Betsy B
@betsyabb.bsky.social
Book, bird, and plant lover doing my little bit to advocate for a more stable climate and democracy. Retired Episcopal deacon active in Third Act’s Faith working group.
Why Celtic Advent (a longer Advent season) seems just right this year as we work to meet the challenges of 2025.
Welcome Long Advent / Celtic Advent
November 2025 (Month 11 of the Annus Horribilis)
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Why Celtic Advent (a longer Advent season) seems just right this year as we work to meet the challenges of 2025.
Hildegard’s teachings point the way to our celebration of clean energy on Sun Day on Sept 21.
September 17: Saint Hildegard of Bingen
Hildegard’s work points the way to Sun Day
open.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Hildegard’s teachings point the way to our celebration of clean energy on Sun Day on Sept 21.
On Not Writing
My first post in a while: a reflection / confession about obstacles to writing now, followed by links to some bright spots. Skip to the latter if you need bright spots today!
My first post in a while: a reflection / confession about obstacles to writing now, followed by links to some bright spots. Skip to the latter if you need bright spots today!
On Not Writing
A confession and links to some opportunities to engage in good work
open.substack.com
September 8, 2025 at 2:07 AM
On Not Writing
My first post in a while: a reflection / confession about obstacles to writing now, followed by links to some bright spots. Skip to the latter if you need bright spots today!
My first post in a while: a reflection / confession about obstacles to writing now, followed by links to some bright spots. Skip to the latter if you need bright spots today!
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis is a hero. What he reveals about this administration’s belief in eugenics is chilling.
youtu.be/FQCPteMy70E?...
youtu.be/FQCPteMy70E?...
The CDC is being 'transformed into a weapon': Top doctor exits CDC with a warning
YouTube video by MSNBC
youtu.be
August 30, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis is a hero. What he reveals about this administration’s belief in eugenics is chilling.
youtu.be/FQCPteMy70E?...
youtu.be/FQCPteMy70E?...
I’m grateful for this witness from Bishop Budde and other religious leaders in DC.
edow.org/2025/08/13/f...
edow.org/2025/08/13/f...
Fear Is Not a Strategy for Safety
Today, Bishop Budde, Dean Hollerith, and other DC-based religious leaders have written a statement calling for honesty and collaboration among our civic leaders so that safety, justice, and compassion...
edow.org
August 13, 2025 at 9:20 PM
I’m grateful for this witness from Bishop Budde and other religious leaders in DC.
edow.org/2025/08/13/f...
edow.org/2025/08/13/f...
‘Asked about Wright’s comments on the national climate assessment reports, respected climate scientist Michael Mann said in an emailed comment to the Guardian: “This is exactly what Joseph Stalin did.”’
I’m grateful to the Guardian for making the 2023 report easily accessible.
I’m grateful to the Guardian for making the 2023 report easily accessible.
Scientists decry Trump energy chief’s plan to ‘update’ climate reports: ‘Exactly what Stalin did’
Ex-fossil fuel executive Chris Wright said administration is reviewing national assessments made by past governments
www.theguardian.com
August 9, 2025 at 3:25 PM
‘Asked about Wright’s comments on the national climate assessment reports, respected climate scientist Michael Mann said in an emailed comment to the Guardian: “This is exactly what Joseph Stalin did.”’
I’m grateful to the Guardian for making the 2023 report easily accessible.
I’m grateful to the Guardian for making the 2023 report easily accessible.
“If the Trump administration is able to repeal the endangerment finding, it would not only erase all current limits on greenhouse gas pollution from cars, factories, power plants and other sources. It would prevent future administrations…trying to tackle climate change, with lasting implications.”
E.P.A. Is Said to Draft a Plan to End Its Ability to Fight Climate Change
www.nytimes.com
July 23, 2025 at 5:45 PM
“If the Trump administration is able to repeal the endangerment finding, it would not only erase all current limits on greenhouse gas pollution from cars, factories, power plants and other sources. It would prevent future administrations…trying to tackle climate change, with lasting implications.”
Vile. Beyond ignorance and stupidity.
E.P.A. Says It Will Eliminate Its Scientific Research Arm
www.nytimes.com
July 18, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Vile. Beyond ignorance and stupidity.
Reposted by Betsy B
The end of everything is the end of everything. That's where we are headed ... for civilization, for so many creatures big and small, and for this once amazing moment in our planet's history.
And paying attention has its costs.
It's just another very sad day. F&%king sad.
And paying attention has its costs.
It's just another very sad day. F&%king sad.
July 10, 2025 at 12:44 AM
The end of everything is the end of everything. That's where we are headed ... for civilization, for so many creatures big and small, and for this once amazing moment in our planet's history.
And paying attention has its costs.
It's just another very sad day. F&%king sad.
And paying attention has its costs.
It's just another very sad day. F&%king sad.
I commend these thoughtful and ultimately hopeful words from my friend @brotherjamesdowd.bsky.social
Reimagining God's Dream for America
Sermon from Br. James Dowd
open.substack.com
July 4, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I commend these thoughtful and ultimately hopeful words from my friend @brotherjamesdowd.bsky.social
No words
Trump admin tries to kill the most indisputable evidence of human-caused climate change by shuttering observatory | CNN
The Mauna Loa laboratory in Hawaii has measured atmospheric carbon dioxide, which — along with other planet-warming pollution — has led directly to climate change, driving sea level rise, superchargin...
www.cnn.com
July 1, 2025 at 7:08 PM
No words
The motive for choosing short-term per$onal gain over life baffles me. Cynicism? Willful ignorance?
Surprise Tax in G.O.P. Bill Could Cripple Wind and Solar Power
www.nytimes.com
June 30, 2025 at 4:01 AM
The motive for choosing short-term per$onal gain over life baffles me. Cynicism? Willful ignorance?
Just when it’s a Friday evening in late June and my friends in academia think they can relax a bit…Chilling news.
Trump Justice Dept. Pressuring University of Virginia President to Resign
www.nytimes.com
June 27, 2025 at 1:58 AM
Just when it’s a Friday evening in late June and my friends in academia think they can relax a bit…Chilling news.
Kennedy’s New Advisers Rescind Recommendations for Some Flu Vaccines
“As a physician and scientist who has devoted my entire career to vaccines and preventing and treating infections, this meeting has been devastating to watch,” said Dr. Panagiotakopoulos, an expert on vaccines.
“As a physician and scientist who has devoted my entire career to vaccines and preventing and treating infections, this meeting has been devastating to watch,” said Dr. Panagiotakopoulos, an expert on vaccines.
Kennedy’s New Advisers Rescind Recommendations for Some Flu Vaccines
www.nytimes.com
June 26, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Kennedy’s New Advisers Rescind Recommendations for Some Flu Vaccines
“As a physician and scientist who has devoted my entire career to vaccines and preventing and treating infections, this meeting has been devastating to watch,” said Dr. Panagiotakopoulos, an expert on vaccines.
“As a physician and scientist who has devoted my entire career to vaccines and preventing and treating infections, this meeting has been devastating to watch,” said Dr. Panagiotakopoulos, an expert on vaccines.
1) Lord, have mercy on us all.
2) Congress? Are you there?
2) Congress? Are you there?
June 22, 2025 at 12:38 AM
1) Lord, have mercy on us all.
2) Congress? Are you there?
2) Congress? Are you there?
Reposted by Betsy B
I hate to say it, but the hideous attack on Sen. Padilla came at just the right moment. If you had any doubt about why No Kings Day was so necessary...
billmckibben.substack.com/p/on-democra...
billmckibben.substack.com/p/on-democra...
On Democracy, Liberated Energy, and the Perfect Moment
Working on Winning the Climate Fight
billmckibben.substack.com
June 13, 2025 at 3:50 PM
I hate to say it, but the hideous attack on Sen. Padilla came at just the right moment. If you had any doubt about why No Kings Day was so necessary...
billmckibben.substack.com/p/on-democra...
billmckibben.substack.com/p/on-democra...
As an older American, I’m so grateful to be part of Third Act.
Older Americans are not having it with Trump--and the very oldest like him the least (@thirdactorg.bsky.social)
www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
Contributor: Why older Americans are Trump's biggest nightmare
If you're over 60, you viscerally get the need for, say, the Clean Air Act, functioning Social Security and affordable dolls at Christmas.
www.latimes.com
May 9, 2025 at 12:11 AM
As an older American, I’m so grateful to be part of Third Act.
When your cruelty extends to all living things…
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/c...
National Climate Assessment Authors Are Dismissed by Trump Administration (Gift Article)
The Trump administration told researchers it was “releasing” them from their roles. It puts the future of the assessment, which is required by Congress, in doubt.
www.nytimes.com
April 29, 2025 at 12:38 AM
When your cruelty extends to all living things…
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/c...
I appreciate Andrew Weissmann’s clear analysis of this case and the (limited) options for justice.
The government is ignoring a Supreme Court order to facilitate the return of a man it unlawfully abducted and imprisoned in El Salvador. In the Abrego Garcia case, we’re watching a constitutional crisis unfold in real time.
#SCOTUS #AbregoGarcia #LegalCrisis #CourtOrders #ImmigrationLaw
#SCOTUS #AbregoGarcia #LegalCrisis #CourtOrders #ImmigrationLaw
When The Government Ignores The Courts
Behind The Headlines With Andrew Weissmann, Vol. 4.2.d
open.substack.com
April 14, 2025 at 6:34 PM
I appreciate Andrew Weissmann’s clear analysis of this case and the (limited) options for justice.
I’m proud of the Nebraska Unicameral!
Winner-take-all bill stalls in Nebraska Legislature, a blow to governor • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska Legislature killed a bill seeking to alter how the state awards Electoral College votes for president after a filibuster.
nebraskaexaminer.com
April 9, 2025 at 12:07 AM
I’m proud of the Nebraska Unicameral!
Reposted by Betsy B
At Third Act, we believe it’s never too late to become a powerful organizer. Join Heather Booth & @billmckibben.bsky.social for Organizing 101, a two-part training designed for elders ready to take action.
🗓 March 17 & March 25
⏰ 5 PM - 6:15 PM ET
🔗 Sign up now: thirdact.org/events/third...
🗓 March 17 & March 25
⏰ 5 PM - 6:15 PM ET
🔗 Sign up now: thirdact.org/events/third...
March 16, 2025 at 9:19 PM
At Third Act, we believe it’s never too late to become a powerful organizer. Join Heather Booth & @billmckibben.bsky.social for Organizing 101, a two-part training designed for elders ready to take action.
🗓 March 17 & March 25
⏰ 5 PM - 6:15 PM ET
🔗 Sign up now: thirdact.org/events/third...
🗓 March 17 & March 25
⏰ 5 PM - 6:15 PM ET
🔗 Sign up now: thirdact.org/events/third...
Helpful.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting Catastrophe
And What to Do. A guest essay by Laurie Winer
open.substack.com
March 13, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Helpful.
““If anybody needed a clearer sign that this administration gives not a single damn for the people of the United States, this is it,” Matthew Tejada, a former E.P.A. official who is now a senior vice president for environmental health at the Natural Resources Defense Fund…”
Heartsick at this.
Heartsick at this.
E.P.A. Plans to Close All Environmental Justice Offices
An internal memo directs the closure of offices designed to ease the heavy pollution faced by poor and minority communities.
www.nytimes.com
March 12, 2025 at 3:57 AM
““If anybody needed a clearer sign that this administration gives not a single damn for the people of the United States, this is it,” Matthew Tejada, a former E.P.A. official who is now a senior vice president for environmental health at the Natural Resources Defense Fund…”
Heartsick at this.
Heartsick at this.
What does it mean to observe Lent when butterfly populations, polar sea ice, and our democracy are shrinking rapidly? What’s the temptation to watch out for?
A wilderness of disappearing butterflies
A Lenten letter in a time of profound loss
open.substack.com
March 9, 2025 at 12:02 PM
What does it mean to observe Lent when butterfly populations, polar sea ice, and our democracy are shrinking rapidly? What’s the temptation to watch out for?