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ak-coulter.bsky.social
AK Coulter
@ak-coulter.bsky.social
1.8K followers 2.2K following 210 posts
Pharmacist & aspirant fiction writer. Health care, equal rights, & rescue dogs. Writing multi-ethnic, multi-generational novel.
🇨🇦 | 🇺🇸
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ak-coulter.bsky.social
“It is Trump’s violent immigration goons who need to be reined in, not the peaceful citizens of America’s great cities. It would be a marvelous thing if right-wing authoritarianism can be neutered by a few hundred naked bikers and a cadre of folks dressed like cartoon characters.”
-David Horsey
Screenshot of the title of an article “Stay weird, Portland, and fight the good fight” in Seattle Times with a cartoon by the talented David Horsey depicting a bloated Trump in front of a large TV that shows costumed frog and panda and unicorn. Trump whines, “MILLER! IT'S WORSE THAN I IMAGINED! PORTLAND'S OVERRUN BY DINOSAURS, FROGS, PANDAS AND UNICORNS!” And Miller replies “WE’LL CALL IN AN AIRSTRIKE.”
October 16, 2025 at 7:27 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Great start! Go teachers!From “Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy” (Randi Weingarten):
“Teachers fight for a better future for all…That is the core of public education-that everyone is embraced and accepted…Because we truly all do better when we all do better.”
Book cover: Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy By Randi Weingarten On the page: “Teachers fight for a better future for all-the common good. That is the core of public education-that everyone is embraced and ac-cepted. We meet every student where they are and try to prepare them for college, career, civic participation, and life. Teachers and parents and community leaders and faith leaders who fight for better public schools, stronger democracy, and greater opportunity are fighting to make the nation better for everyone-including even the people attacking us. Because we truly all do better when we all do better.”
September 29, 2025 at 2:58 AM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
“Fellowship for the Planet"

Must-read: “Science Under Siege: How to Fight the Five Most Powerful Forces that Threaten Our World (Michael E. Mann & Peter J. Hotez)

Excellent recap of how we got here and a call to action—incl, penalize propagandists, fix media, scientists speak out!

+Tolkien/LOTR:
From the page: “Lady Galadriel of the Woodland Realm warns the company of men, elves, and dwarves (the "Fellowship of the Ring") that if they "Stray but a little," their quest will fail "to the ruin of all," she provides reassurance that "hope remains while all the Company is true." We have company too. Not a coalition of men, elves, and dwarves but one of scientists, activists, enlightened policymakers, thought leaders, and ordinary citizens who care about our world and our future. For lack of anything better, we'll call it the "Fellowship for the Planet." And so we must remain allied and focused on the battle ahead.“ Must-read book cover: “Science Under Siege: How to Fight the Five Most Powerful Forces that Threaten Our World” (Michael E. Mann & Peter J. Hotez)
September 28, 2025 at 10:13 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Great Tolkien analogy in “Science Under Siege” (Mann & Hotez): “[GOP]is led by a…demagogue, assisted by a right-wing media echo chamber that feeds its voter base with disinformation…The result, to wax Tolkienesque…army of "MAGA" Orcs who do battle…for their masters (the plutocrats who fund [GOP]…”
On page: “Today's Republican Party is led by a nativist demagogue, assisted by a right-wing media echo chamber that feeds its voter base with disinformation, much of it tinged with toxic race-baiting, culture-war rhetoric. The result, to wax Tolkienesque, is a massive army of "MAGA" Orcs who do battle (that is to say, turn out in elections to vote for Republicans) for their masters (the plutocrats who fund the Republican Party candidates and machinery and their agenda (a deregulatory environment—for fossil fuels especially). At least part of the GOP base has been misled through years now of pro-Trump propaganda into supporting autocratic rule. From a philosophic standpoint, it is the very opposite of the "limited govern-ment" traditionally espoused by the Republican Party, but it's convenient to plutocrats as long as their guy remains in charge.” On page: “So where does that leave us? To return to our Lord of the Rings metaphor, much as the Orcs could not be reasoned with or turned toward the side of good, the forces of antiscience, who are the product of years of disinformative propaganda, will not easily be depro-grammed. Any venture that seeks to marshal them in the battle against disinformation and antiscience is at best a heavy lift and likely doomed to failure. The battle for Middle Earth wasn't won by appeasing the dark lord and his forces. It was won by defeating them. The way forward today doesn't involve winning over the hearts and minds of those entrenched in antiscience. It involves political organizing and mobilizing the majority of Americans who still do believe in informed policymaking, international cooperation, and the preservation of our civilization and our planet.” The book cover (black cover with a microscope catching fire): “Science Under Siege: How to Fight the Five Most Powerful Forces that Threaten Our World” By Michael E. Mann and Peter J. Hotez
September 24, 2025 at 10:58 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Dark parallel.Hochschild’s American Midnight: “[Postmaster general] maintained…not out to suppress free speech…would interfere with no publication unless…found it treasonous or seditious. But…banned…Why Freedom Matters, not because it criticized the war–it didn’t–but because it attacked censorship.”
Cover of the book American Midnight: The Great War, A Violent Peace, and Democracy’s Forgotten Crisis by Adam Hochschild A passage in the book: “[The postmaster general] maintained that he was not out to suppress free speech and that he would interfere with no publication unless he found it treasonous or seditious. But then he added, ‘Most Socialist papers do contain this matter.’ He also seized and banned 600 copies of a pamphlet, Why Freedom Matters, not because it criticized the war – it didn’t – but because it attacked censorship.”
September 18, 2025 at 8:24 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Two books released on the same day that I’m *really* looking forward to reading!
-The Elements by John Boyne
-Science Under Siege by Michael E. Mann and Peter J. Hotez
Two books on a bench: -The Elements by John Boyne -Science Under Siege by Michael E. Mann and Peter J. Hotez
September 10, 2025 at 2:51 AM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
'Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America' by Elie Mystal @elienyc.bsky.social must-read! Ten bad laws: Voter Registration, Illegal Reentry, Airline Deregulation Act, ACCA (crime), PLCAA (guns), Felony Murder, Stand Your Ground, Hyde Amdt, Don’t Say Gay, & RFRA (religion). + 2nd Amendment
The blue book cover for 'Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America' by Elie Mystal @elienyc.bsky.social which is a must-read! The book makes a solid case to repeal 10 bad laws: Voter Registration, Illegal Reentry, Airline Deregulation Act, ACCA (crime), PLCAA (guns), Felony Murder, Stand Your Ground, Hyde Amdt, Don’t Say Gay, & RFRA (religion). And also Second Amendment!
May 4, 2025 at 7:06 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Indie bookstore day!!
(Little pup is slightly annoyed that I was gone so long but what a wonderful way to spend a day!)
A little black pup peeks up to a selection of four paperback books spread out on a stool: ‘Dearly: New Poems’ by Margaret Atwood, ‘Forest Walking: Discovering the Trees and Woodlands of North America’ by Peter Wohlleben & Jane Billinghurst, ‘Brotherless Night’ by V.V. Ganeshananthan, and Amit Chaudhuri ‘Sweet Shop New and Selected Poems, 1985-2023’
April 27, 2025 at 3:16 AM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Josh Busby
@busbyj2.bsky.social had a similar thought at the end of February:
Josh Busby @busbyj2.bsky.social “I can't think of a faster way to undermine the country than simultaneously firing government workers, cutting scientific research, rolling back protections on public health & environment, & cutting essential services. It's like the US was defeated in war and is being occupied by a hostile enemy.”
April 2, 2025 at 9:54 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Thank goodness for these pups!
Close up of a black chihuahua mix (traces of white around eyes and snout, chest) sporting a red harness. Close up of a fluffy white chihuahua mix with black eye patches, harness hiding under fluffy fur. Two pups (one white and one black, both chihuahua mix dogs) excitedly running and grinning as they pull on their leashes, exploring on their walk.
March 2, 2025 at 4:54 AM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Annie @sketchesbyannie.bsky.social is truly amazing--so talented and kind! Even though she was very busy, she created this endearing portrait just in time for a family member's birthday--the most memorable and delightful gift!
A pencil sketch by @sketchesbyannie.bsky.social that shows the portrait of a chihuahua mix, a thin strip of white along his forehead, soulful eyes.
February 16, 2025 at 12:46 AM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Snow pups
A small black chihuahua mix dog steps carefully onto stone pavers in the snow. A small white (with black fur around eyes like a raccoon) chihuahua mix dog stands in the snow.
February 14, 2025 at 6:41 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
I’m enthralled by this book. Navalny resonates:

“Maybe this is going to sound naive, and I know it's become the norm to laugh ironically and sneer at these words, but I call on absolutely everyone not to live by lies. There is no other way. There can be no other solution in our country today.”
The book cover for “Patriot” by Alexei Navalny shows half of his face, piercing blue eyes, against a black background.
January 23, 2025 at 11:53 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
The perfect time for Michelle Obama:
“How do we right ourselves inside a storm that shows no sign of abating? How do we find stability when the air around us remains unsettled and the ground seems to shift constantly beneath our feet? […] when we remember that small power can be meaningful power…”
The book cover for The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama, title in purple, a glittery gold starburst on the side. From a page: “How do we right ourselves inside a storm that shows no sign of abating? How do we find stability when the air around us remains unsettled and the ground seems to shift constantly beneath our feet? I think it begins, in part, when we are able to find a sense of agency and purpose inside of ongoing flux, when we remember that small power can be meaningful power…Helping a neighbor matters…Speaking up when you see a person or group of people being denigrated or dehumanized matters…Your small actions become an instrument for your own visibility, your own steadiness and sense of connection. They can help remind you that you, too, matter.”
January 18, 2025 at 8:52 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Mood…
A tan chihuahua mix dog hides in his grey clamshell bed, his snout pokes out, part of his back is visible.
January 17, 2025 at 6:17 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
I typically read and enjoy fiction novels but have found myself drawn to more nonfiction these past few weeks…these are two timely books I’m eager to start…
Book covers for “Patriot” by Alexei Navalny (shows a half-profile of his face, black backdrop) and “The Light We Carry” by Michelle Obama (pale grey with title in purple, a silver-gold star burst on side)
January 17, 2025 at 12:12 AM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Well, this is depressing…final page of the superb book Strongmen by Ruth Ben-Ghiat: “”I predict to you, your children and grandchildren are going to be doing their doctoral theses on the issue of who succeeded–– autocracy or democracy?” said Biden at his first press conference in March 2021.”
From the final page of Strongmen by Ruth Ben-Ghiat: “”I predict to you, your children and grandchildren are going to be doing their doctoral theses on the issue of who succeeded–– autocracy or democracy?” said Biden at his first press conference in March 2021.” Cover of “Strongmen” by Ruth Ben-Ghiat shows a red statue graphic, a crowd of black and white faces behind it.
January 16, 2025 at 11:53 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
Funny and sweet how these two prefer to curl up next to each other in one bed vs in own beds (allowing their bison squeaky toy the bed to himself!)
Small black and small white chihuahua mix dogs curl up side-by-side in grey dog bed. Can see partial view of another dog bed with corner of a stuffed toy.
January 5, 2025 at 11:58 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
“Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers.” 20/20
#BookSky
💙📚
#Books
#BookChallenge
#20daybookchallenge
The book cover for “The Sense of an Ending” by Julian Barnes shows an off-white egg on a beige tabletop against a brown backdrop.
January 4, 2025 at 7:04 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
“Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers.” 19/20
#BookSky
💙📚
#Books
#BookChallenge
#20daybookchallenge
The reddish brown/paprika book cover for “The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy shows a seemingly floating lotus flower, leaves.
January 3, 2025 at 5:50 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
“Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers.” 18/20
#BookSky
💙📚
#Books
#BookChallenge
#20daybookchallenge
The book cover for “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius” by Dave Eggers shows a heavy red curtain drawn back to reveal a grandiose majestic sunset/sunrise.
January 2, 2025 at 6:41 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
“Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers.” 17/20
#BookSky
💙📚
#Books
#BookChallenge
#20daybookchallenge
The book cover for “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel shows a graphic illustration of a tiger and a boy in a lifeboat, sailing over sharks and sea turtles.
January 1, 2025 at 8:16 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
So funny— looks like I have the book (I have an embarrassing number of books!) but I don’t remember how or why (which is also a bit embarrassing, ha!) Do you recommend? And would I need to reread “The Eight” to fully understand?
The fiery book cover for “The Fire” by Katherine Neville shows a hawk superimposed on a chess board.
December 31, 2024 at 11:07 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
“Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers.” 16/20
#BookSky
💙📚
#Books
#BookChallenge
#20daybookchallenge
The book cover for “The Tenderness of Wolves” by Stef Penney is a blue green mystical forest scene, a desolate image, trees shrouded in mist.
December 31, 2024 at 7:20 PM
ak-coulter.bsky.social
“Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers.” 15/20
#BookSky
💙📚
#Books
#BookChallenge
#20daybookchallenge
The book cover for “The Heart’s Invisible Furies” by John Boyne shows the backs of two young boys sitting side by side through a rainbow prism lens.
December 30, 2024 at 3:31 PM