iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

The NYTimes is writing about the obvious to anybody paying attention: “The president has stretched the limits of his powers to help those at the heart of his agenda, not the many in greatest need.” It should wield its weight more often. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/u...

nytimes.com

Food Stamp Cuts Expose Trump’s Strategy to Use Shutdown to Advance Agenda

Joyce White Vance @joycewhitevance.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Reposted by practicingdemocracy1

The President wants to use the military to crack down on Americans who are exercising their 1st Amendment rights to oppose him. I can’t think of a better reason to insist on exercising those rights.

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

What’s up in my Chicago neighborhood tonight: Volunteers like myself make whistle kits (whistles with info about rights under the law) against the backdrop of an American dream mural at Taquizas Valdez on Irving Park Rd. It was a full house, standing room only. The Burrito Valdez was delicious.

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

ICE agents are roughing up citizens in my neighborhood & throwing teargas because citizens are getting in their way. I'm going to a Whistlemania event to connect locally, help put together whistle kits, & support the restaurant (Latino businesses are hurting). blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/26/f...

blockclubchicago.org

Feds Tear Gas Northwest Side Street, Disrupting Halloween Parade For Kids

Two neighbors, including a 70-year-old man, were arrested after allegedly interfering in the arrest of another man by immigration agents, neighbors said. Agents also threw a woman, 67, to the ground.

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

"We rule on facts, not on supposition or conjecture, and certainly not on fabrication or propaganda." One judge slaps down book censorship in Dept of Defense schools. Another calls out colleagues' "factual contortions that indulged Trump’s dictatorial whims." open.substack.com/pub/contrari...

Two judges’ inspirational rulings

Undaunted

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

HCR’s themes: Trump continues to celebrate criminality & says “f*ck you” to America’s Cattle Ranchers, already having f*cked soybean farmers. Plus: Long list of company names funding the destruction of East Wing to build a ballroom in honor of their greed & myopia. open.substack.com/pub/heatherc...

Julia Ainsley and Didi Martinez of NBC News reported today that Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s rush to get new recruits onto the street has meant they have pushed into their training program mo...

October 23, 2025

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

Did you see this ad? It’s really great. In the words of Ronald Reagan… We saw it watching Toronto play Seattle. Toronto is now the in World Series so another chance to see it, maybe. Thank you, Canada! apnews.com/article/trum...

apnews.com

Trump says he's ending trade talks with Canada over TV ads

President Donald Trump is complaining again about Canada because of recent television ads protesting U.S. tariffs, which he calls “egregious behavior” aimed at influencing U.S. court decisions.

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

US Border Patrol led by Nazi Gregory Bovino is intentionally whipping up Chicago residents’ animosity in the Pilsen neighborhood. Ignoring court orders to restrain fed aggressiveness, as Supreme Court considers shadow docket appeal to deploy National Guard here. chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...

chicago.suntimes.com

Federal agents detain high school student in Little Village, deploy tear gas in faceoff with protesters

Feds wearing military-style camouflage gear and gas masks were seen tear-gassing and pepper-spraying protesters during the confrontation near the Little Village Discount Mall.

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

Companies make big $$$ off Trump’s police state. Handel’s Ice Cream, Reliance Relocation Services. Boycott! PepperBall is owned by ClearLight Partners, which also owns Handel’s Ice Cream, men’s apparel Paul Fredrick & automotive leather Katzkin Leather blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/23/c...

blockclubchicago.org

Chicago-Area Companies Raked In Millions From Feds As Operation Midway Blitz Intensified

One Chicago-based company was awarded more than $7 million to relocate ICE employees while a suburban weapons manufacturer was paid nearly $1.5 million in two weeks to supply pepper balls and air-powe...

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Please sign this petition If you haven’t already. Help reunite a family that has been divided and persecuted by Trump’s police state. The National Immigration Law Center is behind this effort. Thank you. act.nilc.org/page/89721/p...

act.nilc.org

Sign Our Petition: Free the Merlos Family

Sign our petition to demand the immediate release of Jackie, Carlos, and Juana Merlos. Help bring this family back together.

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Happy patriots at Chicago’s NO KINGS march on Oct 18, 2025. We were leaving the park for the streets after a defiant and unifying speech by Governor Pritzker. The crowd ROARED in response to him. 250,000 strong according to BlockClub Chicago (pls consider donating for their pro-democracy reporting).

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

I made my signs today for the NO KINGS march in Chicago!

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

Poster board was completely sold out at Target in my Chicago neighborhood as of 2 pm Thursday, 2 days before No Kings march. Hope that's a good sign!

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

I signed this petition of the National Immigration Law Center on behalf of a mother and her young children that ICE and Customs Border Patrol disappeared. It's the least I can do. act.nilc.org/page/88106/p...

act.nilc.org

Sign Our Petition: Free the Merlos Family

Sign our petition to demand the immediate release of Jackie, Carlos, and Juana Merlos. Help bring this family back together.

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

The Contrarian lifts up the intelligent and inspiring voices of public leaders who remain true to American values & beliefs (e.g., as defined by our Constitution). It keeps me grounded as crazier & crazier stuff happens, and for that, I am grateful. open.substack.com/pub/contrari...

In Pennsylvania, Governor Shapiro gets it right

Undaunted

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

I canceled my subscription to @chicagotribune.com effective 9/22. I wrote in a ltr to the editor (not published), "You seem to think the bullies make sense." I cannot support a news outlet that sides with bullies. I will increase my contribution to the Chicago Suntimes for this kind of reporting.

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Thank you for your voice, @govpritzker.illinois.gov. I will attend the "rapid response" meeting in northwest Chicago on Sunday and No Kings Day II on Oct. 18. open.substack.com/pub/contrari...

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Be Loud — For America

By Governor JB Pritzker

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The @chicagotribune.com writes in a 9/18 editorial disapproving of commentary by Kimmel & supporters, "This unwillingness to see both sides is, well, getting worse on both sides." As it admonishes us to respect the bullies, I direct its interest in both sides to this excellent local reporting.

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Hmmm. The @chicagotribune.com comes to the defense of the dictator whose dictates it disagrees with. It thinks Kimmel didn't show proper respect for whom? Oh, our grieving president. Kimmel's material speaks for itself. My subscription ends on 9/22. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/18/e...

Editorial: That was a lousy bit, Jimmy Kimmel. But there’s no role here for government intervention.

Jimmy Kimmel’s shtick was tasteless and cruel. But the FCC has no role here.

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Pop Quiz: Which bothers you more: 1) public officials cozying up to Russia & selling out Ukrainian & democratic interests to secure corrupt ends; OR 2) Delia Ramirez who expresses good feelings for Guatemala? Send answers to @chicagotribune.com to stop fascist attacks on Latino leaders in Congress.

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

I asked @ramirez.house.gov at her town hall about MAGA attacks. Hear what she says about how dissent is being persecuted and criminalized. I am cancelling @chicagotribune.com subscription. CT is too willing to go along with MAGA’s racist games. Start at 1:10:12. www.facebook.com/repdeliarami...

facebook.com

2.4K views · 51 reactions | Join us as we talk community safety at my Belmont Cragin Town Hall! | Congresswoman Delia Ramirez

Join us as we talk community safety at my Belmont Cragin Town Hall!.

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

I wish @chicagotribune.com supported Congresswoman @ramirez.house.gov like it supports Chicago. It says that Trump targets "didn't vote for him and continue to oppose his priorities." The Trib needs to protect public officials so they can protect constituents. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/22/e...

Editorial: The last thing Chicago needs is Washington-style dystopia

The last thing Chicago needs is a federal takeover, a la Washington, D.C.

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

June 14, 2025 No Kings March in Chicago. “God Forbid A Girl Wants Justice and Liberty for All”

Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Reposted by practicingdemocracy1

Undocumented immigrants paid an effective federal income tax rate of 5.27% in 2022. That means they paid a higher effective tax rate than 5 of the richest Americans…and a higher effective tax rate than 55 mega corporations. So let me ask you: who are the real freeloaders?

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Side one of my sign for No Kings march tomorrow in Chicago. So excited!!

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Side two of my sign for the No Kings rally in Chicago tomorrow. Looking forward to it!

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

SPEAKING OUT: Do you know about Jerce Reyes Barrios? A youth soccer coach who Trump agents disappeared in March because he has sports tattoos. You can help him by hearing this story & sharing. A great interview, even for people who don’t follow sports, like me. open.substack.com/pub/contrari...

Jen and Pablo Torre take off the gloves! A disappeared goalie, legendary coaches & more

"The Trump Administration has put America into the role of a dictatorship, enabling other dictatorships"

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

A friend told me that the unrelenting bad news is depressing. I shared this Contrarian article as a remedy & reminded her that the goal of the authoritarians is to break our spirit. Tune in to news sources that fight authoritarians with both the truth & the heart. open.substack.com/pub/contrari...

Democrats Channel the Power of Faith, Welcoming All to Join

Undaunted

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

This is the second side of my sign for tomorrow. I'm ready for International Workers Day! In Chicago, program starts at 10 a.m. in Union Park. 4 mile march to Butler Field begins around noon with 2 pm arrival. Rally wraps up by 4 pm. Woo-Hoo!!

Sign made for International Workers' Day on May 1, 2025. Text reads: Immigrants take care of our children & elderly, build and maintain our homes, put food on our tables, pay taxes. Thank you." Border text: Have constitutional rights due process"

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

I'm getting ready for International Workers' Day march and rally tomorrow. First side of sign. Now to do the other side.

Sign made for May 1 rally and marches. Text reads: "celebrating collective bargaining" and "federal workers equal Americans' well-being"

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

I'm now watching The Contrarian's 100 Days Conference. Goes until 2 p.m. central time. Also on YouTube www.youtube.com/@ContrarianN... open.substack.com/pub/contrari...

You're Invited! The 100 Days Conference

A virtual event on April 29 at 12pm ET

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Investing in America's youngest citizens is an investment in America's future. Prompted by Indivisible Chicago Daily Action 4/28, I signed the NHSA petition to save Head Start & sent messages to my elected representatives in Congress to vote NO on cuts to early learning. nhsa.org/advocacy/act...

nhsa.org

Act Now: Sign This Letter to President Trump to Save Head Start

Join thousands of parents, caregivers, and alumni to sign the letter to the President and Congress demanding they protect Head Start.

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

I've got the back of state Democratic lawmakers in my 4/23 letter to the editor. I suggest GOP lawmakers who claim IL is too liberal read the conservative-leaning Chicago Tribune rather than defend Trump's ill-informed policies. "Reading for lawmakers" w/links www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/23/l...

Letters: We weep for the loss of Pope Francis

Pope Francis began his papacy with simplicity, dedicating his life and position to serve the impoverished.

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Making sure our federal tax dollars fund PUBLIC SCHOOLS. I just sent ltrs to my elected representatives in Congress to vote "NO" on initiatives to divert taxpayer money to pay for private school for wealthy families and home & online schooling. Good info here: actionnetwork.org/letters/no-v...

actionnetwork.org

No vouchers (again!) in Illinois

Voucher programs have been spreading around the country, taking away funds needed for public schools. [Illustration credit: Corinne Creswell] Last fall, pro-public school advocates successfully push...

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

Need good news? Jen Rubin & Norm Eisen of The Contrarian lift my spirits. They are gleeful about Trump’s losses in the courts—almost 100 & counting. They bring the news—direct & personal—to subscribers. $7 a month also contributes to the lawsuits against Trump. open.substack.com/pub/contrari...

BREAKING: Major Legal Wins

Norm and Jen went live to discuss the flood of legal wins today

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

Invictus Theatre Company recently produced a Shakespeare play about the tragedies that follow in the wake of tyrants. And the joy. We look forward to the rest of its season to bring light to our humanity during these distressing times. Excellent theater. www.invictustheatreco.com#2025-season-...

invictustheatreco.com

Invictus Theatre Company

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

In a letter to the editor today 4/24, I observe, "The GOP is far too busy defending Trump from well-informed perspectives, such as those published by the Tribune." I suggest lawmakers read the conservative-leaning Tribune & include several links to articles. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/23/l...

Letters: We weep for the loss of Pope Francis

Pope Francis began his papacy with simplicity, dedicating his life and position to serve the impoverished.

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practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

Thank you! I will be sure to walk to my library today to check out what's going on.

practicingdemocracy1 @pd1ljw.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

At the 33rd Ward's Neighbor Night (4/22), I learned about the inspiring work of the Latino Union of Chicago. It fights for social and economic justice for domestic workers and day laborers. Thank you to the Latino Union and @ward33chicago.bsky.social. I'm happy to know more about my community.