Open Thread February 12 2026

 Posted by at 6:00 am  Open Thread, Personal, Politics
Feb 122026
 

Yesterday, I learned that the special election to replace MTG will be on March first (I’m sure this information has been available, but I missed it.) I don’t know how crowded the ballot will be – but one Democrat running in it is Shawn Harris. Also, six House Republicans joined Democrats to kill the Apricot Antichrist’s tariffs on Canada. And I see that Ohio has passed a law making ballots unacceptable if they are received after Election Day, regardless of postmark. I am so sorry. Living in Colorado, we have had this for a long time – but because of it have also sent ballots out (almost ridiculously) early, and filled election materials with warnings about the rule, including what to do if it is Election Day and you forgot (drop boxes mostly.)As a result, it has not been an issue here. But in a state which has always accepted ballots by postmark and is now making this change when we are already in an election year, it’s sure to cause damage. My heart goes out to you.

Core Civic is the private prison company formerly known as Corrections Corporation of America. Colorado hires them for two prison, one in Crowley County and one in Bent County. Virgil has spent time in both, but mostly in Bent County. I don’t remember much about Crowley, but I can tell you that the one in Bent County is well run – because the Department of Corrections takes supervision seriously. Of course, no prison is fun, and the rules are rigid, and some appear ridiculous unless one remembers that every one of those regulations was put in place because someone F’ed Around, causing everyone to Find Out. There were no worms, mold, or maggots in the food, which came from Aramark, another company which has a poor reputation mostly based on prisons in the South and other red states. They also catered USAA when I worked there, and I have no complaints about the cafeteria then and there. But Dilley is not supervised by any state – it is supervised by DHS – and I’d bet the staff there are about as good as ICE and CPB agents – or, in other words, terrible.

IMO, this one is a keeper. Those of us who are not misogynistic have a strong tendency to believe that misogyny is so absurd that there can’t possibly be a majority of Americans who are misogynists. Wrong. This is a wakeup reminder. And we are NOT HELPING when we nominate exceptionally qualified women for the most powerful posts in the government at the national level. We are merely losing power.

Commercial aviation is not something I know very much about. I’m one of the most infrequent flyers alive. But even I know this is important and disturbing, even though I can’t say why. Axios does a lot of alerts like this and then develops the story. It had already been archived, but I did it again in case there were developments, but that was yesterday late afternoon, so it may not be the latest. If anyone wants to archive it again and see whether there is newer information, here’s the link to Axios, and here’s the link to Archive. (The order has already been rescinded. Heaven knows what they were thinking.)

Robert Reich

Cat

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Open Thread February 10 2026

 Posted by at 6:00 am  Open Thread, Personal, Politics
Feb 102026
 

Yesterday, I heard from my mechanic. The down side of having found a mechanic I (it’s actually a repair shop with several mechanics, but I can trust the shop) is that they are always busy. They are also not the cheapest in town, but they are fair and honest. In the “fast, good, and cheap” (where you can never get all three, but you can good get two), when it comes to my car, I want good above all else. Anyway, they’ve been in touch but have not diagnosed yet. So I pushed my appointment back a week. Fortunately it’s not urgent.

Some people are celebrating Black History month – and I’m proud to say my local radio station is one of them (I guess I should say some of them – it’d every local announcer in their scheduled pre-recorded spots, most of them in their non-themed spots, and some of the syndicated programs – including the Met Saturday operas. Last Sunday I didn’t mention that the opera recording played that day was chosen by Lawrence Brownlee, a Black bel canto tenor (who once had the honor of escorting Ruth Bader Ginsberg to the curtain call after she played a speaking part in an opera presented in DC. But I digress.) Kathleen Battle, a Black soprano, was also in last week’s opera, but Larry picked it for the tenor, Alfredo Kraus, a Spanish tenor who had inspired him, even before he found out they shared a birthday – Kraus in 1927 and Brownlee in 1972, another coincidence. This article is not happy like that, but it is a necessary part of Black history because it actually happened. And the regime is doing its best to steal Black history from all of us, not just from Black people.

Is it ever the wrong time for something inspiring? Renee Good was a poet, and I found and linked to her prize-winning poem. To the best of our knowledge Alex Pretti was not a poet, but this poem clearly alludes to him and was meant to honor him, and it definitely inspired Joyce Vance. And me. If it doesn’t inspire you, no worries – just pass it by.

Apparently we were wrong to scoff at the theory that the world is run by a vast ring of pedophiles – although we were correct that it isn’t a ring of Democrats. It is a ring of oligarchs, and it’s not based on politics – but it is true that oligarchs overwhelmingly tend Republican, since the Republican ideology (“trickle down”) feeds their net worth.

Common Dreams was really hot on Monday. The newsletter had six stories, and all were on the “Wow” side. After eliminating all the ones which pretty much provided evidence for something we already knew, I chose this one. We knew Massie was working with Khanna – but I for one never expected Massie to go to these lengths. And he’s not only a Republican, but a Republican from Kentucky – McConnell’s state.

If you are old enough to remember Joe McCarthy, you can skip this video. But I do want to point out (again) that the problem with Russia has never been communism or socialism, which are not forms of government, but economic theories (Russia has not even pretended to use either since the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.) The problem with the Soviet Union was Authoritarianism – which is a form of government.) I will keep pushing this distinction until I no longer need to, or until I die, whichever comes first (and frankly I expect the latter.)

Cat

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Open Thread February 8 2026

 Posted by at 6:00 am  Open Thread, Personal, Politics
Feb 082026
 

To the left is King Owlbert, an Alaskan Pygmy Owl who arrived at the rescue center with a drooping wing – hence the strip of red which is supporting it while he heals. He would fit in your hand. There are multiple species of very small owls up around the Arctic Circle, a\such as the Northern Pygmy Owl. But this little man is obviously Superb. Yesterday, the radio opera was Massenet’s “Werther.” It was based on “The Sorrows of Young Werther,” a novel written by Goethe when he was 24. It was first published in 1772, and there were incels then too. However, it was more difficult then to blame women, since they really didn’t have the power to choose whom they married, and at least some of them killed themselves instead of just whining. I’m not saying that was better, just that it happened, as it does in this opera. And it gives Massenet the opening for a really bang-up aria for the tenor – and, yes, it’s a whine, but today’s incels would get more sympathy if they whined like it. OK, off to see Virgil, will check in upon return.

It had not occurred to me that this was a possibility. I hope that other states will follow.

I’m not a dog person – I’ve known a couple I have liked, but I’m basically a cat person. But I am also a person who understands that dog people feel about their dogs the way I feel about my cats. I’ve had cats missing for periods up to a week and then show up. I’ve had cats missing that never showed up. I get the heartbreak. And I get the relief and the joy too.

You kind of have to scroll down here before you can see all the donated art. I consider it good news that so many contributed, and IMO the quality is high.

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Open Thread February 5 2026

 Posted by 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.)

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Open Thread February 3 2026

 Posted by 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

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Open Thread February 2 2026

 Posted by 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).


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Open Thread January 31 2026

 Posted by 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.

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Open Thread January 29 2026

 Posted by at 5:53 am  Open Thread, Personal, Politics
Jan 292026
 

Yesterday, the FBI raided the Fulton County, GA election office and warehouse looking for election materials from 2020. Before the story came up in my news feed (if I can call it that – the collection of email newsletters which contain just news) I received an email from DASS (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State – although the medical acronym probabky descibes ppretty well how they are feeling right now.) It does occur to me that, if he could raid enough states to “legitimize” his claim that he won that one, he would at the same time delegitimize his current term since the two terms that a President may serve would be over. Not that I know how that could be enforced, but it’s a thought. I also learned that the next No Kings day has been announced for March 28. That is 8 days before Easter and one day before Palm Sunday. For Eastern Orthodox, it is 15 days before Easter. It is also 4 days before the beginning of Passover, and Ramadan will have been over for 8 days. The closest Buddhist festival will have been over for 17 days, and the closest Sikh festival will be 17 days afterwards. March 28 falls comfortably between Wiccan festivals on March 20 and April 2. If I have left anyone out, I apologize – but it looks to me like the planners did a difficult job very well in picking a date at a crowded time of the year.

Well, we now have solid evidence that the Apricot Antichrist staged the assassination attempts on him. You may have read elsewhere about the incident in which Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unidentified (it turns out to have been apple cider vinegar) yellow substance. Here’s what he said when ABC News asked for a reaction from him: “I don’t think about her. I think she’s a fraud.” Trump continued accusing Omar of staging the whole thing. “She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.” Every accusation a confession.

Harry Litman thinks that Minnesota is in for one hell of a fight over the Murder of Alex Pretti – but he also thinks they are up to the task and that they have a – pardon me – fighting chance. He wrote a similar article about Renee Good, which I must have seen but failed to read, and the principles are pretty much the same. He also points out that absolute immunity – there’s no such thing. Harry also has a video up with Steve Vladeck specifically on federal supremacy immunity. The part which can be seen by a non-paid subscriber or a non-subscriber is 15 minutes, and there’s no resolution by then, but the criteria that should be used become quite clear.

Joyce Vance addresses the lack of professionalism (to throw some roses at it) displayed by ICE and CBP, the demotion of Bovino the cosplaying Nazi, the vulnerability of Krieti Noem, and related issues, including the ICE mooner.

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