Lydia Kiesling
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lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Lydia Kiesling
@lydiakiesling.bsky.social
4.7K followers 2.5K following 480 posts
Author of The Golden State (2018) and Mobility (2023). www.lydiakiesling.com
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lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Racist as hell per usual
Screenshot of a post from Zibby's grid, white text with black letters: "REACTIONS FROM YOU "This is insanity." "Horrible." "So disappointing." "I'm sickened." "Devastated." "Sickening. I can't believe this." "So terrible." "This feels really dangerous."
November 6, 2025 at 3:17 AM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
This is what she's posting rn fyi. Just pure racism!
Screen shot of Zibby Owens's IG story showing a reel from samanthaettus and jewsinschool showing a white blond woman and the text "vote no to terrorism."
November 4, 2025 at 10:59 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
As a former lib supersoldier who finally cut my fraying ties with the party over its role in Gaza, watching assholes like Ross Douthat (& even people who are less horrible than he is) talk about 2024 like it was a referendum on leftism has led me to understand the term gaslighting on a deeper level
New York times screenshot of an opinion headline by Ross Douthat reading "it's obvious why Harris lost in 2024. But can democrats accept it?"
November 3, 2025 at 6:04 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Writers, please sign on. www.boycottdivestunsubscribe.com/opinion-boyc...
"lydiakiesling [via IG]: I have written for the NYT in various sections since 2014 and it was one of the most exciting moments of my professional life when I first had a byline with the magazine. Since then the paper has supplied the majority of my freelance income, because they are one of the few places that has money to spend and a single long magazine piece there can pay $10,000--almost unheard of anywhere else. In our denuded national media landscape something like 8 percent of American journalists are employed there. I say all this only to convey that, although I know it's craven, I wrestled with severing the connection to a financial lifeline that is known as "the paper of record" and also employs people I care about and respect across its many sections. But I can't pretend not to see the way the paper has played the role of stenographer for the IDF, or used language to emphasize the humanity of Israeli civilians while turning murdered Palestinians into faceless groups, or allowed Bret Stephens to treat genocide like a matter of personal sentiment. Freelancers are important for maintaining this storied institution. I'm not so naive to imagine even 300 people will make a difference, but we won't know if we don't try. If you're a writer, learn more and sign on at the link in my stories. I sign in remembrance of the many murdered Palestinian journalists and novelists and poets who will never again have the choice." "No Opinion I REFUSE TO WRITE FOR THE OPINION SECTION OF THE NEW YORK TIMES UNTIL THESE DEMANDS ARE MET." with a red arrow "THE NYT MUST: Conduct a review of anti-Palestinian bias in the newsroom and produce new editorial standards for Palestine coverage. Retract the widely debunked investigation "Screams Without Words." Publish an editorial calling for a U.S. arms embargo on Israel." "Join the Boycott GENOCIDE IS NOT A MATTER OF OPINION. See the list of 300+ initiating signatories, read our statement, and join us at: boycottdivestunsubscribe.com"
October 27, 2025 at 4:33 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Also oh my god are you fucking kidding me with this photo and headline combination. FOR SHAME. I was reading it on archive before (due to aforementioned genocide denial) and didn't see this. Now I'm even more mad.
A new York times headline reading "What Happens When Socialista Are in Charge? Portland Offers a Glimpse." over a photo of an empty street with a person pushing a cart over railroad tracks.
October 4, 2025 at 3:22 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
www.oregonlegislature.gov/lro/Document...
Screenshot from the Legislative Revenue Office document "2025 Oregon Public Finance: Basic Facts": "Oregon tax rates range from 4.75% to 9.9% of taxable income. Taxable income is adjusted gross income (AGI) plus Oregon additions less Oregon subtractions and deductions (standard or itemized). Because taxable income is generally less than AGI, the average effective tax rate is about 6.5% of AGI. All brackets, except the top income tax bracket, are indexed to inflation." It is followed by a chart showing that the top Oregon bracket is over $125,000, which is less than the threshold for the PFA tax.
August 16, 2025 at 12:58 AM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
The way people talk about this tax you'd think it is crushing the middle class but the people who in the true "just over the threshold so it looks like a lot but shit is expensive so they still feel a pinch" class are paying very, very small amounts toward PFA. If you are earning 700k/yr...congrats!
Yellow graphic: Who Pays for Preschool for All? Spoiler: Only the top 7% of income earners in Multnomah County. Here's how the tax works for different households: CARLOS, ATTORNEY Income: $140,000/year Filing Status: Single Taxable Income After Deductions: $124,250 PFA Tax Owed: $0 (below $125,000 threshold) MORGAN - SINGLE MOM, SOFTWARE DESIGNER Income: $150,000/year Filing Status: Head of Household Taxable Income After Deductions: $126,375 PFA Tax Owed: $20.63/year (1.5% of income over $125,000) ELENA & STEVEN - MARRIED PEDIATRICIANS Income: $300,000/year (one working part-time) Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly Taxable Income After Deductions: $268,500 PFA Tax Owed: $1,027.50/year (1.5% of income over $200,000) JIM & SUSAN - MARRIED CEO & BANKER Income: $750,000/year Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly Taxable Income After Deductions: $718,500 PFA Tax Owed: $12,555/year ($3,000 on income between $200,000-$400,000, $9,555 on income over $400,000)
August 15, 2025 at 2:54 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
If you are like "well people sure seem upset about the tax," have a look at what people are paying & ask yourself if we can take a break from centering the budgetary concerns of people who earn hundreds of thousands of dollars a year yet want to crush a program that is an economic boon to *everyone*
Yellow graphic showing different scenarios of tax payment: "Who Pays for Preschool for All? Spoiler: Only the top 7% of income earners in Multnomah County. Here's how the tax works for different households: CARLOS, ATTORNEY Income: $140,000/year Filing Status: Single Taxable Income After Deductions: $124,250 PFA Tax Owed: $0 (below $125,000 threshold) MORGAN - SINGLE MOM, SOFTWARE DESIGNER Income: $150,000/year Filing Status: Head of Household Taxable Income After Deductions: $126,375 PFA Tax Owed: $20.63/year (1.5% of income over $125,000) ELENA & STEVEN - MARRIED PEDIATRICIANS Income: $300,000/year (one working part-time) Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly Taxable Income After Deductions: $268,500 PFA Tax Owed: $1,027.50/year (1.5% of income over $200,000) JIM & SUSAN - MARRIED CEO & BANKER Income: $750,000/year Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly Taxable Income After Deductions: $718,500 PFA Tax Owed: $12,555/year ($3,000 on income between $200,000-$400,000, $9,555 on income over $400,000)
August 15, 2025 at 2:46 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
(remaining alt text)
Last paragraph: "Many journalists and editors I deeply admire are employed by the Times, and it has been difficult to step back from my own writing there, not only financially--the Magazine is one of the few media outlets that pays a decent rate--but emotionally. It feels like crossing the Rubicon in ways that extend beyond the implications for my own career. But genocide denial is crossing a Rubicon, and I feel that the Times has done so by allowing Bret Stephens to publish a piece like that while children are succumbing to manmade hunger. Media attention is one of the only things that can stop this campaign of starvation. I implore the Times to consider its role in this ongoing catastrophe, and to alter its course. Sincerely, Lydia Kiesling"
July 25, 2025 at 6:37 AM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
I truly intended this just as an email and not a public thing but fuck it we ball. The New York Times is not alone in its culpability but it is deeply culpable and its near-monopoly status in our blighted American media ecosystem allows it to do what it does.
a scholar with high standing in his field, should be "counterbalanced" by a columnist notorious for his incendiary, click-mongering, and manifestly ideological takes. And this is before we address the perversity of treating the legal designation of genocide as something to debate in the Opinion section. (Alt text continued in reply)
July 25, 2025 at 6:37 AM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
This is how people are replying and she is liking these comments. This is pure racism.
IG reply from "cougel": It is terrifying and a blatant sign of the radicalization and infiltration of anti semitism and hate. Are there "rumors" of who really funded his campaign Iran? Qatar? No doubt this was strategic"
June 26, 2025 at 7:21 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
I'm not sure gaslighting and low-key insulting your constituents and the people who voted for you in a statement about how you weren't actually trying to secretly, back-door gut Preschool for All was the move Governor Kotek
Statement on the Governor's letterhead with the Oregon seal: "Salem, OR — Today, Governor Tina Kotek issued the following statement about Multnomah County’s Preschool For All program: “Oregon families face uncertain childcare and preschool options, whether because it is more than they can afford every month, it is hard to find, or both. Bottomline, families deserve better – especially those who do not have money to spare. My entire career, as a nonprofit advocate and then as an elected leader, has been about finding solutions to help families get ahead. Frankly, Oregon needs a statewide plan to improve access to affordable childcare and preschool across the state. “Multnomah County’s Preschool For All program is well intended and works for many families. It represents hope, possibility, and opportunity, for families and for children. I get that — and will fight for the goal and the smart governance it takes to achieve that goal. “But for many families and the community at large, the program is not working. Kids that should be eligible are not getting a seat in the classroom. The economic landscape has changed since the passage of the measure that set the program in motion, and we must plan ahead with a more accurate picture of where we actually stand today. When you are elected and given authority over tax collection and budgets, it comes with the responsibility of adapting to the evolving needs of the people you serve. It comes with measuring outcomes against every penny you spend. Right now, the scales are out of balance. “From the beginning of my discussions with the County Chair, my north star has been the sustainability of the program because one of the reasons I ran for Governor was to make things better for our youngest learners. The program as it stands cannot fulfill its promise to Oregon children. It is breaking beneath its own weight, with at least $485 million in unspent funds combined with spotty implementation, scope creep, and a line of provider…
June 26, 2025 at 7:15 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
She has at least been sending really strong replies to people who write her!
Hello, Thank you so much for your message and for reaching out to my office. I, like you, was incredibly alarmed when I learned of this last-minute amendment to gut a program which is important to so many members of our community. I am strongly opposed to the -3 amendment to SB 106 and have spent the day working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that this bill doesn't go anywhere. I am fairly certain that the bill will not move forward, for which I am incredibly grateful. Hearing from so many constituents across Multnomah County really helped make the case to my colleagues about why we need to keep this program. As a pediatrician and Chair of the Senate Committee on Early Childhood & Behavioral Health, I have dedicated my life and my work to supporting our kids. I know the benefits that preschool has and am committed to ensuring that more Oregon kids have access to it not cutting it. We can have discussions about improvements to Multnomah County's program, which I don't believe is perfect but having the state swoop in over the top and attempt to revert the will of the voters with very little public process is not the right way to do that.
June 26, 2025 at 6:57 AM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Here's who you need to write and call RIGHT NOW to protest the attempt to kill Preschool for All at 1pm today. This is the Senate Finance Committee driving this effort on behalf of the governor and the wealthiest people in the Portland metro area. www.wweek.com/news/schools...
Kathleen Taylor, sen.kathleentaylor@oregonlegislature.gov, 503-986-1721 Mark Meek, Sen.MarkMeek@oregonlegislature.gov, 503-986-1720 Deb Patterson, Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov, 503-986-1710 Mike McClane, Sen.MikeMcLane@oregonlegislature.gov, 503-986-1730 Bruce Starr, Sen.BruceStarr@oregonlegislature.gov, 503-986-1712
June 24, 2025 at 3:33 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Genuine lol at this sign held by a marcher 15-20 years younger than me. The youth are learning their history🙏😭
A pink sign with a photo of trump and black handwritten lettering reading "this girl is the nastiest skank bitch I've ever met. Do not trust her. She is a fugly slut." We love to see it.
June 15, 2025 at 3:00 AM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
🇵🇸
Lydia a white woman with brown and gray hair pulled back in a red sweatshirt and white and black keffiyeh and black n95 and a large Palestine flag behind her waving in the sky Cardboard sign reading "from Portland to Palestine, solidarity is not a crime!" In a large protest context.
June 15, 2025 at 2:52 AM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Using AI to do bullet points makes your news coverage look stupid and grotesque
Screenshot of AP news front page with a bullet point reading "What to know: What caused the crash? That's unclear. An aviation safety expert told the AP that it's too early to know much about the cause of the crash, but it appeared to be very surprising at first glance."
June 12, 2025 at 2:19 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Ah yes it's time for the annual summer camp trend piece that fails to engage with the fact that kids being home requires the presence of a parent [mom] & that lists the amounts of money involved purely as a lifestyle marker instead of a symptom of total systemic failure & the need for class war 🤗
Screenshot from the NYT screen reading "Is It OK for Your Kids to 'Rot' All Summer? Some parents are choosing to forgo high-intensity camps and activities for their children in favor of weeks of unplanned time. Call it "kid rotting.""
June 9, 2025 at 11:31 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
This site "Notebook.ai" calls itself a "worldbuilding tool" & positions itself as a helpful aide for writers but in reality is a place where you can steal an actual writer's book, which kind of makes literal the underlying premise of using AI to write your book in the first place 🤡
A screenshot from the homepage of Notebook.ai with text "The smart notebook for worldbuilders / Notebook.ai grows with your ideas and collaborates with you. / try it for free / Start worldbuilding now. No card needed. / for writers / authors use Notebook.ai go create rich, immersive world for their novels, stories, and plays" A different page from Notebook.ai with the cover of Mobility by Lydia Kiesling, a novel with a photo of the Baku skyline on the cover, and a big blue button saying "Download now!"
June 3, 2025 at 2:53 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Portland!!! I'm so excited to talk with @hzeavin.bsky.social about Mother Media at @powells.bsky.social tomorrow at 7!! Come out!!!
Powell's social card showing stacked photos of Hannah (white woman with curly brown hair) and Lydia (white woman with straight brown hair) and the cover of Hannah's book Mother Media, and the text Powell's Books Presents Hannah Zeavin with Lydia Kiesling / Powell's City of Books/ Thursday, May 22 at 7pm
May 21, 2025 at 4:35 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Portland! Come see Sarah Schulman at @powells.bsky.social next week!!
A blue social card with the text "Powell's books presents Sarah Schulman with Lydia Kiesling / Powell's City of Books / Monday, May 12 at 7 PM" and the cover of Sarah's book, which is a blue sky with clouds fading into a red sky below, with a flock of birds flying and white text reading The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity by Sarah Schulman, with stacked square headshots of Sarah and Lydia, both white brunettes smiling.
May 6, 2025 at 6:16 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
This is my first plum and it took four years and there is one on the tree
A closeup of a tiny green thing on a bench with green leaves. It is a pea-sized baby plum
April 30, 2025 at 7:53 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Kind of losing my mind to get the @councilorgreen.bsky.social book endorsement at Powell's 😭
A photo of a bookshelf at Powell's with a paperback copy of Mobility by Lydia Kiesling facing outward (a bright yellow cover with a white woman with brown hair clipped up looking away, in a red shirt with gold hoop earrings), with a shelf talker card reading "customer pick" in yellow, with this text in black "Mobility by Lydia Kiesling. LYDIA KIESLING IS MASTERFUL IN HELPING US EXPERIENCE WITH CLARITY FAMILIAR TENSIONS WE ALL NAVIGATE AS INDIVIDUALS EMBEDDED IN SYSTEMS OF CLASS AND POWER. Councilor Mitch G."
April 27, 2025 at 5:28 AM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
Portland!!! Come to @powells.bsky.social tomorrow to hear Malcolm Harris talk about his new book!
Swirling rainbow oilslick cover of What's Left: Three Paths through the Planetary Crisis by Malcolm Harris, author of Palo Alto, against a royal blue background, with round headshots of Malcolm Harris (white with curly strawberry blond hair and glasses) and Lydia Kiesling (white brunette).
April 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
lydiakiesling.bsky.social
(remainder of alt text)
2/2, continued from previous post: "When your local news affiliate broadcast coverage of the cancelation, I expected the tenor of messages in my inbox to change. I started my writing career during the internet age and am accustomed to some level of vitriol. I can say with full honesty that I have received one lukewarm (and frankly somewhat incoherent) message defending your policy, by someone who appears to have no affiliation with the school. I believe that excluding trans and nonbinary students would be wrong regardless of campus opinion, but the dissonance between your letter and the sentiments of the students was stark to a degree that genuinely startled me, particularly for a student body so small. You have a wonderful group of people at your school. You should be proud of them. And you should listen to them. Sincerely, Lydia Kiesling"
April 17, 2025 at 4:33 PM