Sign in

old-curmudgeon.bsky.social

@old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
109 followers 23 following 448 posts
PostsRepliesMedia
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
AI and Marie Antoinette (not as different as you might think). jonmargolis.substack.com/p/ai-and-mar...
jonmargolis.substack.com
AI And Marie Antoinette
Let me make one thing clear: You could put all I know about AI in a thimble and still have ample room for your finger.
000
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Compassion jonmargolis.substack.com/p/compassion...
jonmargolis.substack.com
Compassion
Before I get into today’s subject, a couple of notes about my most recent post. First, Thomas B. Edsall, writing in NYT, noted a statement from 36 prominent medical professionals discussing signs of d...
000
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The question: jonmargolis.substack.com/p/the-questi...
jonmargolis.substack.com
The Question
I am a lonely voice in saying this, but I believe that a single question, properly phrased, would decide some of the most important races this year.
000
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Joyce White Vance @joycewhitevance.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Why are the dissents from Thomas & Alito so unsurprising? Note: Judge Nichols has just entered an even broader injunction, so this isn’t over yet www.nytimes.com/live/2026/09...
nytimes.com
Live Updates: Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Restrictions on Mail Voting
The ruling blocks the Trump administration from dramatically changing how Americans vote by mail in the midterm elections.
36676154
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 14/09/2026
Your regular reminder: If the Russians stop fighting, the war ends. If the Ukrainians stop fighting, their land will be occupied, their leaders will be killed, their history and language will be erased, their children will be kidnapped to serve Russia.
5953727813398
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Take a deep breath. Common sense about election interference. jonmargolis.substack.com/p/take-a-dee...
jonmargolis.substack.com
Take A Deep Breath
As hints of a Democratic sweep in the midterms grow into a roar, we see more stories like this one from CNN: “Will the Trump administration send federal officers or troops to the polls?
000
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
The Supreme Court again considers (or chooses not to) Donald Trump's attempt to rig the midterms through the Postal Service. This will be an acid test for the court. jonmargolis.substack.com/p/the-acid-t...
jonmargolis.substack.com
The Acid Test
For the third or fourth time (who can keep track?), the Trump maladministration has asked the Supreme Court to permit the suppression of voting through the Postal Service.
000
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Abdul El-Sayed @abdulelsayed.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
It’s not radical to believe you should be able to afford groceries, see a doctor, breathe clean air, and drink clean water. There’s nothing more American than fighting for a government of, by, and for the people.
271126673446
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
The Emoeror's Very Old Clothes A fairy tale for today. jonmargolis.substack.com/p/the-empero...
jonmargolis.substack.com
The Emperor's Very Old Clothes
Hans Christian Andersen was wrong
000
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
James Talarico @jamestalarico.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Ken Paxton stole someone’s $1,000 pen. He’ll steal your tax dollars. He’ll steal your healthcare. He’ll even steal your pen. I'll be a Senator who puts money in your pocket — and I’ll never put your pen in mine.
292146393859
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
It's really very simple. jonmargolis.substack.com/p/its-really...
jonmargolis.substack.com
It's Really Very Simple
Often when I start writing a piece, whether it’s an article, a brief or even an email, I begin by saying to myself, “It’s really very simple,” intending to use that very phrase somewhere.
000
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
John Collins @logicallyjc.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Todd Blanche: “I am not sure of the uproar of having a Border Patrol or ICE agent at a polling location. What's the risk?” Uhm, maybe because it’s illegal? Federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 592 prohibits deploying “troops or armed men” to locations where elections are held. An AG should know this.
978214997454
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 11/08/2026
CALLER: Hi, nice to meet you. I'm just wondering- why did you cheat on you wife? KEN PAXTON: Um. I'm not going to talk about personal issues that relate to my family, just like I don't think you would want to discuss your marriage on a call with thousands. All I can tell you is I'm proud of my kids
1802689669
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
August 4th, an important day in history. open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
A Scrap Of Paper
August 4th
010
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 04/08/2026
Whitehouse: "Today I think is a sad and embarrassing day for this committee as it looks like on a party-line vote we are going to advance out of this committee probably the most discreditable person ever to seek the office of attorney general. Let's start with the Epstein files ... "
819253168393
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
What's in a name? (Penn Station in this case.) open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
What's In A Name?
A few days ago, an article from NYT caught my eye.
000
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
This Is What Happens When You Put A Lunatic And An Adolescent Drunk In Charge open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
This Is What Happens When You Put A Lunatic And An Adolescent Drunk In Charge
Especially when you add in a bunch of spineless drones
000
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
It's not the economy, stupid. At least I don't think so. open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
It's Not The Economy, Stupid
at least, I don't think so
000
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Time to stand up for science! jonmargolis.substack.com/p/stand-up-f...
jonmargolis.substack.com
Stand Up For Science
I hope that you all had a Glorious Fourth.
000
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
250 to 250 @250to250.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
What has made America great has always been the American people. Those who work, even against seemingly insurmountable odds, to do their part to create a more perfect Union. We are America—and America is ours to shape. Don't forget it. Happy Fourth, and happy 250th. #WeAreAmerica250
12639203
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Jennifer Shin - WTAF @jennifershin.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Just a reminder that patriotism isn't holding a bible and wrapping yourself in the flag while you violate the Constitution and plunder the country. Happy 4th of July, stay cool and safe!!
310195255749
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
What is America to me? Words and music for today. open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
What Is America To Me?
Words and music for today
000
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Joyce White Vance @joycewhitevance.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
My modest proposal as America turns 250 for celebrating the vote and keeping the Republic. I hope you’ll join me! open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
open.substack.com
It's Our Country
Happy Fourth of July.
281111271
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Reflecting on the State of the Nation open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
Reflecting On the State of the Nation
And a challenge for the next four months
000
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Please comment on proposed federal regulations that would impose non-disclosure agreements on federal employees, and let Trump and his cronies interfere with mail-in voting. open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
000
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Grok insists my dissertation adviser was a man I've never met and says my first book won several prizes that don't even exist but I'm sure it'll work out fine to give it access to classified defense systems.
831710519
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
The most dangerous man in politics. (To Republicans, anyway.) open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
The Most Dangerous Man In Politics
To Republicans, anyway
000
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
Go Big
We—that is, those attached to the Constitution, the rule of law and democracy—have a golden opportunity, if we have the confidence and skill to grasp it.
000
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Morgan J Freeman @mjfree.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
🚨🚨 Trump MURDERED an ICU nurse THEN called him a terrorist! Alex Pretti saved lives for a living!! Trump repaid this American citizen by pumping 10 BULLETS into him and is now lying about it Anyone who supports this brutal lynching should be considered an accomplice and dealt with accordingly 🚨🚨
20827277
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Minnesota Mary @minnesotamarys.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
👀
122454
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Small Horrors open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
Small Horrors
A few stories to remind everyone what we’re facing—just in case we might relax:
000
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Jess Piper @piperformissouri.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
More grace and class than Trump will ever be able to comprehend…
451443315
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Jess Piper @piperformissouri.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
If Josh Hawley is really offended by the sexualization of children, he could focus on the ped0philes he works with everyday…
2652688694
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Morgan J Freeman @mjfree.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
🩸🩸🩸 I'm going to post this video every day so we never forget what the 34x POS convicted felon who incites political violence, adjudicated rapist & pedophile Trump did THIS IS WHAT AN INSURRECTION LOOKS LIKE!!!
21815382
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
I'm Uni :3 @unicouniuni3.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Therapist Uni: So… what brings you here today?
Tuxedo cat with a red bow tie resting calmly
323330561
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
The reality of power...and the power of "reality." open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
The Reality of Power
and the power of "reality"
000
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Jess Piper @piperformissouri.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
If Mississippi can do it, Missouri can do it. Not one red cent of taxpayer money to private religious schools.
552008506
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Lawyers Defending American Democracy @ldadorg.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
Will the world’s largest law firms, the country’s great law schools, and corporate leaders and in-house counsel continue to maintain their silence in the face of this searing international indictment of our profession today? Will Congress remain supine, hoping the storm will pass over? 2/2
054
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Scott MacFarlane @macfarlanenews.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) uncorks a takedown of the ongoing rewriting of Jan 6 history ====>
134993
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Scott MacFarlane @macfarlanenews.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Jack Smith about his criminal probe Trump: "Donald Trump suggested one witness should be put to death"
7527221
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Mary L Trump @maryltrump.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Imagine what a tiny little man you would have to be to feel threatened by a dancing fox.
21630741018
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Democrats Are Still Being Too Damn Nice open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
Democrats Are Still Being Too Damn Nice
Even now, when we're on the brink of war with our allies
010
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Rev Debra @revdebra.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Our UU congregants walked out today in frigid weather in Massachusetts to protect democracy and our neighbors. I'm so proud of our folks for living their faith aloud. #Walkout #Resist
286145742664
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Joyce White Vance @joycewhitevance.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Oh sure. This seems wise: Justice Department weighs rollback of gun regulations. www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
washingtonpost.com
Justice Department weighs rollback of gun regulations
The Justice Department is considering loosening a slate of gun regulations as it seeks to bolster support from ardent Second Amendment advocates.
1601012371
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Morgan J Freeman @mjfree.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Renee Good did NOT deserve to have her brains blown out in front of her dog for not complying with armed vigilantes who were terrorizing HER community. You simply arrest, fine and release. YOU DO NOT MURDER! ARREST ICE AGENT ROSS NOW!
26713210
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Marc Elias @marcelias.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Minnesota election officials denied a new Justice Department demand targeting the state’s same-day voter registration and vouching system, rejecting what they describe as an unlawful federal attempt to intrude on sensitive voter information and state authority over elections.
democracydocket.com
Minnesota rejects DOJ voter data demand that targets same-day registration
Read more here.
443137919
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
Reports from the front lines. open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
000
old-curmudgeon.bsky.social @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Churchill was right--even though sometimes it's hard to see. open.substack.com/pub/jonmargo...
open.substack.com
Churchill Was Right
Even if it's sometimes hard to see
000
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
It’s like ICE stealing that kid’s phone and selling it. No responsibility, no law, just greedy violence. But on a massive scale. As though McKremlin consultants were explaining how to do it.
631896728
Reposted by @old-curmudgeon.bsky.social
Joyce White Vance @joycewhitevance.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota in a post on Truth Social.
215940356