Life in Common
@arthursmid.bsky.social
Collaborate to advance progressive causes.
Community, story, strategy: arthursmid.com
Arthur Smid - Portland, Oregon
Community, story, strategy: arthursmid.com
Arthur Smid - Portland, Oregon
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Life in Common
@arthursmid.bsky.social
· Oct 14
How Elle Bisgaard-Church became Zohran Mamdani’s most trusted adviser
The first-time campaign manager steered him to victory in June. Now she’s focused on the likely next administration.
www.cityandstateny.com
"We articulated the vision for the movement that we hoped to build. Each day, we would work to embody the values of a better world." - Elle Bisgaard-Church
www.cityandstateny.com/personality/...
www.cityandstateny.com/personality/...
Reposted by Life in Common
P.S.: The plans to invade Venezuela? ALSO just straight up warlordism and piracy. Nothing monarchical about it. Only 'gimme now and let the world burn.' No succession plan, no enduring system of governance envisioned, only looting.
bsky.app/profile/donm...
bsky.app/profile/donm...
November 25, 2025 at 12:48 PM
P.S.: The plans to invade Venezuela? ALSO just straight up warlordism and piracy. Nothing monarchical about it. Only 'gimme now and let the world burn.' No succession plan, no enduring system of governance envisioned, only looting.
bsky.app/profile/donm...
bsky.app/profile/donm...
Reposted by Life in Common
It's just warlord nihilism, tout court. Its unofficial motto is: "Everybody should die except me & the handful of people I deem worthy."
It's "Dr. Strangelove" come to life, with Elon supplying the Nazi salute, RFK Jr. supplying the "Purity of Essence" & Stephen Miller planning for the bunkers.
It's "Dr. Strangelove" come to life, with Elon supplying the Nazi salute, RFK Jr. supplying the "Purity of Essence" & Stephen Miller planning for the bunkers.
November 25, 2025 at 12:13 PM
It's just warlord nihilism, tout court. Its unofficial motto is: "Everybody should die except me & the handful of people I deem worthy."
It's "Dr. Strangelove" come to life, with Elon supplying the Nazi salute, RFK Jr. supplying the "Purity of Essence" & Stephen Miller planning for the bunkers.
It's "Dr. Strangelove" come to life, with Elon supplying the Nazi salute, RFK Jr. supplying the "Purity of Essence" & Stephen Miller planning for the bunkers.
Reposted by Life in Common
Don't take it from me, take it from the visionaries @naomiaklein.bsky.social and @astra.bsky.social: they have correctly assessed the broligarchs as fundamentally nihilistic, akin to religious nuts obsessed with eschatology and hastening the End Times.
This is not a vision of monarchy:
This is not a vision of monarchy:
November 25, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Don't take it from me, take it from the visionaries @naomiaklein.bsky.social and @astra.bsky.social: they have correctly assessed the broligarchs as fundamentally nihilistic, akin to religious nuts obsessed with eschatology and hastening the End Times.
This is not a vision of monarchy:
This is not a vision of monarchy:
Reposted by Life in Common
Establishing a monarchy by definition requires a vision of the future in which heirs inherit the throne.
By every account of people who know them, and based on the evidence of their own behavior, Thiel and the broligarchs do not think that way: they are not interested in succession and continuity.
By every account of people who know them, and based on the evidence of their own behavior, Thiel and the broligarchs do not think that way: they are not interested in succession and continuity.
November 25, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Establishing a monarchy by definition requires a vision of the future in which heirs inherit the throne.
By every account of people who know them, and based on the evidence of their own behavior, Thiel and the broligarchs do not think that way: they are not interested in succession and continuity.
By every account of people who know them, and based on the evidence of their own behavior, Thiel and the broligarchs do not think that way: they are not interested in succession and continuity.
Reposted by Life in Common
Disagree: broligarch obsession with acquiring Greenland is not neoroyalism.
Their goal isn't monarchy, but piracy & warlordism. Theil et al. are looting the world for personal gain.
Structurally, their model is neo-colonialism or "empire by private contract," in the words of Steven Press.
More:
Their goal isn't monarchy, but piracy & warlordism. Theil et al. are looting the world for personal gain.
Structurally, their model is neo-colonialism or "empire by private contract," in the words of Steven Press.
More:
November 25, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Disagree: broligarch obsession with acquiring Greenland is not neoroyalism.
Their goal isn't monarchy, but piracy & warlordism. Theil et al. are looting the world for personal gain.
Structurally, their model is neo-colonialism or "empire by private contract," in the words of Steven Press.
More:
Their goal isn't monarchy, but piracy & warlordism. Theil et al. are looting the world for personal gain.
Structurally, their model is neo-colonialism or "empire by private contract," in the words of Steven Press.
More:
Reposted by Life in Common
Can only assume that this is because Goran, kind Goran, shares accounts of Palestinian folks in dire need of help and financial support. So incredibly shameful on behalf of the Bluesky moderators. I hope they change their hearts before their callousness and cruelty destroys all that they love.
Bluesky suspended Goran Gligovic, the guy that makes nice art. Jesus fucking Christ Bluesky
November 26, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Can only assume that this is because Goran, kind Goran, shares accounts of Palestinian folks in dire need of help and financial support. So incredibly shameful on behalf of the Bluesky moderators. I hope they change their hearts before their callousness and cruelty destroys all that they love.
Reposted by Life in Common
California is taking the first steps in realizing an idea to save billions of gallons of water each year and produce enough clean energy to power a city the size of Los Angeles for nine months annually. #cawater www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/solar-p...
Solar-panel-covered canals have their day in the sun in California
California’s first solar-over-canal project goes online with the commissioning of the narrow and wide span arrays in the Turlock Irrigation District, bringing to life the ultimate “why didn’t I think ...
www.universityofcalifornia.edu
November 26, 2025 at 5:33 PM
California is taking the first steps in realizing an idea to save billions of gallons of water each year and produce enough clean energy to power a city the size of Los Angeles for nine months annually. #cawater www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/solar-p...
Reposted by Life in Common
This is key: "Atlanta officials spent years trying to lure major chain grocery stores to neighborhoods that don’t offer residents big supermarkets with fresh, healthy food [but] large private operators have been reluctant to open a store in poorer neighborhoods." Gov't addressing a market failure.
Turns out Mamdani's controversial proposal for government-run supermarkets isn't so novel. Other cities also are toying with the idea to bring fresh, affordable food to communities that do not have easy access to it. Good WSJ read (gift link)
www.wsj.com/real-estate/...
www.wsj.com/real-estate/...
Inside Atlanta’s First Government-Funded Supermarket
The goal is for the store to become profitable without any government subsidy within three years.
www.wsj.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:28 PM
This is key: "Atlanta officials spent years trying to lure major chain grocery stores to neighborhoods that don’t offer residents big supermarkets with fresh, healthy food [but] large private operators have been reluctant to open a store in poorer neighborhoods." Gov't addressing a market failure.
Reposted by Life in Common
In other words, the debate should not be - or at least not primarily - about "Can the government do grocery stores better?" but rather about "What can the government do when the grocery stores choose not to open?"
November 26, 2025 at 4:44 PM
In other words, the debate should not be - or at least not primarily - about "Can the government do grocery stores better?" but rather about "What can the government do when the grocery stores choose not to open?"
Reposted by Life in Common
This also suggests Democrats could win with a Mamdani-style platform of Medicare for All and free public transit.
(I mean we already knew this, but I'm glad someone is explaining it in a way the CFAs can understand.)
(I mean we already knew this, but I'm glad someone is explaining it in a way the CFAs can understand.)
November 26, 2025 at 2:06 AM
This also suggests Democrats could win with a Mamdani-style platform of Medicare for All and free public transit.
(I mean we already knew this, but I'm glad someone is explaining it in a way the CFAs can understand.)
(I mean we already knew this, but I'm glad someone is explaining it in a way the CFAs can understand.)
Reposted by Life in Common
Coming in 2026! Defenders of the Wild: Critter Moon 🌙
New defenders and organizers for expanded gameplay!
Critter Moon is an expansion for Defenders of the Wild, created by T.L. Simons, in collaboration with game designer Henry Audubon and illustrator Meg Lemieur.
New defenders and organizers for expanded gameplay!
Critter Moon is an expansion for Defenders of the Wild, created by T.L. Simons, in collaboration with game designer Henry Audubon and illustrator Meg Lemieur.
November 26, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Coming in 2026! Defenders of the Wild: Critter Moon 🌙
New defenders and organizers for expanded gameplay!
Critter Moon is an expansion for Defenders of the Wild, created by T.L. Simons, in collaboration with game designer Henry Audubon and illustrator Meg Lemieur.
New defenders and organizers for expanded gameplay!
Critter Moon is an expansion for Defenders of the Wild, created by T.L. Simons, in collaboration with game designer Henry Audubon and illustrator Meg Lemieur.
Reposted by Life in Common
A new book by Costs of War contributor William Hartung and Ben Freeman looks at how we got to a trillion dollar military budget — more than half of which goes to military contractors. www.commondreams.org/opinion/tril...
'Trillion Dollar War Machine': Understanding US Militarism and How to Dismantle It | Common Dreams
William D. Hartung and Ben Freeman's extremely timely and necessary book explains how today's crises are the predictable consequence of an entrenched system of militarism, a politics captured by lobb...
www.commondreams.org
November 26, 2025 at 3:52 PM
A new book by Costs of War contributor William Hartung and Ben Freeman looks at how we got to a trillion dollar military budget — more than half of which goes to military contractors. www.commondreams.org/opinion/tril...
Reposted by Life in Common
Again:
"Critics warn that a small group of tech companies, including Nvidia, are essentially buying & selling to each other in circular deals that inflate their actual value."
@governorferguson.bsky.social why should regular folks shoulder the safety net, while these companies get tax breaks?
"Critics warn that a small group of tech companies, including Nvidia, are essentially buying & selling to each other in circular deals that inflate their actual value."
@governorferguson.bsky.social why should regular folks shoulder the safety net, while these companies get tax breaks?
November 26, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Again:
"Critics warn that a small group of tech companies, including Nvidia, are essentially buying & selling to each other in circular deals that inflate their actual value."
@governorferguson.bsky.social why should regular folks shoulder the safety net, while these companies get tax breaks?
"Critics warn that a small group of tech companies, including Nvidia, are essentially buying & selling to each other in circular deals that inflate their actual value."
@governorferguson.bsky.social why should regular folks shoulder the safety net, while these companies get tax breaks?
Reposted by Life in Common
The Disaster to Come: New York’s Next Superstorm www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
See Which New York City Neighborhoods Could Get Hit By the Next Hurricane (Gift Article)
Heavy rain would make a hurricane catastrophic. See the neighborhoods that could face the worst flooding.
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:56 PM
The Disaster to Come: New York’s Next Superstorm www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Life in Common
Landmark move: New York City's comptroller @bradlander.bsky.social, with hundreds of billions under his control, recommends dropping investment giant Blackrock because they won't reckon with climate change.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
NYC’s Lander Recommends Dropping $42 Billion BlackRock Mandate
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is urging three of the city’s pension funds to drop BlackRock Inc. because of “inadequate” climate plans, the latest move to penalize investment firms for failing...
www.bloomberg.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Landmark move: New York City's comptroller @bradlander.bsky.social, with hundreds of billions under his control, recommends dropping investment giant Blackrock because they won't reckon with climate change.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Life in Common
Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future by Vince Beiser is the 2025 Balsillie Prize for Public Policy winner
Book on the future of metal extraction wins $70K Canadian prize for public policy writing | CBC Books
Vancouver writer Vince Beiser's Power Metal is the 2025 Balsillie Prize for Public Policy winner.
www.cbc.ca
November 26, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future by Vince Beiser is the 2025 Balsillie Prize for Public Policy winner
Reposted by Life in Common
People need food. Market won’t provide it. Government should. It’s literally the whole point.
Turns out Mamdani's controversial proposal for government-run supermarkets isn't so novel. Other cities also are toying with the idea to bring fresh, affordable food to communities that do not have easy access to it. Good WSJ read (gift link)
www.wsj.com/real-estate/...
www.wsj.com/real-estate/...
Inside Atlanta’s First Government-Funded Supermarket
The goal is for the store to become profitable without any government subsidy within three years.
www.wsj.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:53 PM
People need food. Market won’t provide it. Government should. It’s literally the whole point.
Reposted by Life in Common
North Portlanders!
Gresham and SE Portland after 82nd!
Our survey on green spaces and your mental wellbeing is live until NOV 30 🌲🐸
Please share with friends, family, and community: ohsu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
@oregonian.com
@multco.bsky.social @350pdx.bsky.social
Gresham and SE Portland after 82nd!
Our survey on green spaces and your mental wellbeing is live until NOV 30 🌲🐸
Please share with friends, family, and community: ohsu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
@oregonian.com
@multco.bsky.social @350pdx.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 1:31 AM
North Portlanders!
Gresham and SE Portland after 82nd!
Our survey on green spaces and your mental wellbeing is live until NOV 30 🌲🐸
Please share with friends, family, and community: ohsu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
@oregonian.com
@multco.bsky.social @350pdx.bsky.social
Gresham and SE Portland after 82nd!
Our survey on green spaces and your mental wellbeing is live until NOV 30 🌲🐸
Please share with friends, family, and community: ohsu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
@oregonian.com
@multco.bsky.social @350pdx.bsky.social
Reposted by Life in Common
Violence over water is on the rise around the world. Researchers counted a record 420 water-related incidents last year.
@petergleick.bsky.social says the large increase underscores an urgent need for international attention.
Graphics by @sean-greene.bsky.social www.latimes.com/environment/...
@petergleick.bsky.social says the large increase underscores an urgent need for international attention.
Graphics by @sean-greene.bsky.social www.latimes.com/environment/...
November 26, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Violence over water is on the rise around the world. Researchers counted a record 420 water-related incidents last year.
@petergleick.bsky.social says the large increase underscores an urgent need for international attention.
Graphics by @sean-greene.bsky.social www.latimes.com/environment/...
@petergleick.bsky.social says the large increase underscores an urgent need for international attention.
Graphics by @sean-greene.bsky.social www.latimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Life in Common
New @equatormag.bsky.social: @naomiaklein.bsky.social on how the Surrealists transformed the wreckage of history into revolutionary art – and what their example can teach us about the fight against fascism today www.equator.org/articles/sur...
November 26, 2025 at 2:05 PM
New @equatormag.bsky.social: @naomiaklein.bsky.social on how the Surrealists transformed the wreckage of history into revolutionary art – and what their example can teach us about the fight against fascism today www.equator.org/articles/sur...
Reposted by Life in Common
Revolutionary ghosts are always helpful.
So I turned to the Surrealists for tips on fighting fascism.
Stay for the ending about @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social surrealist campaigning...
Enjoy!
So I turned to the Surrealists for tips on fighting fascism.
Stay for the ending about @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social surrealist campaigning...
Enjoy!
New @equatormag.bsky.social: @naomiaklein.bsky.social on how the Surrealists transformed the wreckage of history into revolutionary art – and what their example can teach us about the fight against fascism today www.equator.org/articles/sur...
November 26, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Revolutionary ghosts are always helpful.
So I turned to the Surrealists for tips on fighting fascism.
Stay for the ending about @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social surrealist campaigning...
Enjoy!
So I turned to the Surrealists for tips on fighting fascism.
Stay for the ending about @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social surrealist campaigning...
Enjoy!
Reposted by Life in Common
So what do we do? For one, we stop treating fascists like ordinary politicians. We stop waiting for the “real” crisis.
The crisis is here, fascism is here.
The crisis is here, fascism is here.
June 14, 2025 at 7:13 PM
So what do we do? For one, we stop treating fascists like ordinary politicians. We stop waiting for the “real” crisis.
The crisis is here, fascism is here.
The crisis is here, fascism is here.
Reposted by Life in Common
Now, what's crucial to remember is that it's not just Trump.
Fascism always relies on collaboration:
Republicans could have expelled him. They didn’t.
Congress could have barred him. It didn’t.
Fascism always relies on collaboration:
Republicans could have expelled him. They didn’t.
Congress could have barred him. It didn’t.
June 14, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Now, what's crucial to remember is that it's not just Trump.
Fascism always relies on collaboration:
Republicans could have expelled him. They didn’t.
Congress could have barred him. It didn’t.
Fascism always relies on collaboration:
Republicans could have expelled him. They didn’t.
Congress could have barred him. It didn’t.
Reposted by Life in Common
6) Fascism casts the dominant group as the true victim. Trump insists the system is rigged—against him, against his followers, against “real” Americans.
June 14, 2025 at 7:13 PM
6) Fascism casts the dominant group as the true victim. Trump insists the system is rigged—against him, against his followers, against “real” Americans.
Reposted by Life in Common
So how do we recognize fascism—not as metaphor, but as mechanism?
Well, not by comparing every potential autocrat to Hitler. But by identifying the function fascism serves—and the tools it uses.
In his book 'How Fascism Works', Jason Stanley identifies ten crucial tools:
Well, not by comparing every potential autocrat to Hitler. But by identifying the function fascism serves—and the tools it uses.
In his book 'How Fascism Works', Jason Stanley identifies ten crucial tools:
June 14, 2025 at 7:13 PM
So how do we recognize fascism—not as metaphor, but as mechanism?
Well, not by comparing every potential autocrat to Hitler. But by identifying the function fascism serves—and the tools it uses.
In his book 'How Fascism Works', Jason Stanley identifies ten crucial tools:
Well, not by comparing every potential autocrat to Hitler. But by identifying the function fascism serves—and the tools it uses.
In his book 'How Fascism Works', Jason Stanley identifies ten crucial tools: