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Mel

@thatsmel2u.bsky.social
288 followers 424 following 20 posts

“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides.” - Elie Wiesel 🚫 DMs

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Reposted by Mel
George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
@pelosi.house.gov: "On January 6th...we begged the president of the United States to send in the National Guard. He would not do it...And yet, in a contra-constitutional way, he has sent the National Guard into California. Something is very wrong with this picture."
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Rachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
“Love our neighbors - Welcome the stranger - Care for the most vulnerable among us - Speak the truth - Work for justice…”
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Princeton University Press @princetonupress.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
Booksellers have faced censorship and harassment defending the freedom to read. Celebrate your local bookstore and support their ongoing role in safeguarding intellectual freedom. press.princeton.edu/ideas/bookst... #BookstoreDay
This essay traces the long and turbulent history of American booksellers who have faced censorship, harassment, and even violence for defending the freedom to read. Through vivid anecdotes and historical cases-from undercover stings in the early 1900s and legal battles over “obscene” literature, to FBI surveillance of Black bookstores and bomb threats against feminist and LGBTQ+ shops-the author illustrates how bookstores have repeatedly become battlegrounds in the fight for civil liberties and free expression. Despite intimidation from both government and private groups, booksellers have pushed back, shaping legal precedents and rallying communities to defend First Amendment rights. The essay ultimately calls on readers to recognize bookstores as “arsenals of democracy” and to support their ongoing role in safeguarding intellectual freedom.
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John Scalzi @scalzi.com · 26/04/2025
Happy Indie Bookstore Day, please tell your local indoor bookstores that you love them, preferably by purchasing a book
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Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
Macron shook one hand.
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Laurence H. Tribe @tribelaw.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
It looks like ICE is becoming Trump’s Gestapo. Nobody is safe. We must take the offensive. It will soon be too late. Even Trump-appointed judges are voicing alarm. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/u...
nytimes.com
2-Year-Old U.S. Citizen Deported ‘With No Meaningful Process,’ Judge Suspects
A federal judge in Louisiana said the deportation of the child to Honduras with her mother, even though her father had filed an emergency petition, appeared to be “illegal and unconstitutional.”
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Matthew Noe @noethematt.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
It was never just about schools, it was never just about libraries, and it isn't actually about the books. It's about finding a way to banish entire people, entire ideas, out of society, back into the closet or worse. www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Texas bill could punish bookstores for 'obscene' books
A new bill in the Texas Legislature, authored by Rep. Nate Schatzline, would allow businesses to be held liable if a minor reports damages from "obscene" books.
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David Jolly @davidjolly.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Excited today to be a registered Florida Democrat, and to launch Florida 2026. To learn more and to support, head to davidjolly.com. Florida's next chapter starts today.
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NPR @npr.org · 09/04/2025
Americans seeking retirement or survivor benefits from the Social Security Administration will no longer be able to apply over the phone, starting next week.
npr.org
New Social Security rules will create hurdles for millions of seniors, report finds
A new report from a left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities finds that upcoming changes to Social Security will amount to a "45-mile trip for some 6 million seniors."
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Nate Blouin @nateforutah.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
This is Utah in case anyone’s wondering how pissed off people are. I have never seen anything like this.
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Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Raskin: We even have the right to call the president deranged for crashing our economy, destroying $6 trillion of wealth and turning our 401(k) Into a 201 (K). And the press has the right to call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of Mexico.
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Just got to the Mall and saw this sign, which no one is going to top. #HandsOff2025
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Mel @thatsmel2u.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
youtube.com/live/6HSiSS7...
youtube.com
WATCH LIVE: Thousands rally at Washington Monument in protest of Trump policies
YouTube video by ABC 7 News - WJLA
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George Takei @georgetakei.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Oh look, another Russian mouthpiece in the White House. Nothing to worry about here, folks.
The image is a screenshot of a news article headline that reads: "Influencer Paid by Russia Added to White House Press Pool." The article is labeled with "WARM WELCOME" in red text. It is authored by Janna Brancolini and was published on March 28, 2025, at 12:25 PM EDT. Below the headline, there are social media sharing icons for Facebook, X, email, and Reddit. The accompanying image shows a person wearing a black beanie and large headphones, sitting in front of a microphone and a laptop, with a colorful background featuring shades of red, blue, and purple.
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Rachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
"The problem with a delayed response is that the more power leaders with authoritarian tendencies accumulate, the harder it is to mount an effective resistance. The opposition is thus more likely to succeed if it acts early..." www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
foreignaffairs.com
How to Save a Democracy
Americans can learn from opponents of authoritarianism elsewhere.
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Rachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Pushback works, part gazillion: "Here are the facts: DOGE moved forward with plans to close multiple field offices. Then, without public notice or explanation, they reversed their plans. Now they are trying to pretend like they were never planning to close the offices." popular.info/p/how-the-so...
popular.info
How the Social Security Administration and DOGE are gaslighting Americans
The Social Security Administration (SSA) sent an email on March 27 to beneficiaries saying that reports that field offices were closing was an invention of fake news media.
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Hillary Rodham Clinton @hillaryclinton.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Hi, BlueSky. It's Hillary. I've joined up here to help get the word out about an important election in Wisconsin tomorrow, and other ways to defend our democracy against those who think votes can be bought.
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Sen. Adam Schiff @schiff.senate.gov · 30/03/2025
There's an important strategy behind Donald Trump's constant firehose of falsehoods. And it comes straight from the dictator's playbook. Let's talk about the lies. youtu.be/HKYdVSGDIhY
youtu.be
Trump vs. Truth – Schiff Fact Checks It All
YouTube video by Sen. Adam Schiff
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George Takei @georgetakei.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
This is the result of decades of civic poisoning by Fox News and right-wing echo chambers and channels.
A screenshot of a post on X by user Suzie Rizzo (@SUZIERIZZO1
). The post includes a text graphic with an orange background and black text that reads: "WHEN did America become a place where people take joy in suffering? Celebrating job losses, cheering immigrant arrests, ignoring terrified schoolchildren, and applauding when neighbors lose public assistance—what happened to basic human decency?" Above the graphic, Suzie Rizzo's comment reads: "Anyone want to answer this??? "
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Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett @crockett.house.gov · 30/03/2025
www.npr.org/2025/03/30/g... So, that’s actually not allowed…The Constitution isn’t optional, sir. This isn’t a reality show — it’s reality. Two terms, that’s it.
npr.org
Trump is 'not joking' about third term, though Constitution says he can't serve
In remarks to NBC News, Trump also said "there are methods which you could do it." Trump would need either a two-thirds vote in Congress or a constitutional convention to serve a third term.
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Barack Obama @barackobama.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Right now, there’s an important race happening that will shape the Wisconsin Supreme Court for the next 10 years. Judge Susan Crawford is ready to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Wisconsinites. Make a plan to vote early today — don’t wait until April 1st: wisdems.org/vote
wisdems.org
Find Your Voting Locations | WISDEMS Voter Protection Team
This searchable map shows you early voting and dropbox info for hundreds of villages, towns, and cities across Wisconsin. Enter the address you're registered at and your options will pop up!
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Tristan Snell @tristansnell.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
This is what happens when you have an entire cabinet full of folks who would NEVER pass a regular security clearance. Led by a president who would never be able to pass one either.
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
This has always been the GOP's strategy: 1) Cut taxes for the wealthy & corporations by claiming they'll pay for themselves. 2) Explode the deficit. 3) Demand cuts to vital programs that help millions. 4) Repeat. Don't let them get away with it.
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Mel @thatsmel2u.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Thankfully, concert season has finally started…a much anticipated distraction from all the craziness.. it’s good practice to step away for your mental health. Find some happiness and grab it with both hands..
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Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
What a weekend! Across the U.S., over 100,000 Americans mobilized — including more than 34,000 attendees at the Bernie/AOC rally, marking the biggest political event since Obama. Protests erupted in multiple states to defend Social Security, Tesla takedown protest gained momentum, and so much more!
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Joyce White Vance @joycewhitevance.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
The author of this piece is an American photo journalist who has been embedded in El Salvador. Reading this piece is frightening and it should be. It's who we are in danger of becoming. time.com/7269604/el-s...
time.com
What the Venezuelans Deported to El Salvador Experienced
Exclusive photos of the arrival of Venezuelan detainees deported from the U.S.
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Hope @4thepeace.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Just another example of traitor and coward betraying our country and its brave fighting women and men
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
Just goes to show: No amount of money can buy some people even a single clue
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Linda Stewart-Oaten @lindastewart-oaten.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
This is just not fair.
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marikosegawa.bsky.social @marikosegawa.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
#DemVoice1 #ProudBlue 🗣FL06 Special Early Voting begins! Mar. 22 Info: www.flaglerelections.gov/Election-Inf... Vote for @joshweil.bsky.social He’ll protect Floridians against the system-rigging of the rich & mighty. ➡️ joshweil.us 🙏Share
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Mark Cuban @mcuban.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
From 2010 to 2016 (latest data I have ), NIH research contributed to EVERY drug approved by the FDA
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Remember: Almost all of us are the descendants of immigrants who fled persecution, or were brought to America under duress, or sought better lives for themselves and their descendants. Politicians who stoke fear and hatred over immigration want you to forget this. Do not.
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Governor Tim Walz @governorwalz.mn.gov · 21/03/2025
Tariffs have thrown the auto industry into disarray, and workers on the Iron Range are paying the price. I’ve been in touch with the union to make sure that laid-off workers are getting connected to the resources they need. www.startribune.com/iron-range-l...
startribune.com
More than 600 Iron Range steelworkers out of work as auto industry cuts orders because of tariffs
Cleveland-Cliffs, the largest iron ore operator in Minnesota, is idling operations in Hibbing and Virginia.
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WIRED @wired.com · 18/03/2025
They're called public records for a reason. Starting today, WIRED will *stop paywalling* articles that are primarily based on public records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, becoming the first publication to partner with @freedom.press to offer this for our new coverage.
freedom.press
Wired is dropping paywalls for FOIA-based reporting. Others should follow
As the administration does its best to hide public records from the public, Wired magazine is stepping up to help stem the secrecy
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Over 100,000 seats are up for grabs in 2025 — governors, mayors, city councils, state representatives, judges, school boards, and more. Taking back our power starts now.
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Ask yourself: Why would anyone who wasn’t an asset of the Russian government do this? Why would any decent human being do this?
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Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 18/03/2025
Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233 will pay $3.5 million to settle a 2022 lawsuit brought by a now former student who claimed school officials failed to protect her from an alleged sexual assault at the Flossmoor school.
chicagotribune.com
Homewood-Flossmoor High School to pay $3.5 million to settle lawsuit alleging it failed to protect student from assault
Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233 will pay $3.5 million to settle claims it failed to protect student from sexual assault
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The New Republic @newrepublic.com · 17/03/2025
“Who’s going to teach those new people? Who’s going to mentor them, and who’s going to bring them up to speed?”
newrepublic.com
Elon Musk’s DOGE Guts U.S. Nuclear Agency
DOGE cuts have hit some of the country’s top nuclear scientists.
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Chris Hayes @chrislhayes.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
I asked Schumer about this last night and his answer was basically that they’re wrong.
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The New Republic @newrepublic.com · 15/03/2025
Sen. Jeff Merkley said Schumer’s reversal made his own opposition even more of a “hell no.” “You don’t stop a bully by handing over your lunch money,” Merkley told CNN. “That’s exactly what this House spending bill does.”
newrepublic.com
Democratic Senator Torches Chuck Schumer for Caving to “Bully” Trump
Senator Jeff Merkley isn’t backing down.
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Malena-PRO-CHOICE 🌊 🟦🟧Fighting Tyranny! @malena.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Yesterday was a tough day. Many folks were mad as hll, disheartened & frustrated. It's easy to focus on the Senators who let us down, but let's not forget about the Senators who did the right thing. I made this graphic last night because I wanted to focus on the good Senators who fought for us. 🔊🎵
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NPR @npr.org · 15/03/2025
In Season 8, two of the women who dumped their respective fiancés at the altar cited the men's inability to engage meaningfully with political issues that were important to their partners. By @aishaharris.bsky.social
npr.org
'Love Is Blind' contestants are breaking up over politics
In Season 8, two of the women who dumped their respective fiancés at the altar cited the men's inability to engage meaningfully with political issues that were important to their partners.
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Mehdi Hasan @mehdirhasan.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
“Schmidt being “violently interrogated” at Logan Airport for hours, and being stripped naked, put in a cold shower by two officials, and being put back onto a chair.” Whatever happened to #abolishICE? It needs to be abolished. This is torture.
nhpr.org
Green card holder from New Hampshire 'interrogated' at Logan Airport, detained
Fabian Schmidt’s family said they are unsure of why he is being held. They said he has a recently renewed green card, and no active issues in court.
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MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 15/03/2025
Hundreds of people gathered at Patriots Park right now in Tarrytown for a Stop the Cuts Rally — holding Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) accountable for his vote to decimate Medicaid.
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Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
That is both messed up and disgraceful! You can’t just delete history! Arlington National Cemetery has removed information about prominent Black, Hispanic, and female service members, as well as topics such as the Civil War, from its website.
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Jon Cooper @joncooper-us.bsky.social · 09/03/2025
Share if you agree. 🇨🇦 🇲🇽
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