Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

DGCassidy

@dgcassidy.bsky.social

500 followers 410 following 2.9K posts

Humanist. Agnotology watchdog. 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇮🇪 Agitator for a better tomorrow for *everyone*. #VA01 progressive. #LFC, #PetShopBoys fan. Believer in peer-reviewed data, conclusions, and policies.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

DGCassidy @dgcassidy.bsky.social · Dec 17

Agnotology = word of the last decade.

“Proctor found that ignorance spreads when firstly, many people do not understand a concept or fact and secondly, when special interest groups – like a commercial firm or a political group – then work hard to create confusion about an issue.”

Sound familiar?

Shawn McClure @shawnmcclure.bsky.social · Dec 15

"Agnotology is the study of the deliberate spread of ignorance or doubt to influence opinion. It helps us understand how people use ignorance to hide or divert attention from societal problems, promote ignorance, and stoke xenophobia and populism."
www.bbc.com/future/artic...

The man who studies the spread of ignorance

How do people or companies with vested interests spread ignorance and obfuscate knowledge? Georgina Kenyon finds there is a term which defines this phenomenon.

www.bbc.com

3 8 34

Reposted by DGCassidy

bulldogmom.bsky.social @bulldogmom.bsky.social · 12h

Worthless Rob Wittman #VA01 prioritizes fundraisers with his wealthy donors over voting to extend the ACA tax credits. Rob is responsible for making healthcare unaffordable for his constituents. @wittmanwatch.bsky.social @henricodems.bsky.social @hanovervadems.bsky.social @newkentvadems.bsky.social

Congressman Bobby Scott @bobbyscott.house.gov · 17h

Republicans created a health care crisis. If they allow the Affordable Care Act tax credits to expire, it would be the largest single-year price hike in history. Virginians cannot afford this.

Gideon Lukens @gidlukens.bsky.social · 20h

Virginia’s 2026 ACA marketplace window shopping is underway, meaning people are already seeing next year’s premiums spike because of expiring tax credit enhancements. A typical 60-year-old couple making $85,000 in Virginia will face a $18,000 increase in annual premiums. (1/4)

3 5

Reposted by DGCassidy

Maxwell Frost @maxwellfrost.bsky.social · 13h

This is a federal agent pointing a weapon at a person recording them.

ICE has become Trump’s personal military that he is using to terrorize communities and cities that don’t support him. And some say we shouldn’t call him a fascist? Open your eyes.

47 250 940

DGCassidy @dgcassidy.bsky.social · 12h

The GOP is lost. They cannot be reached, reasoned with, appealed to, or expected to become sane. To imagine anything otherwise is madness. They’ve shown us who they are; *believe them*. They need to be excised from govt until they demonstrably follow *and defend* the Constitution.

Kai Ryssdal @kairyssdal.bsky.social · 13h

Just 'cause it has to be said every now and then.

GOP Senators and Representatives are obviously okay with...everything...that's happening.

Reposted by DGCassidy

henricodems.bsky.social @henricodems.bsky.social · 22h

As usual, Michael Paul Williams nails it
👏👏👏

@indivisibleva.bsky.social @50501virginia.bsky.social @bluevirginia.bsky.social @vayd.bsky.social @neighbors4change.bsky.social @wittmanwatch.bsky.social @804thepeople.bsky.social

1 4 10

Reposted by DGCassidy

Lisa Vedernikova Khanna @lisaforvirginia.bsky.social · 20h

Thank you @marieclaire.com.web.brid.gy for the opportunity to share my story about running for Congress while pregnant. Read the full piece here: marieclaire.com/politics/lis...

1 2

Reposted by DGCassidy

Amanda L. Pohl @pohlforvirginia.com · 1d

Early voting is underway and I cast my ballot via mail. Don’t forget to vote either early in-person, by mail, or on Election Day! Virginia needs to elect Democrats who will protect democracy and freedom for all and I’m proud to cast my vote for these leaders. 🗳️ 🇺🇸

Ballot marking Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi, Jay Jones, and Leslie Mehta

1 2 5

Reposted by DGCassidy

Wittman Watch @wittmanwatch.bsky.social · 1d

Rob proposes the same inane policies every shutdown (Ex: members of Congress lose salary) knowing they have no chance of passage. "Well, I tried." If Republicans hold out, 24M Americans may see insurance premiums increase by up to 300%. Rob could take a more active role but don't hold your breath.

3 5

DGCassidy @dgcassidy.bsky.social · 1d

Is no Republican going to push back on this? NO-ONE?

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 1d

Trump: "We took the freedom of speech away because that's been through the courts and the courts said you have freedom of speech, but what has happened is when they burn a flag it agitates and irritates crowds."

Reposted by DGCassidy

Lisa Vedernikova Khanna @lisaforvirginia.bsky.social · 2d

Happy first day of recess to Rob Wittman!

How many town halls is good ole Rob hosting while he’s home in district?

Oh right. None. As always.

Come meet me at one of my dozen+ events across VA-01 where I’ll be actually meeting our neighbors, not hiding from them.

www.lvk.vote/events

3 4

Reposted by DGCassidy

Salaam Bhatti @salaambhattiva.bsky.social · 2d

The National Governors Association didn't even blink when the Big Bill snaked its way through Congress, despite the unfunded mandates the bill dumped on states.

Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · 2d

If the National Governors Association chooses to remain silent, Illinois will have no choice but to withdraw from the organization.

We should be standing as one against the idea that Donald Trump can call up the National Guard against our will.

1 3

Reposted by DGCassidy

Salaam Bhatti @salaambhattiva.bsky.social · 1d

GOP: everyone must eat healthy. MAHA!
Us: we'd love to, can you make groceries cheaper?
GOP: No, but we will make them pricier with our tariffs.
Us: can you help us to afford the food?
GOP: no, but we will cut food stamps.

1 3 6

Reposted by DGCassidy

Blue Virginia @bluevirginia.bsky.social · 2d

This statement, by VA @senatorhashmi.bsky.social, about the "second anniversary of the brutal murder and kidnapping of over 1500 Israelis" by Hamas terrorists, is spot-on, both in tone and content. bluevirginia.us/2025/10/tues...

Statement by 2025 VA LG nominee, State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, on the 2nd anniversary of Hamas' brutal terrorist attack on Israel, which began a horrific war that's lasted to this day...and needs to end ASAP!

5 13

DGCassidy @dgcassidy.bsky.social · 2d

They don’t discuss policy *by design*. All that Earle-Sears and Republicans have to offer is identity politics and Project 2025. Their fear-filled rhetoric stirs up anger and hate, to weaponize voters’ emotions against them. It’s always been their ploy.

Cardinal News @cardinalnews.org · 3d

Spanberger answers questions about policy. Earle-Sears does not.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/wes_chant-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C143&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/wes_chant-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C371&ssl=1" /> This fits a pattern where Earle-Sears has avoided taking about most issues. Her silence on issues is unprecedented in modern Virginia history. The post Spanberger answers questions about policy. Earle-Sears does not. appeared first on Cardinal News.

dlvr.it

1 2

Reposted by DGCassidy

Blue Virginia @bluevirginia.bsky.social · 3d

John Reid keeps flat-out lying; the media keeps not covering it bluevirginia.us/2025/10/new-...

2 7 21

Reposted by DGCassidy

Sam Shirazi @samshirazi.bsky.social · 3d

Most Virginia Dems have been silent after initial batch of statements

But notable backing for Jay Jones from Senator Tim Kaine

Kaine served as Virginia Governor and Lt. Governor

So understands role of statewide office

7 16 59

DGCassidy @dgcassidy.bsky.social · 3d

Great question. I think he’s aware. He’s complicit in it all.

Wittman Watch @wittmanwatch.bsky.social · 3d

Rob Wittman burrows himself into a foxhole to avoid shrapnel. He refuses to condemn his party's dangerous rhetoric and rampant violations of law and the Constitution: illegal deportations, purging the FBI and DOJ, and decimating voting rights. Is Rob aware of what’s happening in his party?

Reposted by DGCassidy

Salaam Bhatti @salaambhattiva.bsky.social · 3d

Why isn’t Rob Wittman working to reopen the government?

Because once it reopens, he’ll have to vote on releasing the Epstein files.

And he plans to vote no.

He’s protecting predators, not children.

2 15 65

DGCassidy @dgcassidy.bsky.social · 3d

They lie. Endlessly. Massively.

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 3d

Mike Johnson: "Let me look right into the camera and tell you very clearly: Republicans are the ones concerned about healthcare. Republicans are the party working around the clock everyday to fix healthcare. This is not talking points for us: we've done it."

Reposted by DGCassidy

henricodems.bsky.social @henricodems.bsky.social · 4d

This is what's at stake

One month to go, people. Keep working!

@indivisibleva.bsky.social @50501virginia.bsky.social @wittmanwatch.bsky.social @804thepeople.bsky.social @neighbors4change.bsky.social

Virginia Democrats @vademocrats.bsky.social · 5d

ICYMI: Winsome Earle-Sears’ extreme record attacking reproductive rights has earned her the endorsement of the National Right to Life Committee, the oldest anti-abortion group in the United States.
virginiaindependentnews.com/elections/na...

National Right to Life Committee endorses slate of Republican candidates in Virginia

The oldest anti-abortion group in the US endorsed Winsome Earle-Sears for governor, John Reid for lieutenant governor, and Jason Miyares for attorney general.

virginiaindependentnews.com

2 2

DGCassidy @dgcassidy.bsky.social · 4d

A million times this. Every #VA01 candidate needs to be doing this. And start now. Nov 1 is when the 💩 will hit the fan and there’s no harm telling people that way in advance.

Salaam Bhatti @salaambhattiva.bsky.social · 4d

Democratic candidates in Virginia have a unique opportunity starting November 1.

When people visit health care websites, they’ll see costs higher than ever.

If Dems can land a message on how Republicans caused this, they should convert voters.

DGCassidy @dgcassidy.bsky.social · 5d

Love this thread! My hope is that this primary race echoes NYC‘s primary: candidates fighting their corners *and* smart candidates building each other up to focus in on what voters will care about at the election. It CAN be a debate of momentum building, not discord. They’re not Republicans. 😂

1 3

DGCassidy @dgcassidy.bsky.social · 6d

You know what to do.

Seat Adelita Grijalva Without Delay — Her District Deserves a Voice

Text SIGN PVRWGR to 50409 to send this to your officials.

resist.bot

Reposted by DGCassidy

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 6d

"If more and more polls continue to look like the Washington Post poll, then that really does create pressure on Republicans. And I was heartened by Jeffries expanding the message."

My full discussion w/ @davidnir.com about how Democrats are winning the shutdown: www.publicnotice.co/p/democrats-...

33 230 1.1K

Reposted by DGCassidy

Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 6d

This is fascism.

2.4K 4.9K 16K

Reposted by DGCassidy

Wittman Watch @wittmanwatch.bsky.social · 6d

Folks are wondering about the wisdom of a Dem primary between 9 candidates (as of right now). One of the 9, @votetimva.bsky.social, has thoughts. A worthwhile read for all. We at WittmanWatch aim to show how #VA01 is NOT represented now, so whoever comes next knows how to succeed for all of us.

Tim Cywinski For Congress @votetimva.com · 6d

Comment from an @bluevirginia.bsky.social article about another candidate raising $$$.

I don’t mind this comment– the anonymity yes – but not the substance. It’s on the mind of voters. So let's talk how this mentality is undemocratic + why every community in our district deserves a voice too. 🧵

2 2 6