Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
@alagai.bsky.social
Burkburnett to the Bronx to Buffalo.
Preserve democracy.
Patriot. Retired microelectronics engineer. Grandmother. USAF Brat.
Preserve democracy.
Patriot. Retired microelectronics engineer. Grandmother. USAF Brat.
Pinned
Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
@alagai.bsky.social
· Nov 12
If you're unhappy and unsettled by Trump's election, don't quit. That's just what they want you to do.
But that doesn't mean you have to do everything the same. Your media and social media habits, for example.
Here's what I'm doing to stay sane, and set myself up to handle what's to come.
But that doesn't mean you have to do everything the same. Your media and social media habits, for example.
Here's what I'm doing to stay sane, and set myself up to handle what's to come.
Authoritarians Want You To Quit
Don't withdraw entirely, but it's OK to partially disengage. The future will be tough, and you're in better position to fight if you stay sane. Here's how I'm adjusting.
www.arcdigital.media
This is simply excellent. It's close to my take, and plans.
I will find ways to help those hurt by the incoming regime, and to help 2026 midterms.
No performative stuff like the Women's March.
Fwiw I plan to exit Twitter in January just before the inauguration. Earlier if circumstances demand.
I will find ways to help those hurt by the incoming regime, and to help 2026 midterms.
No performative stuff like the Women's March.
Fwiw I plan to exit Twitter in January just before the inauguration. Earlier if circumstances demand.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
6. So each side has this point of leverage going into a stand-off: the President's side has greater unity than the opposition, but is more likely to take the blame as things get worse. This is the basic political dynamic of a government shutdown, and failure to understand it properly -> defeat.
November 10, 2025 at 1:15 PM
6. So each side has this point of leverage going into a stand-off: the President's side has greater unity than the opposition, but is more likely to take the blame as things get worse. This is the basic political dynamic of a government shutdown, and failure to understand it properly -> defeat.
Thread
1. One of the reasons I believe I have some insight into the political dynamics of government shutdowns is that I had a front-row seat as the head staffer for internal communications and legislative analysis for the House GOP during the first government shutdowns in 1995. I sat at all the meetings.
November 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Thread
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
Harm to SNAP recipients, federal workers, and others is real. In a normal democracy it’d make sense to prioritize reducing that harm in the short term.
In a rapidly backsliding democracy, harm is happening no matter what. Preventing authoritarian consolidation is the most harm-reducing move.
In a rapidly backsliding democracy, harm is happening no matter what. Preventing authoritarian consolidation is the most harm-reducing move.
November 10, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Harm to SNAP recipients, federal workers, and others is real. In a normal democracy it’d make sense to prioritize reducing that harm in the short term.
In a rapidly backsliding democracy, harm is happening no matter what. Preventing authoritarian consolidation is the most harm-reducing move.
In a rapidly backsliding democracy, harm is happening no matter what. Preventing authoritarian consolidation is the most harm-reducing move.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
It’s not left v. center or progressive v. liberal or anything like that. It’s fight v. don’t fight.
November 10, 2025 at 4:21 AM
It’s not left v. center or progressive v. liberal or anything like that. It’s fight v. don’t fight.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
Last night, the Trump Administration sent a letter suggesting Wisconsin should return our FoodShare payments.
My response ⬇️
My response ⬇️
November 9, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Last night, the Trump Administration sent a letter suggesting Wisconsin should return our FoodShare payments.
My response ⬇️
My response ⬇️
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
A challenge to anyone who thinks the median Americans’ material conditions are historically bad: Which affordable time should we return to?
For example, we could aim for the 1990s when fewer had health insurance or the 1950s when women couldn’t have bank accounts. But I don’t think that’d be better.
For example, we could aim for the 1990s when fewer had health insurance or the 1950s when women couldn’t have bank accounts. But I don’t think that’d be better.
There is no “affordability crisis.”
There is the real problem of many Americans not being able to afford good things that some others can afford. Except that’s always been true, and is less true now regarding basic needs and regular wants than before, in particular compared to the 20th century.
There is the real problem of many Americans not being able to afford good things that some others can afford. Except that’s always been true, and is less true now regarding basic needs and regular wants than before, in particular compared to the 20th century.
Affordability is, in fact, not a real thing. It's a buzzword designed to respond to an invented crisis. It's the Dem equivalent of the GOP saying it'll secure our border - the public got really upset about something that mostly didn't exist, and now you'll solve it. It's anti-Glonzo sloganeering.
November 9, 2025 at 2:51 PM
A challenge to anyone who thinks the median Americans’ material conditions are historically bad: Which affordable time should we return to?
For example, we could aim for the 1990s when fewer had health insurance or the 1950s when women couldn’t have bank accounts. But I don’t think that’d be better.
For example, we could aim for the 1990s when fewer had health insurance or the 1950s when women couldn’t have bank accounts. But I don’t think that’d be better.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
The housing bubble and financial crisis was driven by multiple interconnected industries, and tons of voluntary participants at various levels.
The AI industry is centered on a handful of companies, with a few prominent very rich leaders who openly meddle in politics.
A backlash could be severe.
The AI industry is centered on a handful of companies, with a few prominent very rich leaders who openly meddle in politics.
A backlash could be severe.
I do really think these folks are underestimating how bad the AI backlash can get if the industry needs a bailout
people are still furious about the 2008 bailout and that was almost two decades ago
people are still furious about the 2008 bailout and that was almost two decades ago
Tech guys six months ago: haha yes we’re cutting all this WASTEFUL spending by eliminating medical research and USAID
Tech guys now: yes I think taxpayers will be excited to bailout my non consensual pornography machine
Tech guys now: yes I think taxpayers will be excited to bailout my non consensual pornography machine
November 9, 2025 at 1:24 AM
The housing bubble and financial crisis was driven by multiple interconnected industries, and tons of voluntary participants at various levels.
The AI industry is centered on a handful of companies, with a few prominent very rich leaders who openly meddle in politics.
A backlash could be severe.
The AI industry is centered on a handful of companies, with a few prominent very rich leaders who openly meddle in politics.
A backlash could be severe.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
A democracy fighting against an authoritarian movement.
So to be far, Tom, what would you call this current form of government we are living under?
November 9, 2025 at 12:47 AM
A democracy fighting against an authoritarian movement.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
The Orban-Trump position on the Ukraine war is the same as always: mighty Russia’s victory is inevitable, so Ukraine should hurry up and forfeit its freedom.
The fact that this stance has survived over 3.5 years of Ukraine thwarting Russia’s conquest shows that it stems from ideological sympathy.
The fact that this stance has survived over 3.5 years of Ukraine thwarting Russia’s conquest shows that it stems from ideological sympathy.
November 7, 2025 at 7:50 PM
The Orban-Trump position on the Ukraine war is the same as always: mighty Russia’s victory is inevitable, so Ukraine should hurry up and forfeit its freedom.
The fact that this stance has survived over 3.5 years of Ukraine thwarting Russia’s conquest shows that it stems from ideological sympathy.
The fact that this stance has survived over 3.5 years of Ukraine thwarting Russia’s conquest shows that it stems from ideological sympathy.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
This sleepy, confused, unhealthy old man has sole and ultimate authority over whether, when, and how to use any or all of the approximately 1,770 deployed weapons in the US nuclear stockpile, up to 900 of which are maintained on 24/7 alert on Minuteman III ICBMs and Trident II D5LE SLBMs.
photos of Trump sleeping through yesterday's Oval Office event via Andrew Harnik of Getty
November 7, 2025 at 5:08 PM
This sleepy, confused, unhealthy old man has sole and ultimate authority over whether, when, and how to use any or all of the approximately 1,770 deployed weapons in the US nuclear stockpile, up to 900 of which are maintained on 24/7 alert on Minuteman III ICBMs and Trident II D5LE SLBMs.
👇🏼
The most swing state of the swing states, PA, just saw an effort to remove three Dems from the PA Supreme Court.
All three came through with 60 percent of the vote. That's how you do it: Vote.
All three came through with 60 percent of the vote. That's how you do it: Vote.
Is it also a good time to remind you of the concerted effort by individual states to put forth “fake” electors….and as yet no one has been held accountable for that little scheme. Who’s to say they don’t do it better this time around.
November 7, 2025 at 5:42 PM
👇🏼
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
A lovely movie about America and freedom. It came out during one of the most tense years of the Cold War (1984). Robin Williams, a natural mimic, mastered Russian dialogue phonetically.
November 7, 2025 at 3:56 PM
A lovely movie about America and freedom. It came out during one of the most tense years of the Cold War (1984). Robin Williams, a natural mimic, mastered Russian dialogue phonetically.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
Trump, 2020: "If I don't win, it can only be because the election was rigged."
GOP, 2020: "He's just saying that. Give him time, he'll accept the results."
Trump, 2025: "Everyone knows the 2020 election was rigged."
GOP, 2025: "Yessir, indeed it was, sir."
GOP, 2020: "He's just saying that. Give him time, he'll accept the results."
Trump, 2025: "Everyone knows the 2020 election was rigged."
GOP, 2025: "Yessir, indeed it was, sir."
November 7, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Trump, 2020: "If I don't win, it can only be because the election was rigged."
GOP, 2020: "He's just saying that. Give him time, he'll accept the results."
Trump, 2025: "Everyone knows the 2020 election was rigged."
GOP, 2025: "Yessir, indeed it was, sir."
GOP, 2020: "He's just saying that. Give him time, he'll accept the results."
Trump, 2025: "Everyone knows the 2020 election was rigged."
GOP, 2025: "Yessir, indeed it was, sir."
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
She and her ilk really sicken me. They’re why I left the party.
Elise Stefanik in 2016: “I disagree with Mr. Trump on this issue. The election is not rigged...I have full faith and confidence in the outcome of the election.”
Stefanik now: “They unconstitutionally rigged the 2020 election...I would not have done what Mike Pence did.”
Stefanik now: “They unconstitutionally rigged the 2020 election...I would not have done what Mike Pence did.”
November 7, 2025 at 11:50 AM
She and her ilk really sicken me. They’re why I left the party.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
Sounds like a good start!
Steve Bannon: If we lose the midterms and we lose 2028, some in this room are going to prison, myself included.
November 7, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Sounds like a good start!
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
The headache of repaying an illegal tax is one reason you don’t impose an illegal tax in the first place.
November 7, 2025 at 1:08 AM
The headache of repaying an illegal tax is one reason you don’t impose an illegal tax in the first place.
LOL Mike - constitutionality doesn't work like that.
Mike Johnson: "I think the Court has to give deference to that. I think the Court has to recognize the executive is doing what they're doing -- he's using tariffs to create leverage in our trade strategy, and it's yielding great results for the American people."
November 6, 2025 at 4:01 PM
LOL Mike - constitutionality doesn't work like that.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
Democrats Sweep 2025 Elections, 2024 Narratives Crumble
"Be more anti-immigrant, be more anti-trans, be more positive towards anti-democracy bigots like Charlie Kirk. Not as much as Republicans, but move in that direction, since that’s supposedly where the American people are.
Nope."
My latest:
"Be more anti-immigrant, be more anti-trans, be more positive towards anti-democracy bigots like Charlie Kirk. Not as much as Republicans, but move in that direction, since that’s supposedly where the American people are.
Nope."
My latest:
Democrats Sweep 2025 Elections, 2024 Narratives Crumble
In state and local elections, American voters repudiated Donald Trump's presidency, and disproved claims of a lasting right-wing cultural shift
www.arcdigital.media
November 5, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Democrats Sweep 2025 Elections, 2024 Narratives Crumble
"Be more anti-immigrant, be more anti-trans, be more positive towards anti-democracy bigots like Charlie Kirk. Not as much as Republicans, but move in that direction, since that’s supposedly where the American people are.
Nope."
My latest:
"Be more anti-immigrant, be more anti-trans, be more positive towards anti-democracy bigots like Charlie Kirk. Not as much as Republicans, but move in that direction, since that’s supposedly where the American people are.
Nope."
My latest:
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
Trump and the Republicans will likely dial harder into authoritarianism, seeking ways to retain power in the face of a popular backlash. But as the 2025 elections showed, that backlash is large and formidable.
It’s enough people power to, in time, pull America back from the brink.
It’s enough people power to, in time, pull America back from the brink.
Democrats Sweep 2025 Elections, 2024 Narratives Crumble
In state and local elections, American voters repudiated Donald Trump's presidency, and disproved claims of a lasting right-wing cultural shift
www.arcdigital.media
November 5, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Trump and the Republicans will likely dial harder into authoritarianism, seeking ways to retain power in the face of a popular backlash. But as the 2025 elections showed, that backlash is large and formidable.
It’s enough people power to, in time, pull America back from the brink.
It’s enough people power to, in time, pull America back from the brink.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
A coalition that ranges from democratic socialists to neoconservatives, including a lot of energized liberals in between, is large and formidable.
A big pro-democracy tent. A united front. Any internal disagreements can be hashed out once the authoritarian emergency is over.
This really can work.
A big pro-democracy tent. A united front. Any internal disagreements can be hashed out once the authoritarian emergency is over.
This really can work.
November 5, 2025 at 2:15 PM
A coalition that ranges from democratic socialists to neoconservatives, including a lot of energized liberals in between, is large and formidable.
A big pro-democracy tent. A united front. Any internal disagreements can be hashed out once the authoritarian emergency is over.
This really can work.
A big pro-democracy tent. A united front. Any internal disagreements can be hashed out once the authoritarian emergency is over.
This really can work.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
The only person in American politics who is actually forcing companies to hand over ownership shares to the government is Donald J Trump.
Kelly Loeffler: "This is gonna be a crisis in the city of New York, to have a communist in there talking about seizing the means of production ... this is the face of Democrat Party now, and you saw that with everyone coming and bowing to him."
November 5, 2025 at 1:30 PM
The only person in American politics who is actually forcing companies to hand over ownership shares to the government is Donald J Trump.
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
🤣
That's an alpha warrior war-fighter right there. Get my man a free Punisher tattoo.
November 4, 2025 at 7:04 PM
🤣
So often here on Bluesky I see Dems talking about what a candidate did or did not "run on". Like if Dems have an unpopular stance on a culture war issue, as long as a Dem candidate doesn't talk about it, it isn't an issue
Nope. People know about the history of a candidate, and the general stance
Nope. People know about the history of a candidate, and the general stance
Democrats are pretty smart and mostly make reasonable choices about what to “run on” but voters can — and to an extent do — evaluate your whole record and not just your campaign.
www.slowboring.com/p/theres-mor...
www.slowboring.com/p/theres-mor...
November 4, 2025 at 1:18 PM
So often here on Bluesky I see Dems talking about what a candidate did or did not "run on". Like if Dems have an unpopular stance on a culture war issue, as long as a Dem candidate doesn't talk about it, it isn't an issue
Nope. People know about the history of a candidate, and the general stance
Nope. People know about the history of a candidate, and the general stance
Reposted by Alagai 🇺🇲🇺🇦
Trump’s voters have become like the members of the administration, delighting in the crassness and obscenity that pours out of the president and his circle whenever they are challenged. But policies suffer and the public is poorly served.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
A Confederacy of Toddlers
The Trump administration is a regime of troubled children.
www.theatlantic.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Trump’s voters have become like the members of the administration, delighting in the crassness and obscenity that pours out of the president and his circle whenever they are challenged. But policies suffer and the public is poorly served.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...