Jon
@diaz.ai
Policy analyst. Dad. American expat in Paris.
Research interests: career education, school-to-work transitions, democracy, digital governance, data, artificial intelligence.
Views are my own. Reskeets ≠ endorsements.
Research interests: career education, school-to-work transitions, democracy, digital governance, data, artificial intelligence.
Views are my own. Reskeets ≠ endorsements.
The relentless fearmongering and panic over the idea of a “socialist” mayor in NYC say a lot about the insular mindset and lack of perspectives of Americans.
I live in Paris - we’ve had Socialist mayors for 24 years straight. Life’s good. Still no apocalypse. In fact, Paris has never been better.
I live in Paris - we’ve had Socialist mayors for 24 years straight. Life’s good. Still no apocalypse. In fact, Paris has never been better.
November 2, 2025 at 10:04 PM
The relentless fearmongering and panic over the idea of a “socialist” mayor in NYC say a lot about the insular mindset and lack of perspectives of Americans.
I live in Paris - we’ve had Socialist mayors for 24 years straight. Life’s good. Still no apocalypse. In fact, Paris has never been better.
I live in Paris - we’ve had Socialist mayors for 24 years straight. Life’s good. Still no apocalypse. In fact, Paris has never been better.
Two weeks ago, I had sudden, intense abdominal pain and ended up in the ER in Paris—turned out I needed my appendix removed. I’m now back in the hospital with a post-op infection.
Not fun. But I’m sooo grateful to be in France for all of this and not navigating the American healthcare system.
Not fun. But I’m sooo grateful to be in France for all of this and not navigating the American healthcare system.
April 25, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Two weeks ago, I had sudden, intense abdominal pain and ended up in the ER in Paris—turned out I needed my appendix removed. I’m now back in the hospital with a post-op infection.
Not fun. But I’m sooo grateful to be in France for all of this and not navigating the American healthcare system.
Not fun. But I’m sooo grateful to be in France for all of this and not navigating the American healthcare system.
1. It’s still very early. Cuomo benefits from strong name ID, while the others are still building theirs — this will change. This is likely Cuomo’s peak in the polls.
2. I’m curious if, and how soon, the field will begin to narrow. It’s hard to see a viable path for Blake, Tilson, Ramos, or Myrie.
2. I’m curious if, and how soon, the field will begin to narrow. It’s hard to see a viable path for Blake, Tilson, Ramos, or Myrie.
A new DFP poll of New York City shows Andrew Cuomo dominating, passing 50% in the RCV simulation before Eric Adams is even eliminated — and then getting most Adams supporters to soar to a very commanding lead. Election is just in 3 months.
March 26, 2025 at 10:48 PM
1. It’s still very early. Cuomo benefits from strong name ID, while the others are still building theirs — this will change. This is likely Cuomo’s peak in the polls.
2. I’m curious if, and how soon, the field will begin to narrow. It’s hard to see a viable path for Blake, Tilson, Ramos, or Myrie.
2. I’m curious if, and how soon, the field will begin to narrow. It’s hard to see a viable path for Blake, Tilson, Ramos, or Myrie.
Years ago, I lived near an elementary school in the suburbs of Paris. On its facade was a mosaic bearing a quote from the French Revolution:
“Après le pain, l’éducation est le premier besoin du peuple.”
—
“After bread, education is the first need of the people.”
“Après le pain, l’éducation est le premier besoin du peuple.”
—
“After bread, education is the first need of the people.”
March 23, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Years ago, I lived near an elementary school in the suburbs of Paris. On its facade was a mosaic bearing a quote from the French Revolution:
“Après le pain, l’éducation est le premier besoin du peuple.”
—
“After bread, education is the first need of the people.”
“Après le pain, l’éducation est le premier besoin du peuple.”
—
“After bread, education is the first need of the people.”
This is fascinating. The poll’s sample is WNYC subscribers—an informed, news-engaged cohort. Here, Brad Lander is the clear frontrunner, while Eric Adams gets almost no support.
This contrasts with general public polls, where Adams ranks 2nd and Lander polls poorly, both largely due to name ID.
This contrasts with general public polls, where Adams ranks 2nd and Lander polls poorly, both largely due to name ID.
March 19, 2025 at 12:27 PM
This is fascinating. The poll’s sample is WNYC subscribers—an informed, news-engaged cohort. Here, Brad Lander is the clear frontrunner, while Eric Adams gets almost no support.
This contrasts with general public polls, where Adams ranks 2nd and Lander polls poorly, both largely due to name ID.
This contrasts with general public polls, where Adams ranks 2nd and Lander polls poorly, both largely due to name ID.
Lifelong learning is addictive.
Even with a full-time job and a family, I still feel the itch to take more courses in AI and economics—and sometimes, I even catch myself daydreaming about a second master’s or a PhD.
Even with a full-time job and a family, I still feel the itch to take more courses in AI and economics—and sometimes, I even catch myself daydreaming about a second master’s or a PhD.
March 10, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Lifelong learning is addictive.
Even with a full-time job and a family, I still feel the itch to take more courses in AI and economics—and sometimes, I even catch myself daydreaming about a second master’s or a PhD.
Even with a full-time job and a family, I still feel the itch to take more courses in AI and economics—and sometimes, I even catch myself daydreaming about a second master’s or a PhD.
Hopefully, the next NJ governor will back ballot reform that’s truly neutral, impartial, and free from partisan interference.
No more half-measures.
No more half-measures.
Bill making changes to ballot design faces broad opposition during hearing • New Jersey Monitor
Lawmakers want to revamp primary ballots. One critic called the plan "a step back for democracy in New Jersey."
newjerseymonitor.com
March 9, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Hopefully, the next NJ governor will back ballot reform that’s truly neutral, impartial, and free from partisan interference.
No more half-measures.
No more half-measures.
If you lived and worked in Paris and were looking to buy a country home in France—somewhere outside the city but still accessible by TGV—where would you choose? You can answer by region, department, or any way that makes sense!
March 7, 2025 at 1:15 PM
If you lived and worked in Paris and were looking to buy a country home in France—somewhere outside the city but still accessible by TGV—where would you choose? You can answer by region, department, or any way that makes sense!
Reposted by Jon
Dismantling the Department of Education won’t give states more control—it will defund and destabilize public schools. States already oversee most of public education, but federal support ensures students have the resources they need.
February 28, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Dismantling the Department of Education won’t give states more control—it will defund and destabilize public schools. States already oversee most of public education, but federal support ensures students have the resources they need.
While riding the 3 line on the Paris Metro, I noticed that the route map was peeled back—revealing an old 9 line map hidden underneath. Based on the station names, it must have been from somewhere between 1967 and 1989. A little glimpse into the past beneath the present!
February 12, 2025 at 3:29 PM
While riding the 3 line on the Paris Metro, I noticed that the route map was peeled back—revealing an old 9 line map hidden underneath. Based on the station names, it must have been from somewhere between 1967 and 1989. A little glimpse into the past beneath the present!
Disinformation in the US is bad, but it’s even worse for Spanish-speaking Americans. It spreads unchecked & largely unnoticed.
While on my parents’ YouTube account, I came across this Spanish-lang AI-generated video narrating a fictional story of Barron Trump helping a girl escape poverty.
(1)
While on my parents’ YouTube account, I came across this Spanish-lang AI-generated video narrating a fictional story of Barron Trump helping a girl escape poverty.
(1)
February 9, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Disinformation in the US is bad, but it’s even worse for Spanish-speaking Americans. It spreads unchecked & largely unnoticed.
While on my parents’ YouTube account, I came across this Spanish-lang AI-generated video narrating a fictional story of Barron Trump helping a girl escape poverty.
(1)
While on my parents’ YouTube account, I came across this Spanish-lang AI-generated video narrating a fictional story of Barron Trump helping a girl escape poverty.
(1)
Incredible show! During the encore, the band took song requests from the crowd. I held up my phone with “Born to Run”on the screen, Ezra spotted it, and they played it! Truly a memory of a lifetime.
December 14, 2024 at 12:43 AM
Incredible show! During the encore, the band took song requests from the crowd. I held up my phone with “Born to Run”on the screen, Ezra spotted it, and they played it! Truly a memory of a lifetime.
The year is 2028 and the Democratic primary is in full swing.
Amid the usual policy debates, candidates are grappling with an unexpected question dominating the campaign trail: “Would you pardon Luigi?”
The question stems from a spirited Zoomer-led campaign demanding justice for the iconic figure.
Amid the usual policy debates, candidates are grappling with an unexpected question dominating the campaign trail: “Would you pardon Luigi?”
The question stems from a spirited Zoomer-led campaign demanding justice for the iconic figure.
December 10, 2024 at 8:07 PM
The year is 2028 and the Democratic primary is in full swing.
Amid the usual policy debates, candidates are grappling with an unexpected question dominating the campaign trail: “Would you pardon Luigi?”
The question stems from a spirited Zoomer-led campaign demanding justice for the iconic figure.
Amid the usual policy debates, candidates are grappling with an unexpected question dominating the campaign trail: “Would you pardon Luigi?”
The question stems from a spirited Zoomer-led campaign demanding justice for the iconic figure.
1. Americans across the political spectrum are profoundly frustrated with the current healthcare system.
2. Now, perhaps more than ever, is the time to finally embrace and champion Medicare for All.
2. Now, perhaps more than ever, is the time to finally embrace and champion Medicare for All.
December 6, 2024 at 12:13 PM
1. Americans across the political spectrum are profoundly frustrated with the current healthcare system.
2. Now, perhaps more than ever, is the time to finally embrace and champion Medicare for All.
2. Now, perhaps more than ever, is the time to finally embrace and champion Medicare for All.
Vacations are so common in France that whenever someone is away for a while, my French toddler naturally assumes it’s for “vacances.”
Here, workers are entitled to 25 days of paid vacation per yr—a stark contrast to the US, where the lack of a federal vacation law makes time off feel like a luxury.
Here, workers are entitled to 25 days of paid vacation per yr—a stark contrast to the US, where the lack of a federal vacation law makes time off feel like a luxury.
November 26, 2024 at 11:54 AM
Vacations are so common in France that whenever someone is away for a while, my French toddler naturally assumes it’s for “vacances.”
Here, workers are entitled to 25 days of paid vacation per yr—a stark contrast to the US, where the lack of a federal vacation law makes time off feel like a luxury.
Here, workers are entitled to 25 days of paid vacation per yr—a stark contrast to the US, where the lack of a federal vacation law makes time off feel like a luxury.
A Tribe Called Quest’s masterful final album, “We Got It From Here…”, brought me profound comfort in the days after the 2016 election (it dropped just three days later!).
Lately, I’ve been returning to their discography, finding solace once again in their timeless, jazzy, socially conscious sound.
Lately, I’ve been returning to their discography, finding solace once again in their timeless, jazzy, socially conscious sound.
November 24, 2024 at 8:15 PM
A Tribe Called Quest’s masterful final album, “We Got It From Here…”, brought me profound comfort in the days after the 2016 election (it dropped just three days later!).
Lately, I’ve been returning to their discography, finding solace once again in their timeless, jazzy, socially conscious sound.
Lately, I’ve been returning to their discography, finding solace once again in their timeless, jazzy, socially conscious sound.
In 2007, Larry Sabato published 23 proposals to modernize the US Constitution.
Among them:
* A 6-yr POTUS term with no re-election
* Extending House terms to 3 yrs (from 2)
* Aligning all Senate terms with presidential elections, so the entire Congress is elected simultaneously with POTUS
(1/2)
Among them:
* A 6-yr POTUS term with no re-election
* Extending House terms to 3 yrs (from 2)
* Aligning all Senate terms with presidential elections, so the entire Congress is elected simultaneously with POTUS
(1/2)
November 23, 2024 at 12:36 PM
In 2007, Larry Sabato published 23 proposals to modernize the US Constitution.
Among them:
* A 6-yr POTUS term with no re-election
* Extending House terms to 3 yrs (from 2)
* Aligning all Senate terms with presidential elections, so the entire Congress is elected simultaneously with POTUS
(1/2)
Among them:
* A 6-yr POTUS term with no re-election
* Extending House terms to 3 yrs (from 2)
* Aligning all Senate terms with presidential elections, so the entire Congress is elected simultaneously with POTUS
(1/2)
Abolishing the House of Lords entirely is preferable to reforming it.
Unicameral systems, like in Nordic countries, have long shown how streamlined legislatures improve efficiency.
With already an elected Commons, a second chamber will only serve to continue unnecessary redundancy and gridlock.
Unicameral systems, like in Nordic countries, have long shown how streamlined legislatures improve efficiency.
With already an elected Commons, a second chamber will only serve to continue unnecessary redundancy and gridlock.
Labour peer @premnsikka.bsky.social argues we need to urgently reform the House of Lords
Why we need to urgently reform the House of Lords
The UK and Lesotho are the only two countries to have an entirely unelected parliamentary chamber.
leftfootforward.org
November 22, 2024 at 10:29 PM
Abolishing the House of Lords entirely is preferable to reforming it.
Unicameral systems, like in Nordic countries, have long shown how streamlined legislatures improve efficiency.
With already an elected Commons, a second chamber will only serve to continue unnecessary redundancy and gridlock.
Unicameral systems, like in Nordic countries, have long shown how streamlined legislatures improve efficiency.
With already an elected Commons, a second chamber will only serve to continue unnecessary redundancy and gridlock.
Fun fact: In France 🇫🇷, the HBO series The Wire is promoted with the tagline, “The series that Obama is a fan of.”
Having served between two U.S. presidents deeply unpopular in France (Bush and Trump), Obama is especially admired and often regarded as the epitome of American cool.
Having served between two U.S. presidents deeply unpopular in France (Bush and Trump), Obama is especially admired and often regarded as the epitome of American cool.
November 22, 2024 at 11:37 AM
Fun fact: In France 🇫🇷, the HBO series The Wire is promoted with the tagline, “The series that Obama is a fan of.”
Having served between two U.S. presidents deeply unpopular in France (Bush and Trump), Obama is especially admired and often regarded as the epitome of American cool.
Having served between two U.S. presidents deeply unpopular in France (Bush and Trump), Obama is especially admired and often regarded as the epitome of American cool.
Good morning from snowy Paris 🇫🇷!
Snow is a relatively rare sight here, and it’s adding a magical touch to the morning. Hope everyone has a wonderful day wherever you are!
Snow is a relatively rare sight here, and it’s adding a magical touch to the morning. Hope everyone has a wonderful day wherever you are!
November 21, 2024 at 10:54 AM
Good morning from snowy Paris 🇫🇷!
Snow is a relatively rare sight here, and it’s adding a magical touch to the morning. Hope everyone has a wonderful day wherever you are!
Snow is a relatively rare sight here, and it’s adding a magical touch to the morning. Hope everyone has a wonderful day wherever you are!
Been getting a lot of questions about life as a US expat, so here’s a fun fact: US citizens living abroad can still vote in federal elections (Prez, Senate, and House)! Your vote is tied to the last address you lived in before moving abroad.
Even if you move abroad, you don’t lose your civic duty.
Even if you move abroad, you don’t lose your civic duty.
November 20, 2024 at 9:46 PM
Been getting a lot of questions about life as a US expat, so here’s a fun fact: US citizens living abroad can still vote in federal elections (Prez, Senate, and House)! Your vote is tied to the last address you lived in before moving abroad.
Even if you move abroad, you don’t lose your civic duty.
Even if you move abroad, you don’t lose your civic duty.
Microblogging seems to work best when you’re part of a strong network.
With that in mind, I just followed a huge number of people—essentially anyone who appeared to have shared interests and perspectives (which, unsurprisingly, is quite a few on Bluesky).
Let’s see how this goes!
With that in mind, I just followed a huge number of people—essentially anyone who appeared to have shared interests and perspectives (which, unsurprisingly, is quite a few on Bluesky).
Let’s see how this goes!
November 20, 2024 at 11:08 AM
Microblogging seems to work best when you’re part of a strong network.
With that in mind, I just followed a huge number of people—essentially anyone who appeared to have shared interests and perspectives (which, unsurprisingly, is quite a few on Bluesky).
Let’s see how this goes!
With that in mind, I just followed a huge number of people—essentially anyone who appeared to have shared interests and perspectives (which, unsurprisingly, is quite a few on Bluesky).
Let’s see how this goes!
Hello, world! Excited to make Bluesky my new home and connect with some amazing people!
If I followed you, it’s because you seem interesting and we share common interests. Feel free to follow back—looking forward to engaging conversations and new connections!
If I followed you, it’s because you seem interesting and we share common interests. Feel free to follow back—looking forward to engaging conversations and new connections!
November 18, 2024 at 11:04 PM
Hello, world! Excited to make Bluesky my new home and connect with some amazing people!
If I followed you, it’s because you seem interesting and we share common interests. Feel free to follow back—looking forward to engaging conversations and new connections!
If I followed you, it’s because you seem interesting and we share common interests. Feel free to follow back—looking forward to engaging conversations and new connections!