Esther
@mahoniaaquifolium.bsky.social
Juneberry enthusiast. Oregon grape apologist. Garlic mustard hater.
Maker of plain language resources. Studies/disrupts white nationalism in disability communities.
Founder of Disability Communities Defending Democracy @dcdd-endingwn
Maker of plain language resources. Studies/disrupts white nationalism in disability communities.
Founder of Disability Communities Defending Democracy @dcdd-endingwn
Reposted by Esther
In 1961 JFK nominated an Alabama segregationist to a federal post and there was some opposition to it. Several southern newspapers ran this short piece suggesting that it's now come to the point that the only way to hold public office nowadays is to "apologize for being a white man."
December 21, 2025 at 11:04 PM
In 1961 JFK nominated an Alabama segregationist to a federal post and there was some opposition to it. Several southern newspapers ran this short piece suggesting that it's now come to the point that the only way to hold public office nowadays is to "apologize for being a white man."
Reposted by Esther
In the summer of 1950 most US newspapers ran an AP story about how race had become the main issue in the upcoming Georgia governor's race. Segregationist Herman Tallmadge, governor from '47 to '55 and then a Senator until 1981 made a name for himself by refusing to "apologize for being a white man."
December 21, 2025 at 10:57 PM
In the summer of 1950 most US newspapers ran an AP story about how race had become the main issue in the upcoming Georgia governor's race. Segregationist Herman Tallmadge, governor from '47 to '55 and then a Senator until 1981 made a name for himself by refusing to "apologize for being a white man."
Reposted by Esther
Man I remember Malheur so well. Such a clear signal of what was to come. Some of the most privileged & entitled white men in the f'ing world engaging in open lawlessness in the name of their own imagined victimhood ...
... and getting away with it.
That's the true American template.
... and getting away with it.
That's the true American template.
The Takeover of Malheur Kicked Off a Decade of Lawlessness
The wildlife refuge occupation set the stage for Trump, January 6, and so much more.
www.pdxmonthly.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Man I remember Malheur so well. Such a clear signal of what was to come. Some of the most privileged & entitled white men in the f'ing world engaging in open lawlessness in the name of their own imagined victimhood ...
... and getting away with it.
That's the true American template.
... and getting away with it.
That's the true American template.
Reposted by Esther
This caused a rare moment of Irish, Northern Irish and British unity.
this Naomi Wolf?
Anyway.
Anyway.
December 19, 2025 at 9:59 PM
This caused a rare moment of Irish, Northern Irish and British unity.
Reading through some eugenics tracts from the early 20th century and finding that eugenicists basically sound the same as always. Stephen Miller would say this, word-for-word, despite the fact that his ancestors (and mine...) were who Osborn was fearmongering about.
December 19, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Reading through some eugenics tracts from the early 20th century and finding that eugenicists basically sound the same as always. Stephen Miller would say this, word-for-word, despite the fact that his ancestors (and mine...) were who Osborn was fearmongering about.
Reposted by Esther
Pediatric phalloplasty is something that takes place when there is severe genital injury or a congenital condition. I have not been able to find a single report of phalloplasty performed on a transgender minor.
This is grotesque fear-mongering.
This is grotesque fear-mongering.
Dr Oz: "The creation of a penis costs on average in America $150,000 per child ... if you add testicles, that's extra"
December 18, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Pediatric phalloplasty is something that takes place when there is severe genital injury or a congenital condition. I have not been able to find a single report of phalloplasty performed on a transgender minor.
This is grotesque fear-mongering.
This is grotesque fear-mongering.
Reposted by Esther
Henry Cuellar, Don Davis, and Vicente Gonzalez joined Republicans in voting to criminalize trans health care.
The bill passed only 216 to 214.
4 Republicans voted no. If they did too, it would have failed.
clerk.house.gov/evs/2025/rol...
The bill passed only 216 to 214.
4 Republicans voted no. If they did too, it would have failed.
clerk.house.gov/evs/2025/rol...
clerk.house.gov
December 18, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Henry Cuellar, Don Davis, and Vicente Gonzalez joined Republicans in voting to criminalize trans health care.
The bill passed only 216 to 214.
4 Republicans voted no. If they did too, it would have failed.
clerk.house.gov/evs/2025/rol...
The bill passed only 216 to 214.
4 Republicans voted no. If they did too, it would have failed.
clerk.house.gov/evs/2025/rol...
Reposted by Esther
shot/chaser in just 2 sentences
December 18, 2025 at 2:24 AM
shot/chaser in just 2 sentences
Reposted by Esther
Thank you to Congressman Bobby Scott, Congressman Don Beyer, Abraham Hamadeh, Chris Murphy, Senator Bernie Sanders & Senator Patty Murray for re-introducing the bipartisan Keeping All Students Safe Act.
Why and how seclusion and restraint harm:
https://ow.ly/sT0F50XLfqK
Why and how seclusion and restraint harm:
https://ow.ly/sT0F50XLfqK
December 18, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Thank you to Congressman Bobby Scott, Congressman Don Beyer, Abraham Hamadeh, Chris Murphy, Senator Bernie Sanders & Senator Patty Murray for re-introducing the bipartisan Keeping All Students Safe Act.
Why and how seclusion and restraint harm:
https://ow.ly/sT0F50XLfqK
Why and how seclusion and restraint harm:
https://ow.ly/sT0F50XLfqK
Reposted by Esther
"I didn’t have the courage to come out until I was 21, and that means 21 years of pain, 21 years of unwavering homesickness that only went away when I was able to get the care that I needed. And my biggest regret in life is that I never had a childhood without that pain.”
Ask and you shall receive... MS Now literally just posted on it
Rep. Sarah McBride makes rare personal remarks in opposing anti-trans bills
“My biggest regret in life is that I never had a childhood without that pain,” the congresswoman said on the steps of the Capitol on Wednesday morning.
www.ms.now
December 17, 2025 at 9:31 PM
"I didn’t have the courage to come out until I was 21, and that means 21 years of pain, 21 years of unwavering homesickness that only went away when I was able to get the care that I needed. And my biggest regret in life is that I never had a childhood without that pain.”
Reposted by Esther
i wonder what this totally brave soul is doing right now
December 17, 2025 at 11:17 PM
i wonder what this totally brave soul is doing right now
Reposted by Esther
If you want to know what it was like for Jews to be kidnapped in broad daylight by their governments and that then to become just normal life, now you know.
An immigrant driver from India is arrested by border patrol at the O’Hare rideshare lot. He said he has never committed a crime in 11 years in the United States: “oh my God no”
December 17, 2025 at 11:06 PM
If you want to know what it was like for Jews to be kidnapped in broad daylight by their governments and that then to become just normal life, now you know.
Reposted by Esther
We are still in a world where Palestinians are murdered and it’s just accepted as normal. We are fated to be murdered, there’s nothing unnatural or noteworthy about it. State violence and colonialism kills invisibly.
It doesn’t have to be like this, though.
It doesn’t have to be like this, though.
December 16, 2025 at 9:18 PM
We are still in a world where Palestinians are murdered and it’s just accepted as normal. We are fated to be murdered, there’s nothing unnatural or noteworthy about it. State violence and colonialism kills invisibly.
It doesn’t have to be like this, though.
It doesn’t have to be like this, though.
Reposted by Esther
17 Dec 2025 @rikiwilchins.bsky.social -- House barely passes M T Greene's anti-trans care ban by 5 votes, 216-211. First national ban to pass either a chamber, it would make care a felony. It is not expected to go anywhere in the Senate, which has shown little interest in passage.
MTG's Felony National Youth Trans Ban Passes House; 3 Dems Vote For It, 4 GOP Vote Against It
The bill is not expected to pass the Senate, but marks the first time a national trans youth care ban has passed a chamber of Congress.
www.erininthemorning.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:54 AM
17 Dec 2025 @rikiwilchins.bsky.social -- House barely passes M T Greene's anti-trans care ban by 5 votes, 216-211. First national ban to pass either a chamber, it would make care a felony. It is not expected to go anywhere in the Senate, which has shown little interest in passage.
New way to be severely annoyed but also fascinated and entertained for a full hour and fifty minute just dropped:
NEW IDSG. 139: Bad Faith Discussion. @danielharper.bsky.social & I pick over Sam Harris' irresponsibly friendly and non-challenging chit-chat with Christian Nationalist pastor (and part-time Hegseth-brain) Doug Wilson. idontspeakgerman.libsyn.com/139-bad-fait...
I Don't Speak German: 139: Bad Faith Discussion; Doug Wilson talks to Sam Harris
Daniel and Jack pick through Sam Harris' disgracefully friendly interview with right-wing fundamentalist and Hegseth-inspirer, Christian Nationalist pastor Doug Wilson. Content Warnings Episode Notes:...
idontspeakgerman.libsyn.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:21 PM
New way to be severely annoyed but also fascinated and entertained for a full hour and fifty minute just dropped:
Reposted by Esther
Alternate title: Sam Harris is Wrong on the Internet (As Usual).
NEW IDSG. 139: Bad Faith Discussion. @danielharper.bsky.social & I pick over Sam Harris' irresponsibly friendly and non-challenging chit-chat with Christian Nationalist pastor (and part-time Hegseth-brain) Doug Wilson. idontspeakgerman.libsyn.com/139-bad-fait...
I Don't Speak German: 139: Bad Faith Discussion; Doug Wilson talks to Sam Harris
Daniel and Jack pick through Sam Harris' disgracefully friendly interview with right-wing fundamentalist and Hegseth-inspirer, Christian Nationalist pastor Doug Wilson. Content Warnings Episode Notes:...
idontspeakgerman.libsyn.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Alternate title: Sam Harris is Wrong on the Internet (As Usual).
Reposted by Esther
The woman the media is desperate to paint as a kinder, gentler Republican is displaying pictures of what she claims are topless kids in her effort to cut off their lifesaving healthcare and imprison their parents and doctors.
December 17, 2025 at 11:14 PM
The woman the media is desperate to paint as a kinder, gentler Republican is displaying pictures of what she claims are topless kids in her effort to cut off their lifesaving healthcare and imprison their parents and doctors.
Reposted by Esther
December 17, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Reading eugenics/fascism primary sources on the bus but shaking my head the entire time so people know I disagree.
December 17, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Reading eugenics/fascism primary sources on the bus but shaking my head the entire time so people know I disagree.
Reposted by Esther
These are the "good and decent people" who didn't survive the Reagan presidency.
December 17, 2025 at 2:31 AM
These are the "good and decent people" who didn't survive the Reagan presidency.
Reposted by Esther
I think if you oppose war with Venezuela (correct) you should open with that. Illegal and unconstitutional can follow. But the cause is monstrous and legality could never justify it.
December 17, 2025 at 2:21 AM
I think if you oppose war with Venezuela (correct) you should open with that. Illegal and unconstitutional can follow. But the cause is monstrous and legality could never justify it.
Reposted by Esther
Heritage Foundation, backers of Project 2025, have issued a call to criminalize porn by detailing specific types of imagery that should be illegal, including "deviate sexual intercourse," "female genitals," and "nudity."
Only "civilizing" images that point to "marital sex" should be allowed.
Only "civilizing" images that point to "marital sex" should be allowed.
The Problem of Online Porn: It's Already Illegal
United States Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously said in a 1964 opinion that he could not define pornography but “I know it when I see it.” Perhaps such a sentiment was permissible then, wh...
www.heritage.org
December 16, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Heritage Foundation, backers of Project 2025, have issued a call to criminalize porn by detailing specific types of imagery that should be illegal, including "deviate sexual intercourse," "female genitals," and "nudity."
Only "civilizing" images that point to "marital sex" should be allowed.
Only "civilizing" images that point to "marital sex" should be allowed.
Reposted by Esther
He is descended from Russian Jews—you know, the kind of people who were once denounced as alien and unassimilable. Today, his project is to unleash government persecution of those he deems alien and unassimilable. How far will Stephen Miller’s sadistic designs go? trib.al/Qxli9RW
Inside Stephen Miller’s Dark Plot to Build a MAGA Terror State
He is descended from Russian Jews—you know, the kind of people who were once denounced as alien and unassimilable. Today, his project is to unleash government persecution of those he deems alien and unassimilable. How far will Miller’s sadistic designs go?
trib.al
December 17, 2025 at 3:24 AM
He is descended from Russian Jews—you know, the kind of people who were once denounced as alien and unassimilable. Today, his project is to unleash government persecution of those he deems alien and unassimilable. How far will Stephen Miller’s sadistic designs go? trib.al/Qxli9RW
Reposted by Esther
There is a certain amount of antisemitism baked into both Christian culture and modern European nationalism, and for roughly two generations after the Shoah, certain guardrails worked really hard to suppress that, and now, for a variety of reasons, those guardians are either gone or powerless.
December 17, 2025 at 3:04 AM
There is a certain amount of antisemitism baked into both Christian culture and modern European nationalism, and for roughly two generations after the Shoah, certain guardrails worked really hard to suppress that, and now, for a variety of reasons, those guardians are either gone or powerless.
Reposted by Esther
I think it's absolutely true that right now, in the US, young people are more antisemitic than older people, but what I really think this shows is that there was an abnormally low amount of antisemitism in Christian culture for two generations post-WWII, and now we're just returning to the norm.
My latest: Contrary to popular perception, American antisemitism is not primarily a partisan problem—it is a generational one. "The research collectively suggests that America is becoming more anti-Semitic because its young people are becoming more anti-Semitic." Gift link:
‘The More I’m Around Young People, the More Panicked I Am’
Anti-Jewish prejudice isn’t a partisan divide—it’s a generational one.
www.theatlantic.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:59 AM
I think it's absolutely true that right now, in the US, young people are more antisemitic than older people, but what I really think this shows is that there was an abnormally low amount of antisemitism in Christian culture for two generations post-WWII, and now we're just returning to the norm.