Deborah McDowell
@dem8z.bsky.social
Reader, writer, teacher, gardener, seamstress, contrarian. Professor, @WoodsonUVA Alice Griffin Professor of English, University of Virginia. Please, no DMs unless I know you. For professional matters, please contact me via UVA.
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Deborah McDowell
@dem8z.bsky.social
· Feb 24
The World We Want Is Us
It moves my heart to see your awakened faces;
poets.org
Alice Walker, “The World We Want is Us”https://poets.org/poem/world-we-want-us
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
Here’s what’s really obscene: Dems want to keep the ACA fight going because they think it’s their ‘winner’ issue for the midterms. They do not care about healthcare.
November 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Here’s what’s really obscene: Dems want to keep the ACA fight going because they think it’s their ‘winner’ issue for the midterms. They do not care about healthcare.
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
And I've been doing politics for long enough to know clearly that the entire Senate Democratic caucus agreed to this decision to fold. Open your eyes. The 8 who "broke" did so with the complete blessing of Schumer and their colleagues. You don't have to play along because this is not a game. The end
November 10, 2025 at 2:03 PM
And I've been doing politics for long enough to know clearly that the entire Senate Democratic caucus agreed to this decision to fold. Open your eyes. The 8 who "broke" did so with the complete blessing of Schumer and their colleagues. You don't have to play along because this is not a game. The end
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
Hey, a lot of people are talking about changing affiliation from Democratic to Independent.
Let me tell you why you shouldn’t do that in Colorado.
One of the main ways to get a primary challenge candidate on a ballot is to caucus for your party. You need to be registered as a Dem to caucus.
Let me tell you why you shouldn’t do that in Colorado.
One of the main ways to get a primary challenge candidate on a ballot is to caucus for your party. You need to be registered as a Dem to caucus.
November 10, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Hey, a lot of people are talking about changing affiliation from Democratic to Independent.
Let me tell you why you shouldn’t do that in Colorado.
One of the main ways to get a primary challenge candidate on a ballot is to caucus for your party. You need to be registered as a Dem to caucus.
Let me tell you why you shouldn’t do that in Colorado.
One of the main ways to get a primary challenge candidate on a ballot is to caucus for your party. You need to be registered as a Dem to caucus.
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
Noam Chomsky:
"In the US, there is basically one party - the business party. It has two factions, called Democrats and Republicans, which are somewhat different but carry out variations on the same policies. By and large, I am opposed to those policies. As is most of the population."
"In the US, there is basically one party - the business party. It has two factions, called Democrats and Republicans, which are somewhat different but carry out variations on the same policies. By and large, I am opposed to those policies. As is most of the population."
November 10, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Noam Chomsky:
"In the US, there is basically one party - the business party. It has two factions, called Democrats and Republicans, which are somewhat different but carry out variations on the same policies. By and large, I am opposed to those policies. As is most of the population."
"In the US, there is basically one party - the business party. It has two factions, called Democrats and Republicans, which are somewhat different but carry out variations on the same policies. By and large, I am opposed to those policies. As is most of the population."
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
In a functional party system, this kind of capitulation in the face of authoritarianism could mean the end of the Democratic Party.
In our system, it could mean the end of the two party system. Neither party can represent the pro-democracy majority. It's time for something new.
In our system, it could mean the end of the two party system. Neither party can represent the pro-democracy majority. It's time for something new.
November 10, 2025 at 12:58 PM
In a functional party system, this kind of capitulation in the face of authoritarianism could mean the end of the Democratic Party.
In our system, it could mean the end of the two party system. Neither party can represent the pro-democracy majority. It's time for something new.
In our system, it could mean the end of the two party system. Neither party can represent the pro-democracy majority. It's time for something new.
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
What is the point of a political party that will not fight for the people?
November 10, 2025 at 4:33 AM
What is the point of a political party that will not fight for the people?
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
Keep Hope Alive: a Gaza Giving Circle chuffed.org/project/hope...
Keep Hope Alive: a Gaza Giving Circle
We are a team of volunteers in the US and UK, led by two sisters passionate about helping our friends on the ground keep their families and neighbors alive with food, water, & shelter. We saw that the...
chuffed.org
November 9, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Keep Hope Alive: a Gaza Giving Circle chuffed.org/project/hope...
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
That the vice president of the United States and new leader of the Republican Party welcomes a coalition with gutter antisemites and racists with outwardly genocidal politics feels like big news!
JD Vance now leads the GOP. And he wants the party to welcome Hitler lovers.
The VP wants peace with gutter racists who spew vile hatred at his wife. And the press refuses to reckon with what this means.
www.thefarce.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:05 PM
That the vice president of the United States and new leader of the Republican Party welcomes a coalition with gutter antisemites and racists with outwardly genocidal politics feels like big news!
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
“In reality, because targeting is so easy, we have seen governments use surveillance malware to spy on a broad range of people, including relatively minor political opponents, activists, and journalists…”
Why a lot of people are getting hacked with government spyware | TechCrunch
Government surveillance vendors want us to believe their spyware products are only used in limited and targeted operations against terrorists and serious criminals. That claim is increasingly difficul...
techcrunch.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:05 PM
“In reality, because targeting is so easy, we have seen governments use surveillance malware to spy on a broad range of people, including relatively minor political opponents, activists, and journalists…”
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
COMPLICITY NOT COWARDICE. COMPLICITY.
November 10, 2025 at 2:06 PM
COMPLICITY NOT COWARDICE. COMPLICITY.
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
This is a terrific piece of writing and insight about where we are with the Times, and where the Times is with us.
Maybe Don’t Talk to the New York Times About Zohran Mamdani
It’s remarkable, the people you’ll hear from. Teach for even a little while at an expensive institution—the term they tend to prefer is “elite”—and odds are that eventually someone who was a studen…
lithub.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:12 PM
This is a terrific piece of writing and insight about where we are with the Times, and where the Times is with us.
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
While trillionaires are made, tremendous need is everywhere. Please do what you are able to support people.
November 9, 2025 at 8:35 PM
While trillionaires are made, tremendous need is everywhere. Please do what you are able to support people.
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
The only silver lining to last night’s cave.
November 10, 2025 at 12:14 PM
The only silver lining to last night’s cave.
Trusting those who are reliably untrustworthy makes no sense, none whatsoever.
November 10, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Trusting those who are reliably untrustworthy makes no sense, none whatsoever.
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
By now we all know that certain folks don't make good faith bargains, right? That means anyone who says they are counting on a good faith bargain with these folks are in fact in favor of the awful but don't want to be blamed in case a trial of the Nuremburg variety goes down.
November 10, 2025 at 4:21 AM
By now we all know that certain folks don't make good faith bargains, right? That means anyone who says they are counting on a good faith bargain with these folks are in fact in favor of the awful but don't want to be blamed in case a trial of the Nuremburg variety goes down.
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
These 8 useless Democratic Senators are all wealthy and have feathered themselves a lovely retirement nest.
They don't need to be in these positions anymore.
They can amble away into the privileged nothingness that defines their spinelessness and lack of courage.
Demand more and better, folks.
They don't need to be in these positions anymore.
They can amble away into the privileged nothingness that defines their spinelessness and lack of courage.
Demand more and better, folks.
November 10, 2025 at 4:34 AM
These 8 useless Democratic Senators are all wealthy and have feathered themselves a lovely retirement nest.
They don't need to be in these positions anymore.
They can amble away into the privileged nothingness that defines their spinelessness and lack of courage.
Demand more and better, folks.
They don't need to be in these positions anymore.
They can amble away into the privileged nothingness that defines their spinelessness and lack of courage.
Demand more and better, folks.
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
Kaine is such a disappointment. What was the purpose of the shutdown that yields a "promise" from the Republicans. They lie and have always voted to repeal healthcare! We will continue to be hurt by this administration. The cave is just that and voters will no longer support people they can't trust
November 10, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Kaine is such a disappointment. What was the purpose of the shutdown that yields a "promise" from the Republicans. They lie and have always voted to repeal healthcare! We will continue to be hurt by this administration. The cave is just that and voters will no longer support people they can't trust
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
Organize protests at their offices and homes. Do not give them a moments peace. This is a complete sell out. It’s always the same traitors!
@indivisiblecville.bsky.social
@indivisible.org
@indivisiblecville.bsky.social
@indivisible.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Organize protests at their offices and homes. Do not give them a moments peace. This is a complete sell out. It’s always the same traitors!
@indivisiblecville.bsky.social
@indivisible.org
@indivisiblecville.bsky.social
@indivisible.org
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
Kaine is SELLING OUT the voters like he always does. Almost as bad as Fetterman.
This "deal" offers nothing but a "promise" of a "future vote" on ACA that Dems have ZERO chance of winning, along with THIS perk for Congress. (from CNN)
This "deal" offers nothing but a "promise" of a "future vote" on ACA that Dems have ZERO chance of winning, along with THIS perk for Congress. (from CNN)
November 10, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Kaine is SELLING OUT the voters like he always does. Almost as bad as Fetterman.
This "deal" offers nothing but a "promise" of a "future vote" on ACA that Dems have ZERO chance of winning, along with THIS perk for Congress. (from CNN)
This "deal" offers nothing but a "promise" of a "future vote" on ACA that Dems have ZERO chance of winning, along with THIS perk for Congress. (from CNN)
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
We needed to vote him out in the Senate primary and support @jasonreynoldsforsenate.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:12 AM
We needed to vote him out in the Senate primary and support @jasonreynoldsforsenate.com
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
I am sorry, but we will NO LONGER be treated like children. Kaine is not running again and faces no election. Senator Warner does - so this vote for them is not about conviction - it is running cover for each other.
WE SEE YOU! @markwarner.bsky.social @kaine.senate.gov
WE SEE YOU! @markwarner.bsky.social @kaine.senate.gov
November 10, 2025 at 2:05 AM
I am sorry, but we will NO LONGER be treated like children. Kaine is not running again and faces no election. Senator Warner does - so this vote for them is not about conviction - it is running cover for each other.
WE SEE YOU! @markwarner.bsky.social @kaine.senate.gov
WE SEE YOU! @markwarner.bsky.social @kaine.senate.gov
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
We didn't have a progressive primary challenger against Kaine in 2024 that's why
November 10, 2025 at 2:25 AM
We didn't have a progressive primary challenger against Kaine in 2024 that's why
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
We're stuck with him until 2030. I tried to encourage people NOT to reelect him here in VA, but 99% of people are creatures of habit programmed to do nothing more than robotically pull the same "lever" at the ballot box each time
November 10, 2025 at 2:09 AM
We're stuck with him until 2030. I tried to encourage people NOT to reelect him here in VA, but 99% of people are creatures of habit programmed to do nothing more than robotically pull the same "lever" at the ballot box each time
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
He’s lost my support. Full stop.
November 10, 2025 at 2:02 AM
He’s lost my support. Full stop.
Reposted by Deborah McDowell
Sen. Tim Kaine Announces He Will Support Deal to Reopen Government; Sen. Mark Warner Says “We owe the American people more than a short-term fix that leaves working families staring down a health care crisis” bluevirginia.us/2025/11/sen-...
Sen. Tim Kaine Announces He Will Support Deal to Reopen Government; Sen. Mark Warner Says “We owe the American people more than a short-term fix that leaves working families staring down a health care...
See below for statements by Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner on the funding deal to reopen government: a) Kaine explains why he supports it; b) Warner explains why he opposes it. STATEMENT OF U.S. S...
bluevirginia.us
November 10, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Sen. Tim Kaine Announces He Will Support Deal to Reopen Government; Sen. Mark Warner Says “We owe the American people more than a short-term fix that leaves working families staring down a health care crisis” bluevirginia.us/2025/11/sen-...