Ben Bergmann
@bzbergmann.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Bergmann
Something, something, EU in crisis. Time we stop thinking about the EU's impending demise and start thinking about its impending rise.
Trust in European Union at highest since 2007, poll shows reut.rs/4k9VQ5z
Trust in European Union at highest since 2007, poll shows
Trust in the European Union and its institutions has risen to an almost two-decade high, a report released on Wednesday shows, as U.S. President Donald Trump upends global trade and foreign policy.
reut.rs
May 28, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Something, something, EU in crisis. Time we stop thinking about the EU's impending demise and start thinking about its impending rise.
As someone pro-more holidays, I think the answer here is that we should have made VE and VJ days holidays 70 years ago.
Nazi Germany surrendered in May 1945. For Americans, the Second World War would rage for three more months, until VJ Day in August. But for Russians and those influenced by them, "Victory Day" falls in May. Trump follows the Russian practice, not the American.
May 2, 2025 at 10:40 AM
As someone pro-more holidays, I think the answer here is that we should have made VE and VJ days holidays 70 years ago.
Remain convinced that the solution to the DNC is to blow it up and make the DNC Chair and related positions directly elected by anyone willing to pay a $5 membership fee. Definitely some cons, but the transformative possibilities are massive.
the Democratic party I know will absolutely throw a young progressive under the bus
Scoop just now: Scoop: DNC could vote to oust David Hogg. Will hear a challenge next month by a Native American DNC member who lost the vice chair race, and wants a new election, citing "fairness and gender diversity" rules.
www.semafor.com/article/04/2...
www.semafor.com/article/04/2...
May 1, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Remain convinced that the solution to the DNC is to blow it up and make the DNC Chair and related positions directly elected by anyone willing to pay a $5 membership fee. Definitely some cons, but the transformative possibilities are massive.
Reposted by Ben Bergmann
New York Times, October, 1890
"Let the facts, which are multiplying every day, tell who it is that pays the onerous tariff taxes. They will answer that the American people pay these taxes and that the burden of them rests most heavily upon the poor."
"Let the facts, which are multiplying every day, tell who it is that pays the onerous tariff taxes. They will answer that the American people pay these taxes and that the burden of them rests most heavily upon the poor."
April 3, 2025 at 4:00 AM
New York Times, October, 1890
"Let the facts, which are multiplying every day, tell who it is that pays the onerous tariff taxes. They will answer that the American people pay these taxes and that the burden of them rests most heavily upon the poor."
"Let the facts, which are multiplying every day, tell who it is that pays the onerous tariff taxes. They will answer that the American people pay these taxes and that the burden of them rests most heavily upon the poor."
The poll-tested ‘fair trade, not free trade’ gobbledygook” designed to make an anti-trade voter think you agree with them while also signaling to more savvy voters that you do actually support free trade is basically impossible to pull off and ultimately counterproductive.
People want honest fighters. I’m convinced that ambitious Dems will not regret coming out and telling the truth: tariffs are dumb, free trade is good, and Bill Clinton was right about NAFTA & anyone who tells you different is either an idiot and naive or thinks *you* are.
a bunch of them are cowards, Pramila Jayapal and a few others are genuinely tariff-brained, and a lot of them are just reluctant to cross Shawn Fain if I had to guess and are hoping he comes around
April 5, 2025 at 1:59 AM
The poll-tested ‘fair trade, not free trade’ gobbledygook” designed to make an anti-trade voter think you agree with them while also signaling to more savvy voters that you do actually support free trade is basically impossible to pull off and ultimately counterproductive.
People want honest fighters. I’m convinced that ambitious Dems will not regret coming out and telling the truth: tariffs are dumb, free trade is good, and Bill Clinton was right about NAFTA & anyone who tells you different is either an idiot and naive or thinks *you* are.
a bunch of them are cowards, Pramila Jayapal and a few others are genuinely tariff-brained, and a lot of them are just reluctant to cross Shawn Fain if I had to guess and are hoping he comes around
Kinda crazy how Democrats aren't crying bloody murder about tariffs. Just a complete inability to think more than like 30 seconds in advance: self hating PMCs refusing to take the winning side because they think that the tariffs are popular because muh rust belt the mine closed nafta took the jerbs
April 5, 2025 at 1:41 AM
People want honest fighters. I’m convinced that ambitious Dems will not regret coming out and telling the truth: tariffs are dumb, free trade is good, and Bill Clinton was right about NAFTA & anyone who tells you different is either an idiot and naive or thinks *you* are.
There is a whole cadre of Dem electeds and consultants who are completely unable to anticipate where the public (and their voters) are going.
For today's Democratic Daily Download: meet @deluzio.house.gov.
He explains how Trump's trade policy has been a chaotic mess.
We're offering hardworking Americans real policies to strengthen their families and communities—not fake populism to distract from tax giveaways to huge corporations.
He explains how Trump's trade policy has been a chaotic mess.
We're offering hardworking Americans real policies to strengthen their families and communities—not fake populism to distract from tax giveaways to huge corporations.
April 4, 2025 at 8:09 PM
There is a whole cadre of Dem electeds and consultants who are completely unable to anticipate where the public (and their voters) are going.
Angrily yelling into the wind: Free trade, universities, immigration, and global alliances are the main ingredients in the secret sauce behind the American Century!
April 4, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Angrily yelling into the wind: Free trade, universities, immigration, and global alliances are the main ingredients in the secret sauce behind the American Century!
Reposted by Ben Bergmann
An Israel that prioritized its long-term security over its corrupt prime minister's attempt to stay out of prison would work with the Arab League's proposal for a post-Hamas Gaza, recognize the resulting unity government, and negotiate with the Palestinian Authority to end the Occupation.
March 26, 2025 at 7:31 PM
An Israel that prioritized its long-term security over its corrupt prime minister's attempt to stay out of prison would work with the Arab League's proposal for a post-Hamas Gaza, recognize the resulting unity government, and negotiate with the Palestinian Authority to end the Occupation.
Just remembered this morning how my 1L Con Law prof had us read A Man for All Seasons at the end of the semester. Not sure many in the class appreciated the message -- both of the play or his decision to assign it.
March 24, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Just remembered this morning how my 1L Con Law prof had us read A Man for All Seasons at the end of the semester. Not sure many in the class appreciated the message -- both of the play or his decision to assign it.
Reposted by Ben Bergmann
Why lay off teachers in the middle of the school year?
Why cut police while working to reduce crime?
Why defund Metro while it wins back riders?
That is exactly what the CR does to DC — without saving the federal government a dime.
It is undemocratic, un-American, and undermines self-governance.
Why cut police while working to reduce crime?
Why defund Metro while it wins back riders?
That is exactly what the CR does to DC — without saving the federal government a dime.
It is undemocratic, un-American, and undermines self-governance.
March 14, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Why lay off teachers in the middle of the school year?
Why cut police while working to reduce crime?
Why defund Metro while it wins back riders?
That is exactly what the CR does to DC — without saving the federal government a dime.
It is undemocratic, un-American, and undermines self-governance.
Why cut police while working to reduce crime?
Why defund Metro while it wins back riders?
That is exactly what the CR does to DC — without saving the federal government a dime.
It is undemocratic, un-American, and undermines self-governance.
Reposted by Ben Bergmann
This is horrible to post, but I may as well post it. We are essentially shutting down research operations in my group, which is focused on treatments for pediatric brain cancer. I’m a well funded investigator, and there’s no choice. Science can’t function without the stability of NIH
March 15, 2025 at 5:32 PM
This is horrible to post, but I may as well post it. We are essentially shutting down research operations in my group, which is focused on treatments for pediatric brain cancer. I’m a well funded investigator, and there’s no choice. Science can’t function without the stability of NIH
Prediction: They will probably eventually pass something that will roll back the DC budget stuff but it will include some truly insane anti-DC stuff.
I want to be optimistic. What do you think @thehillishome.bsky.social?
March 14, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Prediction: They will probably eventually pass something that will roll back the DC budget stuff but it will include some truly insane anti-DC stuff.
If Democrats actually withheld UC on everything and refused to provide any votes for cloture, the end result would be the end of such rules and the rewriting of Senate Rules to make the institution more majoritarian…and frankly that be okay & result in healthier politics.
Caving is a well-practiced art of Senate leaders that is essential to keeping the institution in its current format, with a 60-vote filibuster and unanimous consent needed for many tasks every day.
What’s new this time is caving on a long-term, partisan $ bill w/o input from the minority at all.
What’s new this time is caving on a long-term, partisan $ bill w/o input from the minority at all.
March 14, 2025 at 3:14 PM
If Democrats actually withheld UC on everything and refused to provide any votes for cloture, the end result would be the end of such rules and the rewriting of Senate Rules to make the institution more majoritarian…and frankly that be okay & result in healthier politics.
This would be fine—probably good long term!
If no one ever caved, the Senate would quickly cease to function, and the majority would eventually nix the filibuster.
March 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM
This would be fine—probably good long term!
Dramatically investing in higher education is literally the best way to lift rural America…and yet here we are.
Meet Gracie Himes, age 20.
Her goal: Fight cancer by developing new medicines.
On March 3, her dreams were shattered when Trump admin cuts hit West Virginia University, which rescinded her PhD program offer.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
Her goal: Fight cancer by developing new medicines.
On March 3, her dreams were shattered when Trump admin cuts hit West Virginia University, which rescinded her PhD program offer.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
March 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Dramatically investing in higher education is literally the best way to lift rural America…and yet here we are.
Reposted by Ben Bergmann
House Dems' text chains lighting up with apoplexy.
"Complete and utter meltdown," says one member.
Members floating marching onto the Senate floor.
Others urging primaries not just for Schumer, but any Senate Dem who votes for the GOP bill.
@Axios.com www.axios.com/2025/03/14/h...
"Complete and utter meltdown," says one member.
Members floating marching onto the Senate floor.
Others urging primaries not just for Schumer, but any Senate Dem who votes for the GOP bill.
@Axios.com www.axios.com/2025/03/14/h...
"People are furious": House Democrats have "complete meltdown" as Schumer folds on shutdown
Members have talked openly about backing primary challenges to Democratic senators who support the GOP's spending bill.
www.axios.com
March 14, 2025 at 2:59 AM
House Dems' text chains lighting up with apoplexy.
"Complete and utter meltdown," says one member.
Members floating marching onto the Senate floor.
Others urging primaries not just for Schumer, but any Senate Dem who votes for the GOP bill.
@Axios.com www.axios.com/2025/03/14/h...
"Complete and utter meltdown," says one member.
Members floating marching onto the Senate floor.
Others urging primaries not just for Schumer, but any Senate Dem who votes for the GOP bill.
@Axios.com www.axios.com/2025/03/14/h...
Reposted by Ben Bergmann
Pretty stunning statement from Jeffries, Clark and Aguilar denouncing Schumer's decision to vote for the CR. "We remain strongly opposed to the partisan spending bill under consideration in the Senate."
March 14, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Pretty stunning statement from Jeffries, Clark and Aguilar denouncing Schumer's decision to vote for the CR. "We remain strongly opposed to the partisan spending bill under consideration in the Senate."
Reposted by Ben Bergmann
AOC: It is almost unthinkable why Senate Democrats would vote to to hand the few pieces of leverage that we have away for free when we've been sent here to protect social security, protect medicaid, and protect medicare.
March 14, 2025 at 12:16 AM
AOC: It is almost unthinkable why Senate Democrats would vote to to hand the few pieces of leverage that we have away for free when we've been sent here to protect social security, protect medicaid, and protect medicare.
Serious question — how many DC teachers are going to be laid off? How many cops? How many days of school will get cut?
March 13, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Serious question — how many DC teachers are going to be laid off? How many cops? How many days of school will get cut?
Reposted by Ben Bergmann
Hundreds of D.C. residents, including parents, teachers, and union members are lobbying Senate offices today against the spending bill that would slash more than $1 billion from D.C.’s local budget.
March 13, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Hundreds of D.C. residents, including parents, teachers, and union members are lobbying Senate offices today against the spending bill that would slash more than $1 billion from D.C.’s local budget.
An 80 year old senator is up for re-election in Illinois…just saying.
You don’t have to quit public life after leaving the White House!
You don’t have to quit public life after leaving the White House!
March 13, 2025 at 2:19 PM
An 80 year old senator is up for re-election in Illinois…just saying.
You don’t have to quit public life after leaving the White House!
You don’t have to quit public life after leaving the White House!
Canada and the EU should totally consider this — both for the economic benefits but also as a hedge re NATO.
As for UK, I suspect Trump 2.0 will ultimately be seen as a driving factor in the UK’s eventual (and inevitable) return to the EU.
As for UK, I suspect Trump 2.0 will ultimately be seen as a driving factor in the UK’s eventual (and inevitable) return to the EU.
As many people have pointed out, this is hugely unlikely in practice. But as a troll both to Trump and the CANZUK Anglosphere fanatics it's hard to beat, and they should definitely start an accession process for the lols.
Incredible times: a new poll shows that 46% of Canadians support becoming a member state of the European Union, with 17% of them strongly in favour.
Meanwhile, 29% oppose the idea and 25% are unsure.
Sample: 1,500 Canadian adults (20-25 February)
Meanwhile, 29% oppose the idea and 25% are unsure.
Sample: 1,500 Canadian adults (20-25 February)
March 12, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Canada and the EU should totally consider this — both for the economic benefits but also as a hedge re NATO.
As for UK, I suspect Trump 2.0 will ultimately be seen as a driving factor in the UK’s eventual (and inevitable) return to the EU.
As for UK, I suspect Trump 2.0 will ultimately be seen as a driving factor in the UK’s eventual (and inevitable) return to the EU.
lol
Dispatch from today’s Tesla sell-a-thon at the White House
Musk: A future Cybertruck won’t have a steering wheel because Tesla is so confident in self-driving tech.
Trump: I’m going to pass on that.
wapo.st/4hqY1PO
Musk: A future Cybertruck won’t have a steering wheel because Tesla is so confident in self-driving tech.
Trump: I’m going to pass on that.
wapo.st/4hqY1PO
March 12, 2025 at 1:13 AM
lol
Reposted by Ben Bergmann
During one DC budget fight in Congress in 2011, DC residents signed up to bring trash to John Boehner’s house. dcist.com/story/11/04/...
Thousands Sign Up To Bring Trash To John Boehner's Home
At this second, 5,928 people (and potentially 569 others) are planning to protest in front of Speaker of the House John Boehner's D.C. home tomorrow morning. Participants will gather at 9:30 a.m. in f...
dcist.com
March 11, 2025 at 11:16 PM
During one DC budget fight in Congress in 2011, DC residents signed up to bring trash to John Boehner’s house. dcist.com/story/11/04/...