Clarissa W. Atkinson
@oldestvocation.bsky.social
Author: The Oldest Vocation: Christian Motherhood in the Middle Ages; Mystic & Pilgrim: "The Book" #MargeryKempe. Fmr Assoc Dean http://harvarddivinity.bsky.social. Alum @BCHistoryDept @SmithCollege.
Now: #1950s all over again http://oldestvocation.com ↩️
Now: #1950s all over again http://oldestvocation.com ↩️
Pinned
P.S. Words Fail Me
Just before the 75th anniversary of D-Day in June 2019, I posted an idiosyncratic childhood memory of that event along with a horrified denunciation of the ignorance and stupidity of Trump 1.0, its…
oldestvocation.com
“About ten years ago [I began] blogging, and for the first couple of years, it was fun… Then came 2016… Eight years later the horrors are no longer threats—they’re here. During this terrible fall & winter, stupidity & ignorance have made way for terror & treason”: oldestvocation.com/2025/03/23/p...
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
Brilliant indeed! I spent a looooong time with Margery starting back in the 1970s #MargeryKempe oldestvocation.com/2015/02/24/t...
“This Creature”: 40 Years of Margery Kempe
In the mid-1970s, casting about for a dissertation topic, I stumbled over Margery Kempe. In those days you had to stumble over her – she did not appear in the syllabus of any course in medieval stu…
oldestvocation.com
January 22, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Brilliant indeed! I spent a looooong time with Margery starting back in the 1970s #MargeryKempe oldestvocation.com/2015/02/24/t...
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
One for the #MargeryKempe stans. And the #RayWinstone stans. Dream team! 😭💪
BBC Radio 4 - History's Heroes, History's Toughest Heroes, Margery Kempe: Ministry of Tears share.google/bodbTnqBVfQC...
BBC Radio 4 - History's Heroes, History's Toughest Heroes, Margery Kempe: Ministry of Tears share.google/bodbTnqBVfQC...
BBC Radio 4 - History's Heroes, History's Toughest Heroes, Margery Kempe: Ministry of Tears
A medieval woman finds superhuman strength in her tears.
share.google
November 18, 2025 at 6:45 PM
One for the #MargeryKempe stans. And the #RayWinstone stans. Dream team! 😭💪
BBC Radio 4 - History's Heroes, History's Toughest Heroes, Margery Kempe: Ministry of Tears share.google/bodbTnqBVfQC...
BBC Radio 4 - History's Heroes, History's Toughest Heroes, Margery Kempe: Ministry of Tears share.google/bodbTnqBVfQC...
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
Weekend reading:
Trumpism Is at War with the Idea of a Citizenry of Equals
The regime’s latest racist fury is tied to the Right’s much broader attempt to redefine citizenship and national identity in service of an exclusionary white nationalist vision.
My new piece:
Trumpism Is at War with the Idea of a Citizenry of Equals
The regime’s latest racist fury is tied to the Right’s much broader attempt to redefine citizenship and national identity in service of an exclusionary white nationalist vision.
My new piece:
Trumpism Is at War with the Idea of a Citizenry of Equals
The regime’s latest racist fury is tied to the Right’s much broader attempt to redefine citizenship and national identity in service of an exclusionary white nationalist
steady.page
December 13, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Weekend reading:
Trumpism Is at War with the Idea of a Citizenry of Equals
The regime’s latest racist fury is tied to the Right’s much broader attempt to redefine citizenship and national identity in service of an exclusionary white nationalist vision.
My new piece:
Trumpism Is at War with the Idea of a Citizenry of Equals
The regime’s latest racist fury is tied to the Right’s much broader attempt to redefine citizenship and national identity in service of an exclusionary white nationalist vision.
My new piece:
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
This piece is a lovely reminder that in addtion to E.B. White's great children's novels Charlotte's Web; Stuart Little; and The Trumpet of the Swan, he also wrote a wealth of pointed, incisive, and/or poignant essays. www.lawdork.com/p/gregory-bo...
Gregory Bovino is exactly who E.B. White — author of 'Charlotte's Web' — warned us about
DHS named its North Carolina anti-immigrant effort "Operation Charlotte's Web." In 1940, White wrote of the "smell" that "rises" from those who "adjust to fascism" over freedom.
www.lawdork.com
November 30, 2025 at 12:26 AM
This piece is a lovely reminder that in addtion to E.B. White's great children's novels Charlotte's Web; Stuart Little; and The Trumpet of the Swan, he also wrote a wealth of pointed, incisive, and/or poignant essays. www.lawdork.com/p/gregory-bo...
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
NEW: Gregory Bovino is exactly who E.B. White — author of 'Charlotte's Web' — warned us about.
DHS named its North Carolina anti-immigrant effort "Operation Charlotte's Web." In 1940, White wrote of the "smell" that "rises" from those who "adjust to fascism" over freedom.
Tonight, at Law Dork:
DHS named its North Carolina anti-immigrant effort "Operation Charlotte's Web." In 1940, White wrote of the "smell" that "rises" from those who "adjust to fascism" over freedom.
Tonight, at Law Dork:
Gregory Bovino is exactly who E.B. White — author of 'Charlotte's Web' — warned us about
DHS named its North Carolina anti-immigrant effort "Operation Charlotte's Web." In 1940, White wrote of the "smell" that "rises" from those who "adjust to fascism" over freedom.
www.lawdork.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:26 AM
NEW: Gregory Bovino is exactly who E.B. White — author of 'Charlotte's Web' — warned us about.
DHS named its North Carolina anti-immigrant effort "Operation Charlotte's Web." In 1940, White wrote of the "smell" that "rises" from those who "adjust to fascism" over freedom.
Tonight, at Law Dork:
DHS named its North Carolina anti-immigrant effort "Operation Charlotte's Web." In 1940, White wrote of the "smell" that "rises" from those who "adjust to fascism" over freedom.
Tonight, at Law Dork:
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
‼️ I said this about the current Supreme Court and some people looked at me crazy but I stand by it
as I believe I said at the time they're doing antebellum shit well post-bellum
as I believe I said at the time they're doing antebellum shit well post-bellum
This man may be the most racist president this country has ever had, and twelve presidents owned slaves
Trump: "It’s a hellhole right now. And those Somalians should be out of here. They've destroyed our country. And all they do is complain, complain, complain. You have her. She’s always talking about the Constitution provides me with – go back to your own country and figure out your constitution."
December 3, 2025 at 10:38 PM
‼️ I said this about the current Supreme Court and some people looked at me crazy but I stand by it
as I believe I said at the time they're doing antebellum shit well post-bellum
as I believe I said at the time they're doing antebellum shit well post-bellum
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
Billionaires, who quite often do not see education as a common good, should not be guiding higher education policy.
“I kind of yearn,” Mr. Nassirian said, “for the gilded age when billionaires satisfied their extracurricular interests by collecting Fabergé eggs and prized ponies.”
#DefendHigherEd
“I kind of yearn,” Mr. Nassirian said, “for the gilded age when billionaires satisfied their extracurricular interests by collecting Fabergé eggs and prized ponies.”
#DefendHigherEd
Wealthy People Have Always Shaped Universities. This Time Is Different.
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Billionaires, who quite often do not see education as a common good, should not be guiding higher education policy.
“I kind of yearn,” Mr. Nassirian said, “for the gilded age when billionaires satisfied their extracurricular interests by collecting Fabergé eggs and prized ponies.”
#DefendHigherEd
“I kind of yearn,” Mr. Nassirian said, “for the gilded age when billionaires satisfied their extracurricular interests by collecting Fabergé eggs and prized ponies.”
#DefendHigherEd
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
I’m really enjoying the downfall of Larry Summers. He deserves every humiliation he is getting. And those if you know me know I don’t say that about people. Gift Link
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
Lawrence Summers to Stop Teaching at Harvard While It Investigates His Epstein Ties
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:27 AM
I’m really enjoying the downfall of Larry Summers. He deserves every humiliation he is getting. And those if you know me know I don’t say that about people. Gift Link
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
Please join me in congratulating Woman on her appointment
Woman named as new Archbishop of Canterbury in historic first
Woman named as new Archbishop of Canterbury in historic first
Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally, a former nurse, has been named as the next Archbishop of Canterbury - the first time a woman has been appointed to the role in the Church of England's history.
news.sky.com
October 3, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Please join me in congratulating Woman on her appointment
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
Last year, CNN ran a “fact check” of Kamala HQ that claimed we were lying for saying Trump’s plan is Project 2025.
Now Trump is outright admitting it’s his plan.
Legacy media failed the country.
Now Trump is outright admitting it’s his plan.
Legacy media failed the country.
October 2, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Last year, CNN ran a “fact check” of Kamala HQ that claimed we were lying for saying Trump’s plan is Project 2025.
Now Trump is outright admitting it’s his plan.
Legacy media failed the country.
Now Trump is outright admitting it’s his plan.
Legacy media failed the country.
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
Everyone in NYC should be camped out on @schumer.senate.gov’s doorstep in Park Slope. The @democrats.org CANNOT fold.
This is not a normal time and it calls for strong actions.
Schumer and Senate Democrats must fight for a budget bill that stops Trump, and be willing to accept a shutdown if Republicans refuse.
New post from us summarizing the state of play.
1/
Schumer and Senate Democrats must fight for a budget bill that stops Trump, and be willing to accept a shutdown if Republicans refuse.
New post from us summarizing the state of play.
1/
This Is Not Normal: Insist on a Fighting CR or Accept a Shutdown
Trump's fascist takeover of the country is not normal, and Congressional Democrats should act like it is not.
scienceandfreedomalliance.substack.com
September 8, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Everyone in NYC should be camped out on @schumer.senate.gov’s doorstep in Park Slope. The @democrats.org CANNOT fold.
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
=====================
MAINE RESISTANCE EVENTS
AUG 26 - SEPT 1, 2025
=====================
#RESIST through #PEACEFULProtest
#STOPtheCUTS-HEALtheWOUNDS
#NONViolenceIsPower
#EveryEffortCounts
REPOST & SHARE!
Updated Aug 26, 7:20AM
#Maine #MEPolitics
pg 16/18
MAINE RESISTANCE EVENTS
AUG 26 - SEPT 1, 2025
=====================
#RESIST through #PEACEFULProtest
#STOPtheCUTS-HEALtheWOUNDS
#NONViolenceIsPower
#EveryEffortCounts
REPOST & SHARE!
Updated Aug 26, 7:20AM
#Maine #MEPolitics
pg 16/18
August 26, 2025 at 1:40 PM
=====================
MAINE RESISTANCE EVENTS
AUG 26 - SEPT 1, 2025
=====================
#RESIST through #PEACEFULProtest
#STOPtheCUTS-HEALtheWOUNDS
#NONViolenceIsPower
#EveryEffortCounts
REPOST & SHARE!
Updated Aug 26, 7:20AM
#Maine #MEPolitics
pg 16/18
MAINE RESISTANCE EVENTS
AUG 26 - SEPT 1, 2025
=====================
#RESIST through #PEACEFULProtest
#STOPtheCUTS-HEALtheWOUNDS
#NONViolenceIsPower
#EveryEffortCounts
REPOST & SHARE!
Updated Aug 26, 7:20AM
#Maine #MEPolitics
pg 16/18
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
Question 1 would eliminate voting access for rural voters, working families, seniors, and voters with disabilities. Maine’s absentee voting system is secure, and used by 40% of Mainers. Let’s keep it that way.
➡️ More: mainedems.org/protectabsente
#NoOnQuestion1 #ProtectAbsenteeVoting #MaineVotes
➡️ More: mainedems.org/protectabsente
#NoOnQuestion1 #ProtectAbsenteeVoting #MaineVotes
August 28, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Question 1 would eliminate voting access for rural voters, working families, seniors, and voters with disabilities. Maine’s absentee voting system is secure, and used by 40% of Mainers. Let’s keep it that way.
➡️ More: mainedems.org/protectabsente
#NoOnQuestion1 #ProtectAbsenteeVoting #MaineVotes
➡️ More: mainedems.org/protectabsente
#NoOnQuestion1 #ProtectAbsenteeVoting #MaineVotes
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
Senator Susan Collins got an earful from protesters at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Searsport today.
August 26, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Senator Susan Collins got an earful from protesters at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Searsport today.
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
This is how you stand up to bullies and aspiring tyrants.
August 26, 2025 at 2:04 PM
This is how you stand up to bullies and aspiring tyrants.
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
Via @mainenewsroom.bsky.social's Instagram we learn that a new UNH poll found 95% of Mainers want to ban stock trading by members of Congress.
Not only does Susan Collins oppose a ban; her portfolio went up a bonkers 77.5% in 2024 -- an eyebrow-raising return even for a Wall St pro. #MEpolitics
Not only does Susan Collins oppose a ban; her portfolio went up a bonkers 77.5% in 2024 -- an eyebrow-raising return even for a Wall St pro. #MEpolitics
August 25, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Via @mainenewsroom.bsky.social's Instagram we learn that a new UNH poll found 95% of Mainers want to ban stock trading by members of Congress.
Not only does Susan Collins oppose a ban; her portfolio went up a bonkers 77.5% in 2024 -- an eyebrow-raising return even for a Wall St pro. #MEpolitics
Not only does Susan Collins oppose a ban; her portfolio went up a bonkers 77.5% in 2024 -- an eyebrow-raising return even for a Wall St pro. #MEpolitics
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
The #FoxTakedown movement is growing.
People are taking their protests directly to Fox News, the Trump regime’s propaganda arm that’s enabling this fascist and billionaire takeover.
Visit foxtakedown.com for more info on how to join by protesting at your local station and taking other actions.
People are taking their protests directly to Fox News, the Trump regime’s propaganda arm that’s enabling this fascist and billionaire takeover.
Visit foxtakedown.com for more info on how to join by protesting at your local station and taking other actions.
you can hear a massive protest in DC during the Fox News Sunday broadcast
August 4, 2025 at 11:57 AM
The #FoxTakedown movement is growing.
People are taking their protests directly to Fox News, the Trump regime’s propaganda arm that’s enabling this fascist and billionaire takeover.
Visit foxtakedown.com for more info on how to join by protesting at your local station and taking other actions.
People are taking their protests directly to Fox News, the Trump regime’s propaganda arm that’s enabling this fascist and billionaire takeover.
Visit foxtakedown.com for more info on how to join by protesting at your local station and taking other actions.
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
The Republican Party is just one big child sex trafficking and sexual abuse ring at this point
Jordan on Ghislaine Maxwell Transcript: This confirms what we all knew: President Trump didn’t do anything wrong. This transcript confirms that. There’s nothing there based on this interview with Maxwell.
August 24, 2025 at 12:34 AM
The Republican Party is just one big child sex trafficking and sexual abuse ring at this point
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
I’m still waiting for a Republican business owner or farmer to get arrested for illegally employing migrant workers. When are we going to get perp walk videos of them being hauled off to vans in cuffs by masked agents?
August 20, 2025 at 12:56 AM
I’m still waiting for a Republican business owner or farmer to get arrested for illegally employing migrant workers. When are we going to get perp walk videos of them being hauled off to vans in cuffs by masked agents?
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
All of us deserve better than this tyrant.
Believing that no one should suffer under fascism is an important first step toward defeating it.
Impeach. Convict. Remove. Have courage.
Believing that no one should suffer under fascism is an important first step toward defeating it.
Impeach. Convict. Remove. Have courage.
August 22, 2025 at 10:26 AM
All of us deserve better than this tyrant.
Believing that no one should suffer under fascism is an important first step toward defeating it.
Impeach. Convict. Remove. Have courage.
Believing that no one should suffer under fascism is an important first step toward defeating it.
Impeach. Convict. Remove. Have courage.
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
My name is Graham Platner and I’m running for US Senate to defeat Susan Collins and topple the oligarchy that’s destroying our country.
I’m a veteran, oysterman, and working class Mainer who’s seen this state become unlivable for working people. And that makes me deeply angry.
I’m a veteran, oysterman, and working class Mainer who’s seen this state become unlivable for working people. And that makes me deeply angry.
August 19, 2025 at 12:37 PM
My name is Graham Platner and I’m running for US Senate to defeat Susan Collins and topple the oligarchy that’s destroying our country.
I’m a veteran, oysterman, and working class Mainer who’s seen this state become unlivable for working people. And that makes me deeply angry.
I’m a veteran, oysterman, and working class Mainer who’s seen this state become unlivable for working people. And that makes me deeply angry.
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
Last month, I sat down with @thenation.com to talk about the legacy of Fiorella La Guardia, how we're building a new kind of politics to meet this moment, and our mission to deliver a dignified life for the working people of this city.
“The Nation” Interviews Zohran Mamdani
New York's Democratic mayoral nominee shares his views on the city's affordability crisis, the new media landscape—and how Democrats need to stand up for what they believe.
www.thenation.com
August 12, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Last month, I sat down with @thenation.com to talk about the legacy of Fiorella La Guardia, how we're building a new kind of politics to meet this moment, and our mission to deliver a dignified life for the working people of this city.
Reposted by Clarissa W. Atkinson
