Lived there for years (was back on the weekend): this is such a gorgeous + representative shot!

It's strikingly similar to the ways ultra-conservative ideologues co-opted workaday conservatives' concerns into what became the MAGA movement. One has the feeling many ordinary US conservatives aren't sure how 'owning the Libs' became 'Constitutions are for suckers.' /3

E.g., heady claims that the rallies' appeal to "normies" creates buy-in and provides cover for the actual Revolution (coded, as usual, as "struggle"). /2

It's strikingly similar to the ways ultra-conservative movements co-opted workaday conservatives' concerns into what became the MAGA movement. It's a reminder that 'populist' movements risk being harnessed by authoritarians with profoundly anti-democratic aims. Something worth weighing.

Having said that ... I read some of the overnight commentary, and it's giving me some troubling vibes. E.g., heady claims that the rallies' appeal to "normies" creates buy-in and provides cover for the actual Revolution (coded as "struggle"). [con't]

Beauty!

My deeply conservative mother would have cheered every marcher. Especially the frogs.

Take heart: some of these late-season flower visitors could be mated queens, who do hibernate! Here's some info from the Xerxes Society: xerces.org/bumble-bees/...

As a layperson I'd love to accept the aesthetic explanation, but really appreciate this paper's careful conclusion that available evidence still 'points' toward likely utilitarian construction. It's also an excellent teaching example of scientific method in practice: Karl Popper would likely 👍!

There's a favourite variety for every taste!

P.S. This decision really shows how important case law can emerge from seemingly small-fry filings and appeals. It's fascinating from a procedural perspective.

Urbanist + cyclist here. Oversimplified takes like this are one reason cycling advocacy gets so little respect from people who want basically the same things -- healthier, safer, greener, less-congested cities. Many people *do* need to drive--good policy create alternatives for the rest of us.

Any good (well-researched, well-referenced, well-written) reading recommendations along these lines? This is an area far outside my own domain that I'd love to learn much more about!

I don't know if the Canadian system is better. Different. Not sure the US situation is only a result of its electoral system. A lot has gone on; not all the problems are new or even unique to US. Loss of checks and balances is very worrying, tho, plus seemingly intractable ideological divisions.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governm...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constit...

Here are a few links: electionsanddemocracy.ca/canadas-elec...

To clarify: Canada does have fixed federal election dates, but elections may be called ahead of those dates for the reasons you enumerate. But the best thing about Canadian elections? The campaign period maxes out at 51 days between the date the writ drops and voting day. No ceaseless campaigns.

Love these musings on old books and old smells. Happy 54th to you!