iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Ducky Lover

David Gustof @dgustof1966.bsky.social · 3h

I’ll say it again. The largest influence/indicator of student achievement is parental involvement.

6816

Reposted by Ducky Lover

kvconner.bsky.social @kvconner.bsky.social · 4h

If Putin stopped bombing Ukraine the war would end If Ukraine stops bombing Russia Ukraine would end

static.klipy.com

Waving Ukraine Flag: Hands Off Ukraine!

ALT: Waving Ukraine Flag: Hands Off Ukraine!

132

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Maya Ram 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇪🇺🇬🇱🇵🇦🇬🇧🇺🇦🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @mayaram2.bsky.social · 5h

Related to this, Zohran Mamdani’s father Dr Mahmoud Mamdani took part in civil rights protests and once got arrested. The Uganda embassy had to free him.

181

Ducky Lover @loveduckies.bsky.social · 2h

I grew up in Ohio during that era, but I'm stunned now, so late in my life, to realize that I had no idea all of that was happening. 😢

030

Reposted by Ducky Lover

lalabote @lalabote.bsky.social · 5h

It will be nice when DOJ and State Department start acting again like parts of a democratic government. Great explanations of all of this, especially the Soviet use of the situation to their advantage.

1152

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Shooti @bambooshooti.bsky.social · 6h

On July 2, 1964, LBJ signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title II outlaws discrimination in public accommodations, using the Commerce Clause to desegregate facilities nationwide. Most of the credit goes to U.S. civil rights activists, but the snub of a Ghanaian diplomat played a key role. /end

LBJ signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as MLK, other civil rights leaders, members of Congress and other officials look on. You rarely hear about the State Department’s involvement in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 because the public history focuses on the moral courage of domestic activists. However, the State Department helped shape Title II (public accommodations) and Title VI (federally assisted programs). While the DOJ chose the Commerce Clause as the primary legal driver for Title II, the State Department’s arguments influenced the “national security” wording in the bill’s preamble. The State Department had a direct hand in drafting Title VI because of its impact on foreign aid. The State Department’s biggest contribution was constructing the bill’s legislative defense. Secretary of State Dean Rusk’s July 1963 testimony embedded Cold War concerns into the Senate committee records, providing a national security justification that the Supreme Court could not easily dismiss.

34513

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Shooti @bambooshooti.bsky.social · 6h

Strategists also leveraged the federal government’s Treaty Power to argue that the U.S. had a duty to honor its obligations under the UN Charter. In July 1963, Secretary of State Dean Rusk testified before the Senate, using SPSS files to argue that segregation was crippling U.S. foreign policy. /9

Secretary of State Dean Rusk sits at the witness table inside a congressional hearing room in the U.S. Capitol complex, March 11, 1968. On July 10, 1963, Secretary of State Dean Rusk presented a data-driven argument to the Senate Commerce Committee. He said that racism was undermining U.S. national security and handing the Soviet Union its most potent weapon in the Cold War. Soviet state media didn’t have to invent anti-American propaganda. They simply had to translate real news clippings and frame U.S. government inaction as state-sponsored racism. Furthermore, Jim Crow laws were alienating the very leaders the U.S. needed to keep out of the Soviet orbit. Rusk’s testimony stripped Southern segregationists of their favorite defense: that Jim Crow was purely a local “states’ rights” issue. His testimony redefined civil rights as a national security imperative, providing momentum and evidentiary support to pass the Civil Rights Act the following year.

13612

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Shooti @bambooshooti.bsky.social · 6h

Recognizing that voluntary compliance was a failure, JFK introduced a comprehensive civil rights bill to Congress. To craft a bill that passed constitutional muster, strategists leveraged the Commerce Clause to argue that segregation harmed the national economy by disrupting travel. /8

The Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in Heart of Atlanta Motel v. U.S. eliminated a primary legal challenge to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Opened in 1956 and owned by an outspoken segregationist attorney named Moreton Rolleston Jr., the Heart of Atlanta Motel refused to rent rooms to Black guests. After the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Rolleston sued the federal government, claiming the Act violated his constitutional rights and arguing that the Commerce Clause did not apply because a motel is a local business and human beings are not “commerce.” On Dec. 14, 1964, the Supreme Court dismissed Rolleston’s arguments, noting that the motel was located near major interstate highways, advertised nationally and received roughly 75% of its business from out-of-state guests. The Court noted that racial discrimination in public lodgings placed a qualitative and quantitative burden on Black travelers, discouraging interstate travel and disrupting the national economy.

13511

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Shooti @bambooshooti.bsky.social · 6h

The Kennedy Administration was so panicked that the State Department established the Special Protocol Service Section to shield foreign diplomats from Jim Crow. This created an infuriating paradox where a Black diplomat wearing African clothing could be served where a Black citizen could not. /6

Pedro Sanjuan, head of the State Department’s Special Protocol Service. Under his direction, the SPSS documented the segregation crisis and its impact on U.S. foreign policy. In April 1961, the SPSS conducted a comprehensive index of luxury real estate in Washington, D.C., to figure out where African and Asian delegates could live. Out of 211 luxury apartment buildings surveyed by Sanjuan’s team, only eight expressed a willingness to lease units to Black diplomats. The other landlords refused, stating that integrating their buildings would cause white tenants to move out. Sanjuan also traveled Route 40, carrying letters from the President, begging restaurant owners to desegregate for foreigners. Owners were advised that if a Black customer arrived wearing African clothing, they were a foreign dignitary and should be served. If the guest wore Western clothing, staff were quietly to listen for a British, French or distinct foreign accent. Photo credit: State Department.

13514

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Shooti @bambooshooti.bsky.social · 6h

Traveling via U.S. Route 40 between UN headquarters in New York and embassies in Washington, D.C., was particularly problematic. Non-white diplomats routinely faced discrimination at roadside diners and motels. A frustrated JFK snapped to his staff, “It’s a hell of a road. … Tell them to fly!” /5

JFK meets with Dr. William H. Fitzjohn, Chargé d’Affaires of Sierra Leone, in the Oval Office, April 27, 1961. JFK met with Dr. Fitzjohn to apologize after the diplomat was refused service at a Howard Johnson’s restaurant in Hagerstown, Md. Fitzjohn chose a Howard Johnson’s because he believed the company’s claims that the chain was integrated. However, a waitress refused to serve him even after he presented his diplomatic credentials. The timing of the incident was a geopolitical nightmare for the White House. The snub occurred in March 1961, just weeks before Sierra Leone was scheduled to officially achieve independence on April 27, 1961. Fitzjohn kept the incident quiet, but it leaked around Independence Day. JFK invited Fitzjohn to the Oval Office to apologize face-to-face. To repair diplomacy, the Kennedy administration agreed to establish additional American university scholarships for Sierra Leonean students. Photo credit: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

13410

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Shooti @bambooshooti.bsky.social · 6h

For visiting African and Asian dignitaries in the 1950s and early 1960s, traveling to the U.S. was a jarring experience. They arrived with diplomatic credentials, global standing and the status of world leaders, only to discover that international rank did not protect Black or brown skin. /3

President Eisenhower meets with Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana at the White House, July 24, 1958. The meeting focused on the economic and development challenges facing Ghana following its independence from British colonial rule in March 1957. The geographic nexus of the diplomatic crisis was U.S. Route 40, the primary highway connecting New York City to Washington, D.C. Diplomats from newly independent nations frequently made this drive. Dozens were kicked out of diners, refused gas or forced to eat in their cars. African and Asian diplomats were insulted by the State Department’s attempts to create a “diplomatic loophole” for them. They recognized the inherent hypocrisy and refused to be treated as “honorary whites.” When protocol officers suggested that diplomats wear traditional West African clothing to avoid “misunderstandings,” several diplomats flatly refused. They viewed the suggestion as an attempt to make them characters in an American racial performance.

14613

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Shooti @bambooshooti.bsky.social · 6h

#ResistanceRoots Today in history, 1957: President Eisenhower apologizes to Ghanaian Finance Minister Komla Agbeli Gbedemah, who was denied service in a segregated restaurant. It was one of many incidents involving African dignitaries and a factor in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. /1

Ghanaian Finance Minister Komla Abela Gbedemah (left) meets with President Dwight D. Eisenhower (center) and Vice President Richard Nixon (right) at the White House on Oct. 10, 1957. The meeting was arranged after Gbedemah was refused indoor service at a Howard Johnson’s restaurant in Dover, Del. President Eisenhower issued a formal apology and invited Gbedemah to the White House for breakfast to address the incident. He and Nixon expressed regret and discussed financial assistance for Ghana’s Akosombo Dam project. Following the incident, Howard Johnson’s management instructed the Dover restaurant to serve all customers regardless of race. However, Howard Johnson’s operated largely through a franchise model, and individual owners often adhered to local Jim Crow laws or deep-seated regional customs. The refusal to implement a nationwide policy turned Howard Johnson’s into a prime target for civil rights groups. Photo credit: Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.

319483

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Xela Hart @xelahart.bsky.social · 4h

😩😩😩

22450231762

Reposted by Ducky Lover

joneson/dead bird site survivor. @joneson.bsky.social · 3h

#MS voters, here's Cindy Hyde Smith's vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill that cut health care from millions. Cindy works for herself, her party, & her donors, not you! Elect Scott Colom @scolom.bsky.social to the US Senate who will represent you & work for you! www.senate.gov/legislative/...

senate.gov

U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 119th Congress - 1st Session

166

Reposted by Ducky Lover

joneson/dead bird site survivor. @joneson.bsky.social · 3h

#MS voters, not only did Cindy Hyde Smith's vote deliver cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, & other health programs but it gave $1 trillion in tax cuts to the richest of Americans. Elect Scott Colom @scolom.bsky.social to the US Senate to protect your benefits. www.americanprogress.org/article/7-wa...

americanprogress.org

7 Ways the Big Beautiful Bill Cuts Taxes for the Rich

Overall, the Big Beautiful Bill will harm poor Americans and raise the incomes of rich Americans—driving gains for the rich through cuts to marginal tax rates and the estate tax, along with tax breaks...

1148

Reposted by Ducky Lover

joneson/dead bird site survivor. @joneson.bsky.social · 4h

#MS voters, Cindy Hyde Smith just like Joni Ernst represents the GOP of today by voting to increase MS healthcare costs resulting in the loss of coverage & cutting Medicaid, etc., in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Elect Scott Colom to the US Senate to protect your benefits. bsky.app/profile/atru...

31411

Reposted by Ducky Lover

The New York Times @nytimes.com · 7h

Breaking News: The Justice Department is investigating whether major TV networks violated federal antitrust laws when they briefly suspended pool coverage of President Trump, according to people with knowledge of the department’s action.

nyti.ms

Justice Dept. Is Investigating TV Networks Over Trump Pool Coverage

Major TV networks were notified on Friday that the department was looking into whether they violated antitrust laws when they suspended pool coverage of President Trump.

478525

Reposted by Ducky Lover

The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 10h

“$1 BILLION A DAY” @abdulelsayed.bsky.social’s new ad uses Trump’s pointless costly war in Iran to push a "Michigan First" message

8667235

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Break the Silence @shanoprogressive.bsky.social · 6h

Needs played in every state.

031

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Terndis Shipperound @clearsonnyday.bsky.social · 8h

And according to Brown University's Iran War Energy Cost Tracker the war has already cost each US household over $1,000 in energy costs. iranwarcost.watson.brown.edu

031

Reposted by Ducky Lover

PKs Powerfromspace1 🚀 Last Angry Bernie Brother cast adrift 😒 @powerfromspace1.bsky.social · 8h

Every Democrat not in safe seats should take note.

041

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Junkanoo 🇯🇲 @junkan00.bsky.social · 9h

…but we want what billionaires don’t…tax them and give everyone healthcare

051

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Veronica 🇺🇸 🇮🇹 🇺🇦 🇳🇴 🇲🇽 🇩🇪 🇨🇦 🍁 🇸🇪 🇵🇷 @vero1986.bsky.social · 8h

The United States 🇺🇸 of America needs Regime change.

031

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Mike Davis • Feed After Midnight @mjdavis1988.bsky.social · 4h

The next set of nationwide rallies is coming! Find one near you or host yourself! www.nokings.org

0114

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Trixie 🐾 Animal Advocate Warrior @animaladvocate01.bsky.social · 4h

👍👏👍👏👍👏👍

1197

Reposted by Ducky Lover

greg60 @greg60.bsky.social · 3h

OUTF&CKINGSTANDING ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ GO UKRAINE GO ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️💯🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

021

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Veteran Fighting For Democracy @vetsfight.bsky.social · 4h

The Republican Party has given it's soul to the Russians for help cheating the next election.

031

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Kimba @kimba1129.bsky.social · 4h

Glory Ukraine 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 💙✌️

051

Reposted by Ducky Lover

John Peele @pinetees.bsky.social · 4h

Zelensky shoving a drone right up Trump’s Russian oil-slicked ass.

1528189

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Dr. Princess Vimentin PhD | Cancer Biologist @princess-vimentin.bsky.social · 14h

October is breast cancer awareness month. Fun fact: Pressure from mammograms do not "pop" an existing tumor & spread it. Why? Because breast tumors (eg. DCIS) are composed of cells that form connective tissue. They are literally disorganized solid masses of cells mixed w/dense fibrous tissue.🧪

https://www.cell.com/trends/cancer/fulltext/S2405-8033(23)00002-X

2213270

Ducky Lover @loveduckies.bsky.social · 2h

However, his co-presidents PeeWee German, Vought, & Blanche are busy 24x7 implementing Project 2025 and destroying the federal govt, the rule of law, and our democracy.

000

Reposted by Ducky Lover

RoseMarie @rosesbloom24.bsky.social · 13h

Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico mocked MAGA conspiracy theorists Friday when he attended a popular music festival after almost two weeks off the campaign trail due to the flu. #JamesTalaricoForTexas 🗳️🌊 www.thedailybeast.com/democrat-sta...?

thedailybeast.com

Dem Star Mocks MAGA’s Wild Conspiracy Theories

James Talarico reemerged this weekend at Austin City Limits.

314277

Reposted by Ducky Lover

Anonymous @youranoncentral.bsky.social · 9h

The US cannot possibly continue participating in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. It is absurd to allow a hostile state aligned with Russia, acting in bad faith, to play a role in the peace process.

24899247