Paul Bland
@fpbland.bsky.social
Public interest lawyer, music fan, dad/granddad/husband
Pinned
Paul Bland
@fpbland.bsky.social
· Jun 6
The Big Bad bill will cost over 10 million people their health insurance, will significantly accelerate climate change, is a huge suck of money upwards in an already inequitable economy, and will burden future generations
But hey, let's focus on the feelings of the world's richest man
But hey, let's focus on the feelings of the world's richest man
Schumer is so terrible at communications. He thinks it's all being clever with cutting legislative deals, and doesn't have any sense at all of how to reach people.
This caving in has to end. The Democrats desperately need new leadership. Schumer should go
This caving in has to end. The Democrats desperately need new leadership. Schumer should go
Great job, @schumer.senate.gov. You've changed the story from "GOP hurting millions of Americans to please unpopular, failing, delusional despot who's destroying his party" to "Dems are too weak and divided in the face of Trump's strength to take a stand and protect Americans"
November 10, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Schumer is so terrible at communications. He thinks it's all being clever with cutting legislative deals, and doesn't have any sense at all of how to reach people.
This caving in has to end. The Democrats desperately need new leadership. Schumer should go
This caving in has to end. The Democrats desperately need new leadership. Schumer should go
Reposted by Paul Bland
I feel like much has been said about this already, but brace yourselves for more CEOs to try to hold boards & investors hostage with threats to walk away & not try to focus on the business unless they get exceedingly large pay plans & other incentives.
November 8, 2025 at 10:51 PM
I feel like much has been said about this already, but brace yourselves for more CEOs to try to hold boards & investors hostage with threats to walk away & not try to focus on the business unless they get exceedingly large pay plans & other incentives.
In his first term, Congressional Rs acted as a check on his cashing in. When he wanted to move a big event from one resort to one of his, several Congressional Rs objected and he backed down. Now, they're so afraid of him that none of them made a peep when he said he was going to give himself $230 m
To be fair, he’s correct. It was dumb, nobody is gonna stop him so why wouldn’t you shove free money in your pockets
November 7, 2025 at 7:52 PM
In his first term, Congressional Rs acted as a check on his cashing in. When he wanted to move a big event from one resort to one of his, several Congressional Rs objected and he backed down. Now, they're so afraid of him that none of them made a peep when he said he was going to give himself $230 m
I agree with the folks who say the current form of the U.S. government is patrimonial, where rather than any ideology or set of principles, policy is based on the impulses, desires and needs of one man.
I guess the Tesla board decided that's what its shareholders wanted for the company as well
I guess the Tesla board decided that's what its shareholders wanted for the company as well
November 7, 2025 at 2:14 PM
I agree with the folks who say the current form of the U.S. government is patrimonial, where rather than any ideology or set of principles, policy is based on the impulses, desires and needs of one man.
I guess the Tesla board decided that's what its shareholders wanted for the company as well
I guess the Tesla board decided that's what its shareholders wanted for the company as well
If I had a health emergency, having Bobby Kennedy run away would be wildly more desirable than having him come over. With his ideas about health, I worry he'd try to give someone a tracheotomy with a spoon or something and kill them
A man collapsed next to Trump during his Oval Office event on weight-loss drugs. Mehmet Oz ran to help. RFK Jr. ran away.
www.dailykos.com/stories/2025...
www.dailykos.com/stories/2025...
Trump watches man faint, while RFK Jr. runs away
An unidentified man collapsed beside President Donald Trump on Thursday, abruptly ending the Oval Office event touting planned price reductions for popular weight-loss drugs. ...
www.dailykos.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:09 PM
If I had a health emergency, having Bobby Kennedy run away would be wildly more desirable than having him come over. With his ideas about health, I worry he'd try to give someone a tracheotomy with a spoon or something and kill them
Reposted by Paul Bland
Jackson says the decision is "more than merely regrettable. It is an abdication of the Court's duty to ensure that equitable standards apply equally to all litigants—to transgender people and the Government alike." And she faults the majority for ignoring "the animus evident in the Executive Order."
November 6, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Jackson says the decision is "more than merely regrettable. It is an abdication of the Court's duty to ensure that equitable standards apply equally to all litigants—to transgender people and the Government alike." And she faults the majority for ignoring "the animus evident in the Executive Order."
Reposted by Paul Bland
The biggest story in the country right now should be Donald Trump admitting he has no idea who he's pardoning—and that he only pardoned a crypto fraudster because his sons told him to.
Could you imagine the reaction if Joe Biden admitted something like that?
Could you imagine the reaction if Joe Biden admitted something like that?
November 3, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The biggest story in the country right now should be Donald Trump admitting he has no idea who he's pardoning—and that he only pardoned a crypto fraudster because his sons told him to.
Could you imagine the reaction if Joe Biden admitted something like that?
Could you imagine the reaction if Joe Biden admitted something like that?
Gee, I don't know. Aren't you worried we're going to lose the numerous "Steven Miller Democrats"? (jk)
Saying “we have to keep the status quo because the alternative is bad” ends up making people feel like you’re either gaslighting or out of touch, because the status quo actually sucks for a lot of people.
November 4, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Gee, I don't know. Aren't you worried we're going to lose the numerous "Steven Miller Democrats"? (jk)
Teen Vogue was actually breaking stories investigated by real journalists, and was going where the facts took them. And some rich powerful people took notice. Another actual journalism outlet swallowed up
billionaires have invested in media not because they support journalism but because they want to control it. there is only downside to a free press for people with that level of wealth. journalism is a great equalizer and they don’t want us to be equal.
November 4, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Teen Vogue was actually breaking stories investigated by real journalists, and was going where the facts took them. And some rich powerful people took notice. Another actual journalism outlet swallowed up
And a "plan" to "come up with something better" is more like a generic wish. "I wish everyone had private medical care for free." What a ridiculous lie, they're taking away millions of peoples' insurance and they're going to force hospitals to close, but it's o.k. b/c they have vague hopes
A plan to have a plan is not really a plan.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew on Republicans' healthcare plan: "The plan is to come up with something better."
November 2, 2025 at 2:50 PM
And a "plan" to "come up with something better" is more like a generic wish. "I wish everyone had private medical care for free." What a ridiculous lie, they're taking away millions of peoples' insurance and they're going to force hospitals to close, but it's o.k. b/c they have vague hopes
With CBS and the Washington Post becoming state media, just like FOX, a right wing takeover of Tik Tok joining Musk seizing Twitter, progressive messages don't have billionaires amplifying them. This is a much bigger problem than how to frame "give people healthcare"
"The report has no answer to the media ownership problem...It includes pages upon pages bemoaning the Democratic Party’s messaging woes, without ever considering that the problem might be that its opponents have access to much larger megaphones."
newrepublic.com/article/2023...
newrepublic.com/article/2023...
Why Centrist Democrats Keep Being Wrong About Elections
A new 60-page report insists the party is too radical. But the problem isn’t the party platform. The problem is the broader environment.
newrepublic.com
October 31, 2025 at 5:19 PM
With CBS and the Washington Post becoming state media, just like FOX, a right wing takeover of Tik Tok joining Musk seizing Twitter, progressive messages don't have billionaires amplifying them. This is a much bigger problem than how to frame "give people healthcare"
My strong impression is that progressive voters want to see their leaders stand up to Trump and call out his authoritarian abuses. So Pritzker, AOC, Raskin et al are meeting the moment for us and Schumer and Jefferies are not.
"Of all the Dem govs, Pritzker understands the assignment best," says @davekarpf.bsky.social, because he's communicating that "his citizens are being attacked by Trump’s forces" in a way that'll get "the rest of the country to tune in."
Dave is so good here. Listen:
newrepublic.com/article/2024...
Dave is so good here. Listen:
newrepublic.com/article/2024...
Trump ICE Raids Take Jarring Turn as Dem Gov Drops Scary New Warning
As Illinois’ Governor warns of worsening fallout from Trump’s assault on Chicago, a political communications expert explains what this saga tells us about the state of our info-wars—and how Dems shoul...
newrepublic.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:58 PM
My strong impression is that progressive voters want to see their leaders stand up to Trump and call out his authoritarian abuses. So Pritzker, AOC, Raskin et al are meeting the moment for us and Schumer and Jefferies are not.
In a related story, Jamaica about to be pounded by the most devastating hurricane on record.
Having the regime pushing fossil fuels to please campaign donors is going to kill a lot of people, destroy a lot of homes, kill species
Having the regime pushing fossil fuels to please campaign donors is going to kill a lot of people, destroy a lot of homes, kill species
A hostile Trump administration has put offshore wind into reverse [via @yalee360.bsky.social]
A hostile Trump administration has put offshore wind into reverse
Most East Coast projects are doomed.
www.motherjones.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:08 PM
In a related story, Jamaica about to be pounded by the most devastating hurricane on record.
Having the regime pushing fossil fuels to please campaign donors is going to kill a lot of people, destroy a lot of homes, kill species
Having the regime pushing fossil fuels to please campaign donors is going to kill a lot of people, destroy a lot of homes, kill species
For all the people alarmed by the rapid rise in the national debt, the Biden Administration tried hard to raise taxes on the wealthiest, and SInema crossed over to join the 50 R Senators so there weren't votes to take a step back from oligarchy. She's a big part of how the super rich got richer
Kyrsten Sinema can fuck all the way off.
Former US Sen. Kyrsten Sinema lobbies for data center developer at Chandler AZ Plan Commission. Says she's working "hand in glove" w Trump Admin & warns city to embrace DCs or face federal intervention. City Council vote on Sinema's DC scheduled for Nov. 13.
October 27, 2025 at 8:16 PM
For all the people alarmed by the rapid rise in the national debt, the Biden Administration tried hard to raise taxes on the wealthiest, and SInema crossed over to join the 50 R Senators so there weren't votes to take a step back from oligarchy. She's a big part of how the super rich got richer
Watters might as well be State Media in North Korea. He will energetically sell whatever lies advance the interests of the regime. He's a propagandist, not a journalist.
I Am So Sick The Lying And The Complicity Of Corporate Media….
October 27, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Watters might as well be State Media in North Korea. He will energetically sell whatever lies advance the interests of the regime. He's a propagandist, not a journalist.
It's absolutely terrible that Trump only feels a need to act like a beneficent President to people he thinks voted for him, not the whole country
But it's striking that they're so lazy and non-strategic that half the time they accidentally screw over people who DID vote for him
But it's striking that they're so lazy and non-strategic that half the time they accidentally screw over people who DID vote for him
Trump screws his voters again: He just denied disaster aid to Maryland (while giving it to red states). But I took a look and it turns out the suffering Maryland counties are in Appalachia and backed him by 40 and 54 points.
On the pod, @stevebenen.com and I discuss:
newrepublic.com/article/2022...
On the pod, @stevebenen.com and I discuss:
newrepublic.com/article/2022...
Trump Nixing of Dem State Disaster Aid Backfires, Screwing MAGA Voters
After Trump’s handling of disasters boomerangs on MAGA country, the author of a piece on his retribution against blue America explains how this saga reveals MAGA ideology’s deepest depravities.
newrepublic.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:53 PM
It's absolutely terrible that Trump only feels a need to act like a beneficent President to people he thinks voted for him, not the whole country
But it's striking that they're so lazy and non-strategic that half the time they accidentally screw over people who DID vote for him
But it's striking that they're so lazy and non-strategic that half the time they accidentally screw over people who DID vote for him
I get why people are upset about the regime tearing down the East Wing, blowing up small boats, invading Chicago, none of those things is a "distraction"
But too many people are sleeping on the ways that climate change is causing increasing devastation, and the regime is intentionally speeding it
But too many people are sleeping on the ways that climate change is causing increasing devastation, and the regime is intentionally speeding it
youtube.com/watch?v=HYYX...
Worst hurricane ever aiming for Jamaica, my heart goes out to everybody 💔
Worst hurricane ever aiming for Jamaica, my heart goes out to everybody 💔
Historic Hurricane Melissa will be a Direct Hit into Jamaica...
YouTube video by Mr. Weatherman
youtube.com
October 26, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I get why people are upset about the regime tearing down the East Wing, blowing up small boats, invading Chicago, none of those things is a "distraction"
But too many people are sleeping on the ways that climate change is causing increasing devastation, and the regime is intentionally speeding it
But too many people are sleeping on the ways that climate change is causing increasing devastation, and the regime is intentionally speeding it
Treating allies and our largest trading partners like enemies and with contempt is going to turn out to have very large and very harmful consequences for the U.S.
Carney: "We can't control the trade policy of the US. We recognize it has fundamentally changed from the policy in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, & it's a situation where US has tariffs against every trading partner... what we we can control is developing new partnerships, including w/econ giants of Asia"
October 24, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Treating allies and our largest trading partners like enemies and with contempt is going to turn out to have very large and very harmful consequences for the U.S.
It's frustrating sometimes to see a bunch of people at this site complaining that the Democrats don't do anything, aren't fighting hard enough.
Jamie Raskin is my representative, and I'm so proud of the incredible work he does. He's the exact opposite of this regime, and is doing all he can
Jamie Raskin is my representative, and I'm so proud of the incredible work he does. He's the exact opposite of this regime, and is doing all he can
"If you tell this president, ‘DOJ, you just own all that and can control and direct it,’ surprise—he’s going to use it for corrupt ends."
If you want to grasp Trump's $230 million heist and role of SCOTUS and Raskin's oversight, listen to @leahlitman.bsky.social:
newrepublic.com/article/2022...
If you want to grasp Trump's $230 million heist and role of SCOTUS and Raskin's oversight, listen to @leahlitman.bsky.social:
newrepublic.com/article/2022...
Jamie Raskin’s Harsh New Takedown of Trump Reveals MAGA’s Dark New Aim
As Rep. Raskin’s broadside against Trump’s $230 million shakedown of DOJ hits home, a legal expert demystifies why this scheme is so appallingly corrupt—and what it says about MAGA’s ugliest designs.
newrepublic.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:11 PM
It's frustrating sometimes to see a bunch of people at this site complaining that the Democrats don't do anything, aren't fighting hard enough.
Jamie Raskin is my representative, and I'm so proud of the incredible work he does. He's the exact opposite of this regime, and is doing all he can
Jamie Raskin is my representative, and I'm so proud of the incredible work he does. He's the exact opposite of this regime, and is doing all he can
That he's just decided he wants and he's taking $230 million of taxpayer money for himself is terrible. But what's really awful is that Congressional Rs are so afraid of him that none of them are willing to publicly say "hey, you can't just steal that money"
Good: Jamie Raskin tells me he's formally demanding any/all internal communications between WH and DOJ on Trump's $230 million payoff.
More Dems should talk this way about Trump's criming. He's turning the presidency into a massive Bribe Delivery System.
New piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2021...
More Dems should talk this way about Trump's criming. He's turning the presidency into a massive Bribe Delivery System.
New piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2021...
Trump’s Vile New $230 Million Shakedown of DOJ Just Got Even Worse
It’s bad enough that Trump wants—and DOJ will likely fork over—this tribute payment. Now, get this: It can probably be done at first without even being revealed publicly.
newrepublic.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:47 PM
That he's just decided he wants and he's taking $230 million of taxpayer money for himself is terrible. But what's really awful is that Congressional Rs are so afraid of him that none of them are willing to publicly say "hey, you can't just steal that money"
One of Trump's favorite tactics is to do something outrageous right in front of the cameras. Then all Congressional Rs ignore it or approve out of fear of him, and FOX and his media praise him. And he moves the window of what he can do (like steal $230 million from taxpayers).
President Trump is reportedly demanding a massive personal payment from the government he oversees after enacting legislation that slashed funding for Medicaid benefits and food stamps that benefit the poorest Americans.
Report: Trump demands taxpayers hand him $230 million
Is it still "ridiculous that anyone would even suggest" that he's cashing in?
www.motherjones.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
One of Trump's favorite tactics is to do something outrageous right in front of the cameras. Then all Congressional Rs ignore it or approve out of fear of him, and FOX and his media praise him. And he moves the window of what he can do (like steal $230 million from taxpayers).
Math is so hard!]
I wonder if MAGA supporters will be walking into CVS's across America expecting to be PAID hundreds of dollars to accept pharmaceuticals?
And you know not a single person who works for him would explain to him why what he said makes no sense
I wonder if MAGA supporters will be walking into CVS's across America expecting to be PAID hundreds of dollars to accept pharmaceuticals?
And you know not a single person who works for him would explain to him why what he said makes no sense
October 21, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Math is so hard!]
I wonder if MAGA supporters will be walking into CVS's across America expecting to be PAID hundreds of dollars to accept pharmaceuticals?
And you know not a single person who works for him would explain to him why what he said makes no sense
I wonder if MAGA supporters will be walking into CVS's across America expecting to be PAID hundreds of dollars to accept pharmaceuticals?
And you know not a single person who works for him would explain to him why what he said makes no sense
I don't know that "future presidents" will hold these broad powers, with the Supreme Court as it is. They kept sharply restricting Joe Biden's presidential powers ("major questions doctrine," etc). I suspect that unless the Court changes, only future Republican presidents will have these powers
October 21, 2025 at 3:17 PM
I don't know that "future presidents" will hold these broad powers, with the Supreme Court as it is. They kept sharply restricting Joe Biden's presidential powers ("major questions doctrine," etc). I suspect that unless the Court changes, only future Republican presidents will have these powers
In both the Philippines and El Salvador, right wing leaders began just murdering people they said were drug dealers. Even though the population knew they were making a lot of mistakes, it was still very popular. Trump has praised both of these countries as models.
Now that Trump has illegally bombed a seventh boat in the Caribbean, please note this: Rep Adam Smith, ranking Dem on Armed Services, tells me that *at no point* have officials given lawmakers even the most basic information about these extrajudicial murders:
newrepublic.com/article/2019...
newrepublic.com/article/2019...
October 20, 2025 at 11:54 AM
In both the Philippines and El Salvador, right wing leaders began just murdering people they said were drug dealers. Even though the population knew they were making a lot of mistakes, it was still very popular. Trump has praised both of these countries as models.
No Kings in Maryland!
October 18, 2025 at 2:58 PM
No Kings in Maryland!