Eli Friedmann
@eligit.bsky.social
Guitar player/teacher/photographer in Manhattan.
Pro Trump and other annoying accounts blocked/muted on sight.
Pro Trump and other annoying accounts blocked/muted on sight.
We have a flawed, partial democracy.
But voters *do* have power.
In 2024 the voters of the United States had the very real power to deny Trump (known sex offender and felon) the presidency.
Things did not have to end up like this.
Voters could have exercised their power more wisely.
Fact.
But voters *do* have power.
In 2024 the voters of the United States had the very real power to deny Trump (known sex offender and felon) the presidency.
Things did not have to end up like this.
Voters could have exercised their power more wisely.
Fact.
They have the equation exactly backwards.
In a democracy it is the voter who has the responsibility to determine the overall balance of power.
That's the whole point.
The individual politician isn't a waiter bringing you an ice cream sundae for your birthday + it must be JUST SO or you send it back.
In a democracy it is the voter who has the responsibility to determine the overall balance of power.
That's the whole point.
The individual politician isn't a waiter bringing you an ice cream sundae for your birthday + it must be JUST SO or you send it back.
February 16, 2026 at 4:07 AM
We have a flawed, partial democracy.
But voters *do* have power.
In 2024 the voters of the United States had the very real power to deny Trump (known sex offender and felon) the presidency.
Things did not have to end up like this.
Voters could have exercised their power more wisely.
Fact.
But voters *do* have power.
In 2024 the voters of the United States had the very real power to deny Trump (known sex offender and felon) the presidency.
Things did not have to end up like this.
Voters could have exercised their power more wisely.
Fact.
C’mon America.
Do better than this.
Do better than this.
The candidate for US Senate endorsed by Gov. Brian Kemp didn’t vote for 20 years, including the 2016 & 2020 presidential elections. apnews.com/article/dere...
February 16, 2026 at 1:44 AM
C’mon America.
Do better than this.
Do better than this.
I hope one day we can detach the idea of religiosity and morality in the public mind.
There is NO connection.
Being religious, even a total fanatic like Erika Kirk, and being a good and decent person are unrelated variables.
And yet we are often told that one cannot be moral unless one is religious.
There is NO connection.
Being religious, even a total fanatic like Erika Kirk, and being a good and decent person are unrelated variables.
And yet we are often told that one cannot be moral unless one is religious.
Erika Kirk is once again facing controversy over alleged text messages between her and a 15-year-old dating back to 2014.
Some have condemned Erika Kirk's actions, using strong terms such as "disgusting" and "criminal." Meanwhile, the mother of two has yet to address the allegations publicly.
Some have condemned Erika Kirk's actions, using strong terms such as "disgusting" and "criminal." Meanwhile, the mother of two has yet to address the allegations publicly.
Erika Kirk Faces Backlash Over Alleged 'Inappropriate' Texts With A 15-Year-Old: 'Absolutely Vile'
Purported Texts Between Erika Kirk And A 15-Year-Old Go Viral Sparking Backlash And 'Grooming' Allegations
www.yahoo.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:21 PM
I hope one day we can detach the idea of religiosity and morality in the public mind.
There is NO connection.
Being religious, even a total fanatic like Erika Kirk, and being a good and decent person are unrelated variables.
And yet we are often told that one cannot be moral unless one is religious.
There is NO connection.
Being religious, even a total fanatic like Erika Kirk, and being a good and decent person are unrelated variables.
And yet we are often told that one cannot be moral unless one is religious.
If there is one thing I am now more in agreement with "the left" on it is this:
We have to figure out a way to stabilize healthcare costs to the population.
Call it whatever you want.
These wild fluctuations in cost are not sustainable for the average citizen.
We have to figure out a way to stabilize healthcare costs to the population.
Call it whatever you want.
These wild fluctuations in cost are not sustainable for the average citizen.
AOC on universal health care "And to me, it is not a coincidence that universal health care systems across Europe were established in the wake after World War Two."
February 15, 2026 at 6:51 PM
If there is one thing I am now more in agreement with "the left" on it is this:
We have to figure out a way to stabilize healthcare costs to the population.
Call it whatever you want.
These wild fluctuations in cost are not sustainable for the average citizen.
We have to figure out a way to stabilize healthcare costs to the population.
Call it whatever you want.
These wild fluctuations in cost are not sustainable for the average citizen.
Upside down priorities.
That is maga.
That is maga.
They cut health care to pay for a paramilitary force that’s trampling on our rights.
I’m not ok with that.
I’m not ok with that.
February 15, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Upside down priorities.
That is maga.
That is maga.
Reposted by Eli Friedmann
this is an excellent article that breaks down all the ways Trump might try to subvert the election and the practical realities thereof
he will bluster, he will rage, he will spread conspiracy theories that damage trust in our elections… and he will lose
if you’re really worried, read it
he will bluster, he will rage, he will spread conspiracy theories that damage trust in our elections… and he will lose
if you’re really worried, read it
His attacks on the midterms are real and dangerous… and aren’t going to work. Running down the case for an optimistic threat assessment @theunpopulist.net :
Worry, Don't Panic, Over Trump's Efforts to Subvert the Elections
America's system is quite foolproof but he can still try to delegitimize it
www.theunpopulist.net
February 14, 2026 at 5:22 PM
this is an excellent article that breaks down all the ways Trump might try to subvert the election and the practical realities thereof
he will bluster, he will rage, he will spread conspiracy theories that damage trust in our elections… and he will lose
if you’re really worried, read it
he will bluster, he will rage, he will spread conspiracy theories that damage trust in our elections… and he will lose
if you’re really worried, read it
Reposted by Eli Friedmann
Measles is a bellwether. Because it’s the most contagious vaccine-preventable disease, when vaccination rates drop, it’s the first to start spreading.
Now we’ve got mumps rolling up.
Expect more.
This is just the beginning of RFK Jr.’s successful infectious disease reintroduction plan.
Now we’ve got mumps rolling up.
Expect more.
This is just the beginning of RFK Jr.’s successful infectious disease reintroduction plan.
Maryland health officials warn providers about an upsurge in mumps cases
Maryland health officials are warning about an uptick in cases of mumps.
www.thebanner.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Measles is a bellwether. Because it’s the most contagious vaccine-preventable disease, when vaccination rates drop, it’s the first to start spreading.
Now we’ve got mumps rolling up.
Expect more.
This is just the beginning of RFK Jr.’s successful infectious disease reintroduction plan.
Now we’ve got mumps rolling up.
Expect more.
This is just the beginning of RFK Jr.’s successful infectious disease reintroduction plan.
One of trump’s evil capacities is this:
He believes in nothing.
He is a nihilist.
He will happily accept the votes of any “group”.
As long as they back him, they are fine.
Antisemites, Jews, Christians, Kanye West, Kid Rock, whatever.
He never has to reconcile any of it.
He just demands obedience.
He believes in nothing.
He is a nihilist.
He will happily accept the votes of any “group”.
As long as they back him, they are fine.
Antisemites, Jews, Christians, Kanye West, Kid Rock, whatever.
He never has to reconcile any of it.
He just demands obedience.
White House stands by State Department nominee who complains that "white Americans are increasingly second-class citizens," warns of "white erasure" and says "the Jews love to see themselves as oppressed." @camcgrady.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/u...
Trump Nominates an Apostle of ‘White Erasure’ for the State Department
www.nytimes.com
February 15, 2026 at 1:20 AM
One of trump’s evil capacities is this:
He believes in nothing.
He is a nihilist.
He will happily accept the votes of any “group”.
As long as they back him, they are fine.
Antisemites, Jews, Christians, Kanye West, Kid Rock, whatever.
He never has to reconcile any of it.
He just demands obedience.
He believes in nothing.
He is a nihilist.
He will happily accept the votes of any “group”.
As long as they back him, they are fine.
Antisemites, Jews, Christians, Kanye West, Kid Rock, whatever.
He never has to reconcile any of it.
He just demands obedience.
If the reincarnation of FDR (*minus* his pro lynching policy and mass deportation policy/anti refugee policy of course) wants to run in the Dem primary in 2028, why not?
Come on in.
See who votes for it.
Seriously, I would be interested to see such a campaign.
Come on in.
See who votes for it.
Seriously, I would be interested to see such a campaign.
February 14, 2026 at 10:31 PM
If the reincarnation of FDR (*minus* his pro lynching policy and mass deportation policy/anti refugee policy of course) wants to run in the Dem primary in 2028, why not?
Come on in.
See who votes for it.
Seriously, I would be interested to see such a campaign.
Come on in.
See who votes for it.
Seriously, I would be interested to see such a campaign.
My absolutely room temperature take that will make some folks lose their minds:
As for me, I will say the same exact thing I say every single time:
Let democracy take it's course.
Everyone who wants to participate get registered to vote in the primary.
Whoever wins the Democratic primary gets my vote in the general election.
Simple as that.
May the strongest candidate win.
Let democracy take it's course.
Everyone who wants to participate get registered to vote in the primary.
Whoever wins the Democratic primary gets my vote in the general election.
Simple as that.
May the strongest candidate win.
February 14, 2026 at 6:54 PM
My absolutely room temperature take that will make some folks lose their minds:
Sounds bad when you put it that way.
"Without health care and related jobs, the United States would have nearly 400,000 fewer jobs than it did a year ago, according to Labor Department figures through January..."
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
If not for this one industry, the U.S. labor market would look a lot worse
Without health care, the United States would have nearly 400,000 fewer jobs than it did a year ago, according to Labor Department figures through January.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 14, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Sounds bad when you put it that way.
Damn.
that is some crazy s**t.
that is some crazy s**t.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in prison after being poisoned with a deadly toxin found in Ecuadorian dart frogs, the U.K. and other allies claimed Saturday.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned by deadly 'dart frog' toxin, Europeans say
There is no innocent explanation for the presence of the toxin detected after Navalny's death, which is from frogs in South America and is not naturally found in Russia, European allies say.
nbcnews.to
February 14, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Damn.
that is some crazy s**t.
that is some crazy s**t.
I saw 10,000 tweets of people posting their grocery receipts post covid.
“This is Biden’s economy!!”
And now that food is 30% more expensive than pre pandemic?
Crickets.
“This is Biden’s economy!!”
And now that food is 30% more expensive than pre pandemic?
Crickets.
Remember affordability and groceries, those new, made up words?
February 14, 2026 at 4:43 AM
I saw 10,000 tweets of people posting their grocery receipts post covid.
“This is Biden’s economy!!”
And now that food is 30% more expensive than pre pandemic?
Crickets.
“This is Biden’s economy!!”
And now that food is 30% more expensive than pre pandemic?
Crickets.
In America apparently the two most unacceptable punishments are
1)not being allowed to have a gun
2)not being allowed to drive a car
1)not being allowed to have a gun
2)not being allowed to drive a car
She fucking killed an entire family while speeding in her Mercedes SUV and they’re not going to even take her license away??
February 14, 2026 at 4:01 AM
In America apparently the two most unacceptable punishments are
1)not being allowed to have a gun
2)not being allowed to drive a car
1)not being allowed to have a gun
2)not being allowed to drive a car
Have a good night!
February 14, 2026 at 1:34 AM
Have a good night!
Reposted by Eli Friedmann
Team USA Curler Rich Ruohonen:
"We'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention what's going on in Minnesota...I am a lawyer, as you know, and we have a constitution... and what's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of gray. It's clear."
"We'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention what's going on in Minnesota...I am a lawyer, as you know, and we have a constitution... and what's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of gray. It's clear."
February 10, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Team USA Curler Rich Ruohonen:
"We'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention what's going on in Minnesota...I am a lawyer, as you know, and we have a constitution... and what's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of gray. It's clear."
"We'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention what's going on in Minnesota...I am a lawyer, as you know, and we have a constitution... and what's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of gray. It's clear."
A totally reasonable perspective.
Carry on and prosper 🫡
(and no I'm not being sarcastic)
Carry on and prosper 🫡
(and no I'm not being sarcastic)
i am a hard-core vote blue no matter who voter. part of that means PRIMARIES AREN'T GENERAL ELECTIONS. i liked lander in nyc, but when he lost, i supported mamdani--as did lander! that's how it works!
since it is not currently a general election:
fuck gavin newsom!
since it is not currently a general election:
fuck gavin newsom!
February 14, 2026 at 12:31 AM
A totally reasonable perspective.
Carry on and prosper 🫡
(and no I'm not being sarcastic)
Carry on and prosper 🫡
(and no I'm not being sarcastic)
Another petty annoyance.
All the Dem bashers on this website who constantly say "you Dems keep failing doing the same old thing!"
Guys.
Every SINGLE president in my lifetime has been either a centrist Dem or a Republican.
Get back to me when you win ONE election, then we can talk about "losing".
All the Dem bashers on this website who constantly say "you Dems keep failing doing the same old thing!"
Guys.
Every SINGLE president in my lifetime has been either a centrist Dem or a Republican.
Get back to me when you win ONE election, then we can talk about "losing".
February 14, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Another petty annoyance.
All the Dem bashers on this website who constantly say "you Dems keep failing doing the same old thing!"
Guys.
Every SINGLE president in my lifetime has been either a centrist Dem or a Republican.
Get back to me when you win ONE election, then we can talk about "losing".
All the Dem bashers on this website who constantly say "you Dems keep failing doing the same old thing!"
Guys.
Every SINGLE president in my lifetime has been either a centrist Dem or a Republican.
Get back to me when you win ONE election, then we can talk about "losing".
The difference between campaigning and governing is stark.
gothamist.com/news/how-mam...
gothamist.com/news/how-mam...
How Mamdani's administration sowed confusion over NYC's extreme cold deaths
A shift in communications protocol has resulted in information on at least 26 deaths being released in a piecemeal fashion.
gothamist.com
February 13, 2026 at 10:28 PM
The difference between campaigning and governing is stark.
gothamist.com/news/how-mam...
gothamist.com/news/how-mam...
It continues to be perverse.
So many people who are unable to comprehend harm reduction.
Avoiding a bad thing IS ITSELF A GOOD THING.
If I'm walking in the forest and avoid getting bitten by a poisonous snake, that is great.
Even if I didn't simultaneously uncover a chest full of gold bullion.
So many people who are unable to comprehend harm reduction.
Avoiding a bad thing IS ITSELF A GOOD THING.
If I'm walking in the forest and avoid getting bitten by a poisonous snake, that is great.
Even if I didn't simultaneously uncover a chest full of gold bullion.
February 13, 2026 at 9:09 PM
It continues to be perverse.
So many people who are unable to comprehend harm reduction.
Avoiding a bad thing IS ITSELF A GOOD THING.
If I'm walking in the forest and avoid getting bitten by a poisonous snake, that is great.
Even if I didn't simultaneously uncover a chest full of gold bullion.
So many people who are unable to comprehend harm reduction.
Avoiding a bad thing IS ITSELF A GOOD THING.
If I'm walking in the forest and avoid getting bitten by a poisonous snake, that is great.
Even if I didn't simultaneously uncover a chest full of gold bullion.
People often bemoan the lack of "local news".
Perhaps we forget how truly bad "local news" often is.
It's basically a lead in for "cops".
That is the reality of much of "local news".
Perhaps we forget how truly bad "local news" often is.
It's basically a lead in for "cops".
That is the reality of much of "local news".
Second, a ton of it was local crime stories. The area that counted as “local” was pretty wide, and in some cases it was a second or third follow-up report on some crime that had happened days or weeks earlier, so there were several, and these probably got more total time than the national stories.
February 13, 2026 at 8:54 PM
People often bemoan the lack of "local news".
Perhaps we forget how truly bad "local news" often is.
It's basically a lead in for "cops".
That is the reality of much of "local news".
Perhaps we forget how truly bad "local news" often is.
It's basically a lead in for "cops".
That is the reality of much of "local news".
So reasonable.
Yet wildly unacceptable to many "on here".
Anyway, I agree with this:
Yet wildly unacceptable to many "on here".
Anyway, I agree with this:
My position is that I do not intend to vote for Gavin Newsom in a Democratic primary, that I would vote for any Democrat against JD Vance in a general election, and that Hasan Piker is both an idiot and a bad person.
February 13, 2026 at 6:55 PM
So reasonable.
Yet wildly unacceptable to many "on here".
Anyway, I agree with this:
Yet wildly unacceptable to many "on here".
Anyway, I agree with this:
I think this is very likely true.
Our political discourse has been gobbled up by discussions in which most of the participants have only the vaguest idea of the underlying reality.
Our political discourse has been gobbled up by discussions in which most of the participants have only the vaguest idea of the underlying reality.
I bet if you just did a simple survey, not one American in 10K would be able to accurately tell you the current level of immigration to the US, whether that level is up or down from the previous decade, what countries are most represented among immigrants, or what current US immigration policy is.
February 13, 2026 at 5:35 PM
I think this is very likely true.
Our political discourse has been gobbled up by discussions in which most of the participants have only the vaguest idea of the underlying reality.
Our political discourse has been gobbled up by discussions in which most of the participants have only the vaguest idea of the underlying reality.
750,000 is one of those numbers you have to read a few times.
Really think about that number.
And then realize that the trump regime inflicted this mass death with zero regret.
There was no reason to cancel USAID.
Entirely optional mass death.
Really think about that number.
And then realize that the trump regime inflicted this mass death with zero regret.
There was no reason to cancel USAID.
Entirely optional mass death.
HORRIFYING -
Dismantling USAID & cancelling >80% of aid caused ~750,000 deaths by mid-2025
🧸Most were children
⌛️ Many died within the first year
😰 Preventable deaths were mainly from:
- HIV, TB, malaria
- Maternal & fetal deaths
- Malnutrition
news.westernu.ca/2026/01/u-s-...
Dismantling USAID & cancelling >80% of aid caused ~750,000 deaths by mid-2025
🧸Most were children
⌛️ Many died within the first year
😰 Preventable deaths were mainly from:
- HIV, TB, malaria
- Maternal & fetal deaths
- Malnutrition
news.westernu.ca/2026/01/u-s-...
Expert insight: U.S. withdrawal from WHO could affect global health - Western News
History professor Mitchell L. Hammond explains how the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization could affect global health and disease threats.
news.westernu.ca
February 13, 2026 at 4:38 PM
750,000 is one of those numbers you have to read a few times.
Really think about that number.
And then realize that the trump regime inflicted this mass death with zero regret.
There was no reason to cancel USAID.
Entirely optional mass death.
Really think about that number.
And then realize that the trump regime inflicted this mass death with zero regret.
There was no reason to cancel USAID.
Entirely optional mass death.
What happens when you put anti vaccine lunatics in charge of the United States:
February 13, 2026 at 3:40 AM
What happens when you put anti vaccine lunatics in charge of the United States: