Category Archives: Race

Jim Crow never actually died

Fierce Planet Posted on by

And we’re definitely seeing a resurgence in Tennessee where three state legislators joined in a protest against gun violence, and only the two young black men were stripped of their office. (gift link) Justin Jones (front) and Justin Peterson,currently not members of the Tennessee Legislature Tennessee vote marks latest GOP move to stifle dissent, experts say Tennessee Republicans’ dramatic expulsion of two Democrats who agitated for gun control in the state Capitol after a mass killing is the latest move by Republican state leaders around the country to stifle dissent and expand their power base, free speech experts say. In … Continue reading →

Respect for Marriage

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To the ones who can imagine, respect oh yeah. This bill is far from perfect, and I definitely wish for more. But it is an important step nonetheless, to kill the hated Defense of Marriage Act and establish in law the principle that all marriages are equal. Biden makes a case against all forms of bigotry before signing the Respect for Marriage Act pic.twitter.com/Zm8lWg2xIU — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 13, 2022 If there is one message that breaks through from today, it's that this law – and the love it defends – strikes a blow against hate in all its … Continue reading →

Two podcasts ~ Choose a side

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This weekend I caught up with a couple of podcasts, and I’d like to highlight a few things. First is a segment on Pod Save America. I’ve set this up so it goes directly to an interview with Strict Scrutiny‘s Kate Shaw, a lawyer talking here about the Supreme Court hearing Moore v. Harper last week. (Strict Scrutiny itself is another excellent podcast, if you’re looking for some top-notch legal minds discussing the issues of the day.) This case presents the “Independent State Legislature Theory”, which you will no doubt hear about a lot in the near future. It is … Continue reading →

Violence

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I know I have said here more than once that I believe the right-wing patriarchy, the white supremacist movement in this country wants me and everyone like me to be dead so long as we refuse to conform to their ideas of how human culture should be structured. They don’t want feminists to exist, or queers of any variety. They are uncomfortable with creative artists and free-thinkers. They don’t like science because they can’t control it. They definitely hate people of color and immigrants who come from non-Western countries. Even a whiff of social democracy as it exists in European … Continue reading →

These things are all connected

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I think Laurie Penny said this well in her substack column. You should read the whole thing. But realize that most if not all of the crises happening in the world today are the outcome of the same problem: the violent response of a white patriarchal order which sees its power waning.

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My White House Day with ARMY

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ARMY is the collective name for fans of the k-pop group BTS. To be ARMY is to be part of a community, and that community is made of love. To be ARMY is to have a constant source of hope and joy, and also to feel seen and comforted in your darkest moments. ARMY fans can be found in all countries, in all languages, of all ages, of all races, of all genders and identities. I am 68 years old, bisexual and married, in rather poor health, with a long life behind me as a progressive activist. I have lived … Continue reading →

Remarks by BTS

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They spoke to the issues of Anti-Asian violence and the need for respect and inclusion. Translation by @modooborahae. I love how they center issues of equality and diversity and respect for all individuals. Plus, of course, a shout-out to ARMY. They always remember that. ETA: All the fan translators are heroes.

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This extraordinary woman

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Ketanji Brown Jackson is, not surprisingly, more qualified than any recent candidate for the Supreme Court. Seeing the way Republicans treated her yesterday was disgusting, disturbing, horrible. That she sat calmly and responded with dignity was no surprise, but still beautiful to see. At least we had some moments like this one. "I would tell them to persevere." Giving advice to young people, Judge Jackson emotionally tells the story of being given crucial encouragement by a woman she did not know while a student at Harvard. pic.twitter.com/XmvrY95Fvk — The Recount (@therecount) March 23, 2022 And also this very passionate moment … Continue reading →