David Baer
david.arktos.social
David Baer
@david.arktos.social
Reposted by David Baer
Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions - rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking steps to make sure students can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect. Let’s hope others follow suit.
April 15, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Reposted by David Baer
Protests show that people are paying attention. Protests show that people aren’t going to go along with things. Protests matter.
Protest changes the permission structure. It says fascists will not be allowed to proceed unencumbered. And if you didn't think there was anything to be done, a protest shows you many think otherwise.
April 5, 2025 at 8:17 PM
H/t to Fred Clark for sharing this now relevant account of the Oberlin-Wellington rescue. www.patheos.com/blogs/slackt...
A Story We All Should Re-read: The Oberlin-Wellington Rescue
"You would do so ... and no matter what the laws might be, you would honor yourself for doing it; your friends would honor you for doing it; your children to all generations would honor you for doing ...
www.patheos.com
March 28, 2025 at 11:44 AM
I’m not preaching today, but reflecting on all the scriptures that urge justice and care for the poor and vulnerable, I see the good news of a God whose love encompasses the least and the last. If you doubt God loves you, forgives you, accompanies you through life’s dark valleys, 1/
March 23, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Reposted by David Baer
I wrote this BlueSky primer about three months ago, but it still may be helpful whether you are diving in or just dipping your toe into the space — Intro to BlueSky Feeds and Five Ways to Connect with Presbyterians
Intro to BlueSky Feeds and Five Ways to Connect with Presbyterians
Introduction to Lists, Feeds, and Starter Packs using PC(USA) affiliated and adjacent individuals, congregations, and organizations as an example
bit.ly
March 21, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Reposted by David Baer
I wrote section 230 to protect the little guys and the upstarts like Bluesky. Repealing section 230 only helps Meta, Musk, and Donald Trump.
March 7, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Just look at these miscreants assaulting a hardworking public servant, and tell me why the president should pardon the likes of these, instead of making an example of them!
This Mailman Gets Attacked by Turkeys Every Day on the Job
YouTube video by Inside Edition
youtu.be
November 25, 2024 at 9:03 PM
Reposted by David Baer
Celebrate,, the mothership account is here @pcusa.bsky.social
November 21, 2024 at 12:42 AM
Reposted by David Baer
Dusting off a classic 🎮
October 29, 2024 at 12:42 AM
Reposted by David Baer
There is something deeply amusing about musklings coming here and realizing there’s no algorithm to boost their rage bait, which was their main advantage.
November 17, 2024 at 1:29 PM
Reposted by David Baer
We call them “posts”
Yay! Also jay, what do we call posts here? Put an end to "skeets" 😂
November 17, 2024 at 5:56 AM
Reposted by David Baer
For me, the most incredible artefacts from the ancient world are the letters people wrote on clay tablets and sent to one another over thousands of years in Mesopotamia, going back to more than 5,000 years ago.

They contain recognisable humanity, warmth and humour. Here's a thread of my favourites.
November 17, 2024 at 11:14 AM
Post a picture you took (no description) to bring some zen to the timeline.
November 17, 2024 at 1:55 AM
Reposted by David Baer
"Resistance is the protest of those who hope, and hope is the feast of the people who resist.”

— Jürgen Moltmann
November 15, 2024 at 11:27 PM
Not all heroes wear capes.
Many commentators say that vigilante groups are never the answer. But they clearly don't know about the masked Ecuadorian trio named “Acción Ortográfica Quito,” who roam the streets at night with a singular purpose: to correct all the spelling and grammar mistakes they find in graffiti.
November 15, 2024 at 5:01 PM
I am one of those dinosaurs that still uses an RSS reader. Highly recommend.
Take back the web: The algorithms are not your friend
Get yourself an RSS reader. If you're not using this tool, then some corporate algorithm is probably using you as its tool.
www.patheos.com
November 15, 2024 at 4:59 PM
Reposted by David Baer
Let me say something that is controversial because our brains are broken:

Vaccines are a miracle and amazing
November 15, 2024 at 2:12 AM
One time during a presbytery floor examination of a minister for membership, somebody asked, ”What Bible character do you look to for inspiration?” I snickered and said to the person next to me, “Anybody asks me that, my answer is Jael.”
The Bible has interesting possible responses to #yourbodymychoice from those unenlightened folks

#pcusa #womensrights
November 15, 2024 at 12:51 AM
Reposted by David Baer
Today’s poem is called ‘Monetisation’.
November 14, 2024 at 9:15 AM
Do not obey in advance, but... “you don’t need to tell them this. You can also, like Mel Brooks, ‘Simply say yes’ and then never do it. Or you can learn the dark arts of bureaucratic sabotage and malicious compliance. This stuff has saved lives before, and may have to do so again.”
Do not obey in advance
"He said, 'No farting' in Blazing Saddles. I said, 'It’s out!' … You say yes, and you never do it."
www.patheos.com
November 13, 2024 at 3:24 AM
I guess I need an introduction! I am a Presbyterian (PCUSA) minister, currently serving as Stated Clerk of National Capital Presbytery. A lifetime ago, I was a computer science major and software developer, and I still write code to solve problems, professional or otherwise.
November 12, 2024 at 12:29 AM