Joanne Dixon

Open Thread February 6 2026

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 6:00 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Feb 062026

Yesterday, I got an email from a new group – under the umbrella of Fast Action, which has been around a while – and I must say it’s about time. It’s called HEAL to Win, and it aims to support and recruit progressive candidates running for seats on school boards. Republicans have been way, way ahead of us on this for decades, which is a large chunk of why so many people, especially younger people, are so easily fooled by the Saffron Sauron and his band of orcs. They are offering a free digital tool kit on how to launch, manage and win a run for a local school board seat. This is not something I could do, or just anyone, though there are people who could and don’t know it. I’m attaching the link so you can pass it on.

Steve Schmidt on the difference between the Apricot Antichrist and John F. Kennedy, including a video of his “City on a Hill” speech – not a “shining city” – but a city which because of its location is visible to everyone, and had therefore better step up and shape up.

This is as shortsighted of Republicans as it was to try new districting for partisan reasons after SCROTUS claimed it had no jurisdiction over that – so now California’s redistricting has been blessed also.

I readily admit that I was a desk Marine, and could not have passed the fitness test for combat – I struggled much of my career to pass the women’s. But that’s me – and I belonged at a desk because that’s my skill set. The women interviewed for this article are different – and definitely belong[ed] in combat units. As did Tammy Duckworth.

This is almost 20 minutes long, and you a welcome to view it all, but all I want y’all to see is the first 8 minutes or so (You’ll know when she changes the subject.) I can cut minutes off the front, but not off the end, or I would have done so.

Rabbit

Open Thread February 5 2026

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 6:00 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Feb 052026

Yesterday, I heard from Harry Dunn that he is running for Congress. In case anyone has forgotten, he was the Capitol policeman who tricked the January 6 rioters into following him instead of gong into the Senate chambers that day, which gave the Senate time to secure the door. He led them into what was essentially a dead end, risking his life. He hasn’t been on progressive TV or podcasts as much as, say, Michael Fanone, but he is as much a hero, if not more. In much less exciting news, my exterminator came and found some improvement. That surprised me, given how far down my energy has been, but it was a nice surprise.

This from Joyce Vance is important enough that you have probably seen it. As her title suggests, the court has trapped itself – if they approve gerrymanders for Republicans because they are political, not racial, they cannot deny them to Democrats for the same reason.. I expect Karma is laughing her head off.

I don’t subscribe to Dean Blundell‘s Substack – if I tried to subscribe to every worthwhile Substack – well, there just aren’t enough hours in a day. But Democratic Underground tipped me off to this. and I hadn’t seen it elsewhere and consider it important.

This is an 8-9 minute video post, which I am including because Chris Bowers, though clear headed, comes across as more of an optimist. Steve Schmidt, who comes across as more of a pessimist, is saying the same thing. For anyone who is worried enough about this that it is slowing you down, there is an organization for Democratic Secretaries of State (DASS) which is deeply committed to safeguarding our elections, and can always use some help. (And it’s the states which have Democratic Secretaries which will probably need help the most.)

Open Thread February 4 2026

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 6:00 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Feb 042026

Yesterday, I learned that I am not the only person who has noticed that the names of the two ICE/CBP murder victims in Minnesota resemble the phrase “pretty good” Robert Reich’s caption contest, which I just got around to reading, includes several all usages in the previous week’s answers. And while we are on the subject of linguistics, I learned last week that “Elon” and Ilhan” are correctly pronounced exactly the same way. and just yesterday I noticed that only a small space separates “Redactions” from “Red actions.” Andy Borowitz was not long enough to call an article, but was pretty funny.

Robert Reich addresses the fact that, in suing the IRS, the Saffron Sauron is really suing himself. With our money. it’s presented lightly, not heavy-handedly, but it’s quite a serious step.

I know exactly how Le feels. I won’t belabor it here, but I would like to add that working in the same office with criminals doesn’t necessarily make you a criminal. But it does take a toll.

I 100% agree that black folks need to be aware of this – but, frankly – everyone else needs to be just as aware of it. Renee Good was not black. Alex Pretti was not black. The sad fact is that anyone, of any age or any color, who is on a street that ICE or CBP or even the National Guard is on needs to be equally aware and careful.

Open Thread February 3 2026

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 6:00 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Feb 032026

Yesterday, finally Liam and Dad are home. I have my exterminator coming tomorrow, and next Tuesday I have lab work scheduled. Both are late enough in the day that I should not be late for either.

Sometimes we need a little history – sometimes for cautionary reasons, and sometimes for hope. This one, from Steve Schmidt, is a little bit of both.

I seriously doubt that anyone here even considered seeing this movie for a millisecond, but in case you know anyone who is thinking about it, here’s the antidote from Robert Reich. (I would note that the “deadpan face” to which one reviewer refers is probably deliberate in order to prevent or at least delay facial wrinkles.)

Heaven knows there are issues with inconsistency among the states when it comes to federal elections. But “nationalizing” now would lock all the crap ln and sll the fairness and freedom out. No. Just No (well, maybe Hell, No.)

Cat

Open Thread February 2 2026

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 6:00 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Feb 022026

Yesterday, Pro Publica published the names of the two agents who shot and killed Alex Pretti. And, Trinette was by, taking out my trash and recyclables, and to chat and make my day.

Chris Bowers makes a strong case here. I hope he is right. Maybe I should phrase that “I hope there are enough people in this regime with enough brains to figure this out, because the Apricot Antichrist is definitely not one.”

For a partial post (paid subscribers get the full one), this is extremely informative. It’s clear why lawyers line up to work with Adam, who is not a lawyer, but a journalist.

This is a wrap-up, but it contains things I missed (which shouldn’t surprise me – I’m just one person, after all), such as a reference to the list of judicial orders defied by DHS (96 just in January).

Open Thread February 1 2026

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 11:41 am Politics

Feb 012026

Yesterday, it didn’t snow (it hasn’t since Monday) and the snow we did have is virtually gone. The radio opera was Arabella by Richard Strauss, which the last summer season also included, so it’s way to soon to say anything else about it. Mostly, I just cleaned out my inbox and committed knitting. I have three projects going, which is rare for me – usually I just work on one till it’s finished.

This doesn’t sound like good news rom the headline. You need to read the story. Then it’s good news.

Veterans. And kids. If you get newsletters from “Read the Smile” and saw this, you might have guessed I would share it.

I am not in the least worried about the birth rate – well, maybe that it’s too high – but this is just sweet.

Open Thread January 31 2026

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 6:03 am Blog News, Personal, Religion

Jan 312026

Yesterday, I observed that ICE (and/or CBP) is heading to Ohio (Springfield) on or about February 3. Also, Don Lemon has been arrested – I would assume (unconstitutional) charges have been filed, but who knows`. A number of smart people have been warning us it will get worse before it gets better. And, at least some businesses and schools in Denver (though probably not here) closed for the General Strike today. And, The Nation has nominated the City of Minneapolis for a Nobel Peace Prize, whilw Senate Democrats succeeded in splitting off DHS funding from other funding, thus avoiding a shutdown of the rest of the regime.

We have heard this from The Conversation before, and don’t think it would be out of line to say that we know it, and are aware of it – we who come here. But there are still lots of people out there who don’t. So please feel free to share.

Harry Litman takes a break from the law to address history and music, specifically Philip Glass’s Symphony #15, “Lincoln.” He quotes several points from Lincoln’s “Lyceum” speech, which is featured in the symphony, and is eerily prophetic. I’ll say up front that Glass is a personal friend of Harry’s, since he doesn’t reveal that until close to the end, and I think it colors his understanding.

I have another extended quote from an email to share today – no link, it only exists in the email. It’s from retired Major General Paul Eaton, who is kind of the voice of VoteVets.

After months of unjustified and outrageous escalations from Trump’s paramilitary forces, I’ve got a story for you.
It’s a small town outside of Fallujah, at the height of the Iraq War. A rifle battalion commander and his men are outfitted in battle dress. A crowd of Iraqis approaches these men, very upset, with a whole lot of riot potential. An exceptionally dangerous situation.
That battalion commander did not square up for a fight. He directed his men to take a knee, put the barrels of their rifles in the dirt, and smile. His men thought he was crazy, but they followed orders. And in one fell swoop, everything de-escalated. The Iraqis didn’t riot, no one was shot, and everybody went home.
A rifle battalion commander, surrounded by young men, in a combat zone, acted with restraint. What we’ve seen these last several weeks on American streets has been anything but restrained.
I don’t tell you this to advocate pitting American Troops against American citizens, but to further illustrate the vast divide between our Military and the ICE and CBP agents deployed by Trump to stir up trouble.
They’re out looking for a fight, and it’s important to understand why. He had Pam Bondi demand access to the Minnesota voter rolls in exchange for a drawdown. The FBI just raided an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia.
Trump knows the country hates what he’s doing. He knows he’s going to get taken to the woodshed this November. And he’s trying to figure out any way he can to hold on to power — even if he loses. We’ve already seen it on January 6th, 2021. We see it every day in the lies, provocations, and threats Trump makes. This is an incredibly serious situation, and we can’t wait to act against it.

Open Thread January 30 2026

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 6:00 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jan 302026

Yesterday, Bruce Springsteen. And MayDay has an action going for tomorrow.

Medical professionals are well aware of this. When I was checking in to rehab in ’23 and was asked whether I had “Advantage,” I said something like “I wouldn’t have Advantage if they paid me to take it,” And the response was “Oh, you’re smart.”

ICE and CBP are just the tip of the iceberg in Minnesota. MAGA has always been full of vigilantes. Does anyone besides me wonder why, if they actually believe and trust the Saffron Sauron’s Keystone Cops, they think they have to handle it themselves?

I wholeheartedly agree with the business owner who says the “law and order” is not what is happening. But I disagree that it isn’t politics, because all politics is moral (or immoral.)

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