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marksmall1973.bsky.social

@marksmall1973.bsky.social
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Lessons that U.S. citizens [FN1] can learn from 9/11 & its aftermath seem to elude many of us. The attacks were abhorrent, but not “senseless.” [FN2] Terrorists chose targets in the U.S. Our policies toward & backing of the same despots as pre-9/11 should be noted. 1/10
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
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When conditions that gave rise to 9/11 might repeat ...
Lessons that U.S. citizens [FN1] can learn from 9/11 & its aftermath seem to elude many of us. The attacks were abhorrent, but not “senseless.” [FN2] T…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Over the past month, on numerous threads I’ve followed or read on different platforms, one reply on the issue of crime rates for immigrants [FN1] has been iron-clad and definitive. “If they wasn’t here illegally, that person would still be alive.” Fortunately, although such 1/8
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
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Allocating fault in collisions & immigration status
Over the past month, on numerous threads I’ve followed or read on different platforms, one reply on the issue of crime rates for immigrants [FN1] has been iron…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
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Rhode Island: most definitely NOT a “Christian” State (Beckwith lies)
Rhode Island [FN186] “enjoys the honor of having been, if not the first, at least one of the earliest, of the colonies, and indeed of modern states, in which t…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
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North Carolina ratified, 2nd time around & Federalists didn’t take an easy route
North Carolina is unique in constitutional history. Two conventions were called “for the purpose of deliberating and determining on the proposed Plan of Federa…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
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Matters do not get better for “Christian” nationalists in VA or NY
In June 1788, 3 States (VA, NY, NC) that had sent delegates to Philadelphia had not ratified the Constitution. Virginia had early ties to religion: “the Church…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
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“Love it or leave it”? No, buck-o, our right to free speech is protected, especially about people destroying the country
Our series of blogs on why “Christian” nationalist claims that the USA was founded as a “Christian” nation are wrong, will resume after the following. In the l…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
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The USA was not created as a “Christian” country: MD & SC as examples
Records of ratification Conventions of 9 States [FN153] show no credible support of “Christian” nationalists’ claim that the USA was founded as a “Christian” c…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
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States get the magic number for ratification w/9 - 3 to go.
As a “Christian” nationalist said a couple of years ago: ““America should be governed according to biblical law for the benefit of believers.” [FN137] That’s b…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
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In first 3 States to ratify (DE, PA, NJ) no one says “We’re ‘Christian’” or even says a prayer
Delaware was the first State to ratify the Constitution. As noted in the last blog, there is nothing credible [FN112] to support “Christian” nationalists’ clai…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
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“Christian” nationalists: stupid OR ignorant or stupid AND ignorant (& mean about it, too)
“Christian” nationalists assert that the USA was founded as a “Christian” country, but none of the founding documents refers to, or notes as included in our la…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
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Re-cap & half-time score: America 5 CN 0
It’s half-time! “Christian” nationalists (CN) were called out on assertions that the USA was founded as “Christian.” Support for those assertions must be in of…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
As we approach the mid-term elections, we should think about accountability. “The President ... shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” [FN1] This power is quite broad. [FN2] 1/8
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
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Effects of Jan 6 pardons and accountability of maga poll watchers
As we approach the mid-term elections, we should think about accountability. “The President ... shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences ag…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Madison arrived 10 days early in Philadelphia and kept busy. His study of the histories of republics was of republics from “classic” times (i.e., Greece and Rome) before events described in the New Testament and thus inherently not Christian. [FN56] 1/11
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
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Our history is far more complex than a hate-filled demagogue can handle
Madison arrived 10 days early in Philadelphia and kept busy. His study of the histories of republics was of republics from “classic” times (i.e., Greece and Ro…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
James Madison (called “the Father of the Constitution”) [FN48] saw defects in the Articles of Confederation (“Articles”), [FN49] comparable “to the League of Nations.” Each State was a “sovereign” that could ignore a single-chamber Congress. [FN50] 1/10
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
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“God” made no appearance at the Convention or in Madison’s notes
James Madison (called “the Father of the Constitution”) [FN48] saw defects in the Articles of Confederation (“Articles”), [FN49] comparable “to the League of N…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
How do you evaluate whether the following statement is true: The United States was founded as a Christian country? You have to rely upon items that can be examined or reviewed by others. [FN40] Our inquiry is of events, their conclusion, and the nature of that conclusion. 1/11
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
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How to evaluate whether the U.S. was founded as "Christian"
How do you evaluate whether the following statement is true: The United States was founded as a Christian country? You have to rely upon items that can be exam…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Factors/issues at play as States selected delegates who traveled, to meet in Philadelphia. 1) Travel to Philly was difficult and slow. “Muddy roads” and “spring rains” delayed many of the delegates, resulting in a delay of 11 days from the date set by Congress. [FN26] 1/17
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
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The Constitution invokes "the favor and guidance of Almighty God"
Factors/issues at play as States selected delegates who traveled, to meet in Philadelphia. 1) Travel to Philly was difficult and slow. “Muddy roads” and “sprin…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
GOP officials are pushing religion. “Christian nationalism” (“CN”) is based on the belief that the U.S. is divinely chosen, the New Testament should shape gov’t policies & white Christians should dominate American culture. [FN16] Some are open about the label. All ignore 1/15
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
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“Christian nationalists” lie about our history: this is not a theocracy
GOP officials are pushing religion. “Christian nationalism” (“CN”) is based on the belief that the U.S. is divinely chosen, the New Testament should shape gov’…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
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“Christian nationalists” are wrong: our country values diversity of beliefs
In recent weeks, some GOP officials have called for government policies that would discriminate against non-”Christian nationalists.” Without the premise, that…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
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IN Lt Gov Beckwith wants to be like Gen’l Zod & have us swear his oath
IN Lt Gov Micah Beckwith wants IN’s Constitution to require candidates for public office “profess their belief ‘in Judeo-Christian orthodoxy.’” [FN1] His views…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
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trump’s orders to attack Cuba, or any other countries, are outside the Constitution & impeachable
Attacks on Iran, w/o warnings - to U.S. allies or the American people - began 2/28. POTUS is “Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Tonight, in trump’s address on prime time, one more item might be checked off the list of prerequisites for dictatorship. There is a fairly high probability that trump will declare “void” the elections that placed Senators Ossoff and Warnock in the U.S. Senate. [FN1] 1/15
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
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trump can’t declare elections void, but courts can declare 2016 & all trump’s done since void
Tonight, in trump’s address on prime time, one more item might be checked off the list of prerequisites for dictatorship. There is a fairly high probability th…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
IN’s Lt Gov rarely shows cowardice of a type that might soon be on display. The man shames poultry with a nickname bestowed upon him: Le Merde de Poulet. To be accurate, it takes little courage to harass, late at night, women at food pantries. Or (say it ain’t so!)...1/6
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
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IN's Gov can't order #2 a/k/a La Merde de Poulet, to do, well, merde
IN’s Lt Gov rarely shows cowardice of a type that might soon be on display. The man shames poultry with a nickname bestowed upon him: Le Merde de Poulet. To be…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
History is “a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events.” [FN1] Accuracy of the record of events is necessary, or else the explanation of the events is, at best, fiction. At worst, a false telling of the past gives rise to beliefs based on lies. History provides examples. 1/16
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
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trump seeking to rid degeneracy from history lessons, just like Germany ‘33
History is “a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events.” [FN1] Accuracy of the record of events is necessary, or else the explanation of the e…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Last evening, on Brad Sowinski’s FB podcast “The Rinse,” [FN1] between panelists’ (minus me) and viewers’ comments, a general view was that the World is peachy-keen about the U.S. as host of this year’s World Cup. I asked whether U.S. border cops were hassling teams. 1/10
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
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trump's cheating ways now envelope the World Cup(r)
Last evening, on Brad Sowinski’s FB podcast “The Rinse,” [FN1] between panelists’ (minus me) and viewers’ comments, a general view was that the World is peachy…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Of many adjectives that can be used to describe Indiana’s AG, Todd Rokita, none is good. His FB post of 7/1 blends ignorance of American history and racism in classic Rokita fashion and was in advance of the July 4th holiday. In relevant part that post stated: 1/13
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
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Ignorance, racism, slavery: celebrating the 4th of July the Rokita way!
Of many adjectives that can be used to describe Indiana’s AG, Todd Rokita, none is good. His FB post of 7/1 blends ignorance of American history and racism in…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
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Thumbing to the Bicentennial, seg III c.2026 mark small.
The driver was a clean-cut white guy in his late 20s. He asked how far I was going. When I said Charlottesville, he nodded and said he was getting off of I-70…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
IN’s Lt Gov [FN1] posted cheeky insults that were re-posted on the SnydeReport [FN2] & the topic chosen by Le Merde de Poulet [FN3]: IN’s Democratic Party’s nomination of Beau Bayh for Sec’y of State (“SoS”), [FN4] who would be IN’s chief elections officer. [FN5] 1/15
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
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IN’s Lt Gov [Imbecile] displays his ignorance & stupidity re: Bayh for SoS
IN’s Lt Gov [FN1] posted cheeky insults that were re-posted on the SnydeReport [FN2] & the topic chosen by Le Merde de Poulet [FN3]: IN’s Democratic Pa…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
On 6/6/26, after weeks of acrimony, Indiana’s State Democratic Party, at convention, nominated Beau Bayh [FN1] for Secretary of State (“SoS”). That office is created by Indiana’s Constitution. [FN2] As in many States, the SoS is Indiana’s chief elections officer. [FN3] 1/14
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
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Spiffy sentiments about "something different" and "better" from IN Democratic convention
On 6/6/26, after weeks of acrimony, Indiana’s State Democratic Party, at convention, nominated Beau Bayh [FN1] for Secretary of State (“SoS”). That office is c…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
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Don’t get too carried away re: comparisons of 47 to 18
Time can take a toll on rationality, but it also can transform the political terrain. On occasion I’ve kept track of unfair comparisons of “47 to the former c…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Heritage Foundation and [FN16] ALEC [FN17] are far right-wing & write proposed statutes and outline plans for what is a divestiture of the rights protected by the Constitution. An Article 5 convention allows them to replace the Constitution w/a “new republic.” 1/12
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
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Reality show to one-up all reality shows: an Article V convention, part 4.5
Heritage Foundation and [FN16] ALEC [FN17] are far right-wing & write proposed statutes and outline plans for what is a divestiture of the rights prote…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
On 6/1/26, under the handle “People Over Politics” FB, a question was directed to Rep Andre Carson (D-CD7): “Andre Carson I’ll host a show where you can discuss Islam with Micah Beckwith. When would you like to do it?” That question is offensive. 1/17
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
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Beckwith's bigotry & ignorance are repugnant to many of us. Impeachment can be local
On 6/1/26, under the handle “People Over Politics” FB, a question was directed to Rep Andre Carson (D-CD7):“Andre Carson I’ll host a show where you can discuss…
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Sunday on Brad Sowinski’s FB podcast “The Rinse,” [FN1] talk turned to IN’s Lt Gov’s comments about hate. [FN2, 2a] Accepted as truth, of late, is the erroneous notion that this was founded as a “Christian” nation. That was implicit in everyone else’s comments. 1/9
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marksmall1973.bsky.social @marksmall1973.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
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This was not founded as a “Christian” country: last Sunday’s show
Sunday on Brad Sowinski’s FB podcast “The Rinse,” [FN1] talk turned to IN’s Lt Gov’s comments about hate. [FN2, 2a] Accepted as truth, of late, is the erroneou…
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