Rachel Lazerus
@rachellazerus.bsky.social
Mom of three and a recovering policy wonk. Openly sincere on main. Definitely sleep-deprived. She/her
Pinned
Rachel Lazerus
@rachellazerus.bsky.social
· Sep 20
Do you actually want me to explain why I think this way, or are you being reflexively defiant at anyone who doesn't agree with your interpretation of the narrative? Because I've got stuff to do today.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
Ah, I'm awake again. Time to open the psychological harm app
November 22, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Ah, I'm awake again. Time to open the psychological harm app
The new Netflix kid movie is so precisely catered to Elder Millennials that l feel like making major parenting lifestyle changes and I'm figuring out how to stream the soundtrack.
November 22, 2025 at 11:46 PM
The new Netflix kid movie is so precisely catered to Elder Millennials that l feel like making major parenting lifestyle changes and I'm figuring out how to stream the soundtrack.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
NEW: I spoke with David Vickrey, the Daily Kos blogger Robert Kennedy Jr. spent the last five years pursuing in court with a dead-end, costly defamation lawsuit.
Here’s what he had to say:
www.importantcontext.news/p/robert-ken...
Here’s what he had to say:
www.importantcontext.news/p/robert-ken...
Robert Kennedy Jr. ‘Absolutely Tried to Silence’ Me: Blogger Sued by HHS Secretary Speaks Out
David Vickrey spoke with Important Context about the legal battle that consumed the last five years of his life.
www.importantcontext.news
November 22, 2025 at 8:45 PM
NEW: I spoke with David Vickrey, the Daily Kos blogger Robert Kennedy Jr. spent the last five years pursuing in court with a dead-end, costly defamation lawsuit.
Here’s what he had to say:
www.importantcontext.news/p/robert-ken...
Here’s what he had to say:
www.importantcontext.news/p/robert-ken...
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
New at Media Nation: @marisakabas.bsky.social is the alternative to wallowing in Olivia Nuzzi's tale of dysfunction and deceit. There are 42,000 journalists across the U.S., and the vast majority are performing honorably and ethically. dankennedy.net/2025/11/22/m...
Marisa Kabas is the alternative to wallowing in Olivia Nuzzi’s tale of dysfunction and deceit
Colby Hall’s Mediaite commentary about Olivia Nuzzi is winning a lot of praise. The redoubtable Jay Rosen goes so far as to call it “the best thing I have read about her.” Sign up…
dankennedy.net
November 22, 2025 at 2:45 PM
New at Media Nation: @marisakabas.bsky.social is the alternative to wallowing in Olivia Nuzzi's tale of dysfunction and deceit. There are 42,000 journalists across the U.S., and the vast majority are performing honorably and ethically. dankennedy.net/2025/11/22/m...
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
Today on Volts: the subset of cleantech known as "electrotech" -- solar, batteries, heat pumps, etc. -- is marching toward inevitable victory, not because it's low-emissions (though it is), but because it's more efficient & cheaper. I discuss the good news with @kingsmillbond.bsky.social.
Clean electrification is inevitable
Kingsmill Bond explains why the global march of "electrotech" has moved beyond the reach of US political interference.
www.volts.wtf
November 21, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Today on Volts: the subset of cleantech known as "electrotech" -- solar, batteries, heat pumps, etc. -- is marching toward inevitable victory, not because it's low-emissions (though it is), but because it's more efficient & cheaper. I discuss the good news with @kingsmillbond.bsky.social.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
Just remembering how one of the most important and widely read and dropped-with-maximally-damaging-timing "Biden is old and senile" pieces was reported by Nuzzi. It makes you think!
well, I read it, and the salient, non-gross part is Lizza alleging, midsentence and without elaboration, that Nuzzi ran numerous “catch-and-kill operations” on RFK’s behalf, which would give her a role in both his appointment and the untold preventable deaths he has abetted in office. Cool.
November 22, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Just remembering how one of the most important and widely read and dropped-with-maximally-damaging-timing "Biden is old and senile" pieces was reported by Nuzzi. It makes you think!
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
“Vibes” is when your existing theory of power is insufficient to explain reality so you blame reality
Someone is going to have the write the thing about how “vibe” has become a substitute for meaningful theory in a world where the theory is so clear — grift and power — but we collectively refuse if because it isn’t sophisticated enough to generate make work for empiricists.
November 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
“Vibes” is when your existing theory of power is insufficient to explain reality so you blame reality
As someone who attended a religious Zionist day school that had a day of celebration when Netanyahu was elected in 1996 -- Hurwitz's comments are an obscenity.
And shame too on American Jews who thought "supporting Israel" meant "support whatever the government does at 100%," even during Trump 1.0.
And shame too on American Jews who thought "supporting Israel" meant "support whatever the government does at 100%," even during Trump 1.0.
I felt like I was losing my mind watching this person's remarks and had to write about how disgusting they are.
Sarah Hurwitz Profanes the Holocaust
Holocaust education has worked too well for the Obama speechwriter, since when she rationalizes Israel's genocide, "I sound obscene." Maybe sit with that, Sarah
www.forever-wars.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:17 PM
As someone who attended a religious Zionist day school that had a day of celebration when Netanyahu was elected in 1996 -- Hurwitz's comments are an obscenity.
And shame too on American Jews who thought "supporting Israel" meant "support whatever the government does at 100%," even during Trump 1.0.
And shame too on American Jews who thought "supporting Israel" meant "support whatever the government does at 100%," even during Trump 1.0.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
MTG is running for President and she'll do way better than people think
The media fell in love with Trump — the most mendacious person in the world — because he gave them “interesting stories” and now they’re doing the same with her for the exact same reason
November 22, 2025 at 12:06 PM
MTG is running for President and she'll do way better than people think
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
In an era filled with tech dipshits who never developed emotionally past the age of 13 & use their wealth to become odious monsters ...
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
November 21, 2025 at 7:41 PM
In an era filled with tech dipshits who never developed emotionally past the age of 13 & use their wealth to become odious monsters ...
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
The thing is, they lie. Over and over and over again. I don't think there's been a single incident in Chicago where their initial account proved out. Reporters should simply *not* be reporting what they say as fact, ever.
This is a thread detailing a series of incidents where federal Judge Ellis rules that Gregory Bovino and his agents lied or misrepresented what was happening on the streets of Chicago. In this one, she says body cam footage suggests they brake checked to cause accidents
November 20, 2025 at 9:35 PM
The thing is, they lie. Over and over and over again. I don't think there's been a single incident in Chicago where their initial account proved out. Reporters should simply *not* be reporting what they say as fact, ever.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
This past month, four different Protestant groups/denominations, most evangelical, have been at the center of in-depth news reports detailing how those denominations’ systems of oversight have failed victims of alleged abuse. In chronological order…
November 20, 2025 at 11:34 PM
This past month, four different Protestant groups/denominations, most evangelical, have been at the center of in-depth news reports detailing how those denominations’ systems of oversight have failed victims of alleged abuse. In chronological order…
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
If you use GMail, AI (Gemini) was turned on yesterday by default and now scans all of your content for machine learning. To turn off, go to Settings>General and scroll down. Uncheck the box for "Smart features."
There's other "Smart" add-ons as well, but that's the one that reads your content.
There's other "Smart" add-ons as well, but that's the one that reads your content.
November 20, 2025 at 5:32 PM
If you use GMail, AI (Gemini) was turned on yesterday by default and now scans all of your content for machine learning. To turn off, go to Settings>General and scroll down. Uncheck the box for "Smart features."
There's other "Smart" add-ons as well, but that's the one that reads your content.
There's other "Smart" add-ons as well, but that's the one that reads your content.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
I'd like to add that REBUILD is currently connecting people of color who have been detained by ICE/DHS to FREE counseling/therapy. Please pass along the word: www.darknessrisingproject.org/help-me-find...
REBUILD - Darkness Rising Project
Need help finding a Black therapist? We can help.
www.darknessrisingproject.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:32 PM
I'd like to add that REBUILD is currently connecting people of color who have been detained by ICE/DHS to FREE counseling/therapy. Please pass along the word: www.darknessrisingproject.org/help-me-find...
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
What we learn evaluating the history of Firsts is that rarely are they ever pushing the boundaries of what is politically feasible, because their very presence at the table is what itself is testing those boundaries.
It’s easy to armchair critique a First.
It’s much harder to be one.
It’s easy to armchair critique a First.
It’s much harder to be one.
November 20, 2025 at 5:33 PM
What we learn evaluating the history of Firsts is that rarely are they ever pushing the boundaries of what is politically feasible, because their very presence at the table is what itself is testing those boundaries.
It’s easy to armchair critique a First.
It’s much harder to be one.
It’s easy to armchair critique a First.
It’s much harder to be one.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
public service posting
Turn off the Smart Features which is the tricksy phrase Google use to mean AI horseshit.
November 20, 2025 at 4:21 PM
public service posting
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
in a moment when too much of the remaining opinion column space in the states seems to have been set aside for farcical, garbled thinking, so grateful for @elienyc.bsky.social, for his moral clarity, and for the way he wields the form.
November 19, 2025 at 7:32 PM
in a moment when too much of the remaining opinion column space in the states seems to have been set aside for farcical, garbled thinking, so grateful for @elienyc.bsky.social, for his moral clarity, and for the way he wields the form.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
The Epstein bill is headed to Trump’s desk as we speak.
So, what now? Well, a lot of panic, it seems. I have seen every single possible worst case scenario all over social media in the last hour, so let’s go through this step by step. My only request, read the whole thing before commenting.
1/
So, what now? Well, a lot of panic, it seems. I have seen every single possible worst case scenario all over social media in the last hour, so let’s go through this step by step. My only request, read the whole thing before commenting.
1/
November 19, 2025 at 12:00 AM
The Epstein bill is headed to Trump’s desk as we speak.
So, what now? Well, a lot of panic, it seems. I have seen every single possible worst case scenario all over social media in the last hour, so let’s go through this step by step. My only request, read the whole thing before commenting.
1/
So, what now? Well, a lot of panic, it seems. I have seen every single possible worst case scenario all over social media in the last hour, so let’s go through this step by step. My only request, read the whole thing before commenting.
1/
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
This. *This* is the thing that will get me to overcome the inertia of having used Turbotax for years and never *quite* thinking it's worth the trouble to start with a different service even though I know they're a ripoff.
TurboTax is about to be integrated into ChatGPT, where customers will be guided through tasks tied to their tax filings or financial profile by the AI chatbot.
TurboTax owner Intuit is also paying OpenAI more than $100 million a year to power AI agents.
TurboTax owner Intuit is also paying OpenAI more than $100 million a year to power AI agents.
November 18, 2025 at 5:26 PM
This. *This* is the thing that will get me to overcome the inertia of having used Turbotax for years and never *quite* thinking it's worth the trouble to start with a different service even though I know they're a ripoff.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
Antisemitism is a lot like Qanon child abuse conspiracies in that there’s this real and bad phenomenon and, parallel to that, what can only be described as a large scale mass psychosis about a mostly fictional version of the same phenomenon
November 16, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Antisemitism is a lot like Qanon child abuse conspiracies in that there’s this real and bad phenomenon and, parallel to that, what can only be described as a large scale mass psychosis about a mostly fictional version of the same phenomenon
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
they don’t want you to know this but hope is free. you can have as much hope as you like. i have so much hope
November 16, 2025 at 9:17 PM
they don’t want you to know this but hope is free. you can have as much hope as you like. i have so much hope
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
New from me on Substack: “Source Wars and Bespoke Realities: Wikipedia, Grokipedia, and The Battle for Truth”
I wrote about the high stakes power game over “reliable sources” — and the story of how Grokipedia did change its entry ab me after my Atlantic article on its hallucinations last week.
I wrote about the high stakes power game over “reliable sources” — and the story of how Grokipedia did change its entry ab me after my Atlantic article on its hallucinations last week.
November 16, 2025 at 7:33 PM
New from me on Substack: “Source Wars and Bespoke Realities: Wikipedia, Grokipedia, and The Battle for Truth”
I wrote about the high stakes power game over “reliable sources” — and the story of how Grokipedia did change its entry ab me after my Atlantic article on its hallucinations last week.
I wrote about the high stakes power game over “reliable sources” — and the story of how Grokipedia did change its entry ab me after my Atlantic article on its hallucinations last week.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
The problem here isn’t just Aspen Center policy (though I think the secrecy thing and not even knowing who is on the admissions committee is weird and needs to change) (note this is NOT the Aspen Institute which is a block away). The problem is that the academy is centered on these kinds of norms.
November 16, 2025 at 7:24 PM
The problem here isn’t just Aspen Center policy (though I think the secrecy thing and not even knowing who is on the admissions committee is weird and needs to change) (note this is NOT the Aspen Institute which is a block away). The problem is that the academy is centered on these kinds of norms.
Reposted by Rachel Lazerus
important reminder that, while we appreciate her sticking a knife in Trump at this present moment, Marjorie Taylor Greene is a committed antisemite and is not and will never be your friend
Marjorie Taylor Greene to Dana Bash: "You should have Nick Fuentes on your show"
November 16, 2025 at 4:30 PM
important reminder that, while we appreciate her sticking a knife in Trump at this present moment, Marjorie Taylor Greene is a committed antisemite and is not and will never be your friend