R Pez
@ricopez.bsky.social
Thirsty for civil, principled, practical, and centrist perspective.
Reform is critical when our political system no longer allows for those in the middle to be heard and taken seriously.
Reform is critical when our political system no longer allows for those in the middle to be heard and taken seriously.
Reposted by R Pez
Voters should call on their state governments to resist the Trump administration’s attempts to usurp states’ responsibility to run elections effectively and fairly. bit.ly/46tX4nd
“Confidential” Agreements Show Trump Administration’s Plans for States’ Voter Data
At least 10 states have handed over their full voter files to the Justice Department.
www.brennancenter.org
February 11, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Voters should call on their state governments to resist the Trump administration’s attempts to usurp states’ responsibility to run elections effectively and fairly. bit.ly/46tX4nd
"[US] has been on a downward trend for the past decade. It took another hit last year, when the Trump administration gutted the federal government’s ability to fight public corruption by pausing investigations into corporate foreign bribery and curtailing enforcement of a foreign agent registration"
The US slips to its lowest-ever rank in a global corruption index | CNN Business
The United States has fallen to its worst-ever position in a leading global index that measures views of corruption in the public sector among independent experts and businesspeople.
www.cnn.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:17 AM
"[US] has been on a downward trend for the past decade. It took another hit last year, when the Trump administration gutted the federal government’s ability to fight public corruption by pausing investigations into corporate foreign bribery and curtailing enforcement of a foreign agent registration"
"Not only does the U.S. Constitution clearly provide states the authority to regulate the ‘times, places, and manner’ of holding federal elections, but one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington, D.C., seldom work in places like Alaska," Murkowski said."
Murkowski breaks with GOP on voter ID, says push ‘is not how we build trust’
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, argued that the the SAVE America Act and MEGA Act would nationalize elections, something Republicans rejected under former President Joe Biden.
www.foxnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:07 AM
"Not only does the U.S. Constitution clearly provide states the authority to regulate the ‘times, places, and manner’ of holding federal elections, but one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington, D.C., seldom work in places like Alaska," Murkowski said."
Reposted by R Pez
Just two Republican congressmen (TWO) can get their way on Ukraine funding, or tariffs, anything… by shutting down the floor of the house. Rare chance in history. Quit tweeting “concern” and start acting, NOW! Here’s how:
February 7, 2026 at 2:39 AM
Just two Republican congressmen (TWO) can get their way on Ukraine funding, or tariffs, anything… by shutting down the floor of the house. Rare chance in history. Quit tweeting “concern” and start acting, NOW! Here’s how:
Reposted by R Pez
This isn’t about election integrity.
It’s about making Americans believe democracy can’t be trusted.
open.substack.com/pub/adamkinz...
It’s about making Americans believe democracy can’t be trusted.
open.substack.com/pub/adamkinz...
This Is How Trump Prepares America to Reject an Election
He’s already telling his supporters the system is rigged, floating unconstitutional ideas, and priming them for chaos if Republicans lose.
open.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:19 PM
This isn’t about election integrity.
It’s about making Americans believe democracy can’t be trusted.
open.substack.com/pub/adamkinz...
It’s about making Americans believe democracy can’t be trusted.
open.substack.com/pub/adamkinz...
Reposted by R Pez
The SAVE Act would make voting harder for millions of Americans. It’s based on the lie that noncitizens routinely vote in our elections — the truth is that noncitizen voting is already illegal and vanishingly rare.
bit.ly/4qS8wBr
bit.ly/4qS8wBr
The Bad Voting Bill that Refuses to Die
The SAVE Act would stop millions of eligible Americans from voting.
www.brennancenter.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:03 PM
The SAVE Act would make voting harder for millions of Americans. It’s based on the lie that noncitizens routinely vote in our elections — the truth is that noncitizen voting is already illegal and vanishingly rare.
bit.ly/4qS8wBr
bit.ly/4qS8wBr
Reposted by R Pez
There should be more than two parties. Fusion voting helps get us there — letting voters support third parties without wasting their vote, and helping candidates understand where their support comes from so policy reflects real constituencies. @politicsprof.bsky.social @harvardash.bsky.social
February 10, 2026 at 5:11 PM
There should be more than two parties. Fusion voting helps get us there — letting voters support third parties without wasting their vote, and helping candidates understand where their support comes from so policy reflects real constituencies. @politicsprof.bsky.social @harvardash.bsky.social
"Trump campaigned in 2024 saying he would begin “no new wars,” eschew “regime change” and “nation building,” and generally prioritize domestic policy over foreign affairs. No more Coalition Provisional Authority, as in Iraq. No more extended U.S. military deployments, as in Afghanistan."
Donald Trump’s incoherent foreign policy has made the bygone days of “regime change” look restrained and strategic by comparison, John Bolton argues:
A Foreign Policy Worse Than Regime Change
The world is threatened by the president’s self-absorption and incoherence.
bit.ly
February 10, 2026 at 5:39 PM
"Trump campaigned in 2024 saying he would begin “no new wars,” eschew “regime change” and “nation building,” and generally prioritize domestic policy over foreign affairs. No more Coalition Provisional Authority, as in Iraq. No more extended U.S. military deployments, as in Afghanistan."
"The appearance that wealthy interests can influence policy with multimillion-dollar donations is severely harming faith in our democracy. Polls released in late 2025 showed that government corruption and a weakening democracy are the top two concerns for Americans"
We need election reform.
We need election reform.
Pro-Trump Super PAC Raises Record-Breaking $305 Million
MAGA Inc. has relied on multimillion-dollar donors to raise an unprecedented amount in support of a lame duck president.
www.brennancenter.org
February 8, 2026 at 10:34 PM
"The appearance that wealthy interests can influence policy with multimillion-dollar donations is severely harming faith in our democracy. Polls released in late 2025 showed that government corruption and a weakening democracy are the top two concerns for Americans"
We need election reform.
We need election reform.
Reposted by R Pez
Some Western countries may now feel compelled to possess weapons of their own. Yet their quest for individual security would be likely to trigger proliferation
How to think about new risks of nuclear proliferation
In a might-makes-right world, many countries may conclude that only nukes can keep them safe
econ.st
February 7, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Some Western countries may now feel compelled to possess weapons of their own. Yet their quest for individual security would be likely to trigger proliferation
Reposted by R Pez
The new "Make Elections Great Again" Act is full of unfunded, unnecessary, anti-voter mandates.
It would prohibit ranked choice voting in all federal general elections.
Tell Congress to STOP the MEGA Act ⬇️
It would prohibit ranked choice voting in all federal general elections.
Tell Congress to STOP the MEGA Act ⬇️
Ask Congress to STOP the federal ban on ranked choice voting!
Protect our vote & our democracy
fairvoteaction.quorum.us
February 6, 2026 at 10:39 PM
The new "Make Elections Great Again" Act is full of unfunded, unnecessary, anti-voter mandates.
It would prohibit ranked choice voting in all federal general elections.
Tell Congress to STOP the MEGA Act ⬇️
It would prohibit ranked choice voting in all federal general elections.
Tell Congress to STOP the MEGA Act ⬇️
Reposted by R Pez
85% of Americans say elected officials don't care what they think. They're not wrong.
Why? "Choose-one" elections leave voters w/ few real choices & little voice in our democracy.
How can reforms like ranked choice voting help?
@pbs.org explains ⬇️ #RankedChoiceVoting
Why? "Choose-one" elections leave voters w/ few real choices & little voice in our democracy.
How can reforms like ranked choice voting help?
@pbs.org explains ⬇️ #RankedChoiceVoting
How America Became a Two-Party Nation | Civics Made Easy
YouTube video by PBS
www.youtube.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:38 PM
85% of Americans say elected officials don't care what they think. They're not wrong.
Why? "Choose-one" elections leave voters w/ few real choices & little voice in our democracy.
How can reforms like ranked choice voting help?
@pbs.org explains ⬇️ #RankedChoiceVoting
Why? "Choose-one" elections leave voters w/ few real choices & little voice in our democracy.
How can reforms like ranked choice voting help?
@pbs.org explains ⬇️ #RankedChoiceVoting
Reposted by R Pez
Where does opposition to fusion voting come from? Mostly the two major parties, who see it as a threat to their power, even though power belongs to the people, not the parties or their chairs, but the citizens.
February 3, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Where does opposition to fusion voting come from? Mostly the two major parties, who see it as a threat to their power, even though power belongs to the people, not the parties or their chairs, but the citizens.
Reposted by R Pez
The principle that stands out most is equal protection — major parties shouldn’t squeeze out third-party voices, and independent voters shouldn’t be shut out by a two-party system.
February 4, 2026 at 2:03 PM
The principle that stands out most is equal protection — major parties shouldn’t squeeze out third-party voices, and independent voters shouldn’t be shut out by a two-party system.
It is estimated that millions of Americans could be denied a vote if the SAVE ACT is passed.
This obstruction of Americans' fundamental right to vote is not worth rushing to pass it.
A voter ID system would need years and lots of funding to implement.
Do it right, or don't do it.
This obstruction of Americans' fundamental right to vote is not worth rushing to pass it.
A voter ID system would need years and lots of funding to implement.
Do it right, or don't do it.
February 7, 2026 at 2:46 PM
It is estimated that millions of Americans could be denied a vote if the SAVE ACT is passed.
This obstruction of Americans' fundamental right to vote is not worth rushing to pass it.
A voter ID system would need years and lots of funding to implement.
Do it right, or don't do it.
This obstruction of Americans' fundamental right to vote is not worth rushing to pass it.
A voter ID system would need years and lots of funding to implement.
Do it right, or don't do it.
Why the rush to pass legislation that would make it difficult for many to vote in 2026 and 2028?
The GOP knows that they won't be able to win voters at the ballot box after supporting this belligerent and incompetent administration. So, instead, they want to suppress the vote.
The GOP knows that they won't be able to win voters at the ballot box after supporting this belligerent and incompetent administration. So, instead, they want to suppress the vote.
Congress failed to pass the SAVE Act last year for good reason: it’s an anti-voter bill. But now lawmakers have revived it despite overwhelming public opposition. Tell Congress to reject the SAVE Act: bit.ly/4tmVIor
February 7, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Why the rush to pass legislation that would make it difficult for many to vote in 2026 and 2028?
The GOP knows that they won't be able to win voters at the ballot box after supporting this belligerent and incompetent administration. So, instead, they want to suppress the vote.
The GOP knows that they won't be able to win voters at the ballot box after supporting this belligerent and incompetent administration. So, instead, they want to suppress the vote.
Reposted by R Pez
Congress failed to pass the SAVE Act last year for good reason: it’s an anti-voter bill. But now lawmakers have revived it despite overwhelming public opposition. bit.ly/4qS8wBr
The Bad Voting Bill that Refuses to Die
The SAVE Act would stop millions of eligible Americans from voting.
www.brennancenter.org
February 7, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Congress failed to pass the SAVE Act last year for good reason: it’s an anti-voter bill. But now lawmakers have revived it despite overwhelming public opposition. bit.ly/4qS8wBr
"the National Cattlemen's Beef Association said it "cannot stand behind the President while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentinian beef in an attempt to influence prices."
Trump signs executive order quadrupling beef imports from Argentina
President Trump signed an executive order Friday that increases the amount of beef imported into the U.S. from Argentina.
www.cbsnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:27 PM
"the National Cattlemen's Beef Association said it "cannot stand behind the President while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentinian beef in an attempt to influence prices."
Reposted by R Pez
The Justice Department’s push to collect voter data nationwide is an attempt to take control of election administration — a job the Constitution leaves to the states, not the federal government.
bit.ly/49HOmCY
bit.ly/49HOmCY
Trump Administration Has Sued More than 20 States for Refusing to Turn Over Voter Files
The Justice Department’s attempts to collect sensitive voter information are part of a plan to interfere with elections.
www.brennancenter.org
February 5, 2026 at 10:27 PM
The Justice Department’s push to collect voter data nationwide is an attempt to take control of election administration — a job the Constitution leaves to the states, not the federal government.
bit.ly/49HOmCY
bit.ly/49HOmCY
Reposted by R Pez
The SAVE Act would block millions of American citizens from voting. Tell your senators to stop this attack on the freedom to vote:
bit.ly/4tmVIor
bit.ly/4tmVIor
February 6, 2026 at 3:30 PM
The SAVE Act would block millions of American citizens from voting. Tell your senators to stop this attack on the freedom to vote:
bit.ly/4tmVIor
bit.ly/4tmVIor
Reposted by R Pez
Lawmakers in the House and Senate renewed their push to pass the SAVE Act, which would require documents like a passport or birth certificate to register to vote. More than 21 million Americans don’t have these documents readily available. Tell Congress to reject the SAVE Act:
bit.ly/4tmVIor
bit.ly/4tmVIor
Tell Your Senators: Reject the SAVE Act
The SAVE Act could block millions of American citizens from voting.
secure.brennancenter.org
February 6, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Lawmakers in the House and Senate renewed their push to pass the SAVE Act, which would require documents like a passport or birth certificate to register to vote. More than 21 million Americans don’t have these documents readily available. Tell Congress to reject the SAVE Act:
bit.ly/4tmVIor
bit.ly/4tmVIor
"These naming rights aren’t tradable as part of any negotiations, and neither is the dignity of New Yorkers,"... "At a time when New Yorkers are already being crushed by high costs under the Trump tariffs, the president continues to put his own narcissism over the good-paying union jobs."
Trump wanted Dulles Airport, Penn Station named after him — in exchange for releasing federal funds
Trump has named several landmarks and initiatives after himself since he returned to office.
www.nbcnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:56 PM
"These naming rights aren’t tradable as part of any negotiations, and neither is the dignity of New Yorkers,"... "At a time when New Yorkers are already being crushed by high costs under the Trump tariffs, the president continues to put his own narcissism over the good-paying union jobs."
Reposted by R Pez
President Donald Trump falsely claimed he had eliminated a provision of the U.S. tax code that bans 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates. https://to.pbs.org/3ZmLXsx
WATCH: Trump says he will revoke church tax exempt status if leaders 'say something bad about' him
President Donald Trump on Thursday falsely claimed he had eliminated a provision of the U.S. tax code that bans 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing politi...
www.pbs.org
February 6, 2026 at 1:02 AM
President Donald Trump falsely claimed he had eliminated a provision of the U.S. tax code that bans 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates. https://to.pbs.org/3ZmLXsx
Americans recognize that our political system is broken. We need reform to the electoral process and all three branches of government to ensure our democracy can flourish again.
Americans say the country's biggest problem right now is politics, per a new global Gallup survey out today.
Only eight other countries — out of 107 — ranked politics first.
Only eight other countries — out of 107 — ranked politics first.
The economy is the world's most important problem, but not America's
Only the U.S. and eight other countries – out of 107 – cited politics as their top problem in a new Gallup survey.
www.axios.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Americans recognize that our political system is broken. We need reform to the electoral process and all three branches of government to ensure our democracy can flourish again.
"On the heels of two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in Minnesota at the hands of federal immigration agents, 65% of Americans said Immigration and Customs Enforcement has "gone too far,"
Poll: Two-thirds of Americans say ICE has 'gone too far' in immigration enforcement
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds a jump in disapproval of the agency among Democrats and independents, but Republicans are standing by ICE and the president.
www.npr.org
February 5, 2026 at 12:41 PM
"On the heels of two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in Minnesota at the hands of federal immigration agents, 65% of Americans said Immigration and Customs Enforcement has "gone too far,"