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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective)

@arccollective.bsky.social
2.7K followers 915 following 7.5K posts

Founder of ARC. Board member @antihateca.bsky.social. Middle-aged weight lifter. Snarky, partisan, hack (but often charmingly so). Proudly and unapologetically anti-fascist.

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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
While I don't publish on the blog often these days, this is one that I think is important. It is to me in any case. tinyurl.com/5n6ubwsu
tinyurl.com
The Death of John Beattie and the Waste of a Life Devoted to Hate
I started this blog in November of 2007, not long after I turned 31. This month I will be celebrating my 50th birthday. I think when you get...
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Suffice to say Tony is an Alberta separatist who doesn’t know what communism means. A link to the stupid site: x.com/tonyo1911/st...
x.com
Anthony Olienick (@TonyO1911) on X
Anthony Olienick (@TonyO1911) on X
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Appeals dismissed for Coutts border blockade leaders convicted of mischief, weapons offences | CBC News
The Alberta Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeals of two leaders of the 2022 Coutts border blockade who were convicted of mischief and weapons offences.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I've clearly entered into my cardigan years. I should have made sure the grey shirt collar wasn't all wrinkly.
School portrait of me, bald with a neatly trimmed grey beard and black rectangular glasses, smiling slightly (I don't see the smile myself, but we shall go with it I suppose) at the camera. He wears a dark cable-knit cardigan over a light grey collared shirt against a mottled blue backdrop.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Translation: “Since I’m more convinced the referendum on whether to hold a future referendum on Alberta separation isn’t going to go the way I want, I’m not going to accept the result as legitimate.” Oh Marty… I’m not angry. I’m just very disappointed in you.
A screenshot of an X post from the verified account “Martyupnorth®- Unac…” (@Martyupnorth). The post reads: “I’m starting to think that many of you are probably right. We’re not going to be able to vote our way out of this mess.” It is timestamped 7:39 a.m. on September 21, 2026.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
So. You know how I’ve been saying for years (decades at this point) that even the most seemingly united far right group will inevitably implode due to the toxic personalities involved? Suffice to say I remain undefeated on this point.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
No, but there are certainly some accusations that might be working their way through the courts perhaps? I would have to look into it.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
2/2 www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Carney tells NYT he studied risk of U.S.-led military action in Canada | CBC News
Prime Minister Mark Carney says he studied the possibility of U.S.-led military action in Canada. In a lengthy New York Times interview, he declined to discuss in detail what that examination involved...
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
1/2 Well this is certainly an interesting way to spin what was done. If the separatists have to lie, one might begin to question their integrity.
Screenshot of an X post by Jeffrey Rath (@JeffreyRWRath), dated September 24, 2026. The post reads: “ALBERTA CRISIS ALERT 🚨 MARK CARNEY IS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING WAR AGAINST THE UNITED STATES! Mark Carney is a dangerous lunatic. ALBERTA’s only salvation is to vote for Independence on October 19th.” Below the text is a link preview from Apple News with the partially visible headline, “Mark Carney says he has considered possibility of US military…” The post shows approximately 2,000 views, 22 replies, 52 reposts, 199 likes, and 1 bookmark.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
static.klipy.com
Windfall Pinky Up
ALT: Windfall Pinky Up
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Also, everyone gets a puppy and/or kitten!
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
But that all worked out really well right? RIGHT?!?!
static.klipy.com
Man's Cringe Fake Smile
ALT: Man's Cringe Fake Smile
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
2/ This is of course at odds with what actual academics have offered. If I have to choose between a report written by the rednecks and the report written my the nerds, I am team nerd all day. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Establishing independent Alberta could cost up to $170B over 5 years: report | CBC News
The cost of establishing a new country could range between $50 billion and $170 billion over a five-year period, a government-commissioned report released Wednesday says.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
1/ In news shocking no one, the pro-separatist side released a “study” based on their research claiming that leaving Canada will result a financial windfall.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Also this.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Is this desperate? It seems desperate.
Screenshot of a September 21, 2026 post by Keith Wilson on X. Wilson writes: “Even stay-in-Canada Albertans should vote Option 2. It’s not a vote to leave. It’s a vote that Ottawa’s current deal is broken — and it gives Danielle Smith the leverage she needs. Option 1 tells Carney we’re fine with the status quo. We’re not.” The post links to a Calgary Herald article about an Alberta separatist leader pushing for a fall referendum and includes an image of the Canadian and Alberta flags flying together.
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Reposted by Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective)
Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
1/2 My friend Ava is going through a personal crisis at the same time her health is precarious. Another friend of hers set up a GoFundMe to help her and her daughters through an exceptionally challenging time. www.gofundme.com/f/help-ava-b...
gofundme.com
Donate to Help Ava Build a Future for Her Three Daughters, organized by Casey Robinson
Hello! I’m Casey, Ava’s friend and if you have the pleasure of being … Casey Robinson needs your support for Help Ava Build a Future for Her Three Daughters
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
static.klipy.com
It's Taco O'Clock at La Taqueria
ALT: It's Taco O'Clock at La Taqueria
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
static.klipy.com
Scottykfitness Flexes Muscles: Why I Oughta
ALT: Scottykfitness Flexes Muscles: Why I Oughta
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
25/ What is also not in doubt is that large numbers of the separatist camp won't accept results they have been conditioned to reject because "they don't know anyone who didn't vote to separate" and the inevitable claims of election fraud. But that's an issue to discuss another day.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
24/ In any case, it is important to show up. It is important to vote. But I genuinely don't believe the outcome is really in doubt.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
23/ So lets's say there are 3 separatists each donating $15,000 for the cause. And let's say there are 500 pro-Canadians, each donating between $5 and $20. Yes, the separatists have more money, but the important math is 500 is more than 3. Oversimplified analogy? Yes, but I think it makes the point
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
22/ The pro-Canada side on the other hand, again based on what I've read elsewhere, are getting smaller donations but from a much larger pool.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
21/ The money is also interesting. Yes, the separatists have raised more, but based on what I have read their are really a relatively few who are providing the bulk of the funds. And because they are passionate, they are willing to spend what it takes.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
20/ While I have to be aware of my own biases and echo chambers, I also am aware of a lot of people who don't have pro-Canada signs on their lawns who are also eager to vote no to separation. Of course much like the separatists, this is somewhat of a self-selected sample so one has to be careful.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
19/ But, given how vociferous the separatists are in their support of the effort, it stands to reason they would be the most eager to indicate an outward display of that support. Speculation? Sure, but I don't think unreasonable.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
18/ Regarding homes with signs (pro-Canada or pro-separation), it should be noted that most homes in town don't have signs at all so we would have to speculate as to the voting intent of the inhabitants.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
17/ When the Forever Canada bus came to Drumheller, I counted at least 60 people there to pick up signs at any time (as people were leaving others were coming). And cars that didn't stop honked in support. The separatists held a counter-protest on the other side of the road. There were 8 of them.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
16/ Then there was the gathering of signatures. I saw lineups at the pro-Canada locations in town while the pro-separation I drove by on my way to work and back location often seemed very lonely.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
15/ The same is reflected around town. There are noticably more pro-Canada signs than pro-separation.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
14/ There are also one Alberta flag on a home compared to 4 with Canadian flags; no signs but these might also indicate where the inhabitants lean regarding the question.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
13/ I mention all this to provide some context. This area historically should contain the most rabid supporters of separation in the province. However, I see FAR more pro-Canada signs than pro-separation signs. On my street alone I count one pro-separation sign when compared to 5 pro-Canada.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
12/ While Kesler lost in the general election held a little over 2 months later, he represented the first and thus far only example of a separatist entering the Leg. FYI, Kesler at 81 is still alive and has been a member of the Republican Party of Alberta since 2025.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
11/ It is also in the heartland of the historic separatist movement in the province. Back in 1982 in the then neighboring riding of Olds-Didsbury, Gordon Kesler then of the Western Canada Concept Party was elected in a byelection.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
10/ And, anecdotally, does what you are seeing reflect the sense of doom present in the CBC article? I live in Drumheller located in the most conservative riding in the most conservative province in the country. Pierre Polievre is my MP right now... yay... :/
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
9/ And their are no big personalities at odds with one another. Really, the only specific person I can really think of as spearheading the effort is Thomas Lukaszuk. Yes, politicians like Kenney have also chimed in and he is divisive as hell in many ways, but even he has generally stayed on message.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
8/ While I may have missed something, I don't see the same factionalism on the pro-Canada side. There are different groups, sure, but they aren't only unified in a goal, their visions aren't disperate because it is all basically focused on remaining Canadian.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
7/ The leadership is often publically at odds. I've seen Parker and Wilson and Rath and a host of other leaders and influencers ripping each other apart over both minor and major disagreements over their particular visions. People who throw online temper tantrusm see themselves as founding fathers?
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
6/ Will it be a libertatian paradise? A Christian Nationalist utopia (unless you aren't Christian or the RIGHT kind of Christian)? A mono-ethnic nation where minority ethnicities are second class guest workers if they are even permited? A brief period before integration as an American state?
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
5/ But are they unified? Not based on what I've seen. The only thing they agree on is that Alberta should leave the country to become independent. But they are often at each others' throats regarding what that future country should look like.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
4/ Yes, the pro-separation camp is motivated. They will come out to vote. And they are loud, though they also exist in an echo chamber in which their voices are amplified by each other.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
3/ So, in the experience of my fellow Albertans, does this reflect reality? I'm not sure that it does.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
2/ I just read an article on CBC bemoaning the "fractured" pro-Canada side. It makes it appear as if the separation advicates are a united and powerful juggernaut flush with cash while the pro-Canada side are a collection of bugs to be sqashed. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
ANALYSIS | Alberta's pro-Canada side is splintered, siloed and struggling to raise cash. Does it matter? | CBC News
Over the last year, a steady drumbeat of polling has found again and again that most Albertans oppose separation — but based on fundraising and online chatter, you might not know that.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
1/ While we can't be complacent regarding the threat of Alberta separation (not because separatists represent anywhere near a sizable portion of the province compared to the stay in Canada side), I think we also have to calm the hell down as well.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Given the price of natural gas there might be a silver lining in this. lol
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Picked it up in Killarney, Ireland in 2017. 🙂
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
2/2
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
1/2 Might be the last night of the summer that I do this in 2026.
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Kurt Phillips (ARC Collective) @arccollective.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
www.instagram.com/p/Dc_kNRIjDW...
instagram.com
Pan Cooke on Instagram: "I will continue to share this until it’s no longer relevant. Book bans don’t protect kids - books do."
236K likes, 2,227 comments - thefakepan on September 7, 2026: "I will continue to share this until it’s no longer relevant. Book bans don’t protect kids - books do.".
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