Phil Pencil, PhD.
@philpencil.bsky.social
Your certified expert on Black Studies and Urban Policy. Proud member of the decent Human Being Club.
In today's climate, we need political leaders with firsthand experience in AI safety. That's why I'm voting for @whstancil.bsky.social as Grand Poobah of Minneapolis. Share if you agree #stancil2026
November 7, 2025 at 9:07 PM
In today's climate, we need political leaders with firsthand experience in AI safety. That's why I'm voting for @whstancil.bsky.social as Grand Poobah of Minneapolis. Share if you agree #stancil2026
I've recently taken up marathon running in a bid to become more electable. My dream is to one day become The Mayor of Pennsylvania. That can't happen if people think I am some internet-addicted freak.
November 6, 2025 at 3:29 PM
I've recently taken up marathon running in a bid to become more electable. My dream is to one day become The Mayor of Pennsylvania. That can't happen if people think I am some internet-addicted freak.
The idea the voters are just dummies that vote based on the general state of the economy is a common myth. I have never encountered research in my work that suggests inflation brings people to the ballot box. The average joe only cares about specific aspects of local public policy.
What shift in grocery prices would make you abandon all your principles in voting (or not voting, whichever)? Would you stop caring about the killed Venezuelan fishermen if all American food became free?
November 5, 2025 at 11:23 PM
The idea the voters are just dummies that vote based on the general state of the economy is a common myth. I have never encountered research in my work that suggests inflation brings people to the ballot box. The average joe only cares about specific aspects of local public policy.
Reposted by Phil Pencil, PhD.
Completely unacceptable of the UC system to do this. I hope state legislators intervene.
A devastating set of decisions on the part of UC leadership to withdraw support from our nationally recognized postdoc program that prioritizes research excellence combined with addressing our university public service mission. www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
UC to Stop Funding Systemwide Postdoc Program
Established in 1984 to encourage women and minority Ph.D.s to pursue academia, the program has attracted right-wing criticism for prioritizing diverse candidates.
www.insidehighered.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Completely unacceptable of the UC system to do this. I hope state legislators intervene.
Reposted by Phil Pencil, PhD.
Please check all that apply
November 5, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Please check all that apply
Reposted by Phil Pencil, PhD.
She is the world's best grandmother, and a loving, caring person who would give the shirt off her back to a stranger, and she fucking hates Donald Trump with the fire of a thousand suns.
November 5, 2025 at 12:33 AM
She is the world's best grandmother, and a loving, caring person who would give the shirt off her back to a stranger, and she fucking hates Donald Trump with the fire of a thousand suns.
Reposted by Phil Pencil, PhD.
👀 Scoop: IRS Direct File, the free government-backed program that let you file your taxes for free, is dead.
IRS wrote to state tax agencies saying it would not be operational this coming tax season, per records I've obtained.
IRS Direct File: 2023-2025.
(Story from when the pilot launched.)
IRS wrote to state tax agencies saying it would not be operational this coming tax season, per records I've obtained.
IRS Direct File: 2023-2025.
(Story from when the pilot launched.)
IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with tax-prep giants
The tax agency has quietly built its own prototype system for filing tax returns digitally and free of charge, according to current and former officials.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:42 PM
👀 Scoop: IRS Direct File, the free government-backed program that let you file your taxes for free, is dead.
IRS wrote to state tax agencies saying it would not be operational this coming tax season, per records I've obtained.
IRS Direct File: 2023-2025.
(Story from when the pilot launched.)
IRS wrote to state tax agencies saying it would not be operational this coming tax season, per records I've obtained.
IRS Direct File: 2023-2025.
(Story from when the pilot launched.)
Reposted by Phil Pencil, PhD.
the opaque algorithm controlled by a bad actor that mostly shows me things i disagree with.... very bad. The opaque algorithm controlled by a bad actor that mostly shows me things i agree with... very very good
November 4, 2025 at 1:03 PM
the opaque algorithm controlled by a bad actor that mostly shows me things i disagree with.... very bad. The opaque algorithm controlled by a bad actor that mostly shows me things i agree with... very very good
Reposted by Phil Pencil, PhD.
This is what national failure looks like. small children worried about secret police.
"[Chicago mom] Andrea Soria... overheard her 6-year-old whisper to her dolls: 'We have to be good or ICE will get us.'"
apnews.com/article/chic...
apnews.com/article/chic...
Chicago's children are getting caught in the chaos of immigration crackdowns
In Chicago, children and families have been traumatized by an immigration enforcement action involving tear gas.
apnews.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:36 PM
This is what national failure looks like. small children worried about secret police.
Reposted by Phil Pencil, PhD.
I'm very concerned about my party's popularity. that's why I constantly highlight internal divisions, stir up intrafactional strife, and loudly broadcast and complain about anything allegedly unpopular any party member has done, at any level of government
like, genuinely, what is the method to ensure a centrist cohesive party line that Matty wants here outside of methods like democratic centralism
November 4, 2025 at 6:08 PM
I'm very concerned about my party's popularity. that's why I constantly highlight internal divisions, stir up intrafactional strife, and loudly broadcast and complain about anything allegedly unpopular any party member has done, at any level of government
Reposted by Phil Pencil, PhD.
It's annoying to keep having to point this out, but the actual DNC has been behind Mamdani ever since he won the primary, which you wouldn't know by reading some posts on here.
November 4, 2025 at 7:54 PM
It's annoying to keep having to point this out, but the actual DNC has been behind Mamdani ever since he won the primary, which you wouldn't know by reading some posts on here.
Reposted by Phil Pencil, PhD.
Chuck’s gotta go, man, this is coward shit
even Jeffries got this right eventually
even Jeffries got this right eventually
Q: It's election day in NYC. Did you vote for Mamdani or Cuomo?
Schumer: "Look, I voted, and I look forward to working with the next mayor to help NYC."
Schumer: "Look, I voted, and I look forward to working with the next mayor to help NYC."
November 4, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Chuck’s gotta go, man, this is coward shit
even Jeffries got this right eventually
even Jeffries got this right eventually