Kirby
@kirbytheawsum.bsky.social
Vermiculture worm mom. Public Healther. International politics & law follower. Art & music appreciator. Community cheerleader. Baggage mostly religious but not angry, just disappointed. Opinions my own.
This song's been in my head all year. Motivates me & reframes my emotional response to what's been happening in the US.
These people are but men.
& if America won't get better until the people get better... Then how do people get better?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbjh...
These people are but men.
& if America won't get better until the people get better... Then how do people get better?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbjh...
Fear Not Of Man
YouTube video by Mos Def - Topic
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:26 PM
This song's been in my head all year. Motivates me & reframes my emotional response to what's been happening in the US.
These people are but men.
& if America won't get better until the people get better... Then how do people get better?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbjh...
These people are but men.
& if America won't get better until the people get better... Then how do people get better?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbjh...
I'm feeling grumpy about all these pieces calling the 8 Democrats "moderates" or "centrists". They didn't vote based on some middle view on a spectrum. What utter nonsense.
They voted because the four largest airlines where pressuring them to do so.
They voted because the four largest airlines where pressuring them to do so.
November 10, 2025 at 11:56 PM
I'm feeling grumpy about all these pieces calling the 8 Democrats "moderates" or "centrists". They didn't vote based on some middle view on a spectrum. What utter nonsense.
They voted because the four largest airlines where pressuring them to do so.
They voted because the four largest airlines where pressuring them to do so.
Reposted by Kirby
Kevin Roberts and the Opus
Dei connection
The president of the Heritage Foundation, who caused a huge scandal by defending the platforming the far-right figure Nick Fuentes, is a regular at
the Opus Dei hub in Washington, DC
garethgore.substack.com/p/kevin-robe...
Dei connection
The president of the Heritage Foundation, who caused a huge scandal by defending the platforming the far-right figure Nick Fuentes, is a regular at
the Opus Dei hub in Washington, DC
garethgore.substack.com/p/kevin-robe...
Kevin Roberts and the Opus Dei connection
The president of the Heritage Foundation is a regular at the Opus Dei hub in DC
garethgore.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Kevin Roberts and the Opus
Dei connection
The president of the Heritage Foundation, who caused a huge scandal by defending the platforming the far-right figure Nick Fuentes, is a regular at
the Opus Dei hub in Washington, DC
garethgore.substack.com/p/kevin-robe...
Dei connection
The president of the Heritage Foundation, who caused a huge scandal by defending the platforming the far-right figure Nick Fuentes, is a regular at
the Opus Dei hub in Washington, DC
garethgore.substack.com/p/kevin-robe...
Reposted by Kirby
NEW: Dems easily flipped the sheriff's office in Pennsylvania's Bucks County, a big swing county in the Philly suburbs.
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
Voters Ousted This Pennsylvania Sheriff After He Signed Up to Collaborate With ICE - Bolts
A populous, swing county replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:12 PM
NEW: Dems easily flipped the sheriff's office in Pennsylvania's Bucks County, a big swing county in the Philly suburbs.
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
Reposted by Kirby
“Medical debt is uniquely American among developed democracies,” says @us.theguardian.com's @jessicaglenza.bsky.social
While other OECD nations guarantee universal coverage, the U.S. system remains fragmented, costly, & built on a century of add-ons, leaving many exposed to debt, she explains.
While other OECD nations guarantee universal coverage, the U.S. system remains fragmented, costly, & built on a century of add-ons, leaving many exposed to debt, she explains.
November 10, 2025 at 6:19 PM
“Medical debt is uniquely American among developed democracies,” says @us.theguardian.com's @jessicaglenza.bsky.social
While other OECD nations guarantee universal coverage, the U.S. system remains fragmented, costly, & built on a century of add-ons, leaving many exposed to debt, she explains.
While other OECD nations guarantee universal coverage, the U.S. system remains fragmented, costly, & built on a century of add-ons, leaving many exposed to debt, she explains.
Reposted by Kirby
💬 “It’s not just the uninsured. It’s the underinsured who are drowning in medical debt,” says @jessicaglenza.bsky.social of @us.theguardian.com
With rising deductibles and new barriers like Medicaid work requirements, millions more could lose coverage by 2034. #HealthJournalism #MedicalDebt
With rising deductibles and new barriers like Medicaid work requirements, millions more could lose coverage by 2034. #HealthJournalism #MedicalDebt
November 10, 2025 at 6:20 PM
💬 “It’s not just the uninsured. It’s the underinsured who are drowning in medical debt,” says @jessicaglenza.bsky.social of @us.theguardian.com
With rising deductibles and new barriers like Medicaid work requirements, millions more could lose coverage by 2034. #HealthJournalism #MedicalDebt
With rising deductibles and new barriers like Medicaid work requirements, millions more could lose coverage by 2034. #HealthJournalism #MedicalDebt
Reposted by Kirby
“The Big Beautiful Bill’ could leave 16 million more Americans uninsured by 2034,” warns @jessicaglenza.bsky.social of
@us.theguardian.com
Cuts to tax credits, new Medicaid work requirements, and added red tape would strip coverage from millions. #MedicalDebt #Webinar
@us.theguardian.com
Cuts to tax credits, new Medicaid work requirements, and added red tape would strip coverage from millions. #MedicalDebt #Webinar
November 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM
“The Big Beautiful Bill’ could leave 16 million more Americans uninsured by 2034,” warns @jessicaglenza.bsky.social of
@us.theguardian.com
Cuts to tax credits, new Medicaid work requirements, and added red tape would strip coverage from millions. #MedicalDebt #Webinar
@us.theguardian.com
Cuts to tax credits, new Medicaid work requirements, and added red tape would strip coverage from millions. #MedicalDebt #Webinar
Reposted by Kirby
We’re LIVE! But there is still time to join “How Medical Debt Is Pummeling Americans.” 🔗 Register here: bit.ly/MedicalDebtReg and follow this thread for key takeaways ⤵️
#Webinar #MedicalDebt
#Webinar #MedicalDebt
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: How Medical Debt Is Pummeling Americans. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Medical debt poses a punishing burden for a growing share of American families. In this webinar, we’ll hear strategies and tips for covering this important story from two reporters who have done pione...
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 6:11 PM
We’re LIVE! But there is still time to join “How Medical Debt Is Pummeling Americans.” 🔗 Register here: bit.ly/MedicalDebtReg and follow this thread for key takeaways ⤵️
#Webinar #MedicalDebt
#Webinar #MedicalDebt
Reposted by Kirby
Kyle Kingsbury is not a journalist. He is not an op-ed writer.
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
November 9, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Kyle Kingsbury is not a journalist. He is not an op-ed writer.
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
Reposted by Kirby
Any church, house of worship, or community org can do this
A local (Christian Nationalist) mega church has its own "campaign university." In 2021, they ran a candidate for mayor and got 9% of the vote, but their efforts have become more active since.
A Texas church’s online class trains Christians to run for office. Now it may go national
Fort Worth’s Mercy Culture Church aims to get more conservative Christians elected through its online Campaign University.
fortworthreport.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Any church, house of worship, or community org can do this
Reposted by Kirby
I heard from a bunch of federal employees last night and this morning. They aren't happy.
"I would rather be an actual pawn. At least pawn sacrifices are calculated and achieve something. All this for a fucking meaningless vote."
"I would rather be an actual pawn. At least pawn sacrifices are calculated and achieve something. All this for a fucking meaningless vote."
'A Slap in the Face': Federal Employees Feel Betrayed by Democrats' Shutdown Cave
"I would rather be an actual pawn. At least pawn sacrifices are calculated and achieve something."
www.gravityisgone.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:46 PM
I heard from a bunch of federal employees last night and this morning. They aren't happy.
"I would rather be an actual pawn. At least pawn sacrifices are calculated and achieve something. All this for a fucking meaningless vote."
"I would rather be an actual pawn. At least pawn sacrifices are calculated and achieve something. All this for a fucking meaningless vote."
Reposted by Kirby
I received this email about Democrats caving to end the shutdown from one of the SNAP recipients I spoke to:
November 10, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I received this email about Democrats caving to end the shutdown from one of the SNAP recipients I spoke to:
Baltimore Country isn't standing up for its immigrant community. Shame on them.
It's not a 287(g) but it is an MOU and acquiescence to try to hold on to federal monies they are threatening to pull.
www.wypr.org/wypr-news/20...
It's not a 287(g) but it is an MOU and acquiescence to try to hold on to federal monies they are threatening to pull.
www.wypr.org/wypr-news/20...
Baltimore County defends ICE memorandum as consistent with Kamenetz’s 2017 executive order
The ACLU calls it a “betrayal” of past promises to shield immigrants from federal detention.
www.wypr.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Baltimore Country isn't standing up for its immigrant community. Shame on them.
It's not a 287(g) but it is an MOU and acquiescence to try to hold on to federal monies they are threatening to pull.
www.wypr.org/wypr-news/20...
It's not a 287(g) but it is an MOU and acquiescence to try to hold on to federal monies they are threatening to pull.
www.wypr.org/wypr-news/20...
Reposted by Kirby
That’s why I say keep calling.
I recognize this is, to some extent, cope/bargaining, but
this is the the first of several votes necessary to end the shutdown, right? so even the present unfathomable fecklessness doesn't mean it's over over, and there are multiple potential blockage points ahead to reject a no-concessions 'deal'?
this is the the first of several votes necessary to end the shutdown, right? so even the present unfathomable fecklessness doesn't mean it's over over, and there are multiple potential blockage points ahead to reject a no-concessions 'deal'?
November 10, 2025 at 3:02 AM
That’s why I say keep calling.
Reposted by Kirby
A man collapsed in the Oval Office yesterday. The internet got the story wrong.
My experience struggling to correct the record — including on Bluesky! — and the warning signs as AI, aggregation, and social media increasingly drive our news consumption.
My experience struggling to correct the record — including on Bluesky! — and the warning signs as AI, aggregation, and social media increasingly drive our news consumption.
A man collapsed in the Oval Office. The internet got the story wrong.
A case study in how bad information can spread — and how hard it is to correct it.
dandiamond.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM
A man collapsed in the Oval Office yesterday. The internet got the story wrong.
My experience struggling to correct the record — including on Bluesky! — and the warning signs as AI, aggregation, and social media increasingly drive our news consumption.
My experience struggling to correct the record — including on Bluesky! — and the warning signs as AI, aggregation, and social media increasingly drive our news consumption.
Reposted by Kirby
Fight don’t fold.
November 10, 2025 at 2:12 AM
Fight don’t fold.
Reposted by Kirby
Any Democrat voting for this should be primaried as quickly as possible because they're stupid, aren't capable of recognizing they're winning, are incapable of representing their constituents, and are cowards not up to this era's challenges.
Senate Democrats asked for a year of ACA subsidies and were told to fuck off.
So they came back and asked for a pinky promise to hold a vote on ACA subsidies that they will assuredly lose?
Seriously?
So they came back and asked for a pinky promise to hold a vote on ACA subsidies that they will assuredly lose?
Seriously?
From what I have seen so far this does not seem like a good deal:
November 9, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Any Democrat voting for this should be primaried as quickly as possible because they're stupid, aren't capable of recognizing they're winning, are incapable of representing their constituents, and are cowards not up to this era's challenges.
Reposted by Kirby
I know several people who worked on this rollout. They were really proud of it.
The I.R.S. is shutting down its free online system for filing tax returns, a program that the Biden administration introduced last year and that users gave high marks.
via @tarasiegelbernard.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/b...
via @tarasiegelbernard.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/b...
I.R.S. Halts Free Online Offering for Filing Taxes Directly
www.nytimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:38 PM
I know several people who worked on this rollout. They were really proud of it.
Reposted by Kirby
Reposted by Kirby
Girl Scouts in a Chicago Suburb hosted a food drive. But the girls encountered masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with weapons.
"ICE turned it into a scary and what felt like an unsafe environment for us to be out with these kids"
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
"ICE turned it into a scary and what felt like an unsafe environment for us to be out with these kids"
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Masked ICE agents put damper on Oak Park Girl Scout food drive: ‘It’s heartbreaking as a mom’
Federal immigration agents were confronted in Oak Park on Saturday morning by residents blowing whistles as local Girl Scouts collect food for local pantries, rattling some girls and their parents.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Girl Scouts in a Chicago Suburb hosted a food drive. But the girls encountered masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with weapons.
"ICE turned it into a scary and what felt like an unsafe environment for us to be out with these kids"
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
"ICE turned it into a scary and what felt like an unsafe environment for us to be out with these kids"
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Reposted by Kirby
The Trump admin fucking up state administrative capacity to provide SNAP benefits is not just a feature of the shutdown. This is their long-term plan to reduce SNAP.
Soon, GOP will start talking block grants due to administrative complexity they created.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-big-be...
Soon, GOP will start talking block grants due to administrative complexity they created.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-big-be...
The Big Beautiful Bill has a SNAP Poison Pill
How states will get the blame for massive cuts to food stamps
donmoynihan.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:53 PM
The Trump admin fucking up state administrative capacity to provide SNAP benefits is not just a feature of the shutdown. This is their long-term plan to reduce SNAP.
Soon, GOP will start talking block grants due to administrative complexity they created.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-big-be...
Soon, GOP will start talking block grants due to administrative complexity they created.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-big-be...
Reposted by Kirby
Good. Now let's keep their feet to the fire. @unc-ch-aaup.bsky.social @aaup.org #highered www.wral.com/news/educati...
Chancellor says UNC won’t sign Trump’s higher education compact ‘as written’
A few dozen people gathered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus to protest the Trump administration's proposed "Compact for Academic Excellence." Chancellor Lee Roberts said the ...
www.wral.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Good. Now let's keep their feet to the fire. @unc-ch-aaup.bsky.social @aaup.org #highered www.wral.com/news/educati...
Reposted by Kirby
November 8, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Reposted by Kirby
When the bishops arrive in Baltimore next week for their Fall Plenary Assembly, they will be faced with a giant message from Catholics for Choice and the pro-choice Catholic majority:
November 8, 2025 at 1:30 PM
When the bishops arrive in Baltimore next week for their Fall Plenary Assembly, they will be faced with a giant message from Catholics for Choice and the pro-choice Catholic majority:
Reposted by Kirby
story link www.thebanner.com/community/ho...
November 8, 2025 at 1:39 PM
story link www.thebanner.com/community/ho...