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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 11h

Arrived in Chicago early this morning and caught a ride downtown on their incredibly accessible public transit.

I walked the last few blocks to the hotel behind a running group happily speaking Spanish and laughing.

For me, it immediately calmed my fears and reminded me how great Chicago is.

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 1d

My heart is heavy with the devastation caused by Typhoon Halong.

Sending strength and love to our neighbors, friends, and family in Western Alaska today.

And I recommit to finding a pathway forward to ensure every community as a safe am well resourced school.

Corinne Smith @corinne-smith.bsky.social · 2d

Notably, local schools are serving as emergency shelter + evacuation centers throughout coastal communities hit by remnants of Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska -

www.kyuk.org/alaska-state...

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 2d

Now, some may wonder, "What was going on in 1940s Germany that anti-fascism became a trending topic?"

(Hint: That was the year of the Nuremberg Trials)

Here is a recording of my grandfather talking about WWII. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945. 4/4

m.youtube.com/watch?v=JBTN...

Charles R. (Russell) Tobin, T-4, US Army, World War Two

YouTube video by New York State Military Museum

m.youtube.com

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 2d

...and that is characterized by severe economic and social regimentation and by forcible suppression of opposition.

Conversely @merriam-webster.com defines antifa as anti-fascism or being an anti-fascist.

1946 Germany is considered to be where the term first emerged. 3/4

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 2d

@merriam-webster.com defines fascism as populist political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual, that is associated with a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader...2/4

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 2d

Okay ya'all, let's do a trending one: fascism & anti-fascism (antifa)...

Fascism has several meanings including:

☑️ Unquestioning loyalty to a tribe, ethnic identity, religion, or nation
☑️ Far-right, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology and movement

#sundaystory 1/🧵

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 3d

Earlier reports estimate 4,200 but it's unclear from where, but today's news, I think you are right on the money: the harm is going to be felt everywhere.

Esp in a state that has some of the highest rates of suicide, domestic violence, and interpersonal violence.

apple.news/A-qPCmN8WRbu...

Trump slashes mental health agency as shutdown drags on — NPR

Sources tell NPR that more than 100 employees have been laid off at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had some cuts reversed late Saturday.

apple.news

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 4d

To add insult to injury the fired federal employees will need to find health care which costs are guaranteed to triple in some places if Trump and the Republicans in Congress have their way.

This is all designed to inflict maximum harm on Americans. Hard working, dedicated Americans.

Anchorage Daily News @adn.com · 4d

The White House budget office said Friday that mass firings of federal workers have started in an attempt to exert more pressure on Democratic lawmakers as the government shutdown continues. www.adn.com/nation-world...

Firings of federal workers begin as White House seeks to pressure Democrats in government shutdown

The director of the Office of Management and Budget said that the “RIFs have begun,” referring to reduction-in-force plans aimed at reducing the size of the federal government.

www.adn.com

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

I spoke at the NAACP Alaska Oregon Washington executive board inauguration tonight.

I shared words from one of the org's founders, W.E.B. Du Bois:

"It is wrong to encourage a man or a people in evil doing; it is wrong to aid and abet a national crime simply because it is unpopular not to do so."

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

As a graduate of the UAA psychology department, I know the quality of our faculty is unmatched and I hope that during reconsideration, members recognize that Alaska desperately needs school psychologists who are well trained and prepared to serve Alaska's unique and diverse students population. 5/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

The board has asked UAA to resubmit the application after taking into consideration board member comments.

Last I checked, no board member is a

✅ licensed school psychologist
✅ faculty of a master's level school psychology program
✅ academic researcher of school psychology curricula 4/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

The vote denies UAA approval to develop a 63-credit hour program that would allow Alaskans to earn a MS degree that meets state licensure requirements.

Only 9 Alaskan school districts employ a licensed psychologist.

We have 52 school districts. 3/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

Not only is Alaska one of two states that DOES NOT have a state program which meets national licensure requirements for school psychologists.

But our psychologists to student ratio is 1:1,662.

The recommended ratio is 1:500.

Alaskans wanting advanced training have to leave the state...2/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

AK State Board of Education just denied conditional approval of a new UAA MS degree in school psychology.

One of the objecting members referenced a draft policy by the national accreting agency which mentions CRT. 1/🔥🧵

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

🥰🫶🏽

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

Polls consistently show that Americans want lawmakers to work together.

But more importantly, as a lawmaker, my value is my trustworthiness.

Once a lawmaker breaks their word, it's really hard to collaborate without always wondering if there's eventually gonna be a knife in your back.

Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

Yes!

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 6d

Why did DEED change its tune??

Because 👏of 👏you👏

Your 600 comments. Your relentless push for transparency, fact-based findings, and accountability.

Alaska's kids were at risk of losing lunch programs, after school activities, family supports, and you stood up.

I couldn't be more thankful.

Anchorage Daily News @adn.com · 7d

Alaska's education department is asking the state school board not to pass a controversial regulation change that could limit school funding from local governments, instead asking for it to be sent back to the department for further refinement.

Alaska education officials ask for another delay on proposed change to funding regulations

Local officials warn that services and funds provided to school districts by boroughs and municipal governments could be cut if the state’s proposed regulation passes.

www.adn.com

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 7d

I'll be speaking on Oct 18 and I will highlight that nobody has a "mandate," and especially when they only received 49.8% of the popular vote.

Ignoring the concerns, needs, interests, and wants of over 50% of the electorate means you aren't governing - you are dictating.

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 8d

My girl Carolyn Hall hit the ball out the park on this one.

"We must defend the freedom of our press. Our republic depends on it."

www.adn.com/opinions/202...

Opinion: Local journalism is too important to give up on, and the First Amendment is too important to surrender

What happened at the Homer News shows what’s at stake.

www.adn.com

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 9d

Violations of the Hatch Act carry no statute of limitations and can results in fines or imprisonment or both. 5/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 9d

The Hatch Act DOES NOT apply to specific civilians in the military nor the President or VP, but there are specific caveats that prohibit intimidation, commands, or coercion of federal government employees engaging or not engaging in any political activity. 4/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 9d

Over the years, amendments loosen restricts preventing public employees from running for local elected office while maintaining strict prohibitions on public employees engaging in partisan political activities on government time. 3/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 9d

Driven by widespread allegations that local Democrats were using federal employees to influence congressional races, Senator (D-NM) introduced the bill while Senator Morris Sheppard (D-TX) investigated.

While the allegations were never verified, Roosevelt signed the act into law in 1939. 2/5

What Is the Hatch Act and Why Was Established in 1939?

The 1939 law was created in the wake of a scandal.

www.history.com

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 9d

On today's #sundaystory: The Hatch Act

Passed in 1939 and named after NM Senator Carl Hatch (D), the "Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities" prohibits civil and executive branch federal employees from engaging in political activities and ensures promotions are based on merit. 1/🧵

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