Large and In Charge
@kurtfarley.bsky.social
Required reading for any who foster division, promote populism, amplify extremist views, and undermine democratic norms. For those who disregard facts, stoke polarization, prioritize personal interests over national unity, and neglect marginalized groups.
The United States House of Representatives has been in session for about 80 of the roughly 200 weekdays so far this calendar year — just 40% of the days they could have been in session.
October 14, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The United States House of Representatives has been in session for about 80 of the roughly 200 weekdays so far this calendar year — just 40% of the days they could have been in session.
People often resist clear facts because those facts challenge the beliefs they’ve built their identity around. When someone strongly identifies with a political figure or ideology, new information that contradicts that belief can feel threatening, not informative.
April 17, 2025 at 1:34 AM
People often resist clear facts because those facts challenge the beliefs they’ve built their identity around. When someone strongly identifies with a political figure or ideology, new information that contradicts that belief can feel threatening, not informative.
Religion Pt 1
The First Amendment protects religious freedom through the Establishment Clause, which prevents government favoritism of religion, and the Free Exercise Clause, which allows individuals to practice their beliefs freely. These protections ensure a separation of church and state.
The First Amendment protects religious freedom through the Establishment Clause, which prevents government favoritism of religion, and the Free Exercise Clause, which allows individuals to practice their beliefs freely. These protections ensure a separation of church and state.
March 2, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Religion Pt 1
The First Amendment protects religious freedom through the Establishment Clause, which prevents government favoritism of religion, and the Free Exercise Clause, which allows individuals to practice their beliefs freely. These protections ensure a separation of church and state.
The First Amendment protects religious freedom through the Establishment Clause, which prevents government favoritism of religion, and the Free Exercise Clause, which allows individuals to practice their beliefs freely. These protections ensure a separation of church and state.
Petition Pt 1
Freedom of petition allows individuals to formally request government action without fear of retaliation. Protected by the First Amendment, this right ensures citizens can express grievances, seek policy changes, and advocate for causes directly through petitions or other means.
Freedom of petition allows individuals to formally request government action without fear of retaliation. Protected by the First Amendment, this right ensures citizens can express grievances, seek policy changes, and advocate for causes directly through petitions or other means.
March 1, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Petition Pt 1
Freedom of petition allows individuals to formally request government action without fear of retaliation. Protected by the First Amendment, this right ensures citizens can express grievances, seek policy changes, and advocate for causes directly through petitions or other means.
Freedom of petition allows individuals to formally request government action without fear of retaliation. Protected by the First Amendment, this right ensures citizens can express grievances, seek policy changes, and advocate for causes directly through petitions or other means.
Assembly Pt 1
Freedom of assembly allows people to gather peacefully to express ideas, protest, or advocate for change. Protected by the First Amendment, it ensures individuals can come together without government interference, promoting democracy and public participation in civic matters.
Freedom of assembly allows people to gather peacefully to express ideas, protest, or advocate for change. Protected by the First Amendment, it ensures individuals can come together without government interference, promoting democracy and public participation in civic matters.
February 27, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Assembly Pt 1
Freedom of assembly allows people to gather peacefully to express ideas, protest, or advocate for change. Protected by the First Amendment, it ensures individuals can come together without government interference, promoting democracy and public participation in civic matters.
Freedom of assembly allows people to gather peacefully to express ideas, protest, or advocate for change. Protected by the First Amendment, it ensures individuals can come together without government interference, promoting democracy and public participation in civic matters.
Press Pt 1
Freedom of the press allows media to report without government interference or censorship. Protected by the First Amendment, it ensures newspapers, TV, and online media can publish information freely, holding the government accountable and keeping the public informed on key issues.
Freedom of the press allows media to report without government interference or censorship. Protected by the First Amendment, it ensures newspapers, TV, and online media can publish information freely, holding the government accountable and keeping the public informed on key issues.
February 26, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Press Pt 1
Freedom of the press allows media to report without government interference or censorship. Protected by the First Amendment, it ensures newspapers, TV, and online media can publish information freely, holding the government accountable and keeping the public informed on key issues.
Freedom of the press allows media to report without government interference or censorship. Protected by the First Amendment, it ensures newspapers, TV, and online media can publish information freely, holding the government accountable and keeping the public informed on key issues.
Speech Pt 1
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, allowing individuals to express their views without government interference. It covers spoken, written, and symbolic expression but does not protect certain harmful speech, like threats, defamation, or incitement to violence, etc.
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, allowing individuals to express their views without government interference. It covers spoken, written, and symbolic expression but does not protect certain harmful speech, like threats, defamation, or incitement to violence, etc.
February 25, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Speech Pt 1
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, allowing individuals to express their views without government interference. It covers spoken, written, and symbolic expression but does not protect certain harmful speech, like threats, defamation, or incitement to violence, etc.
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, allowing individuals to express their views without government interference. It covers spoken, written, and symbolic expression but does not protect certain harmful speech, like threats, defamation, or incitement to violence, etc.
Ukraine Pt 1
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to significant global instability and humanitarian crises. President Trump has controversially blamed Ukraine for initiating the conflict, a stance that contradicts established facts and has drawn widespread international criticism.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to significant global instability and humanitarian crises. President Trump has controversially blamed Ukraine for initiating the conflict, a stance that contradicts established facts and has drawn widespread international criticism.
February 23, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Ukraine Pt 1
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to significant global instability and humanitarian crises. President Trump has controversially blamed Ukraine for initiating the conflict, a stance that contradicts established facts and has drawn widespread international criticism.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to significant global instability and humanitarian crises. President Trump has controversially blamed Ukraine for initiating the conflict, a stance that contradicts established facts and has drawn widespread international criticism.
Civil Rights Pt. 1
Civil rights laws protect non-white citizens from systemic racism, segregation, and discrimination in voting, education, employment, and housing. Before these laws, people of color faced legal and social barriers that denied them basic rights and equal opportunities. #democracy
Civil rights laws protect non-white citizens from systemic racism, segregation, and discrimination in voting, education, employment, and housing. Before these laws, people of color faced legal and social barriers that denied them basic rights and equal opportunities. #democracy
February 22, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Civil Rights Pt. 1
Civil rights laws protect non-white citizens from systemic racism, segregation, and discrimination in voting, education, employment, and housing. Before these laws, people of color faced legal and social barriers that denied them basic rights and equal opportunities. #democracy
Civil rights laws protect non-white citizens from systemic racism, segregation, and discrimination in voting, education, employment, and housing. Before these laws, people of color faced legal and social barriers that denied them basic rights and equal opportunities. #democracy
Judicial Review Pt. 1
Federalism in the U.S. judicial system ensures that state and federal courts operate independently with distinct authority. State courts handle most legal disputes, while federal courts oversee constitutional issues, federal laws, and interstate matters.
Federalism in the U.S. judicial system ensures that state and federal courts operate independently with distinct authority. State courts handle most legal disputes, while federal courts oversee constitutional issues, federal laws, and interstate matters.
February 22, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Judicial Review Pt. 1
Federalism in the U.S. judicial system ensures that state and federal courts operate independently with distinct authority. State courts handle most legal disputes, while federal courts oversee constitutional issues, federal laws, and interstate matters.
Federalism in the U.S. judicial system ensures that state and federal courts operate independently with distinct authority. State courts handle most legal disputes, while federal courts oversee constitutional issues, federal laws, and interstate matters.
Budget Pt. 1
The federal budget process follows a structured cycle. The President proposes a budget, Congress drafts a resolution, and 12 appropriations bills are passed to fund government functions before the fiscal year starts on October 1. The President signs them into law to finalize funding.
The federal budget process follows a structured cycle. The President proposes a budget, Congress drafts a resolution, and 12 appropriations bills are passed to fund government functions before the fiscal year starts on October 1. The President signs them into law to finalize funding.
February 21, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Budget Pt. 1
The federal budget process follows a structured cycle. The President proposes a budget, Congress drafts a resolution, and 12 appropriations bills are passed to fund government functions before the fiscal year starts on October 1. The President signs them into law to finalize funding.
The federal budget process follows a structured cycle. The President proposes a budget, Congress drafts a resolution, and 12 appropriations bills are passed to fund government functions before the fiscal year starts on October 1. The President signs them into law to finalize funding.
Sec. of State Pt. 1
The Secretary of State is the top U.S. diplomat, advising the President and leading foreign relations. The role includes negotiating treaties, overseeing embassies, and shaping global policy while managing the State Department’s vast operations. #bureaucracy
The Secretary of State is the top U.S. diplomat, advising the President and leading foreign relations. The role includes negotiating treaties, overseeing embassies, and shaping global policy while managing the State Department’s vast operations. #bureaucracy
February 18, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Sec. of State Pt. 1
The Secretary of State is the top U.S. diplomat, advising the President and leading foreign relations. The role includes negotiating treaties, overseeing embassies, and shaping global policy while managing the State Department’s vast operations. #bureaucracy
The Secretary of State is the top U.S. diplomat, advising the President and leading foreign relations. The role includes negotiating treaties, overseeing embassies, and shaping global policy while managing the State Department’s vast operations. #bureaucracy
The Pendleton Act Pt. 1
The Pendleton Act (1883) established a merit-based system for federal jobs, protecting career bureaucrats from political firings. It ended the spoils system, ensuring government agencies function based on expertise rather than loyalty to elected officials. #democracy
The Pendleton Act (1883) established a merit-based system for federal jobs, protecting career bureaucrats from political firings. It ended the spoils system, ensuring government agencies function based on expertise rather than loyalty to elected officials. #democracy
February 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM
The Pendleton Act Pt. 1
The Pendleton Act (1883) established a merit-based system for federal jobs, protecting career bureaucrats from political firings. It ended the spoils system, ensuring government agencies function based on expertise rather than loyalty to elected officials. #democracy
The Pendleton Act (1883) established a merit-based system for federal jobs, protecting career bureaucrats from political firings. It ended the spoils system, ensuring government agencies function based on expertise rather than loyalty to elected officials. #democracy
Oligarchy Pt. 1
An oligarchy is a system where a small elite group—often rich individuals, corporations, or political insiders—controls government and policy. Unlike democracy, where power is broadly distributed, oligarchs use wealth and influence to dominate decision-making, sidelining the public.
An oligarchy is a system where a small elite group—often rich individuals, corporations, or political insiders—controls government and policy. Unlike democracy, where power is broadly distributed, oligarchs use wealth and influence to dominate decision-making, sidelining the public.
February 15, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Oligarchy Pt. 1
An oligarchy is a system where a small elite group—often rich individuals, corporations, or political insiders—controls government and policy. Unlike democracy, where power is broadly distributed, oligarchs use wealth and influence to dominate decision-making, sidelining the public.
An oligarchy is a system where a small elite group—often rich individuals, corporations, or political insiders—controls government and policy. Unlike democracy, where power is broadly distributed, oligarchs use wealth and influence to dominate decision-making, sidelining the public.
Crisis Pt. 1
A constitutional crisis happens when the U.S. Constitution fails to resolve a major conflict, or when leaders refuse to follow its principles, leading to a governance breakdown. The U.S. has faced multiple crises throughout history. #constitutionalcrisis
A constitutional crisis happens when the U.S. Constitution fails to resolve a major conflict, or when leaders refuse to follow its principles, leading to a governance breakdown. The U.S. has faced multiple crises throughout history. #constitutionalcrisis
February 15, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Crisis Pt. 1
A constitutional crisis happens when the U.S. Constitution fails to resolve a major conflict, or when leaders refuse to follow its principles, leading to a governance breakdown. The U.S. has faced multiple crises throughout history. #constitutionalcrisis
A constitutional crisis happens when the U.S. Constitution fails to resolve a major conflict, or when leaders refuse to follow its principles, leading to a governance breakdown. The U.S. has faced multiple crises throughout history. #constitutionalcrisis
UET Pt. 1
The unitary executive theory claims all executive power belongs solely to the President, based on the Constitution’s Vesting and Take Care Clauses. It supports a highly centralized executive branch, limiting agency independence and congressional oversight. #politicaltheory
The unitary executive theory claims all executive power belongs solely to the President, based on the Constitution’s Vesting and Take Care Clauses. It supports a highly centralized executive branch, limiting agency independence and congressional oversight. #politicaltheory
February 14, 2025 at 2:04 AM
UET Pt. 1
The unitary executive theory claims all executive power belongs solely to the President, based on the Constitution’s Vesting and Take Care Clauses. It supports a highly centralized executive branch, limiting agency independence and congressional oversight. #politicaltheory
The unitary executive theory claims all executive power belongs solely to the President, based on the Constitution’s Vesting and Take Care Clauses. It supports a highly centralized executive branch, limiting agency independence and congressional oversight. #politicaltheory
Vaccines Pt. 1
Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight diseases by introducing weakened or inactive pathogens. This builds immunity without causing illness. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, nearly eliminated polio, and significantly reduced other deadly diseases worldwide. #health
Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight diseases by introducing weakened or inactive pathogens. This builds immunity without causing illness. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, nearly eliminated polio, and significantly reduced other deadly diseases worldwide. #health
February 12, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Vaccines Pt. 1
Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight diseases by introducing weakened or inactive pathogens. This builds immunity without causing illness. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, nearly eliminated polio, and significantly reduced other deadly diseases worldwide. #health
Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight diseases by introducing weakened or inactive pathogens. This builds immunity without causing illness. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, nearly eliminated polio, and significantly reduced other deadly diseases worldwide. #health
Join my SubStack
kurtwaywood.substack.com
#politics
#foreignpolicy
#education
#economics
#publicpolicy
#resist
kurtwaywood.substack.com
#politics
#foreignpolicy
#education
#economics
#publicpolicy
#resist
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February 11, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Citizens United Pt. 1
Citizens United v. FEC (2010) allowed unlimited spending by corporations, unions, and other groups on political campaigns, recognizing it as free speech under the First Amendment. This decision reshaped the way elections are financed in the U.S. #judiciary
Citizens United v. FEC (2010) allowed unlimited spending by corporations, unions, and other groups on political campaigns, recognizing it as free speech under the First Amendment. This decision reshaped the way elections are financed in the U.S. #judiciary
February 11, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Citizens United Pt. 1
Citizens United v. FEC (2010) allowed unlimited spending by corporations, unions, and other groups on political campaigns, recognizing it as free speech under the First Amendment. This decision reshaped the way elections are financed in the U.S. #judiciary
Citizens United v. FEC (2010) allowed unlimited spending by corporations, unions, and other groups on political campaigns, recognizing it as free speech under the First Amendment. This decision reshaped the way elections are financed in the U.S. #judiciary
Judiciary Pt. 1
The Judiciary checks the Executive through judicial review, striking down unconstitutional actions, interpreting laws, overseeing agencies, and hearing lawsuits. Courts ensure the Executive follows the law but lack direct enforcement power, relying on compliance from other branches.
The Judiciary checks the Executive through judicial review, striking down unconstitutional actions, interpreting laws, overseeing agencies, and hearing lawsuits. Courts ensure the Executive follows the law but lack direct enforcement power, relying on compliance from other branches.
February 10, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Judiciary Pt. 1
The Judiciary checks the Executive through judicial review, striking down unconstitutional actions, interpreting laws, overseeing agencies, and hearing lawsuits. Courts ensure the Executive follows the law but lack direct enforcement power, relying on compliance from other branches.
The Judiciary checks the Executive through judicial review, striking down unconstitutional actions, interpreting laws, overseeing agencies, and hearing lawsuits. Courts ensure the Executive follows the law but lack direct enforcement power, relying on compliance from other branches.
Federalism Pt. 1
Federalism divides power between national and state governments. The U.S. Constitution ensures states handle local issues while the federal government oversees national concerns like defense, foreign policy, and economic regulation, maintaining unity and stability. #democracy
Federalism divides power between national and state governments. The U.S. Constitution ensures states handle local issues while the federal government oversees national concerns like defense, foreign policy, and economic regulation, maintaining unity and stability. #democracy
February 9, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Federalism Pt. 1
Federalism divides power between national and state governments. The U.S. Constitution ensures states handle local issues while the federal government oversees national concerns like defense, foreign policy, and economic regulation, maintaining unity and stability. #democracy
Federalism divides power between national and state governments. The U.S. Constitution ensures states handle local issues while the federal government oversees national concerns like defense, foreign policy, and economic regulation, maintaining unity and stability. #democracy
DOE Pt. 1
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) funds schools, enforces education laws, and protects students. It ensures low-income kids, students with disabilities, and college applicants get the support they need for a fair education. Removing it would shift these responsibilities to states.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) funds schools, enforces education laws, and protects students. It ensures low-income kids, students with disabilities, and college applicants get the support they need for a fair education. Removing it would shift these responsibilities to states.
February 8, 2025 at 9:35 PM
DOE Pt. 1
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) funds schools, enforces education laws, and protects students. It ensures low-income kids, students with disabilities, and college applicants get the support they need for a fair education. Removing it would shift these responsibilities to states.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) funds schools, enforces education laws, and protects students. It ensures low-income kids, students with disabilities, and college applicants get the support they need for a fair education. Removing it would shift these responsibilities to states.
Gaza Pt. 1
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict stems from competing claims over the land. Jewish immigration under Ottoman and British rule led to tensions, escalating after the 1948 war and Israel’s 1967 occupation. Decades of failed peace efforts have left the conflict unresolved. #foreignpolicy
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict stems from competing claims over the land. Jewish immigration under Ottoman and British rule led to tensions, escalating after the 1948 war and Israel’s 1967 occupation. Decades of failed peace efforts have left the conflict unresolved. #foreignpolicy
February 6, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Gaza Pt. 1
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict stems from competing claims over the land. Jewish immigration under Ottoman and British rule led to tensions, escalating after the 1948 war and Israel’s 1967 occupation. Decades of failed peace efforts have left the conflict unresolved. #foreignpolicy
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict stems from competing claims over the land. Jewish immigration under Ottoman and British rule led to tensions, escalating after the 1948 war and Israel’s 1967 occupation. Decades of failed peace efforts have left the conflict unresolved. #foreignpolicy
Panama Canal Pt. 1
The Panama Canal is a 51-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, essential for global trade by cutting shipping time and costs. It handles 5% of world trade, supports the U.S. economy and military, and is vital to Panama’s revenue and regional stability. #panama
The Panama Canal is a 51-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, essential for global trade by cutting shipping time and costs. It handles 5% of world trade, supports the U.S. economy and military, and is vital to Panama’s revenue and regional stability. #panama
February 5, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Panama Canal Pt. 1
The Panama Canal is a 51-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, essential for global trade by cutting shipping time and costs. It handles 5% of world trade, supports the U.S. economy and military, and is vital to Panama’s revenue and regional stability. #panama
The Panama Canal is a 51-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, essential for global trade by cutting shipping time and costs. It handles 5% of world trade, supports the U.S. economy and military, and is vital to Panama’s revenue and regional stability. #panama