_blank">Baby Seal</a>  +76</div> <div>8)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376818/92984004" target="_blank">ICE</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +76</div> <div>10) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987559" target="_blank">There are several others who could join that sho …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/hissing%20kitty" target="_blank">hissing kitty</a>  +74</div> <div>11) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987921" target="_blank">None of those people are Christians.  They  …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/MeJean" target="_blank">MeJean</a>  +69</div> <div>12) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987568" target="_blank">I looked it up and of the reasons for excommunic …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/kck" target="_blank">kck</a>  +61</div> <div>13) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376985/92985916" target="_blank">Yours is one of several Black accounts I follow  …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/A%20Pagan%20in%20Arizona" target="_blank">A Pagan in Arizona</a>  +59</div> <div>13) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377070/92989427" target="_blank">I hope the drunk, heretic secretary of war takes …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/elliott" target="_blank">elliott</a>  +59</div> <div>15) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376959/92984623" target="_blank">All to distract from the Epstein Files. The rema …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Davidsfr" target="_blank">Davidsfr</a>  +58</div> <div>15) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376818/92984010" target="_blank">Dump</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +58</div> <div>17) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376934/92983859" target="_blank">A big chunk of our coalition are windshield wipe …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/leftangler" target="_blank">leftangler</a>  +57</div> <div>17) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376818/92984006" target="_blank">Democracy</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +57</div> <div>19) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377003/92987023" target="_blank">Thank you for including that last paragraph! &nb …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/wonkydonkey" target="_blank">wonkydonkey</a>  +56</div> <div>20) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376818/92984005" target="_blank">SAVE Act</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +55</div> <div>21) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987400" target="_blank">/s</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Native%20Born%20Earthling" target="_blank">Native Born Earthling</a>  +53</div> <div>22) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377000/92986235" target="_blank">Wasn’t Hillary no longer Sec. of State when they …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Clytemnestra" target="_blank">Clytemnestra</a>  +52</div> <div>22) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376857/92983840" target="_blank">Fun fact, octopi are color blind. Seriously, the …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/FarWestGirl" target="_blank">FarWestGirl</a>  +52</div> <div>24) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92988189" target="_blank">During the First Reign of Terror & Error, Do …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/inkstainedwretch" target="_blank">inkstainedwretch</a>  +51</div> <div>25) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376818/92984013" target="_blank">More Dump</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +50</div> <div>25) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376857/92983975" target="_blank">Thanks for sharing my owl photo OZ.  I am n …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/CaptBLI" target="_blank">CaptBLI</a>  +50</div> <div>27) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376882/92986268" target="_blank">Our “Justice” Department is completely lawless.</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/JamieH" target="_blank">JamieH</a>  +48</div> <div>27) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987719" title="" target="_blank">Wow. The fucking unmitigated ARROGANCE of tellin …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/CyberMindGrrl" title="" target="_blank">CyberMindGrrl</a>  +48</div> <div>27) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987852" target="_blank">Don’t forget Caroline Leavitt (sp?), who suppose …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Senor%20Unoball" target="_blank">Senor Unoball</a>  +48</div> <div>27) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2377038/92987936" target="_blank">Even the mob had some codes of honor, but the Tr …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/elliott" target="_blank">elliott</a>  +48</div> <div>27) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376985/92985872" target="_blank">Oh, now I put my glasses on. …</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/LaFeminista" target="_blank">LaFeminista</a>  +48</div> <div>27) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376551/92986155" target="_blank">⬇LINKS⬇</a> by <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/BMScott" target="_blank">BMScott</a>  +48</div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (Ed Tracey) BuddyGuy Community GordieHoweBridge ICE RichardGrenell SidKibrick TopComments _2376895 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:00:09 +0000 Bomb Them Back into the Stone Ages https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/8/2376884/-Bomb-Them-Back-into-the-Stone-Ages?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p><span><span>Donald Trump is being credited with the warped strategic rhetoric of “bomb them back into the Stone Ages.”  I am old enough to remember General Curtis LeMay.  In 1965, General LeMay, who later tried to qualify his statement, reportedly said of Vietnam and consequently the Vietnamese people </span><a href="https://www.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000446314/" title="" target="_blank"><em><span>were going to bomb them into the Stone Age</span></em></a><span>.  Unfortunately, President Trump is threatening to adopt a more insidious belief by LeMay with his TACO strategy in Iran: <span><span>“I’ll tell you what war is about,” LeMay once said.  “You’ve got to kill people, and when you’ve killed enough[people] they stop fighting.”  As of this writing, Mr. Trump is threatening to annihilate an entire population.  What is most frightening is that many in the MAGA movement have broken the glass of the moral compass and are willing to be led down the path into murderous barbarism. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>Six members of the Democratic caucus recorded videos reminding service members that disobeying an unlawful order is not only prudent but also that they will be held criminally accountable.  Of course, the expected hue and cry came from the administration and the Trump minions.  It is now abundantly clear that those Democrats were right because Mr. Trump told the US and the world, “</span></span></span><span><span><span><span>A whole civilization will die tonight[Tuesday], never to be brought back again.  I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,” </span></span></span></span><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116363336033995961" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>Trump wrote</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span> on his social media platform.  I thought we had gotten past that sort of callous civilian military leadership that filtered down to field officers such as Lt. William Calley in the </span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/vietnam-my-lai-massacre/" target="_blank"><span><span><span>My Lai massacre</span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span>. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>For those of you who are not ancients like me, Calley led a massacre of civilian villagers in Vietnam, fueled by anger and vengeance.  Calley helped introduce the words “</span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/vietnam-my-lai-massacre/" target="_blank"><span><span><span>search and destroy</span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span>” to my generation’s lexicon when he led a deadly assault on over 300 innocents, including women, children, and the elderly.  His defense was that he was <em>following orders</em>.  Then both Democrats and Republicans, writ large, decried the action of Calley, and his actions bolstered the anti-war movement.  Listening to Defense Secretary Hegseth use theocratic rhetoric to justify and prosecute war has passed sacrilege and sprinted into pure evil.  So, as of the writing of this piece, Tuesday at 5:35 pm, a new ultimatum was issued by Mr. Trump, saying the civilization will die as of 8 pm. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>One would guess that the off-ramp offered earlier in the day by the Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, of a two-week pause (which I am sure he knows is Trump’s favorite decision avoidance speak), may prompt him to call a halt to Mr. Trump’s immediate plans to commit a war crime.  One of the things countries have learned from Mr. Trump’s public displays of pique is that not only complimenting him but also mimicking him works.  The Pakistani proposal read like a post from Mr. Trump: </span></span></span></span><span><span><span>“Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully,” Sharif said in a post on X. I suppose if he had signed it, thank you for your attention to this matter, Shehbaz Sharif, it would be too obvious. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>Hopefully, the military has rid itself of the Lt. Calley(s) and replaced them with enough officers, even after the Hegseth purge, who are willing to say no to immorality.  If not, The Hague awaits.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p><span><span><span><span>Your Vote is Still Your Voice</span></span></span></span></p> rss@dailykos.com (ReasonaBill) BlackKos Community Democrats DonaldTrump Iran IranWar Military OpenThread Republicans _2376884 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:39:26 +0000 Morning Open Thread: Party On! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/8/2376844/-Morning-Open-Thread-Party-On?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>It’s Humpday — time to party! What are your favorite party songs?</p> <h2 class="AlignCenter">Pink, “Get the Party Started”</h2> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content">x</div> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content"><a class="new_iframe_placeholder" href="#">x</a></div> <a class="iframe_placeholder youtube dk-embed" href="//youtube.com/watch?v=mW1dbiD_zDk" title="" data-frameborder="0" data-height="281" data-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mW1dbiD_zDk" data-width="500">YouTube Video</a></div> </div> <h2 class="AlignCenter">🎈 🎈 🎈</h2> <p><strong>Morning Open Thread</strong> is a daily,<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/MOTley%20Crew" target="_blank">copyrighted</a><span> </span>post from a host of editors and guest writers. We support our community, invite and share ideas, and encourage thoughtful, respectful dialogue in an open forum.</p> <p>Join us, please.</p> <p class="AlignCenter">*     *     *</p> <p><strong><span>Our prolific contributor P Carey has become an esteemed MOT emeritus, so there are slots available for bloggers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If interested contact officebss or Ozarkblue via KOSmail. Blank-slate diaries will fill in those unused slots in the meantime.</span></strong></p> rss@dailykos.com (Youffraita) Community MorningOpenThread MOT Music OpenThread PartyOn Recommended _2376844 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:30:21 +0000 Please Support Muriel Vieux. https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/7/2376804/-Please-Support-Muriel-Vieux?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p> I just want to know if this is true or not.</p> <blockquote> <p>Daily Kos moves in solidarity with the Black community.</p> </blockquote> <p>I have had it with the verbally abusive, Ad-Hominem, gaslighting and personal attacks that MurielVieux has endured since she started contributing content here. The abuse and vitriol she has to deal with is the antithesis of what this website stands for and is abhorrent. I am not talking about constructive criticism or everyday disagreement, this is outright abuse and needs to stop. </p> <p>I do think that this is a much bigger problem than individual people flagging rule breaking comments have the ability to address.  I can't stand this anymore!</p> rss@dailykos.com (Cmae) Community MurielVieux Recommended _2376804 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:32:50 +0000 These Four Entities Are Benefitting Tremendously From The War On Iran https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/7/2376756/-These-Four-Entities-Are-Benefitting-Tremendously-From-The-War-On-Iran?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p><span><span>Which helps explain why Trump is in no hurry to end this debacle.</span></span></p> <p>Without a doubt, the civilians in Iran are suffering the most from Trump’s war, followed by hapless common consumers around the world and in the U.S.  But importantly, there are at least four powerful entities that are <em>benefitting</em> enormously.</p> <p>At the very top of the list are two despotic rulers, who are each receiving huge political benefits.  But I think the nod for top rank has to go to (Trump’s bestie) Vladimir Putin.  <em>Vlad the Election Colluder</em> is not only having his entire economy (and <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/for-russia-trump-s-sanctions-pause-means-more-money-to-fight-ukraine/ar-AA1YBOFd" target="_blank">his war effort in the Ukraine</a>) bailed out by the huge increase in oil prices (plus the inexplicable <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/13/world/europe/russia-oil-suspended-sanctions-economy.html" target="_blank">eliminating of sanctions</a> on Russian oil by Trump)…he is also seeing great progress toward his long-cherished goal of <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/nato-on-the-brink-iran-war-threatens-to-shatter-76-year-old-alliance-as-us-fighter-jet-shot-down-over-iran/ar-AA207pgH" target="_blank">having NATO destroyed</a>.</p> <p>Finishing a close second is the Israeli <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/netanyahu-arrest-warrant-list-countries-comply-icc-1990062" title="" target="_blank">war criminal</a> Benjamin Netanyahu.  Not only is he seeing <a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/10/iran-war-us-israel-netanyahu-trump-elections-corruption-trial/" target="_blank">his long-held goal</a> of demolishing Iran being achieved, but he appears to have resurrected <a href="https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2026-03-03/ty-article-opinion/.premium/netanyahu-hopes-the-iran-war-can-secure-him-the-elections-casualties-be-damned/0000019c-afe5-df64-a59c-eff70e4f0000" title="" target="_blank">his own political future</a> domestically, where he had been in great legal and political jeopardy. (BTW, he is also using the opportunity to illegally <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/31/world/middleeast/israel-lebanon-ground-invasion.html" target="_blank">seize huge chunks of Lebanon</a>.)</p> <p>The next two big winners on the list are basically benefitting the old-fashioned way… by making huge amounts of money.  First in line here is the U.S. oil industry.  </p> <p>There has been endless coverage of the dramatic rise in oil, gasoline and diesel prices here in the U.S.  - - and some brief mentions of the fact that the U.S. produces more oil than we consume, and that we are mostly independent from any oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz.  But no-one is connecting the dots.  </p> <p>Something that seems to never be mentioned in the news coverage is how <strong><em>our domestic oil companies are huge winners from all this</em></strong>.  The oil and petroleum production and refining market is complicated, so it is true that the U.S. does import substantial amounts of petroleum (albeit <a href="https://usafacts.org/articles/is-the-us-a-bigger-oil-importer-or-exporter/" target="_blank">over half of that is from Canada, and very little of it passes through the strait of Hormuz</a>).  However, we export about <a href="https://usafacts.org/articles/is-the-us-a-bigger-oil-importer-or-exporter/" target="_blank">2.8 million barrels a day</a> more than we import…so the U.S. is a net exporter.  Indeed, the U.S. is the single largest producer of oil in the world.  So in some respects, “the U.S.” is huge beneficiary of the impact of the Iran war on oil prices (it’s just that the actual beneficiaries are the oil producing companies, not the consuming public.)</p> <p>To further explain, while our oil companies are paying a higher price for any imported oil, they are also receiving the higher prices for the oil they export.  Bear in mind that while oil and gasoline & diesel <strong><em>prices</em></strong> here in the U.S. have soared…the actual <strong><em>costs of production</em></strong> for domestic oil for our U.S. oil companies have not increased at all!  So while those oil companies were cruising along profitably when the price of oil (i.e., <a href="https://www.macrotrends.net/1369/crude-oil-price-history-chart" target="_blank">West Texas Crude</a>) was about $67 a barrel before the war, they are without question receiving enormous windfall profits now that the price of that oil is about $114 a barrel.  (With an average daily production of oil in the U.S. at around <a href="https://ycharts.com/indicators/us_crude_oil_field_production" target="_blank">13.7 million barrels</a>, that difference would yield an average windfall profit for oil producers of nearly $650 million per day.  Not a bad reward for that politically powerful industry.)</p> <p>Last but not least on our list of beneficiaries of the Iran War is the entity that is always pointed to as profiting from war: the so-called ‘military-industrial complex’.  One need look no further than the ridiculously huge <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-releases-proposal-blueprint-2027-budget/" title="" target="_blank">military budget increase</a> that Trump has called for to see the nature of their reward (i.e., a 44% increase of $440 billion per year!).</p> <p>In summary, these four hugely powerful entities, each of whom is extremely important to Trump (either personally, e.g., Putin…for whatever reason, or for their political support), are each benefitting mightily from the war on Iran.  Small wonder that Trump seems in no hurry to end this disaster.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (MartiKush) Community DonaldTrump Iran IranWar Oil War _2376756 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:10:45 +0000 Public Beta Now Open! Day 2 -- Comment Here! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/7/2376748/-Public-Beta-Now-Open-Day-2-Comment-Here?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>As a reminder, yesterday we opened the <strong><a href="https://beta.dailykos.com" target="_blank">public beta</a></strong> for comment, and we really appreciate everyone who took the time to try it out and share their thoughts. Please continue to do so today!<br> <br> <span>As a reminder, if you haven’t already, you need to create a new account that will<span> </span></span><strong>ONLY be used on the beta site</strong><span>. Everything you do — any diaries you write, any images or media you upload, all the comments you leave, any groups you create, any DMs you send — will not “count” — that is, they will not be migrated over to the main site when we flip the switch on April 15. It will ALL be deleted.</span><br> <br> We know that some people aren’t receiving emails to activate their beta accounts. This is happening for different reasons depending on the person (you will not get email from us if you ever marked us as spam, some email providers don’t deliver us, typos in emails or usernames, etc.) If you let us know you’re having trouble in the comments we can probably help. <br> <br> Highlights from yesterday...<br> <br> Bugs you reported that are <strong>must-fixes</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>There is no button for a user to save the cover photo on their profile (this works for groups)</li> <li>Images uploaded into comments sometimes show up as a solid colored rectangle (anyone who experiences this and can either email the image to <a href="mailto:allison@dailykos.com" target="_blank">allison@dailykos.com</a> or provide any information about the image type, size in MB, whether you were on desktop or phone when it happened, etc would be very helpful and appreciated)<br>  </li> </ul> <p>Bugs you reported that we need more information about (if anyone knows how to record video of this happening that would be amazing):</p> <ul> <li>Users seeing 400 errors on mobile</li> <li>Users getting repeatedly logged out<br>  </li> </ul> <p>Issues that we are aware of, that have been ticketed for work and will be prioritized as time allows:</p> <ul> <li>Some users are seeing the navigation menu too wide on their phones and have to scroll to the right to see the drop-downs</li> <li>The process for inviting users to groups during group creation is awkward and has confusing messaging</li> <li>Scheduling a story for later publication is shown to users in Pacific Daylight Time regardless of their timezone</li> <li>Need more than one box to write comments, having to scroll back to the top is annoying</li> <li>Featured Image button is hard to find in the story editor</li> <li>Comment type is too small</li> <li>There is a broken link in the introductory tutorial for the story editor</li> <li>Accessibility fixes</li> <li>Jittery comment behavior</li> <li>“Bell” tray too hard to read (too much bold type)</li> <li>Recommend story button is unclear that you already recommended the story</li> <li>Poll issues (ballot stuffing, etc)<br>  </li> </ul> <p>Issues that users have mentioned but we are not currently prioritizing (either too difficult or expensive to fix right now, impossible to fix, or need more comprehensive thinking):</p> <ul> <li>Comment search</li> <li>Comments getting blocked by ad blockers</li> <li>Edit comment button hard to find in the 3-dot menu</li> <li>Comments limited to 1800 characters but there’s no countdown of how many characters are left</li> <li>Comment indent too narrow</li> <li>Having to repeatedly click “load more comments”</li> <li>You can recommend your own comments and stories</li> <li>Can’t see who recommended your comment</li> </ul> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>Thanks for reporting! Keep it coming!</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (Allison McHenry) Community DailyKos Meta wordpress _2376748 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:52:10 +0000 Bringing "Good Trouble" to Florida, causing heartburn to the GOP there https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/7/2376746/-Bringing-Good-Trouble-to-Florida-causing-heartburn-to-the-GOP-there?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field PAC</a><span><span> </span>volunteers continue to knock on doors in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Texas.  Plan are that we will start up again in Pennsylvania and Ohio this week, weather permitting.  In Virginia, we are waiting for the election allowing Congressional redistricting, which is April 21st.</span></p> <p>But if you listen to public officials, no where are <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field PAC </a><span>volunteers causing more headaches for Republicans than in Florida.  GOP mapmakers are beside themselves because we are knocking on doors in swingy areas that they’d like to redistrict.  The Secretary of State wants “fair warning” because we are registering minority voters outside of established Democratic areas.  We are just “pains in the ass” that don’t play by their “rules.”  I offer no apologies.</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="ConcensusSenateMap.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1519710/large/ConcensusSenateMap.png?1768998341" title="ConcensusSenateMap.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>The Florida legislature is about to go into their special session for redistricting and apparently, according to their <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/3/26/2374723/-Another-meeting-w-DoJ" target="_blank" title="">representatives at a meeting held recently at the DoJ</a>, our Voter Contact efforts are messing up assumptions of a stagnant partisan map wrt voter turnout.  “Especially in FL-06.”  Hard to rig maps if voters don’t play along.</p> <p>They are not wrong.  We’ve long known that Face-to-Face Voter Contact can alter voter behavior.  But map-makers like to rely on historical data to predict how voters will behave when they change district lines.</p> <div> <p>Gov. Ron DeSantis has called a special session from April 20–24, 2026, to redraw Florida’s congressional districts, aiming to potentially add 2-4 more Republican-held seats in South/ Central Florida<span>.</span></p> <blockquote> <p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/06/us/politics/redistricting-virginia-florida-ga-special-election-republicans.html" target="_blank" title="">Florida Republicans are facing their own challenge, with a special redistricting</a> session set to begin in the legislature in roughly two weeks. The state was thought to be the capstone in a battle sparked by Republicans in Texas to create a midterm advantage through the rare process of redistricting in the middle of the decade, with some in the state looking to draw as many as five new seats.</p> <p>But a recent poll from Emerson College found that 56 percent of voters in the deeply red state think redrawing the congressional maps ahead of the midterms is a “bad idea.”</p> <p>Concerns about the effort in Florida are quite different from those in Virginia. Some Republicans in the state fear newly drawn, aggressive maps could end up costing the state some Republican seats this year, with President Trump facing sagging polling numbers and economic woes spreading. Democrats have also been celebrating victories in recent special elections, including flipping a state legislative district where Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Largo resort is located.</p> <p>“You could put incumbent members at risk,” Representative Greg Steube, a Republican representing a Gulf Coast district, told Politico late last month.</p> </blockquote> <p>But <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs</a><span><span> </span>volunteers have deliberately targeted areas where we think Republicans may try to change those district lines.  Moreover, our “Until Justice is Real” project, </span>reversing the historical trend identified by<span> </span><a href="https://www.rand.org/about/people/w/williams_jhacova.html" target="_blank" title="">Jhacova Williams</a>, not just by voter registration but also voter mobilization,<span> in addition to our efforts to mitigate True the Vote’s NCOA voter challenges, has alarmed several GOP county chairs</span>.  <span>Again, i offer no apologies.</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-left"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/1065874/large/Clipboard01.png?1651677418" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>They don’t want any surprises (partisans draw maps based on prior electoral turnout, not voter registration).  I get that.</p> </div> <div> <p>We’ve been canvassing in all 5 of the (potentially) targeted Districts, knocking on more than twice as many unaffiliated households doors than Democratic doors.  </p> <blockquote> <p><a href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/local/state/2025/11/13/dem-wins-elsewhere-put-desantis-redistricting-push-in-question/87194076007/" target="_blank" title="">The GOP’s most prominent targets include U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowit</a>z, a Parkland Democrat in a district Republicans think they can win, albeit with some tweaking of boundaries.</p> <p>Congressman Darren Soto, a Central Florida Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, also could be seen as in trouble if enough Republican voters were added to their districts. But these voters would come from neighboring districts now held by Republicans.</p> <p>Moskowitz’s district supported Democratic nominee Kamala Harris last year by only a 2% margin over President Trump. But to make the district more friendly to Republicans, boundaries could change as far south as Miami and north into Palm Beach County.</p> <p>Castor’s district is even more contentious. Shifting Republican voters into her district could threaten GOP strength in districts held by Republican U.S. Reps. Laurel Lee of Tampa and Anna Paulina Luna of St. Petersburg.</p> <p>Revising Soto’s Orlando-area district could create similar concerns for neighboring Republicans in a low-turnout midterm election. “The question is, do the swings toward Republicans that we saw in 2024 stay or could you have a swing back to the left?” said Matt Isbell, a Democratic data consultant.</p> <p>That’s what this month’s elections may be suggesting. Salazar, the Miami Republican, pointed to Trump’s mass deportation efforts as undermining Hispanic support for Republicans.</p> </blockquote> <p>On Saturday,<span> </span><strong>341 Hope Springs volunteers</strong><span><span> </span>came out to knock on doors in 8 Florida counties across the state.  They<span> </span></span><strong>knocked on 21,244</strong><strong><span> </span>doors and</strong><span><span> </span>talked to</span><span> </span><strong>1,820 voters</strong><span>.  1,177 of those voters answered questions on at least part of the Issues Survey at their doors.</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field PAC</a><span><span> </span>started knocking on doors in March.  We continue to target Democrats and unaffiliated voters with our systematic approach that reminds them not only that Democrats care, but that Democrats are determined to deliver the best, most affordable government possible to all Americans.  The voters we talk to continue to tell us they come away more invested in governance and feel more favorably towards Democrats in general because of our approach.</span></p> <div> <div> <div> <p>Obviously, we rely on grassroots support, so if you support field/grassroots organizing, voter registration (and follow-up) and our efforts to protect our voters, we would certainly appreciate your<span> </span><span>support:</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms</a></p> </div> </div> <div> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field</a><span><span> </span>understands that volunteer to voter personal interactions are critical.  Knocking on doors has repeatedly been found to be the most successful tactic to get voters to cast a ballot and that is the goal of what we do.</span></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1533933/large/Clipboard01.png?1773124366" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>Yes, we really need your help here!</strong><span> </span><span> </span><span>Our printer’s bills are — like most things — much higher than we had anticipated for the year.  Adding extra states (like California) did not help the budget last year!</span></p> </div> </div> <div> <p><span>We’ve added two things to our qu</span><span>estionnaire, both of them driven by president felon’s insistence on the Save Act.  These are just in case that thing passes so we can protect our voters for November.</span></p> <p><span>Other than that, the Issues Surveys haven’t really changed.  Voters like to tell us what is important to them!</span></p> <p>On April 4th, “Uncontrolled Gas Prices” was was the Number 1 issue for the Florida voters we talked to.  The Attack on Iran was second and Jobs was third on Saturday.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-left"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542244/large/Clipboard01.png?1775567354" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span>You can see why Republicans thinking about redistricting could be anxious.  In Florida, Trump’s job approval ratings are tanking: only 2% of the voters we talked to had a favorable impression of the job he was doing, while 64% disapproved.  That’s a 62% differential in the areas we think the GOP legislators want to redraw for their benefit.  We don’t canvass Republican households.</span></p> <p><span>3% of the voters who responded Approved of the job Sen. Moody was doing while 59% expressed Disapproval.  That’s not good, either.  You can see why the consensus map at the top no longer displays Florida as solid red.  6% approved of what Gov. DeSantis was doing, 48% disapproved.</span></p> <p>Hope Springs volunteers <strong>registered 2 voters </strong>and<span> </span><strong>re-</strong><strong>registered 9 voters</strong><span> </span>on Saturday, who mainly updated their addresses. all through the Secretary of State website.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="GenericConstituentServiceRequestForm.png" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/968381/large/GenericConstituentServiceRequestForm.png?1626881685" title="GenericConstituentServiceRequestForm.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p><span>In Florida,</span><span> </span><strong>84 voters filled out Constituent Service Request forms</strong><span> </span>on<strong><span> </span></strong>Saturday<span>.  We send completed CSRs to Democratic elected officials responsible for the requested functions, but if the appropriate office is held by a Republican, we still send it along.  For Democrats, though, we encourage them to reach out immediately to the voter who filled out the Constituent Service Request forms and let them know they are working on the issue.  This credit-taking is enormously valuable to the Democratic office-holder.</span></p> <div> <p>We knock on the doors of Democratic and Independent voters and use a voter-driven approach to guide them through the Issues Survey, the CSR and Incident Report.  We record questions voters raise with a Q(uestion)-slip and record other relevant observations on an Observations form.  Q-slips are sent to the relevant Democrat to respond to and Observations are entered into VAN.  At every door, we leave a piece of “show the flag” lit, something that tells them we were there and hopefully reinforces the Democratic brand.  The lit focuses on the things voters told us were important to them last fall, aiming to appeal to every voter.</p> <figure class="image-captioned width-md align-left"><img alt="Clipboard01.png" class="width-md" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542247/large/Clipboard01.png?1775567961" title="Clipboard01.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p>But the main focus of our canvassing is the Issues Survey, asking voters for their input and concerns.  Voter responses to the questionnaire are entered into VAN and made available to all Democratic candidates who use VAN in the state after the primary.  Creating this kind of data isn’t done with a specific goal in mind but has the purpose of engaging voters and creating a dataset that any Democratic candidate can use in opposition to a Republican.</p> </div> <div> <div> <div> <p><span>Hope Springs has targeted states that have competitive Senate races and/or Congressional Races in 2026.  There is a lot of work to be done!  Especially since we have had to expand the map this year.</span></p> <p><span>By starting early, and aiming towards super-compliance with some really, really onerous new voter regulations,<span> </span></span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs from Field</a><span><span> </span>seeks to undermine that strategy, while informing voters about the new laws and regulations aimed at them and helping them to check their current voter registration status, if they cannot access it online themselves.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank">Hope Springs</a><span> </span>is a seat-of-the-pants grassroots-driven operation.  We don’t have employees (yet) but we realize that to formalize and professionalize this effort that will have to change eventually.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unrigthemidterms" target="_blank" title="">Hope Springs</a><span> </span>has been called “the most comprehensive, organized grassroots voter contact project out there right now.  It is truly astonishing that it is grassroots-based!”  Not sure why it is “astonishing,” but i probably have more faith in grassroots or self-organized efforts because of my experience with Barack Obama’s early days in 2007.</p> </div> <div> <p><span>If you are able to support<span> </span><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank">Hope Springs from Field</a>’s efforts to protect Democratic voters, especially in minority communities, expand the electorate, and believe in grassroots efforts to increase voter participation and election protection, we would appreciate your support:</span></p> <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms" target="_blank" title="">https://secure.actblue.com/donate/UNRIGtheMidterms</a></p> <p>If you would rather send a check, you can follow that link for our mailing address at the bottom of the page.  Thank you for your support.  This work depends upon you!</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> rss@dailykos.com (snowbored) 2026 2026Elections canvassreports Community DailyKosElections DeepOrganizing Democraticgrassroots DemocraticGroundGame Democrats DKECommunity DoSomething earlyorganizing Election election2026 Elections FieldDrivesVictories FieldMatters FL-Sen Florida hopesprings progressivegrassroots VoterRegistration _2376746 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:04:47 +0000 Overnight News Digest OOPS https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/6/2376727/-Overnight-News-Digest-OOPS?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>OOPS I forgot!!</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:2gbjrnqzut3fzxdpha3kwetk/app.bsky.feed.post/3miuu3uox4k2i" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreidfsvn4ef4c7jqmztyz6ffgpohyy6hi7edlchy4pnt53sf7d7fyvu"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;MICHIGAN !!!!! www.homefieldapparel.com/collections/...&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2gbjrnqzut3fzxdpha3kwetk?ref_src=embed"&gt;Homefield (@homefield.bsky.social)&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2gbjrnqzut3fzxdpha3kwetk/post/3miuu3uox4k2i?ref_src=embed"&gt;2026-04-07T03:38:19.217Z&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;script async src="https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:2gbjrnqzut3fzxdpha3kwetk/app.bsky.feed.post/3miuu3uox4k2i" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreidfsvn4ef4c7jqmztyz6ffgpohyy6hi7edlchy4pnt53sf7d7fyvu"><p>MICHIGAN !!!!! www.homefieldapparel.com/collections/...</p>— <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2gbjrnqzut3fzxdpha3kwetk?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">Homefield (@homefield.bsky.social)</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2gbjrnqzut3fzxdpha3kwetk/post/3miuu3uox4k2i?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">2026-04-07T03:38:19.217Z</a></blockquote></div> <p><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/us-soldier-trying-halt-wifes-225957208.html" target="_blank" title="">US soldier trying to halt wife's deportation after she was detained on Louisiana military base</a></p> <blockquote> <p>A U.S. Army staff sergeant is trying to halt his wife's deportation after she was detained inside a Louisiana military base where the couple was planning to live together just days after their wedding.</p> <p>The effort to remove the soldier's wife, who was born in Honduras and remained in a federal immigration detention center Monday, has drawn backlash from military family advocates who called the detention demoralizing in<span> </span><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran" target="_blank">a time of war</a><span> </span>and warned that deporting spouses could undermine recruitment.</p> <p>Staff Sgt. Matthew Blank said he brought his wife, Annie Ramos, 22, to his base in Fort Polk, Louisiana, last Thursday so that she could begin the process to receive military benefits and take steps toward a green card. The couple married in March.</p> </blockquote> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:wmho6q2uiyktkam3jsvrms3s/app.bsky.feed.post/3mitbtnedx22c" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreiecj43igmkybhstzrmfblby2l2ri2qhwdh5bpmdh2qu4fr6atgruq"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Savannah Guthrie returns to &amp;#34;TODAY&amp;#34;, more than two months after her mother disappeared: &amp;#34;It&amp;#39;s good to be home.&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:wmho6q2uiyktkam3jsvrms3s?ref_src=embed"&gt;NBC News (@nbcnews.com)&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:wmho6q2uiyktkam3jsvrms3s/post/3mitbtnedx22c?ref_src=embed"&gt;2026-04-06T12:38:56.004Z&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;script async src="https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:wmho6q2uiyktkam3jsvrms3s/app.bsky.feed.post/3mitbtnedx22c" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreiecj43igmkybhstzrmfblby2l2ri2qhwdh5bpmdh2qu4fr6atgruq"><p>Savannah Guthrie returns to "TODAY", more than two months after her mother disappeared: "It's good to be home."</p>— <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:wmho6q2uiyktkam3jsvrms3s?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">NBC News (@nbcnews.com)</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:wmho6q2uiyktkam3jsvrms3s/post/3mitbtnedx22c?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">2026-04-06T12:38:56.004Z</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <blockquote> <p>Welcome to the Overnight News Digest with a crew consisting of founder Magnifico, regular editors side pocket, maggiejean, Chitown Kev, eeff,  annetteboardman, FarWestGirl,  Besame,and jck,. Alumni editors include (but not limited to) Interceptor 7, Man Oh Man (RIP), wader, Neon Vincent, palantir, Patriot Daily News Clearinghouse (RIP), ek hornbeck (RIP), rfall, ScottyUrb, Doctor RJ, JeremyBloom,  BentLiberal, Oke (RIP) and jlms qkw.</p> <p>OND is a regular community feature on Daily Kos since 2007, consisting of news stories from around the world, sometimes coupled with a daily theme, original research or commentary. Editors of OND impart their own presentation styles and content choices, typically publishing each day near 12:00 AM Eastern Time.  Please feel free to share your articles and stories in the comments.</p> </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (eeff) Community OpenThread OvernightNewsDigest Recommended _2376727 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:49:23 +0000 Top Comments: Have You Tried The Beta Site Edition https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/6/2376694/-Top-Comments-Have-You-Tried-The-Beta-Site-Edition?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Well hello, gentle Top Comments reader! This time next week we’ll be spending our last hours at the Daily Kos site we’ve known for quite some time now. Next Monday, I will pen our last Top Comments story on this platform, and the next day, April 14th, the site will be offline for 24 hours. And then on April 15th you will log in just as you always do and it will be the shiny new site with all your old stories, comments, groups, etc waiting for you!!</p> <p>Since last fall, along with Top Commenteer <strong>Tara TASW</strong> and a group of other Kossacks I have been a member of the Community Advisory Panel working with Markos and staff to represent you the Community during this process. We’ve tried to do our very best to speak for everyone here. Did everything we want happen? No. But Markos didn’t get everything HE wanted, nor did Staff. Everyone had to compromise based on what is available platform-wise in the best interest of the community. What I can 10000% promise you is that we, the community that forms the heart and soul (and funding base) of Daily Kos were at the center of every decision. Keep this in mind.</p> <p>I am asking… BEGGING… everyone to read <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/6/2376058/-What-You-Need-to-Know-about-the-Site-Migration" target="_blank" title="">THIS diary that contains information about the migration and also links to all prior diaries on the site update</a>. Please check your login info since you will be required to log in once the migration is complete. If you’re like many users who never, ever log in and who have no idea what email they gave Daily Kos as a recovery/lost password option, this is the time you go check. Go on, I’ll wait. </p> <p>Welcome back. Now, my next question… have you tried out the beta site that’s around for one week only, to give all interested folks an opportunity to kick the tires and get a sense of what the new site will be like? I’ve been there for over a week and am getting used to it. In fact, I will be attempting to post this diary there to see how it goes! </p> <p><u>If you want to <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/6/2376259/-Public-Beta-starts-today-COMMENT-WITH-YOUR-FEEDBACK" target="_blank" title="">check out the beta site</a>, here’s the important things to know:</u></p> <p>1.  You MUST create an account there. It can be your username and password here, or something else, but simply trying to log in will not work. When the new site is active on the 15th, you will log in as usual.</p> <p>2.  Your diary and comment history will NOT BE at the beta site. Think of it as a separate sandbox, where you can play around but just like the beach, when the tide comes in (the new site is active), all beta activity goes away. </p> <p>3. The point of the beta is to troubleshoot issues. So if something isn’t working, say something! Already today a ton of issues have been flagged and are being fixed for the site rollout next week.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>Lastly, I want to make one thing very clear, because it specifically affects Top Comments. And I want you to remember that I have been part of this since last Fall, and believe with all my core that every site decision was made with the community at heart but limited by available options, knowing that *remaining on the current platform* was not possible for myriad reasons…</p> <h4 class="AlignCenter">There is no comment search function yet.</h4> <h4 class="AlignCenter">Therefore due to how it’s generated, there can be no Top Mojo</h4> <p>I know. I. KNOW. But it is what it is and I have it from a very reputable source… <strong>kos</strong> himself… that there WILL be a comment search functionality at some point but not by next week. It may not look like what we have now, but it will one day be here. And when that happens, both Staff and I and every Top Commenteer and Mr. Brillig our mojo-wrangler for the last fifteen years will do whatever is necessary to bring back Top Mojo. </p> <p>What this means, though, is to keep Top Comments alive, we <em>need</em> your comment nominations even more than we do now. How that works will sort of stay the same and sort of change, and we’re working that out now. But think of it this way… if you do not send in the comments you think are amazing, you will not be able to search for them later. You need us as much as we need you :).</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p>I’m happy to answer questions as I can (or call in help from <s>Adultier Adults </s> Staff as necessary. I know change can be scary, but we’re going to get there as a Community. Both as a whole Daily Kos, and as a Top Comments family. We’ve been a part of the site since June 14th, 2006… almost TWENTY years. We aren’t going away if we can help it. So be here for us like we’re here for you. Let’s get to tonight’s Tops!</p> rss@dailykos.com (brillig) Community Meta Recommended SiteMigration TopComments WordPressMigration _2376694 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:00:02 +0000 This is more like spring, A Colorado State Open Thread, 4/6/2026 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/6/2376692/-This-is-more-like-spring-A-Colorado-State-Open-Thread-4-6-2026?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>I am sitting at my computer drinking my first can of this. I must say, I can’t remember a better can of tea than this. Then again, I also have to say that I can’t recall that I’ve ever had tea in a can before, so I also can’t remember a worse can of tea than this. I’ll have to keep drinking and let it help my taste buds make up my mind for me. Or maybe I’ll switch over to bourbon or tequila before I switch over to Rachel Maddow to hear her scorch that very unbecoming posting made by the baby in chief on Easter Sunday. I had to check it multiple times to see if it really, really, came from his tiny thumbs.</p> <p>Enough about Dead Billionaires.</p> <p>Some things I’ve picked up recently about Colorado — </p> <p>Several of you probably heard that<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/5/2376204/-Forest-Service-shake-up-comes-as-risky-wildfire-season-looms" target="_blank" title=""> the US Forest Service is now planning on having its central headquarters moved from Washington DC to Salt Lake City </a>to be out west where the majority of the forests of the United States are. Apparently, the politicians that matter for forests are tired of hearing about forests, forests, forests, from the people who manage them on a constant basis and so they’re moving those who care about them 2000 miles west where they won’t have to hear about them anymore. I guess they haven’t heard about telecommunications, computers, constituents and wasteful budget spending for relocating hundreds of personnel and their families (or maybe they’re counting on lots of resignations so they can pare down the USFS).</p> <p>If you remember, Trump tried moving the Bureau of Land Management’s headquarters west to Colorado during his first term, but that got cancelled and moved back to Washington (costing lots of money and senior personnel resignations for the moving and unmoving) by President Biden when he got into office because it was not well thought-out and not justified. Trump isn’t waiting until later in this term to do the same to the Forest Service — he’s doing it early in this term so it may have longer to settle in.</p> <p>Per <a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/forest-service-overhaul-sows-confusion-concern/" target="_blank">an article in the High Country News</a>, </p> <blockquote> <p>“Nobody is asking for this,” said Robert Bonnie, who oversaw the Forest Service as a Department of Agriculture undersecretary during the Obama administration. “None of the farm groups want this. No one in conservation wants this. Nobody.” To Bonnie and other former Forest Service staff, the plan, which will uproot thousands of employees, looks like it will only make the agency’s existing troubles worse, especially given the past year of deep cuts and chaos.</p> <p>“This is not going to strengthen the Forest Service, it is going to weaken it,” Bonnie said. “It’s not about solving problems, it’s about blowing things up.”</p> </blockquote> <p>Of course, most of the high level personnel in the Washington office of the USFS are not the ones who go into the field and fight fires, cruise timber, plant trees, ride the range and check its condition or hug Smokey the Bear all day long, but I’m sure that’s what the people who made this decision probably think. They don’t have a clue, so they’re also shutting down the 31 USFS research stations that were run around the country, principally in coordination with land grant universities with, you-know, professors and research students and the next generation of professional foresters getting training. That wouldn’t be good for the future of icky science.</p> <p>One of the other decisions to go along with this is that the USFS will no longer be managed in regions, following decades of management plans and geographical and natural boundaries, but now the USFS will be managed in state offices. Again, per the High Country News:</p> <blockquote> <p><span>Under the new proposal, some states will have their own offices and others will be lumped together, similar to the organization of the Bureau of Land Management. This will be a new approach for the country’s 154 national forests, which have long been managed by the nine regional offices that will be shuttered or repurposed. Now, forests in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Alaska and Idaho will each be managed by their own state office. Forests in Nevada and Utah, however, will be managed together, as will forests in Colorado and Kansas.</span></p> </blockquote> <p>There is plenty more in both the High Country News and in the Daily Kos article. An article in the Salt Lake City Tribune is at <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2026/04/04/us-forest-service-closing-research/" target="_blank">www.sltrib.com/…</a></p> <p>If I’m going to get this published, I’m going to end it here. I’m getting in a habit of running late. Not good. Well, I can add comments, so please check back. In the meantime, the floor is yours...</p> rss@dailykos.com (ColoTim) Colorado Community ForestService OpenThread StateOpenThread USFORESTSERVICE USFS _2376692 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:02:44 +0000 Top Comments: Hell Books https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/8/2376677/-Top-Comments-Hell-Books?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>Not sure who noticed it first, but there’s a very peculiar pattern in JD Vance’s books.</p> <p><strong>But first, a word from our sponsor!</strong></p> <blockquote> <p><span>Here at Top Comments we welcome longtime as well as brand new Daily Kos readers to join us at 10pm Eastern. We strive to nourish community by rounding up some of the site's best, funniest, most mojo'd & most informative commentary, and we depend on your help!! If you see a comment by another Kossack that deserves wider recognition, please send it either to<span> </span></span><em>topcomments at gmail</em><span><span> </span>or to the<span> </span></span><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/newthread/Top%20Comments" target="_blank">Top Comments group mailbox</a><span>by 9:30pm Eastern. Please</span><em><span> </span>please<span> </span><u>please</u></em><span><span> </span>include a few words about why you sent it in as well as your user name (even if you think we know it already :-)), so we can credit you with the find!</span></p> </blockquote> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:fjiupdolgwv45olxgrqgfhjk/app.bsky.feed.post/3mijb7t4rms2g" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreigeqb722hfbyrmzg7uufiimmjmrblvfxs5lefv622kaihstdls7vu"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Someone sent me this.&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:fjiupdolgwv45olxgrqgfhjk?ref_src=embed"&gt;Tressie McMillan Cottom (@tressiemcphd.bsky.social)&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:fjiupdolgwv45olxgrqgfhjk/post/3mijb7t4rms2g?ref_src=embed"&gt;2026-04-02T13:01:13.570Z&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;script async src="https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:fjiupdolgwv45olxgrqgfhjk/app.bsky.feed.post/3mijb7t4rms2g" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreigeqb722hfbyrmzg7uufiimmjmrblvfxs5lefv622kaihstdls7vu"><p>Someone sent me this.</p>— <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:fjiupdolgwv45olxgrqgfhjk?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">Tressie McMillan Cottom (@tressiemcphd.bsky.social)</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:fjiupdolgwv45olxgrqgfhjk/post/3mijb7t4rms2g?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">2026-04-02T13:01:13.570Z</a></blockquote></div> <p>Or as Bluesky user @picklesofthecanoe put it: bell hooks vs. hell books.</p> <p>Which hooks title will he  rip off for his next book? <strong><a href="https://theliteratelizard.com/book/9780745316635" target="_blank" title="">Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center</a></strong>? Or, heaven help us, <strong><a href="https://theliteratelizard.com/book/9781451639759" target="_blank" title="">When Angels Speak of Love</a></strong>? (Just kidding: it’s bound to be <strong><a href="https://theliteratelizard.com/book/9780805050271" target="_blank" title="">Killing Rage</a></strong>.)</p> <h2>PSA:</h2> <p>With the migration to the new platform imminent, please check out the dkos <strong><a href="https://beta.dailykos.com/" target="_blank">beta site</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/6/2376058/-What-You-Need-to-Know-about-the-Site-Migration" target="_blank" title="">this diary</a></strong> with everything you need to know about the site migration. The current site is scheduled to go dark next Tuesday, April 14th, and the new one should appear on Wednesday, April 15th — just in time for my next Top Comments diary! (No pressure, right?)</p> <h2>On to Top Comments!</h2> <p>From <strong>belinda ridgewood</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">In this morning's<span> </span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/8/2376818/-Abbreviated-Pundit-Roundup-Pete-Hegseth-may-be-a-symptom-but-the-rot-comes-from-the-top" title="" target="_blank">Abbreviated Pundit Roundup</a></strong><span> </span>by<span> </span><strong>Greg Dworkin, David Michigan</strong><span> </span>offered<span> </span><strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2376818/92984080#comment_92984080" title="" target="_blank">a wonderful story from Herbie Hancock</a></strong><span> </span>about Miles Davis.</p> </blockquote> <p>Highlighted by <strong>Everything Old is New Again</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p>In <strong>Oliver Willis’s</strong> diary <strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/8/2376971/-Trump-declares-victory-after-making-Iran-more-powerful-than-ever" target="_blank" title="">Trump declares victory after making Iran more powerful than ever</a></strong>, <strong>fallow</strong> gives us the <strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2376971/92985770#comment_92985770" target="_blank" title="">setup</a></strong>, and <strong>ontheleftcoast</strong> gives us the <strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2376971/92985770#comment_92985807" target="_blank" title="">80s-band punchline</a></strong>.</p> </blockquote> <p>Highlighted by <strong>raboof</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>PQuincy2014</strong> offers <strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2376875/92984197#comment_92983165" target="_blank" title="">this analysis</a></strong> of the all-over-the-place messages coming out of the White House.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Top mojo, courtesy of mik:</h2> <div><strong>1)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376907/92983084" target="_blank">And another right-winger, Justice Annette Z …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Baby%20Seal" target="_blank">Baby Seal</a>  +154</strong></div> <div><strong>2)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376907/92983340" title="" target="_blank">From her webpage: …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Baby%20Seal" target="_blank">Baby Seal</a>  +120</strong></div> <div><strong>3)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376778/92979708" title="" target="_blank">I’m a little dubious of that $200 million p …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/stealthtffti" target="_blank">stealthtffti</a>  +115</strong></div> <div><strong>4)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376907/92983091" title="" target="_blank">This was an absolute demolition by the good guys …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Dillonfence" target="_blank">Dillonfence</a>  +114</strong></div> <div><strong>5)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376907/92983361" title="" target="_blank">She is VERY progressive. Former head legal couns …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Jake%20formerly%20of%20the%20LP" target="_blank">Jake formerly of the LP</a>  +111</strong></div> <div><strong>6)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376783/92978752" title="" target="_blank">The fact that every single Democratic Party memb …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/giovannigiorgio" target="_blank">giovannigiorgio</a>  +103</strong></div> <div><strong>6)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376934/92983775" title="" target="_blank">Agree. We need to start going after his Republic …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/jaimehlers" target="_blank">jaimehlers</a>  +103</strong></div> <div><strong>8)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376755/92977705" title="" target="_blank">I will never forget this moment or ever forgive …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/elliott" target="_blank">elliott</a>  +102</strong></div> <div><strong>9)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376755/92977622" title="" target="_blank">Never let the GOP forget this, the laid down and …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/LaFeminista" target="_blank">LaFeminista</a>  +95</strong></div> <div><strong>10) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376907/92983558" title="" target="_blank">The people going into our voting place looked pi …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/ZenMaster" target="_blank">ZenMaster</a>  +92</strong></div> <div><strong>11) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376778/92978651" target="_blank">You could have stopped with just rhe ridiculous …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Dan%20K" target="_blank">Dan K</a>  +90</strong></div> <div><strong>12) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376783/92979109" target="_blank">They don’t need permission to publish tweets. Th …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/arleychino" target="_blank">arleychino</a>  +89</strong></div> <div><strong>13) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376783/92978869" target="_blank">They need to make headlines, not tweets.</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/TakeSake" target="_blank">TakeSake</a>  +84</strong></div> <div><strong>14) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376783/92978838" target="_blank">Are you following Democrats on social media, bec …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Janesaunt" target="_blank">Janesaunt</a>  +82</strong></div> <div><strong>15) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376724/92977189" target="_blank">Thanks Kev. Daily Toons:  ICE (reposting)</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +78</strong></div> <div><strong>16) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376773/92979258" target="_blank">Not cowards.  Criminal accomplices.  </a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/jds1978" target="_blank">jds1978</a>  +76</strong></div> <div><strong>16) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376755/92977992" target="_blank">Indeed.</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Ice%20Blue" target="_blank">Ice Blue</a>  +76</strong></div> <div><strong>18) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376669/92979232" target="_blank">The fact that Ukraine now seems to be able to re …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Judeling" target="_blank">Judeling</a>  +75</strong></div> <div><strong>19) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376778/92978755" title="" target="_blank">Thanks for this. Cogent and well written.</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/ShamballaJones" title="" target="_blank">ShamballaJones</a>  +69</strong></div> <div><strong>20) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376769/92978489" title="" target="_blank">Hopefully it's not over for the Iranian nation t …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/ShamballaJones" target="_blank">ShamballaJones</a>  +67</strong></div> <div><strong>21) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376724/92977191" target="_blank">Birthright</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" title="" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +66</strong></div> <div><strong>22) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376778/92979115" title="" target="_blank">Exactly right.  …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Ralphdog" target="_blank">Ralphdog</a>  +65</strong></div> <div><strong>22) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376755/92977731" title="" target="_blank">Yesterday, the Despot wrote/said something along …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/LaFeminista" target="_blank">LaFeminista</a>  +65</strong></div> <div><strong>22) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376778/92980052" target="_blank">With all due respect, I am beyond thankful for a …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/centerline" title="" target="_blank">centerline</a>  +65</strong></div> <div><strong>25) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376724/92977192" target="_blank">Dump</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +62</strong></div> <div><strong>25) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376899/92982833" title="" target="_blank">My daughter was in an abusive relationship where …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/TexasDoc" title="" target="_blank">TexasDoc</a>  +62</strong></div> <div><strong>27) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376755/92977788" title="" target="_blank">A criminal, pure and simple, at all levels of th …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/LaFeminista" target="_blank">LaFeminista</a>  +61</strong></div> <div><strong>28) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376724/92977196" target="_blank">Dumpsters</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +60</strong></div> <div><strong>29) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376769/92978582" target="_blank">The “fall of Rome” took by one measure over 150 …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Dan%20K" target="_blank">Dan K</a>  +59</strong></div> <div><strong>30) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376724/92977194" target="_blank">More Dump</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" title="" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +58</strong></div> rss@dailykos.com (Tara the Antisocial Social Worker) bellhooks Community JDVance R&BL ReadersandBookLovers Recommended TopComments _2376677 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:00:04 +0000 Top Comments: Missing Submissions, Part II: The Comments Edition https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/7/2376610/-Top-Comments-Missing-Submissions-Part-II-The-Comments-Edition?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>As I wrote in last week’s diary, Top Comments had a user account along with its regular group account where people could kosmail submissions. Unfortunately, no one realized this until two weeks ago when everything was being done to get ready for the big move. After finding this out. I decided to use my last couple of diaries before the switch to give people the recognition they never got and very much deserved.</p> <p>Last week, we looked at the stats. How many submissions came to us, the people who sent some, and some of the dates they came to us. This week, I am going to include every comment sent in to us except the first and last two which were included last week. If someone included a reason, I will copy and paste it as I normally do. If they did not, I may just put the submitter's and comment author’s name. I will also include the date submitted. Anything but the names and dates written by me will be <em>in italics</em>. Please take the time to check some of them out. Unfortunately, there will be no way to give the comment love outside of being featured here. Comments will be listed by the person who submitted them beginning with the earliest one.</p> <p>Some of the comments may have made into that night’s diary in other ways like us searching certain words. If I notice this, I will note it.</p> <p>From <strong>MNGlasnant</strong>: (8/18/2012) </p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">In the <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2012/8/17/1121421/-Hey-MSM-Why-is-Rachel-Maddow-the-only-one-reporting-this" target="_blank">Diary</a> by <strong>Hungrycoyote</strong> highlighting Rachel Maddow's coverage of accuracy in tax claims and VP candidate Miller in 1964.</p> <p style="text-align:left">This <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1121421/47190684#comment_47190684" target="_blank">comment stream started</a> by <strong>JeffW</strong>,which includes the fine term louse.    Then the commenters continue to add to it, building in an homage to Burma Shave and ending with a Hat Tip to Dr. Seuss!  </p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>Audri</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">(10/10/2012) Funny funny <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1142190/47865063#comment_47865063" target="_blank">comment</a> by <strong>blueaardvark</strong> <em>in that day’s <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2012/10/10/1142190/-Cheers-and-Jeers-Wednesday" target="_blank">“Cheers & Jeers”</a> post</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(10/18/2012) Funny <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1146186/47984545#comment_47984545" target="_blank">comment</a> by <strong>Chamburrado</strong> in <strong>Keith930’s</strong> <em><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2012/10/17/1146186/-Urban-Foraging-The-Walnuts" target="_blank">diary</a> Urban Foraging: The Walnuts.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(2/17/2014) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1277955/52660555#comment_52660555" target="_blank">Comment</a> <em>by <strong>rambler american</strong> in that day’s <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2014/2/17/1277955/-Cheers-and-Jeers-Monday" target="_blank">“Cheers and Jeers”</a></em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(6/5/2014) Here’s one. <em><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1304356/53593599#comment_53593599" target="_blank">Comment</a> by <strong>jorogo</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2014/6/4/1304356/-Open-Carry-Texas-targets-Target" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong> Hunter</strong></em>.</p> <p style="text-align:left">(8/14/2014) Here’s one. <em><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1321142/54205120#comment_54205120" target="_blank">Comment</a> by <strong>Crashing Vor</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2014/8/12/1321142/-Public-Enemy-Number-One" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>pajoly</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(10/30/2014) Here’s one. <em><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1340018/54846799#comment_54846799" target="_blank">Comment</a> by <strong>rugbymom</strong> in that day’s <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2014/10/30/1340018/-Cheers-and-Jeers-Thursday" target="_blank">“Cheers and Jeers.”</a></em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(7/18/2020) Here’s one. <em><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1961543/77983983#comment_77983983" target="_blank">Comment</a> by <strong>cskendrick</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/7/17/1961543/-Ammon-Bundy-tries-to-bully-his-way-inside-Idaho-health-board-meeting-on-mandating-masks" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>David Neiwert</strong></em>.</p> <p style="text-align:left">(12/22/2021) here! <em><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2070358/82512514#comment_82512514" target="_blank">Comment</a> by <strong>el chuco </strong>in that day’s <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/12/22/2070358/-Cheers-and-Jeers-Wednesday" target="_blank">“Cheers and Jeers.”</a></em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(8/23/2023) Here! <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2188828/86856527#comment_86856527" target="_blank">Comment</a><em> by <strong>kamachanda</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/8/22/2188828/-Republican-National-Committee-s-latest-big-scoop-Joe-Biden-likes-dogs" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>Hunter</strong></em>.</p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>pat of butter in a sea of grits</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">(8/14/2013) <span style="text-align:left">Re Liz Cheney: Hahahahahaha <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/comments/1231170/51041706#c38" target="_blank">comment</a> by <strong>pajoly</strong> in <strong>Vetwife’s </strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2013/8/14/1231170/-Darth-Vader-s-daughter-caught-poaching-A-big-deal-in-Wyoming" target="_blank">diary</a> </span>Darth Vader's daughter's has uphill battle..A little fishy !! A big deal in Wyoming</p> <p style="text-align:left">(10/25/2013) <span style="text-align:left">The whole <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/comments/1250532/51709568#c12" target="_blank">thread</a>, including the pictures, is a classic. (<strong>Hunter’s</strong> <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2013/10/25/1250532/-David-Frum-shows-how-Twilight-Sparkle-I-mean-Ted-Cruz-could-become-nbsp-president" target="_blank">diary</a> on Ted “Cancun” Cruz possibility of becoming president.)</span></p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>lunachickie</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">(9/13/2013) <span style="text-align:left">Heck, this thing is diary-length, but I'm submitting it anyway. It's <strong>limpidglass'</strong> <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1239931/51386539#comment_51386539" target="_blank">take</a> on some of the heartless reactions to <strong>Nulwee's</strong> <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2013/9/19/1239931/-F-You-I-m-Gen-Y-and-I-Don-t-Feel-Special-or-Entitled-Just-Poor" target="_blank">diary</a> on the Adam Weinstein article "F*** You. I'm Gen Y, and I Don't Feel Special or Entitled, Just Poor"</span></p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>bronte</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left"><span style="text-align:left">(11/1/2013) Great comment from<span> </span></span><strong>bluestatesam</strong><span style="text-align:left"><span> </span>as he spells out the meaning of Jerry Seinfeld's quote:<span> </span></span><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/comments/1252248/51765659#c17" target="_blank">We're trying to have a civilization here</a><span style="text-align:left">. From the diary post:<span> </span></span><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/01/1252248/-Krugman-gets-it-it-s-A-War-on-the-Poor" target="_blank">Krugman gets it : it's "A War on the Poor"</a><span style="text-align:left"><span> </span>by<span> </span></span><strong>teacherken</strong><span style="text-align:left">.</span></p> <p style="text-align:left">(11/10/2013) <strong>conniptionfit</strong><span style="text-align:left"><span> </span>beautifully lays out the definition of "</span><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/comments/1254540/51848697#c3" target="_blank">rights</a><span style="text-align:left">" in the diary post,<span> </span></span><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/10/1254540/-G-B-Trudeau-s-Doonesbury-Knocks-One-Out-Of-The-Park-Today" target="_blank">G.B. Trudeau's Doonesbury Knocks One Out of the Park Today</a><span style="text-align:left"><span> </span>by<span> </span></span><strong>xaxnar</strong><span style="text-align:left">.</span></p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>eyesoars</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">(2/19/2014) <span style="text-align:left">I'd like to nominate <em><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1278909/52685371#comment_52685371" target="_blank">comment</a> by <strong>nailbender </strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2014/2/19/1278909/-Peggy-Noonan-writes-the-most-ironic-un-self-aware-column-in-the-history-of-Western-civilization" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>attywood</strong></em>.</span></p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>DallasDoc</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left"><span style="text-align:left">(12/27/2014) An awesome history <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/comments/1354317/55296188#c74" target="_blank">lesson</a> from<span> </span></span><strong>NBBooks</strong><span style="text-align:left">, schooling a defender of neo-liberal economics on economic history.  We should get college course credit for reading it.</span></p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left"><span style="text-align:left">From <strong>Simplify</strong>:</span></p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left"><span style="text-align:left">(7/23/2016)This <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1549979/62647069#comment_62647069" target="_blank">comment</a> by <strong>kakumeiji maru</strong> was staggeringly poignant: </span>It's from a little earlier this week, but I hope you'll include it. On my urging, <strong>kakumeiji maru</strong> made it into a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/07/22/1550348/-Why-Do-We-Fight-A-Meditation-on-Responsibility-to-Protect-and-Americas-Role-in-the-World" target="_blank">post</a> of its own:</p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>nicteis</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">(12/11/2016) <span style="text-align:left">Best advice I've seen all month, in this <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/comments/1610801/64805336#comment_64805336" target="_blank">comment</a> from <strong>Wee Mama</strong>.</span></p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>JerryNA</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">(4/7/2017) <span style="text-align:left"><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1651289/66076853#comment_66076853" target="_blank">Joke</a> about Hannity.<em> Comment by <strong>pierre9045</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/4/7/1651289/-Sean-Hannity-s-direct-messages-with-a-Soviet-parody-account-on-Twitter-is-the-laugh-you-need-today" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>Jen Hayden</strong></em>.</span></p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>twingrace</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">(8/26/2019) <span style="text-align:left"><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1881367/74786098#comment_74786098" target="_blank">This one</a> had me doing a slow blink, then<span> </span></span><em>OF COURSE! Comment by <strong>jayden</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/8/25/1881367/-It-is-worse-Trump-got-his-nuke-the-hurricane-idea-from-Sharknado-movie" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>annieli</strong></em>.</p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>pucklady</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">(12/17/2019) This <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1906270/75754253#comment_75754253" target="_blank">thread</a> <em>started by <strong>Ingersollman</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/12/17/1906270/-Donald-Trump-throws-the-Republican-Senate-a-boat-anchor-in-the-form-of-a-six-page-tantrum" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>Mark Sumner</strong></em>.</p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>sharondovan</strong>:</p> <p style="text-align:left">(07/15/2020) [<em>ed. note: No link was provided to the comment so I am including the whole thing.</em>] </p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">The comic by <strong>Jen Sorenson</strong>, “Postal Service of the future, had a comment by <strong>Jubal8</strong> as follows:</p> <p style="text-align:left">The most frustrating aspect of Automated Human-Facing Unsatisfied Customer Knowledge systems is that they try take all the myriad unique issues that people have with a company products or services and simplify them into a menu tree. You have to listen to descriptions of every problem you don’t have, and are often left with picking one that you HOPE takes you to the right department.<br> <br> AGENT!!!</p> <p style="text-align:left">The acronym spells out “AHFUCK” which is clever, subversive and at the time, no one was noticing, or perhaps liked it as much as I did. I thought it needed more kudos!</p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>ColoTim</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">(4/12/2021) You may need to put up the comment before it as well, since this was a wonderful <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2025502/80712884#comment_80712884" target="_blank">reply</a>. <em>Comment by <strong>Generation Landslide</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/4/12/2025502/-Apple-takes-on-the-peach-state-as-studio-exits-Georgia-production-citing-voter-suppression-law" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>Christopher Reeves</strong>.</em></p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>RickBoston</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left"><span style="text-align:left">(7/11/2021) <strong>Dave in Columbus</strong> had the perfect <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2038350/81331103#comment_81331103" target="_blank">description</a> of a nature picture posted by Founding <strong>FatherDAR</strong></span></p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>JustaHippie</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">(10/18/2021) I just love charts and graphs. But <strong>stevemb's </strong><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/10/18/2058783/-Rightwing-Media-Causes-Death-When-Used-As-Directed#comment_82071593" target="_blank">verbal diagram</a> <span style="text-align:left">is even better.</span></p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From <strong>greenchiledem</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>(</strong>5/13/2023)<em> </em><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2169166/86169449#comment_86169449" target="_blank">Top Comment</a> <em>by <strong>sts069</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/5/13/2169166/-A-Florida-Trump-Tower-Condo-owned-by-a-group-of-Russians-had-just-been-raided-by-the-FBI" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>OwossoHarpist</strong></em>.</p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">Last but not least we have all the submissions from <strong>Hinoema01</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">(6/5/2017) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1667856/66719544#comment_66719544" target="_blank">Top Comment</a> <em>by <strong>anastasia p</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/6/4/1667856/-Naomi-Klein-is-right-Trump-is-partially-our-own-fault-So-how-do-we-win-again" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>Egberto Willies</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(6/25/2017) This <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1674115/66948882#comment_66948882" target="_blank">one!!!</a> <em>by <strong>necturus</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/6/25/1674115/-The-Democratic-Party-does-not-need-a-civil-war-now-or-later" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>Egberto Willies</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(7/3/2017) <strong>BBB</strong> <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1677222/67022351#comment_67022351" target="_blank">says</a> it all</p> <p style="text-align:left">(8/3/2017) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1686738/67341792#comment_67341792" target="_blank">Here</a> <em>comment by <strong>blue aardvark </strong>in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/8/3/1686738/-The-Trump-Russia-investigation-has-fundamentally-changed" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>Murfster35</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(8/12/2017) Top <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1687696/67418653#comment_67418653" target="_blank">Comments</a> <em>by <strong>Wildthumb</strong> in <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/8/11/1687696/-Open-thread-for-night-owls-A-working-class-strategy-to-defeat-white-supremacy" target="_blank">“Open thread for night owls”</a> by <strong>Meteor Blades</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(8/30/2017) A <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1694335/67604567#comment_67604567" target="_blank">good one</a> <em>by <strong>Jeff Y</strong> in <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/8/29/1694335/-Open-thread-for-night-owls-Harvey-reveals-the-decayed-state-of-U-S-infrastructure-again" target="_blank">“Open thread for night owls”</a> by Meteor Blades.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(2/4/2018) This <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1738563/69171121#comment_69171121" target="_blank">one!!!</a> <em>by <strong>rufbymom</strong> in <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/2/4/1738563/-Abbreviated-Pundit-Round-up-The-lapdog-memo" target="_blank">APR</a> by <strong>Mark Sumner</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(2/19/2018) Amazing <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1742940/69324590#comment_69324590" target="_blank">comment</a> <em>by <strong>AmericanIdeal</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/2/19/1742940/-How-do-I-delete-my-account" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>steircher187</strong>. (brillig actually commented she did not see in it the submissions LOL)</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(5/18/2018) another <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1765424/70194305#comment_70194305" target="_blank">one</a> <em>by <strong>Fordmandalay</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/5/18/1765424/-David-Frum-It-s-The-Guns" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>durrati</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(7/9/2018) this <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1779250/70698419#comment_70698419" target="_blank">one!</a> <em>by <strong>apotropaic </strong>in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/7/9/1779250/-Three-key-red-state-Democrats-two-Republicans-decline-White-House-invite-on-Supreme-Court-reveal" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>Kerry Eleveld</strong>. (Caught by <strong>BeninSC</strong>)</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(10/24/2018) This <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1806803/71764876#comment_71764876" target="_blank">one!</a> <em>by <strong>qazplm</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/10/24/1806803/-Trump-and-the-Nationalists-are-pulling-out-all-the-stops-to-delegitimize-the-Democratic-Party" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>Mark Sumner</strong>. (Found by <strong>Tara TASW</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(11/13/2018) Top <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1812411/71987005#comment_71987005" target="_blank">comment</a> of the year <em><strong>Seraphiel</strong> in <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/11/12/1812411/-Open-thread-for-night-owls-Jeff-Sessions-last-move-as-AG-may-let-cops-and-polluters-off-the-hook" target="_blank">“Open thread for night owls”</a> by <strong>Meteor Blades.</strong></em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(3/8/2019) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1840597/73198388#comment_73198388" target="_blank">Here!</a> <em>by <strong>Tookish</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/3/8/1840597/-It-s-Time-to-Clean-up-Our-Language-The-Comments-Section-is-Splintering-Us" target="_blank">diary </a>by <strong>Benthovens5th</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(6/18/2019) Good <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1865487/74167234#comment_74167234" target="_blank">one</a> <em>by <strong>Paul C</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/6/17/1865487/-More-Bipartisanship-Pablum-From-the-Usual-Source" target="_blank">diary </a>by <strong>Merlin1963 </strong></em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(9/29/2019) Good <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1888735/75080090#comment_75080090" target="_blank">one</a> <em>by <strong>eashep</strong> in <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/9/29/1888735/-Abbreviated-Pundit-Round-up-A-nation-in-darkness-catches-a-glimmer-of-light" target="_blank">APR</a> by <strong>Mark Sumner</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(3/3/2020) Best <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1923636/76498340#comment_76498340" target="_blank">Comment</a> Ever <em>by <strong>polecat</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/3/3/1923636/-Daily-Kos-Founder-Markos-Moulitsas-is-misleading-again-about-Bernie-Sanders" target="_blank">diary </a>by <strong>Rob in Vermont</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(4/24/2020) Good <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1940019/77131229#comment_77131229" target="_blank">one</a> <em>by <strong>Terrapin </strong>in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/4/24/1940019/-Distributor-pulls-Michael-Moore-s-MMFlint-s-PlanetOfTheHumans-due-to-truthiness" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>A Siegel</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(7/9/2020) This <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1959271/77888232#comment_77888232" target="_blank">one</a> <em>by <strong>sfmikey</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/7/8/1959271/-P-S-Senate-Republicans-We-re-coming-for-you" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>Kerry Eleveld. </strong></em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(9/17/2020) This <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/1978287/78593488#comment_78593488" target="_blank">one</a> <em>by <strong>vjr7121</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/9/17/1978287/-Joe-Biden-Town-hall-Liveblog" target="_blank">diary</a> by<strong> AKALib</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(3/22/2021) This <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2022331/80564193#comment_80564193" target="_blank">one</a> <em>by <strong>Rattygirl</strong> </em><em>in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/3/22/2022331/-Sidney-Powell-Comes-Clean-in-Court-Statement-on-Dominion-Lawsuit" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>billlaurelMD</strong>. (Found by <strong>brillig</strong>.)</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(7/1/2021) This <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2037917/81263227#comment_81263227" target="_blank">one </a><em>by <strong>Munchausen</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/7/1/2037917/-Biden-Democrats-have-no-choice-Fight-the-Supreme-Court-or-consign-American-democracy-to-history" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>Joan McCarter</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(3/30/2022) <span>Oh, look, a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2088659/83253280#comment_83253280" target="_blank">TopComment</a> in TopComments!</span> <em>by <strong>gizmo</strong> in my Top Comments <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/3/29/2088659/-Top-Comments-Democratic-Turnout-A-Rant-Edition" target="_blank">diary</a> from that day.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(6/11/2022) Here’s a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2103608/83787185#comment_83787185" target="_blank">good one</a> <em>by <strong>Crashing Vor</strong> in a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/6/11/2103608/-Ukraine-Update-Russia-declares-itself-an-imperial-power-while-tankies-still-blame-U-S" target="_blank">diary</a> by <strong>kos</strong>.</em></p> <p style="text-align:left">(11/8/2022) This <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2134560/84910096#comment_84910096" target="_blank">one</a> <em>by <strong>westyny</strong> in an <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/11/8/2134560/-Live-coverage-Election-night-2022" target="_blank">Election night live blog</a></em></p> </blockquote> <p>I hope everyone enjoyed the last two weeks look back at the missing submissions which were sent to <strong>topcomments</strong> user account rather than the group account. This will be my last diary on the old site which is a bit sad. I will be back in two weeks as the new site migration will happen next Tuesday and the site might be down at 10pm EDT. Good luck with the move.</p> <p><span><span><span>Diarist reserves all rights to his original writing only. Community material is not covered by this ©</span></span></span></p> <p><span>Now a word from out sponsor and onto the Tops!</span></p> <blockquote> <p><span style="text-align:-webkit-center">Here at Top Comments we welcome longtime as well as brand new Daily Kos readers to join us at 10pm Eastern. We strive to nourish community by rounding up some of the site's best, funniest, most mojo'd & most informative commentary, and we depend on your help!! If you see a comment by another Kossack that deserves wider recognition, please send it either to </span><em>topcomments at gmail</em><span style="text-align:-webkit-center"> or to the </span><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/newthread/Top%20Comments" target="_blank">Top Comments group mailbox</a><span style="text-align:-webkit-center"> by 9:30pm Eastern. Please</span><em> please <u>please</u></em><span style="text-align:-webkit-center"> include a few words about why you sent it in as well as your user name (even if you think we know it already :-)), so we can credit you with the find!</span></p> </blockquote> <h4>Top Comments for April 7, 2026</h4> <p>From <strong>inkstainedwench</strong>:</p> <blockquote> <p>On <strong>MurielVieux</strong>'s wonderful <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/04/07/2376740/-Let%E2%80%99s-talk-about-Hasan-Piker-and-his-defenders" target="_blank">story</a>, <strong>Satya1</strong> <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2376740/92977470#comment_92977470" target="_blank">sets</a> up the football with their final paragraph, and <strong>kck</strong> <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2376740/92977954#comment_92977954" target="_blank">kicks</a> it through the uprights with their final paragraph.</p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">From your TC historian for the week, me:</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">Our former chief <strong>sardonyx</strong><strong>’s</strong> <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comments/2376694/92976868#comment_92976868" target="_blank">reply</a> to our current chief, brillig’s, comment in her TC <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/4/6/2376694/-Top-Comments-Have-You-Tried-The-Beta-Site-Edition" target="_blank">diary</a> from last night is the perfect sarcasm in a discussion of time zones.</p> </blockquote> <h4><u>TOP MOJO april 6, 2026</u></h4> <p class="AlignLeft">First comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you <strong>mik</strong> for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/01/29/1181469/-FAQing-Top-Mojo%20FAQing%20Top%20Mojo" target="_blank">diary on FAQing Top Mojo</a>.</p> <div>1)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376063/92972193" target="_blank">I disagree. I think we are more in danger of boi …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/xaxnar" target="_blank">xaxnar</a>  +267</div> <div>2)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376561/92972062" target="_blank">Iran doesn’t have to win. They just have to not …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Major%20Kong" target="_blank">Major Kong</a>  +97</div> <div>3)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376583/92973352" target="_blank">By deleting that vulgar line, it is more than sa …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/VA6thDem" target="_blank">VA6thDem</a>  +90</div> <div>4)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376433/92971893" target="_blank">Birthright …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +82</div> <div>5)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376063/92973318" target="_blank">I just went to delivery back then. Neuroplastici …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Mathy%20Kathy" target="_blank">Mathy Kathy</a>  +81</div> <div>6)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376433/92971891" target="_blank">Just-ice</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +80</div> <div>7)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376063/92972603" target="_blank">Boiled frog syndrome! Yep, I recognize myself th …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/MontanaDancer" target="_blank">MontanaDancer</a>  +79</div> <div>8)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376063/92973148" target="_blank">I've been scared since 2016. …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Chokingsmoker" target="_blank">Chokingsmoker</a>  +78</div> <div>9)  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376433/92971889" target="_blank">Thanks, Greg.  Daily Toons: ICE</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +77</div> <div>10) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376063/92972221" target="_blank">I don’t think people realize how fast the shelve …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Mathy%20Kathy" target="_blank">Mathy Kathy</a>  +76</div> <div>11) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376063/92972979" target="_blank">Krugman said himself that he was scared. I think …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/CaptainDunsel" target="_blank">CaptainDunsel</a>  +73</div> <div>12) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376561/92972200" target="_blank">We once had a State Department filled with diplo …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Kansas%20Born" target="_blank">Kansas Born</a>  +67</div> <div>13) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376636/92975031" target="_blank">Different day, same old batshittery. </a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/castle17" target="_blank">castle17</a>  +66</div> <div>14) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376395/92975185" target="_blank">Doesn't matter that the agents "seemed regretful …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/jaimehlers" target="_blank">jaimehlers</a>  +65</div> <div>14) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376561/92971965" target="_blank">Very enlightening piece. Thanks.</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/barneydogg" target="_blank">barneydogg</a>  +65</div> <div>16) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376490/92973837" target="_blank">Four Orion drones were destroyed in a Ukrainian …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/CharlesII" target="_blank">CharlesII</a>  +64</div> <div>17) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376433/92971904" target="_blank">More Dump</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +61</div> <div>17) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376433/92971898" target="_blank">Dump</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +61</div> <div>19) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376630/92975886" target="_blank">If the Republicans are willing to set aside thei …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/jmlambion" target="_blank">jmlambion</a>  +60</div> <div>20) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376063/92973209" target="_blank">There really is nothing to talk about.  It’ …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/jds1978" target="_blank">jds1978</a>  +56</div> <div>21) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376395/92975242" target="_blank">Deplorable.  …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/No%20Straight%20Lines" target="_blank">No Straight Lines</a>  +55</div> <div>21) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376063/92972272" target="_blank">Something basic like the mainstream media doing …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/xaxnar" target="_blank">xaxnar</a>  +55</div> <div>23) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376433/92971922" target="_blank">Epstein</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +53</div> <div>24) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376636/92975101" target="_blank">From here on out, every day, every press confere …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/PV90" target="_blank">PV90</a>  +52</div> <div>24) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376433/92971911" target="_blank">North Carolina</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +52</div> <div>26) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376433/92971909" target="_blank">Dumpsters</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +51</div> <div>26) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376561/92972087" target="_blank">I hope the Iranians can manage to humiliate Trum …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/rubinnaidu" target="_blank">rubinnaidu</a>  +51</div> <div>28) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376433/92971920" target="_blank">SCOTUS</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +50</div> <div>28) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376433/92971926" target="_blank">War</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Denise%20Oliver%20Velez" target="_blank">Denise Oliver Velez</a>  +50</div> <div>30) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376561/92972414" target="_blank">To me this is the saddest part of all this.  …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Crazy%20Moderate" target="_blank">Crazy Moderate</a>  +48</div> <div>30) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376063/92972333" target="_blank">See the NYtimes editing and sane washing Trump’s …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/estefano" target="_blank">estefano</a>  +48</div> <div>30) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376490/92973869" target="_blank">It’s nice to have aspirations</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/CharlesII" target="_blank">CharlesII</a>  +48</div> <div>30) <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/comment/2376612/92973794" target="_blank">Here is this from AI …</a><span> </span>by<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/user/Vetwife" target="_blank">Vetwife</a>  +48</div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (cohenzee) Comments Community finaldiaryonolddkos History Meta TopComments _2376610 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 02:00:05 +0000 No! Both Sides Don’t Do It! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/6/2376606/-No-Both-Sides-Don-t-Do-It?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p><span><span>After recoiling at the Easter Sunday rantings of the President of the United States on his Truth Social post, I found it necessary to clean my palate with a speech from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  I went to one of his more famed speeches, the  <em>I Have a Dream</em> address on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963.  Most of us are familiar with the famous quotes about the content of one’s character over the color of one’s skin, or the soaring rhetoric punctuated by the words “I have a dream today….” What struck me was a line early in the speech where Reverend King said about the mistreatment of enslaved blacks in America, … “<a href="https://www.gilderlehrman.org/sites/default/files/inline-pdfs/king.dreamspeech.excerpts.pdf" title="" target="_blank">seared in the flames of withering injustice</a>.”  That line is particularly salient in a time when the media and paid punditry push the myth of both sides do it with relentless consistency. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>It is easy and the height of political laziness to say both sides do it instead of examining the obvious.  Calling oneself an Independent or a Libertarian has become the virtue-signaling dodge I have long suspected.  As a young man, I registered as an Independent because it seemed bold and radical.  Later, I realized that my self -imposed radicalism, in truth, excluded me from the process.  That slap in the face became clear to me when I tried to vote in my first primary and was denied because I was not registered as a Democrat.  My radicalism was in reality settling for the choices given to me, not someone I helped get to the general election.  Hopefully, that flaw will be eliminated in our election process, but until then, I want to participate fully.  </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Both sides’ arguments have more holes than Stephen A. Smith’s political aspirations.  Had former Vice President Kamala Harris won, she would not have gotten up and called the Iranians <a href="https://www.kgou.org/politics-and-government/2026-04-06/trump-set-to-hold-press-conference-after-profanity-laced-post-on-iran" target="_blank">f---ing bastards</a> at 1 am.  We would not be at war with Iran; the Strait of Hormuz would be open; and consequently, gas prices would not be above four dollars a gallon.  The chances of <em><span><span><span>Renée</span></span></span></em><span><span> <em><span>Good</span></em></span></span> and Alex Pretti being shot down by government agents ordered to Minnesota by the Commander-in-Chief would be unimaginable.  A private billionaire-citizen [Elon Musk] would not have millions of personal data points on American citizens, healthcare costs for some Americans would not be spiking, and our allies would still be firmly in our corner.  For those who called Joe Biden ‘<em>Genocide Joe’</em> and, in turn, made Kamala Harris complicit, where are you now that the current President is threatening to kill millions of Iranians by quote bombing them <span><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/04/trump-iran-war-weapons/686685/" target="_blank">“back to the Stone Ages where they belong.”</a></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Seeing Iran’s military capability reduced to rock throwing would honestly not be a bad thing, but that is not what Donald Trump threatened; he wants to destroy civilian infrastructure, including the ability to drink potable water.  That is an <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/05/us/politics/trump-iran-war-crimes-truth-social.html" target="_blank">international war crime</a>.  The excuse from Republicans is that Mr. Trump’s transparency about his criminality shields him from consequences.  In the real world, confession warrants punishment, not a reward.  Finally, the fact that Americans have to question the reports of war casualties, the number of planes shot down, and the capability and status of our war footing rivals Vietnam for lies and propaganda.  So, the next time someone says both sides do it, remember only one side condones it. </span></span></span></p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <p><span><span><span>Your Vote is Still Your Voice </span></span></span></p> rss@dailykos.com (ReasonaBill) BlackKos Community Democrats DonaldTrump Iran IranWar Law OpenThread Republicans _2376606 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:43:17 +0000 New Day Cafe: We Have Our Whimsy-A Bit Of This And That! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/8/2376594/-New-Day-Cafe-We-Have-Our-Whimsy-A-Bit-Of-This-And-That?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <h2>Good morning, Newdists!  This is out last WhimsyDay before the Great Migration to Word Press.</h2> <h2>No big deal...just a bit of this and that.  Got some?  Bring some!  And please to just enjoy.</h2> <figure class="image-captioned width-md align-left"><img alt="original.jpg" class="width-md" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/741470/large/original.jpg?1574702516" title="original.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl align-right"><img alt="a6964bc3f531e071d669bd68b7a869a8.jpg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/729550/large/a6964bc3f531e071d669bd68b7a869a8.jpg?1571461546" title="a6964bc3f531e071d669bd68b7a869a8.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="Pinterest.jpg" class="width-xl" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/740666/large/Pinterest.jpg?1574480824" title="Pinterest.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <blockquote> <p><em><strong>All are welcome to join the fun, the silliness, the conversations. If you don’t know...just ask! Some things really<span> </span>do<span> </span>require a bit of explanation.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>We do not post photos of snakes, creepy crawlies, or any photo depicting harm to humans or animals.</strong></em></p> <p><u><em><strong>We, as a group, have declared a moratorium on photos of Trump.  We’ve seen enough, heard enough.  This is a mostly Trump-Free Zone!</strong></em></u></p> <p><em><strong>There will be a few surprises along the way, all good ones, we hope.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>We are here to keep building the Daily Kos Community.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>We post<span> </span>Mon-Sun at 10:30 a.m. Eastern.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Pie fights will be met with outrageous ridicule and insults. Trolls will be incinerated and served at the next group BBQ.  As briquettes.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <h2><em>In case you missed it, yesterday, in the comments…..</em></h2> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content">x</div> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content"><a class="new_iframe_placeholder" href="#">x</a></div> <a class="iframe_placeholder youtube dk-embed" href="//youtube.com/watch?v=UmOrAA3jjks" title="" data-frameborder="0" data-height="281" data-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UmOrAA3jjks" data-width="500">YouTube Video</a></div> </div> <p>.</p> <h2>There is always <u>something</u> to amuse and delight!</h2> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhzjaaplgr2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibjnqhkmsgzfq6zdsdwf33rzxsqsqdedw2j4gh3ddkza6tgi3lms4" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang=""&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mhzjaaplgr2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Ramin Nasibov (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed"&gt;@nasibov.me&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mhzjaaplgr2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;March 27, 2026 at 2:42 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhzjaaplgr2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibjnqhkmsgzfq6zdsdwf33rzxsqsqdedw2j4gh3ddkza6tgi3lms4"><p><br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mhzjaaplgr2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Ramin Nasibov (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@nasibov.me</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mhzjaaplgr2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">March 27, 2026 at 2:42 AM</a></blockquote></div> <h2>This is where I get to ask….Can you see the writing on the wall? LOLOLOLOL</h2> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhqt46bnnq2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreif4rtwhtue3cpo4zmax3wjhweexhncnot4rjwis25x2yxab2ksqzi" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang=""&gt;BIC pen into a wall light.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mhqt46bnnq2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Ramin Nasibov (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed"&gt;@nasibov.me&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mhqt46bnnq2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;March 23, 2026 at 3:44 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhqt46bnnq2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreif4rtwhtue3cpo4zmax3wjhweexhncnot4rjwis25x2yxab2ksqzi"><p>BIC pen into a wall light.<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mhqt46bnnq2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Ramin Nasibov (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@nasibov.me</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mhqt46bnnq2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">March 23, 2026 at 3:44 PM</a></blockquote></div> <h2>Light swirls!</h2> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:l5tsf5zaess3qva354omulbh/app.bsky.feed.post/3mh5pis2jp22t" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreicle2zdh5ok47ntualmdb7d4i7uu2j77kioxdehx4p4msufdfzu7m" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;#ChandelierSunday &amp;amp; #PhotoADay: Day 75 of 365 - A modern chandelier from the local Indian restaurant when I picked up tonight&amp;#39;s dinner. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#Photography 📸&lt;br&gt;#WestCoastKin #EastcoastKin&lt;br&gt;#BlueskyPhotography&lt;br&gt;#PhotographersUnited&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:l5tsf5zaess3qva354omulbh/post/3mh5pis2jp22t?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Robert E. (He/him) (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:l5tsf5zaess3qva354omulbh?ref_src=embed"&gt;@robertemond.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:l5tsf5zaess3qva354omulbh/post/3mh5pis2jp22t?ref_src=embed"&gt;March 16, 2026 at 1:19 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:l5tsf5zaess3qva354omulbh/app.bsky.feed.post/3mh5pis2jp22t" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreicle2zdh5ok47ntualmdb7d4i7uu2j77kioxdehx4p4msufdfzu7m"><p>#ChandelierSunday & #PhotoADay: Day 75 of 365 - A modern chandelier from the local Indian restaurant when I picked up tonight's dinner. </p><p>#Photography 📸<br>#WestCoastKin #EastcoastKin<br>#BlueskyPhotography<br>#PhotographersUnited<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:l5tsf5zaess3qva354omulbh/post/3mh5pis2jp22t?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Robert E. (He/him) (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:l5tsf5zaess3qva354omulbh?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@robertemond.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:l5tsf5zaess3qva354omulbh/post/3mh5pis2jp22t?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">March 16, 2026 at 1:19 AM</a></blockquote></div> <h2>Zen “TIME KEEPING”</h2> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3miswo6qtp225" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreigyz5ow6chzpbtdcovf5n65nryfxceij3ogpta4kdavz5443p6pla" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang=""&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3miswo6qtp225?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Ramin Nasibov (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed"&gt;@nasibov.me&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3miswo6qtp225?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 6, 2026 at 5:19 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3miswo6qtp225" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreigyz5ow6chzpbtdcovf5n65nryfxceij3ogpta4kdavz5443p6pla"><p><br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3miswo6qtp225?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Ramin Nasibov (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@nasibov.me</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3miswo6qtp225?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 6, 2026 at 5:19 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <h2>No problem is unsolvable, if you just think it through!</h2> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3mit5uug7te2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreic4kigubo4lztistofusfdmiiywcbym5ap52gk2wewqcpoihk77ly" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang=""&gt;by Jensen &amp;amp; Skovdin&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mit5uug7te2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Ramin Nasibov (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed"&gt;@nasibov.me&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mit5uug7te2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 6, 2026 at 7:28 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3mit5uug7te2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreic4kigubo4lztistofusfdmiiywcbym5ap52gk2wewqcpoihk77ly"><p>by Jensen & Skovdin<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mit5uug7te2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Ramin Nasibov (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@nasibov.me</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mit5uug7te2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 6, 2026 at 7:28 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3misj7amd6v25" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreihk4g6zbuycknizfl5wnazsff5sbrxssyepo5jmfurviuge5pwufy" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang=""&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3misj7amd6v25?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Ramin Nasibov (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed"&gt;@nasibov.me&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3misj7amd6v25?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 6, 2026 at 1:18 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3misj7amd6v25" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreihk4g6zbuycknizfl5wnazsff5sbrxssyepo5jmfurviuge5pwufy"><p><br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3misj7amd6v25?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Ramin Nasibov (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@nasibov.me</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3misj7amd6v25?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 6, 2026 at 1:18 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <h2>A ride to beat the band!</h2> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3mitgm23ylo2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibsxgn6stwt6sudf2neo33b7cds5cgipnhrgwdtitraxhjfvbniaq" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang=""&gt;Porsche 356 B&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mitgm23ylo2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Ramin Nasibov (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed"&gt;@nasibov.me&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mitgm23ylo2k?ref_src=embed"&gt;April 6, 2026 at 10:04 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/app.bsky.feed.post/3mitgm23ylo2k" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibsxgn6stwt6sudf2neo33b7cds5cgipnhrgwdtitraxhjfvbniaq"><p>Porsche 356 B<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mitgm23ylo2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Ramin Nasibov (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@nasibov.me</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h5jqshlhw3zzqjuqdjfchb2y/post/3mitgm23ylo2k?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">April 6, 2026 at 10:04 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <h2><em>And finally….Whimsyday is off to the Future!</em></h2> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:naal6ebkgu3qjtoql3jzlgro/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhqzcjxc5k2b" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreihumf53osmbelvu7rbbp6tate5crerlsh3mhworiukfzlnpwm2iua" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Get your hopper rolling&lt;br&gt;Head out on the Frogway&lt;br&gt;Looking for #Ribbistance&lt;br&gt;And whatever hops our way&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🫡🐸😎🐸😎🐸😎🐸&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#FrogSquad&lt;br&gt;#BeTheFrog&lt;br&gt;#NoKings&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:naal6ebkgu3qjtoql3jzlgro/post/3mhqzcjxc5k2b?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Rhymers gonna RibbityRhyme🐸 (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:naal6ebkgu3qjtoql3jzlgro?ref_src=embed"&gt;@rhymer29.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:naal6ebkgu3qjtoql3jzlgro/post/3mhqzcjxc5k2b?ref_src=embed"&gt;March 23, 2026 at 5:35 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:naal6ebkgu3qjtoql3jzlgro/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhqzcjxc5k2b" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreihumf53osmbelvu7rbbp6tate5crerlsh3mhworiukfzlnpwm2iua"><p>Get your hopper rolling<br>Head out on the Frogway<br>Looking for #Ribbistance<br>And whatever hops our way</p><p>🫡🐸😎🐸😎🐸😎🐸</p><p>#FrogSquad<br>#BeTheFrog<br>#NoKings<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:naal6ebkgu3qjtoql3jzlgro/post/3mhqzcjxc5k2b?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Rhymers gonna RibbityRhyme🐸 (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:naal6ebkgu3qjtoql3jzlgro?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@rhymer29.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:naal6ebkgu3qjtoql3jzlgro/post/3mhqzcjxc5k2b?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">March 23, 2026 at 5:35 PM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="New Day Cafe is an open thread, against a background of mutli coloured threads." class="width-xl" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/685432/large/OPENTHREADPIC.png?1560452342" title="New Day Cafe is an open thread, against a background of mutli coloured threads."> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <h2 class="AlignCenter">What would you like to talk about this morning?</h2> rss@dailykos.com (The Marti) Community NewDayCafe OpenThread Whimsyday _2376594 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:30:08 +0000 Peace Train Robber: Trump's War Is "Hell," Alright https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/6/2376592/-Peace-Train-Robber-Trump-s-War-Is-Hell-Alright?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p>   Behold our old, obese, orange, Very Stable Genius- overtly playing God.  Think that’s a stretch?  “Open the F-----’ Strait, you crazy bastards,” he honks, “or you’ll be living in <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-open-strait-of-hormuz-iran-threat-truth-social_n_69d2b05ae4b0d214cc71cc3b" target="_blank" title="">Hell</a>— JUST WATCH!  Praise be to Allah.”  (Bwa-ha-ha-ha, or what?)</p> <p>   So.  Pushing 80, already he’s mastered an average 8-year-old’s sarcasm.  (Perhaps, as psychologist/ author/ Cassandra Mary Trump observes, he’s less a Genius, & more an arrested development brat.  Oh, well!)</p> <p>   Oddly enough, this ogre of Operation Epic Folly has damned DEMOCRATS as <a href="https://www.dailysabah.com/world/americas/trump-slams-republican-fools-warmonger-democrats-at-cpac" target="_blank" title="">warmongers</a>.  And hailed his own free-range, fire breathing Self as THE choice for (what else?) The Nobel Peace<a href="https://www.rawstory.com/donald-trump-nobel-peace-prize/" target="_blank" title=""> Prize</a>.</p> <p>   No irony there!  Good thing he’s fulfilled his campaign vows to balance the budget; otherwise, we, our Treasury, & our<a href="https://www.coreinsightsintl.com/post/the-treasury-just-declared-the-u-s-insolvent-the-media-missed-it" target="_blank" title=""> nation</a> might be at risk.  (Not to say- heaven forbid- blitzed by Uncle Sam’s bankruptcy from hell, presaged by his own personal ones.)</p> <p>   Moving forward, let’s hope blue bigwigs can grasp that when he plays God, he ain’t playing around.  From his Jabba-like jowls to his aristocratic cankles, he aims to turn all who balk at bobbleheading to his Ocher Majesty into peons.  Prisoners.  Cannon fodder.  Unhappy concentration campers.  What have you.  </p> <p>   Just sayin’.  While we still f-----’ can!    </p> <p class="is-empty-p">   </p> rss@dailykos.com (Inspector Clueso) Community Crusade Democracy Devil DonaldTrump Iran Satan Survival Tyranny _2376592 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:29:14 +0000 New Day Cafe: A Few Things To Chat About https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/7/2376590/-New-Day-Cafe-A-Few-Things-To-Chat-About?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <h2>Good morning, Newdists!  This is our last week on our “old” site, which is kinda bittersweet.  This has been our “home” for a very long time.  </h2> <h2>But with new things come good things, and this will be as  well, because…..you lot will be there!</h2> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-lg"><img alt="fc9b9517f11fcab08f45fd118789eab4.jpg" class="width-lg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/742657/large/fc9b9517f11fcab08f45fd118789eab4.jpg?1575078469" title="fc9b9517f11fcab08f45fd118789eab4.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <blockquote> <p><em><strong>All are welcome to join the fun, the silliness, the conversations. If you don’t know...just ask! Some things really<span> </span>do<span> </span>require a bit of explanation.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>We do not post photos of snakes, creepy crawlies, or any photo depicting harm to humans or animals.</strong></em></p> <p><u><em><strong>We, as a group, have declared a moratorium on photos of Trump.  We’ve seen enough, heard enough.  This is a mostly Trump-Free Zone!</strong></em></u></p> <p><em><strong>There will be a few surprises along the way, all good ones, we hope.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>We are here to keep building the Daily Kos Community.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>We post<span> </span>Mon-Sun at 10:30 a.m. Eastern.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Pie fights will be met with outrageous ridicule and insults. Trolls will be incinerated and served at the next group BBQ.  As briquettes.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <h2>Keepin’ it mellow:</h2> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content">x</div> <div class="dk-editor-embed embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9 center-block"> <div class="remove-embed-content"><a class="new_iframe_placeholder" href="#">x</a></div> <a class="iframe_placeholder youtube dk-embed" href="//youtube.com/watch?v=MMMNRMA1q1Q" title="" data-frameborder="0" data-height="281" data-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MMMNRMA1q1Q" data-width="500">YouTube Video</a></div> </div> <p>.</p> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:47im5i5ptau2br4rh7lp2ryr/app.bsky.feed.post/3mie5rsq5t22l" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibx4b7xxs4cyag3kcdk76pceaqqirkn2z6lf36ppwqzkxo3rwbini" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;What did ancient Persia sound like around 1400 BC? Sarah Parsaei performs on the Arjan harp — a historic instrument with roots going back nearly 3,400 years&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Original post&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:47im5i5ptau2br4rh7lp2ryr/post/3mie5rsq5t22l?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Massimo (mirror) (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:47im5i5ptau2br4rh7lp2ryr?ref_src=embed"&gt;@rainmaker1973-m.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:47im5i5ptau2br4rh7lp2ryr/post/3mie5rsq5t22l?ref_src=embed"&gt;March 31, 2026 at 8:16 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:47im5i5ptau2br4rh7lp2ryr/app.bsky.feed.post/3mie5rsq5t22l" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibx4b7xxs4cyag3kcdk76pceaqqirkn2z6lf36ppwqzkxo3rwbini"><p>What did ancient Persia sound like around 1400 BC? Sarah Parsaei performs on the Arjan harp — a historic instrument with roots going back nearly 3,400 years</p><p>Original post<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:47im5i5ptau2br4rh7lp2ryr/post/3mie5rsq5t22l?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— Massimo (mirror) (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:47im5i5ptau2br4rh7lp2ryr?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@rainmaker1973-m.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:47im5i5ptau2br4rh7lp2ryr/post/3mie5rsq5t22l?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">March 31, 2026 at 8:16 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p>Old things aren’t always bad things.</p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:teforypvsk3726tje7wmfrog/app.bsky.feed.post/3mi2d45ahn22i" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreicwus26ezxyobj24qsrtttzpjii5yzcmhplbfc6mftyrezpmroayu" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;open.spotify.com/episode/5GsD...&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:teforypvsk3726tje7wmfrog/post/3mi2d45ahn22i?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— davidmccullough.bsky.social (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:teforypvsk3726tje7wmfrog?ref_src=embed"&gt;@davidmccullough.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:teforypvsk3726tje7wmfrog/post/3mi2d45ahn22i?ref_src=embed"&gt;March 27, 2026 at 10:25 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:teforypvsk3726tje7wmfrog/app.bsky.feed.post/3mi2d45ahn22i" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreicwus26ezxyobj24qsrtttzpjii5yzcmhplbfc6mftyrezpmroayu"><p>open.spotify.com/episode/5GsD...<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:teforypvsk3726tje7wmfrog/post/3mi2d45ahn22i?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— davidmccullough.bsky.social (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:teforypvsk3726tje7wmfrog?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@davidmccullough.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:teforypvsk3726tje7wmfrog/post/3mi2d45ahn22i?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">March 27, 2026 at 10:25 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:rsgwnp7obl37u6hntazwr5rt/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhvn2ffass2o" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibbazn5d37exdbuxeifv2bxz5km5l43spemqc76pf5aphysd6otqu" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;The hills are home to gods, &amp;amp; angels live in the rivers &amp;amp; trees&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our heathen ancestors viewed nature as sacred, &amp;amp; intrinsically linked to their spirituality, seeing themselves as an integral part of nature’s ecosystem, &amp;amp; responsible for its balance&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:rsgwnp7obl37u6hntazwr5rt/post/3mhvn2ffass2o?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— The English Oak Project (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:rsgwnp7obl37u6hntazwr5rt?ref_src=embed"&gt;@thekentacorn.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:rsgwnp7obl37u6hntazwr5rt/post/3mhvn2ffass2o?ref_src=embed"&gt;March 25, 2026 at 1:39 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:rsgwnp7obl37u6hntazwr5rt/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhvn2ffass2o" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibbazn5d37exdbuxeifv2bxz5km5l43spemqc76pf5aphysd6otqu"><p>The hills are home to gods, & angels live in the rivers & trees</p><p>Our heathen ancestors viewed nature as sacred, & intrinsically linked to their spirituality, seeing themselves as an integral part of nature’s ecosystem, & responsible for its balance<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:rsgwnp7obl37u6hntazwr5rt/post/3mhvn2ffass2o?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— The English Oak Project (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:rsgwnp7obl37u6hntazwr5rt?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@thekentacorn.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:rsgwnp7obl37u6hntazwr5rt/post/3mhvn2ffass2o?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">March 25, 2026 at 1:39 PM</a></blockquote></div> <h2>Not all change is “bad”…..</h2> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:eizo32mvfftfultytpt4etre/app.bsky.feed.post/3mblykdrhws2d" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreic6owksv5ji6t2qkctvbo6ubwea5k5ofo36zs46koyzkplbdcopsu" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;Good morning, Jaye! ✌️&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:eizo32mvfftfultytpt4etre/post/3mblykdrhws2d?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— tmel1219.bsky.social (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:eizo32mvfftfultytpt4etre?ref_src=embed"&gt;@tmel1219.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:eizo32mvfftfultytpt4etre/post/3mblykdrhws2d?ref_src=embed"&gt;January 4, 2026 at 8:07 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:eizo32mvfftfultytpt4etre/app.bsky.feed.post/3mblykdrhws2d" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreic6owksv5ji6t2qkctvbo6ubwea5k5ofo36zs46koyzkplbdcopsu"><p>Good morning, Jaye! ✌️<br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:eizo32mvfftfultytpt4etre/post/3mblykdrhws2d?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— tmel1219.bsky.social (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:eizo32mvfftfultytpt4etre?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@tmel1219.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:eizo32mvfftfultytpt4etre/post/3mblykdrhws2d?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">January 4, 2026 at 8:07 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <h2><em>And finally….</em></h2> <div class="dk-editor-embed center-block" data-bluesky-content="&lt;blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:5rrrsqxghf6jzovvi3jwmxrw/app.bsky.feed.post/3mddniro5qk2v" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreifblols7kgnstiemcf4yfs6wjmgzpl27xm4xz7bgwprdmtjzjcwl4" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"&gt;&lt;p lang="en"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5rrrsqxghf6jzovvi3jwmxrw/post/3mddniro5qk2v?ref_src=embed"&gt;[image or embed]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— purr.in.ink (&lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5rrrsqxghf6jzovvi3jwmxrw?ref_src=embed"&gt;@purrinink.bsky.social&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5rrrsqxghf6jzovvi3jwmxrw/post/3mddniro5qk2v?ref_src=embed"&gt;January 26, 2026 at 11:19 AM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;"><div class="remove-embed-content">x</div><blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:5rrrsqxghf6jzovvi3jwmxrw/app.bsky.feed.post/3mddniro5qk2v" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreifblols7kgnstiemcf4yfs6wjmgzpl27xm4xz7bgwprdmtjzjcwl4"><p><br><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5rrrsqxghf6jzovvi3jwmxrw/post/3mddniro5qk2v?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">[image or embed]</a></p>— purr.in.ink (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5rrrsqxghf6jzovvi3jwmxrw?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">@purrinink.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5rrrsqxghf6jzovvi3jwmxrw/post/3mddniro5qk2v?ref_src=embed" target="_blank">January 26, 2026 at 11:19 AM</a></blockquote></div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned width-xl"><img alt="New Day Cafe is an open thread, against a background of mutli coloured threads." class="width-xl" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/685432/large/OPENTHREADPIC.png?1560452342" title="New Day Cafe is an open thread, against a background of mutli coloured threads."> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <h2 class="AlignCenter">We live in interesting times, so a little calm is good.</h2> <h2 class="AlignCenter">What’s on your mind this morning?</h2> rss@dailykos.com (The Marti) Community NewDayCafe OpenThread Recommended Tuesday _2376590 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:30:01 +0000 Black Kos Tuesday: Brief thoughts on the destruction of civilization https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/4/7/2376565/-Black-Kos-Tuesday-Brief-thoughts-on-the-destruction-of-civilization?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source= <p><em><strong>Brief thoughts on the destruction of civilization</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>A thought by Chitown Kev</strong></em></p> <p>Well...perhaps it’s a good thing that nearly everyone knows now what happened when King <span>Croesus of Lydia consulted the <a href="https://mused.com/stories/973/the-fatal-prophecy-the-oracle-and-the-fall-of-lydia/" target="_blank" title="">Oracle of Delphi</a>.</span></p> <p><span>I’m all for a </span>rigorous education in history.</p> <p>I don’t appreciate that it’s f’ing up my high from Michigan’s national championship win last night.</p> <p>As I write this, I am sitting up listening to all sorts of pundits attempt to predict what will happen at 8pm tonight.</p> <p>Polymarket or Kalishi might not be posting the odds that the tacky shoe salesman will, indeed, destroy Iranian civilization tonight but I am willing to (<em>ahem</em>) bet that all sorts of off-the-board betting is going on.</p> <p>I’m...pretty consistent about this: Even if it couldn’t be predicted precisely what would happen if Trump was elected president again, we knew from the conduct of his first term what was in the range of possibilities.</p> <p>And yet...77,302,580<strong> </strong>Americans voted for him, giving him a plurality of votes over the smart Black lady (and that includes at least 2 of my nephews/nieces).</p> <p>They chose to believe a known and frequent liar.</p> <p>Therefore, the destruction of Iranian or any other civilization (including American civilization) is as much on their conscience as it should be on the mind of the man (not king) that has no conscience.</p> <h3>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h3> <h3>News round up by dopper0189, Black Kos Managing Editor</h3> <h3>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h3> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <figure class="image-captioned width-sm align-left"><img alt="CULTURE.png" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/757118/large/CULTURE.png?1579263209"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h4><span>For many Black women, Geno Auriemma’s behavior Friday night reflects a familiar dynamic many of us have encountered in the workplace. </span><a href="https://newsone.com/6855129/dawn-staley-geno-auriemma-disrespect-black-women/" target="_blank">NewsOne: ‘I Will Beat Geno’s Ass’: On Dawn Staley, Black Women, And Disrespect In The Workplace</a></h4> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <p><span>The backlash following UConn coach Geno Auriemma’s outburst at South Carolina coach Dawn Staley in the closing seconds of their national semifinal matchup on Friday night has drawn a considerable amount of media attention and support from fans of both teams. Coach Auriemma sparked the heated exchange by allegedly accusing Coach Staley of not shaking his hand before the game, an accusation refuted by a video aired by ESPN that shows the two exchanging handshakes. </span></p> <p><span>As Staley walked away from Auriemma, she yelled, “I will beat Geno’s ass,” a line that has since gone viral with<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWuolfxDzgB/" target="_blank">at least one sports bar adding the phrase to its marquee</a><span>. </span></p> <p><span>In an interview on Saturday, one of Coach Auriemma’s former star players, retired WNBA player Diana Taurasi, downplayed the exchange between the rival coaches, saying it was nothing more than<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWutp-qgoXv/" target="_blank">“two people competing at the highest level that have a tremendous amount of respect for each other.”</a><span> </span></p> <p>But, for many Black women, Auriemma’s behavior reflects a familiar dynamic many of us have encountered in the workplace where no matter how hard we work, we still face discrimination and disrespect from white colleagues.</p> <p>Many of us are taught before we set foot in our first office jobs that to be a Black woman in the workplace means we have to work twice as hard to be twice as good, only to get half as far.</p> <p>According to<span> </span><a href="https://media.sgff.io/sgff_r1eHetbDYb/2020-08-13/1597343917539/Lean_In_-_State_of_Black_Women_in_Corporate_America_Report_1.pdf" target="_blank">a 2020 study released by Lean In and McKinsey and Company</a>, Black women “experience a wider range of microaggressions” and are “more likely to have their judgment questioned in their area of expertise and to be asked to provide additional evidence of their competence.”</p> <p>As a longtime newsroom leader who has occupied top high level editorial positions at some of the top news organizations in the country, I’ve experienced this more times than I can count. I’ve had my editorial judgment questioned in ways and with a level of veracity my white peers do not experience. I have never been accused of not shaking someone’s hand before a game, but I have experienced managers dwelling on trivialities unrelated to my work and calling into question my personal ethics and professionalism.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="SouthCarolinaWomenschamps.jpg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1541930/large/SouthCarolinaWomenschamps.jpg?1775477155" title="SouthCarolinaWomenschamps.jpg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <figure class="image-captioned width-sm align-left"><img alt="POLITICS.png" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/754233/large/POLITICS.png?1578354300"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h4><span>MAGA is obsessed with advertising Black conservative candidates… but rarely do these Black GOP leaders get support they need to reach Black voters. <a href="https://www.theroot.com/the-gop-is-losing-its-black-voices-as-trump-fails-to-tu-the-gop-faces-a-black-leadership-vacuum-as-trump-struggles-to-turn-influence-into-black-votes" target="_blank">The Root: The GOP is losing its Black voices as Trump fails to turn Endorsements into Black votes</a></span></h4> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <p><span>With<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.theroot.com/black-people-are-asking-why-didnt-anyone-know-about-ma-2000096647" target="_blank">President Donald Trump</a><span>‘s endorsement secured, MAGA Republican and Florida House candidate Jon Maples was supposed to win the recent March election. Trump’s urgent call to support the Black Republican marked a rare and memorable sign of the president’s approval. Despite that, Maples lost to a Democrat by less than 800 votes.</span></p> <p>What does it say, in that case, when even an endorsement from the president cannot deliver a victory in a<span> </span><em>very</em><span> </span>red voting district? In the case of Maples and other Black conservatives, the answer may lie in a disconnect between them and much of Black America– a divide which hasn’t been truly addressed.</p> <p>The disparities become clear when you look at the current make up of Congress. All four Black House Republicans– Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt, Fla. Rep. Byron Donalds, Utah Rep. Burgess Owens and Mich. Rep. John James– are notably exiting Congress in January, putting the GOP in an even harder position to connect to Black voters. And given Trump juggling war in Iran, immigration and inflation crises at home<span> </span><em>and</em><span> </span>his mission to “Make America Great Again,” it’s unclear if he’s noticed or plans to address the potential lack of Black representation in his own party.</p> <p><span>Other Black conservatives like former Va. Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears have been forced to watch from the sidelines. She’s an anomaly in her own right as a Black women and ultraconservative with a military background. On paper, Earle-Sears is just the type of leader that President Trump would usually endorse, but she barely received a head nod from the president during her campaign for state governor. She lost to current Va.<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.theroot.com/abigail-spanbergers-historic-virginia-win-proves-that-b-2000071664" target="_blank">Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a white female Democrat.</a></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Fake, AI-Generated Images of Donald Trump and Black Voters" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1278860/large/Screenshot2024-03-04at8.12.58AM.png?1709572930" title="Fake, AI-Generated Images of Donald Trump and Black Voters"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <figure class="image-captioned width-sm align-left"><img alt="INTERNATIONAL.png" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/752766/large/INTERNATIONAL.png?1577902918"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> <h4>The world’s biggest church is becoming less Eurocentric but more unruly. <a href="https://www.economist.com/international/2026/04/01/how-africa-is-changing-catholicism" target="_blank">The Economist: How Africa is changing Catholicism</a></h4> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <p><span>I</span>n a poor neighborhood of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, the bell tower of a neat whitewashed church rises high above grey walls and tin roofs. Just after dawn on a Sunday morning, the sound of tom-tom drums, electric guitars and lively choral music draws in hundreds of people, who sing and dance through the mass. This is the “Zairean rite”: Catholic liturgical services adapted to Congolese culture. Emmanuel Lamamba, a priest at the church, argues that the unique combination brings the local faithful closer to God.</p> <p>It seems to be working. Whereas Catholic pews across the faith’s European and American heartlands are often empty, in Congo and much of Africa they are heaving. At the current pace, as many as half the world’s Catholics could be in Africa by 2066, a shift so seismic for the church that it has been compared to the upheaval of the Protestant Reformation.</p> <p>Africa’s rapid population growth partly explains the shift. But the growth in believers also reflects what Emmanuel Katongole, a Ugandan priest and theologian, identifies as the “vitality, energy and dynamism” of Catholic churches on the continent. As the faith’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2025/04/17/searching-for-the-catholic-churchs-centre-of-gravity" target="_blank">center of gravity</a> moves steadily south, they are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the morals and politics of global Catholicism—and perhaps of African societies as well.</p> <p>It is with such considerations in mind that Leo XIV will visit Africa on April 13th, his first big foreign tour since his election last year. The world’s youngest continent should be an obvious priority for the new pope. Despite its close early links to colonialism, the Catholic church in Africa today is widely seen as a politically independent institution: a champion of democracy and clean government. Its reputation is relatively untainted by the <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2022/07/14/the-catholic-church-should-scrap-the-requirement-for-priestly-celibacy" target="_blank">sexual-abuse scandals</a> which have dogged the church in the West. Many in Africa also associate Catholicism with a concern for the poor.</p> <p>Starting in Algeria, then travelling to Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, Leo will thus find receptive audiences. But it will not all be plain sailing. His liberal predecessor, <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2025/04/21/pope-francis-changed-the-catholic-church-but-not-as-much-as-he-hoped" target="_blank">Pope Francis</a>, had fraught relations with the leaders of Africa’s Catholics. On both occasions when the late pontiff’s authority was openly challenged it was by African cardinals pushing for more conservative guidelines on liturgy and regarding gay couples.</p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="IMG_0138.jpeg" src="https://cdn.prod.dailykos.com/images/1542143/large/IMG_0138.jpeg?1775522523" title="IMG_0138.jpeg"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <h4>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</h4> <div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> <div class="align-center"> <figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="porch.png" src="https://images.dailykos.com/images/752770/large/porch.png?1577903914" title="porch.png"> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> </div> <h2>WELCOME TO THE FRIDAY PORCH</h2> <h4>IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE BLACK KOS COMMUNITY, GRAB A SEAT, SOME CYBER EATS, RELAX, AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF.</h4> </div> <p class="is-empty-p"></p> rss@dailykos.com (Black Kos) BlackKos BlackMAGA Catholicism Community misogynoir _2376565 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0000