Author | Lightnews

Alvin

@alvinthegray.bsky.social

12K followers 12K following 1.6K posts

A basic and aging veteran in the USA. Companion to a dog and a human. I like to be left alone, but I also like others to feel seen, heard, and respected. A comfortable room on Bluesky. As needed, speak the truths, give comfort, say no. Be better.

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Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Dec 19

I've come to realize that many in Bluesky are vulnerable. With that in mind, my thread is a safe space. If you engage here, you will be welcomed and respected.

I do have boundaries and standards, and I defend them. I hope you have and do the same. If you don't? Here, you are under mine. Safe.

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Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Aug 12

The more criminal and incompetent he looks, the more he turns law enforcement, the military, and the courts into arms of authoritarian rule. Resistance believes that the rules of the recent past still apply; rules easily pushed aside in this robust and determined change of tradition and culture.

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Aug 3

Calling somebody "a low IQ individual" is the now-Presidential equivalent of the grade school retort, "I know you are, but what am I?"

Remember when the USA used to be strong, confident, knew its friends from its enemies?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA5U...

I know you are but what am I

YouTube video by Vulcaneer900

www.youtube.com

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Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 27

The markets are like a baby that never stops being hungry. If there's something to suckle on, they're content and engaged in suckling. There's no high intelligence or philosophical pondering in it. But when they suck and suck and realize they're getting almost nothing...

www.npr.org/2025/07/27/n...

Here's a puzzling question: Why are stocks at record highs despite looming tariffs?

President Trump's tariffs could hit the economy badly and lead to higher inflation. But Wall Street investors are reacting by sending stocks to record highs.

www.npr.org

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 27

This is not my USA. When you decide that a non-violent somebody doesn't belong in your house, you make it clear that they must leave. You don't beat them, drive them to the next county, chain them up in a basement.

The USA has never been weaker, creating more enemies.

www.npr.org/2025/07/27/n...

'Hell on Earth': Venezuelans deported to El Salvador mega-prison tell of brutal abuse

Deported under a little-known wartime law, more than 130 Venezuelans were sent from the U.S. to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. Now released, several tell NPR they endured beatings, sexual a...

www.npr.org

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Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 27

Good history is a truth, not the truth. All good history has power. We know this because telling the history of the USA from the perspectives of Native, African, Asian, female and gay Americans is so powerful that those histories inspire violent opposition from many powerful European Americans.

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 27

A flower needn't care what bees visit it. A stag that wants privilege better present.

Humans ought to care what they're saying to others in their image, whom they're attracting with what their appearance says to the world.

It's OK not to care. As long as "I don't care" isn't code for "I give up."

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 25

Oh bother. It's age-restricted and available only on YouTube. Without trying to, I can see images and video of people having sex on Bluesky, but a talking cartoon penis on Donald Trump is restricted. Eh, I get it. Any monkey can have sex. Takes a clever primate to do that video--keep it secure.

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 25

Curious to see what happens to my Bluesky account with this posting. South Park Studios posted the clip on YouTube with a disclaimer that it contains "synthetic media." OK to stop following me if this content offends you. I'd understand and not judge or complain.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afet...

The PSA contains synthetic media | South Park

YouTube video by South Park Studios

www.youtube.com

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Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 25

I got dinged for following "more people than you can possibly read." Yeah, I do.

I'm not a celebrity whose aloofness is part of his image. I'm a happy nobody from nowhere. I follow back because it's polite.

Will I read and thoughtfully respond to everybody? Heck no. But that's not the point.

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 25

Is this an "Emperor's New Clothes" moment for Trump? Probably not. But in mocking and humiliating Trump, Parker and Stone cause mass horror and hilarity, doing more in 20 minutes than Congress, courts, corporations and journalists managed in seven months.

www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...

‘We’re terribly sorry’: South Park creators respond with humour to White House anger over naked Donald Trump

Speaking at Comic-Con on Thursday, Trey Parker and Matt Stone revealed they spent days negotiating with producers to show the US president’s genitals

www.theguardian.com

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Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 24

Dress as you wish, change your pronouns, be vegan, knock naughty bits with whoever consents to the knocking . . . Those have nothing to do with what matters and what I insist on:
- Be productive, hold up your end.
- Don't hurt others thinking that'll make you more powerful.
- Know when to leave.

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Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 24

When you habitually tell the truth, you can move and act with confidence.

When you habitually lie, desperation inevitably sets your course, movements, and words.

www.bbc.com/news/article...

Gabbard says declassified report 'exposes' Obama administration

Democrats say the White House is trying to distract from its decision not to publish files relating to Jeffrey Epstein.

www.bbc.com

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 24

One of life's little joys: Showing somebody who's never seen it the 2014 "Prince" episode of "New Girl."

Season 3, episode 14, currently on Hulu.

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 23

I respect that @talesofmoderation.bsky.social maintains a listing of those who (paraphrasing) follow farm, use hash tags, follow a lot, spam threads, etc. I'm added to that list. I think it's cherry-picking to add me. (Shrug)

Anybody can make a list. Respect the freedom. Caring and agreeing? Nah.

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 23

Or, agree that Japan will expand toward a more equitable trade in USA goods and services and cancel the trade-chilling tariff on both sides.

But hey, I'm not a genius, stable or otherwise, so maybe I'm missing something.

www.npr.org/2025/07/22/n...

Trump announces trade deal with Japan, setting 'reciprocal' tariffs at 15%

The 15% tax on imported Japanese goods is a meaningful drop from the 25% rate that Trump, in a recent letter to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, said would be levied starting Aug. 1.

www.npr.org

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 23

The public is unlikely to ever learn the criminal depth and breadth of Epstein's activities, financing, and favors network.

Donald Trump either prominently features in the investigation file or he's hoarding that information to extort those who do feature in it.

newrepublic.com/article/1982...

Trump’s Epstein Fiasco Takes Darker Turn as Dem Senator Drops New Bomb

Ron Wyden has some ideas for Pam Bondi to pursue—if, that is, she’s genuinely interested in getting to the bottom of the Epstein scandal.

newrepublic.com

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 22

If MAGA doesn't tip the nation so far over edge that it fails as a state, there are good things that come from this collective nightmare. Inoculated against the contagion of authoritarian speech and actions, a more thoughtful, just, and involved society could emerge.

www.msnbc.com/top-stories/...

Stewart skewers CBS, Paramount over Colbert cancellation: 'Not the moment to give in'

"The Daily Show" host warned TV networks against giving in to "corporate fear" over President Donald Trump's "fragile and vengeful" demeanor.

www.msnbc.com

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Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 22

If you're a practical science nerd, like me, you might enjoy the YouTube channel NightHawkInLight. Host Ben uses everyday items and easily followed explanations to turn everyday stuff into cool stuff with practical applications.

#science
#diy
#NightHawkInLight

www.youtube.com/channel/UCFt...

NightHawkInLight

Thanks for stopping by! My name is Ben. I turn boring things into awesome things. I've been creating and filming projects and science experiments since 2006 and have had the amazing privilege of seein...

www.youtube.com

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 21

As the Western Roman Empire weakened, the centers of power grew increasingly hardline about what and who is and is not truly Roman. Instead of facing reality and integrating people and cultures, it calcified into a dying rump. A common trait among failing civilizations.

www.npr.org/2025/07/21/g...

Trump has a welcome message for new citizens. It's different from past presidents

Trump released his video message to newly naturalized citizens. He welcomes them to the "national family," adding that they have a responsibility to "fiercely guard" and preserve American culture.

www.npr.org

Alvin @alvinthegray.bsky.social · Jul 21

Today's earworm. Wings, "With A Little Luck" (1978). When all else is failing, hope faithfully remains. One of Rock/Pop's most hopeful tracks. Wishing all of us a little luck going forward.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSTt...

With a little luck (Album extended version) - Wings

YouTube video by buckhysen

www.youtube.com

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