Steven Nelson
@stevenel.bsky.social
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Advocate for democracy, reader, occasional runner, hobby woodworker, attorney, Philly.
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Steven Nelson
Manisha Sinha
3 days ago
Historian here very much looking forward to this talk at Eastern Michigan today. Join us if you can Michigan folks!
#theriseandfallofthesecondamericanrepublic
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Prisonculture
7 days ago
When politicians don't honor their promises, our work is to make them. To do that, we have to build enough power to make them. I understand why people get disappointed but this is unfortunately how things work in politics.
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Steven Nelson
Working to build a stronger philosophical foundation personally, so I spoke with
@brentcebul.bsky.social
and
@lilygeismer.bsky.social
about the issues with liberalism and the Democratic Party in the last half-century.
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DIY Democracy: Rethinking Liberalism in the Current Political Moment
I spoke with Lily Geismer and Brent Cebul about their recent book, Mastery and Drift: Professional Class Liberals Since the 1960s. We discussed what we mean when we talk about liberal as a political p...
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/rethinking-liberalism-in-the-current-political-moment
9 days ago
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Working to build a stronger philosophical foundation personally, so I spoke with
@brentcebul.bsky.social
and
@lilygeismer.bsky.social
about the issues with liberalism and the Democratic Party in the last half-century.
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DIY Democracy: Rethinking Liberalism in the Current Political Moment
I spoke with Lily Geismer and Brent Cebul about their recent book, Mastery and Drift: Professional Class Liberals Since the 1960s. We discussed what we mean when we talk about liberal as a political p...
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/rethinking-liberalism-in-the-current-political-moment
9 days ago
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Steven Nelson
In an era of erasing Black history, on this holiday in particular, you might focus on learning about what it is people want to erase. Hear a bit about
@brianjoneseducator.bsky.social
's journey exploring Black history in my interview with him:
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DIY Democracy: Black History is for Everyone
I interviewed Brian Jones about his book Black History is for Everyone, in which he details his personal journey to understanding the truth and importance of that statement. You can find the book Blac...
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/black-history-is-for-everyone
26 days ago
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In an era of erasing Black history, on this holiday in particular, you might focus on learning about what it is people want to erase. Hear a bit about
@brianjoneseducator.bsky.social
's journey exploring Black history in my interview with him:
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DIY Democracy: Black History is for Everyone
I interviewed Brian Jones about his book Black History is for Everyone, in which he details his personal journey to understanding the truth and importance of that statement. You can find the book Blac...
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/black-history-is-for-everyone
26 days ago
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Steven Nelson
Brian Goldstone
28 days ago
Couldn't be more thrilled to share that the paperback launch of There Is No Place for Us will be hosted by Charis Books at the Auburn Avenue Research Library on Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30pm. I'll be in conversation with the brilliant
@jduffyrice.bsky.social
—truly a gift—and I'd love to see you there.
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Chris Geidner
about 1 month ago
So, first of all, of course it was Trump. But even if they were telling the truth, "We give staffers who post videos of the Obamas as apes access to the agenda-setting, decree-sending, market-moving account of the president of the United States" is not the exculpatory statement they think it is.
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Will Oremus
about 1 month ago
Whatever you think of the Washington Post at this moment, here's a chance to support the dedicated, hard-working journalists who were just laid off. If you have the means, your donation is most welcome. If you don't, a kind thought and maybe spreading the word to others is support enough đź’™
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Donate to Washington Post 2026 layoff fund, organized by Rachel Siegel
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, The Washington Post laid off hundreds of journalists. We ar… Rachel Siegel needs your support for Washington Post 2026 layoff fund
https://www.gofundme.com/f/standing-together-for-guild-colleagues
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Steven Nelson
Molly Coleman
about 1 month ago
Axios had a story today about how hard Minnesota’s economy is being hit and how slow the recovery could be. So, I’m going to take this opportunity to say that if you want to support the Twin Cities, you should plan a visit for this summer, spend some money here, & see how amazing it is for yourself.
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Steven Nelson
Bethany Albertson
about 1 month ago
You know who really ought to pay attention the result in TX Sen 9? Democratic leadership in Congress.
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Sheo
about 1 month ago
I may have a stroke. Someone said protests don’t belong in church and it took every ounce of self-censure within me not to say “Deborah you are literally a Protestant.” A PROTESTant. I assume they think Luther was nailing Bed, Bath, & Beyond coupons to the door.
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Sahil Kapur
about 1 month ago
👀 Every Senate Democrat + Collins and Murkowski just voted for the Bernie Sanders amendment to repeal the $75 billion in additional ICE funding under Trump’s “big beautiful bill.” The measure failed 49-51.
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Kevin M. Levin
about 2 months ago
Calling all history teachers. Consider registering for Fords Theater's "Set in Stone" professional development program this summer. I've been a part of this program as lead historian for the past decade. We focus on Civil War memory and Reconstruction. And it's free.
fords.org/teaching-and...
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Set In Stone — Ford's Theatre
Learn about monuments and memorials in the nation’s capital and examine how we remember the Civil War in this week-long summer teacher program for 3rd- through 12th-grade teachers.
https://fords.org/teaching-and-learning/teacher-professional-development/set-in-stone/
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Steven Nelson
Jon Krawczynski
about 2 months ago
Steph Curry on watching the protests from his hotel window: "In negative 10-degree weather. It was beautiful to see that turnout. That speaks to how important people felt to have their voice heard. In those elements and whatever streets outside our hotel, they were out, and it was amazing to watch."
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Steven Nelson
Greg Olear
about 2 months ago
One of the best things I’ve read in a while:
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Steven Nelson
Mississippi Free Press
about 2 months ago
The Mississippi Free Press is seeking a full-time East Central Bureau Reporter. Read more at
mfp.ms/jobs
.
buff.ly/8nAfwp3
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Steven Nelson
Megan Kate Nelson 📚
about 2 months ago
Blueskis, studies have shown that when folks see or hear about a book more than five times, they are likely to check it out, and buy it. So in the spirit of creating buzz, here is the gorgeous cover of THE WESTERNERS, which will be published on March 31!
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Steven Nelson
Prisonculture
about 2 months ago
When you focus on the regular people showing up magnificently in all of their flawed beauty, it helps you to keep going.
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@sifill.bsky.social
is always worth reading when you need to steel your resolve and guidance. “Protecting our own neighborhoods and community must remain a priority. The bold resistance of Chicagoans … has set a powerful example for all of us for how we can stand-up as ordinary citizens”
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The Year America Broke Open
It would be silly to pretend that 2025 was not among the most challenging years this country has faced in modern times.
https://sherrilyn.substack.com/p/the-year-america-broke-open?publication_id=1160337&post_id=183104333&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=true&r=dtddv&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
2 months ago
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Steven Nelson
These are difficult days. We must be creative and bold to rebuild and renew our democracy. And we have examples to look to when we've done that. Here's the second half of my interview with
@profmsinha.bsky.social
about lessons we can take from Reconstruction for today.
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DIY Democracy: Lessons from American Reconstruction for a New Founding, Pt. 2
For this episode, I spoke with Prof. Manisha Sinha of the University of Connecticut, historian and author of the recent book . We spoke about what a "new founding" of American democracy has looked lik...
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/lessons-from-american-reconstruction-for-a-new-founding-pt-2
2 months ago
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These are difficult days. We must be creative and bold to rebuild and renew our democracy. And we have examples to look to when we've done that. Here's the second half of my interview with
@profmsinha.bsky.social
about lessons we can take from Reconstruction for today.
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DIY Democracy: Lessons from American Reconstruction for a New Founding, Pt. 2
For this episode, I spoke with Prof. Manisha Sinha of the University of Connecticut, historian and author of the recent book . We spoke about what a "new founding" of American democracy has looked lik...
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/lessons-from-american-reconstruction-for-a-new-founding-pt-2
2 months ago
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Steven Nelson
Kaitlin Is Just Getting Started
2 months ago
Today is very bad and we should all be very angry but I am here to remind us that the birthday we are celebrating this year is not for the Constitution but for our rebellion against monarchy. The sincerest form of flattery is imitation.
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Steven Nelson
Garrett M. Graff
2 months ago
Democrats need to understand that they can just say “It’s insane to threaten Greenland” and “I don’t think ICE should murder Americans in the street” and you don’t need to pretend to link it to the affordability crisis. Say bad things are bad.
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Bradford Pearson
2 months ago
jesus christ what are we doing here people
www.wsj.com/tech/ai/hosp...
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Steven Nelson
Courtney Milan
2 months ago
Just a reminder that George Conway is not fundraising right now to run against a MAGA republican. He is fundraising to run against progressive Democrats.
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Steven Nelson
Debt Collective 🟥
2 months ago
Starting tomorrow, the Trump administration is set to send notices to 1,000 student loan borrowers (first round) noticing them of an intent to garnish their wages for student loan debt. This is cruel and unnecessary. If you receive a notice, send it to us and we'll try to help.
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Steven Nelson
Tim O’Brien
2 months ago
Jan. 6, 2021:
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Steven Nelson
Walter Olson
2 months ago
Five years ago.
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Steven Nelson
Manisha Sinha
2 months ago
The more things change, the more they remain the same. Since Trump has brought back old fashioned imperialism it might be the time to think about how we can prevent the fall of the Third republic on the 250th anniversary of the American Republic. Some of my thoughts on this great democracy podcast.
add a skeleton here at some point
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Steven Nelson
derek guy
2 months ago
amazing how the entire machine can pivot within 24 hours. no need to slowly upsell the argument; just issue new marching orders
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Steven Nelson
A new year, but the same concerns for democracy dating back to the Civil War (and before). To better understand the connections and to take lessons for today, I spoke with an expert on Reconstruction:
@profmsinha.bsky.social
. We covered a lot so I broke it up into two episodes. Here’s part 1.
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DIY Democracy: Lessons from American Reconstruction for a New Founding, Pt. 1
For this episode, I spoke with Prof. Manisha Sinha of the University of Connecticut, historian and author of the recent book . We spoke about what a "new founding" of American democracy has looked lik...
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/lessons-from-american-reconstruction-for-a-new-founding-pt-1
2 months ago
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A new year, but the same concerns for democracy dating back to the Civil War (and before). To better understand the connections and to take lessons for today, I spoke with an expert on Reconstruction:
@profmsinha.bsky.social
. We covered a lot so I broke it up into two episodes. Here’s part 1.
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DIY Democracy: Lessons from American Reconstruction for a New Founding, Pt. 1
For this episode, I spoke with Prof. Manisha Sinha of the University of Connecticut, historian and author of the recent book . We spoke about what a "new founding" of American democracy has looked lik...
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/lessons-from-american-reconstruction-for-a-new-founding-pt-1
2 months ago
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Steven Nelson
Manisha Sinha
2 months ago
Happy New Year Civics and Coffee named
#theriseandfallofthesecondamericanrepublic
one of the best books of 2025 “Sinha does an exquisite job of arguing that Reconstruction is a much broader period in history than we think and expertly covers its impact on various populations & regions” Pub date 2024
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Steven Nelson
Marisa Kabas
3 months ago
it’s pretty nuts how a throwaway line in so many stories about various public figures is like “btw the president of the united states said this person should be killed”
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JLRay
3 months ago
unironically a good idea
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Steven Nelson
Dr. Vaughn Joy
3 months ago
Next we have DIY Democracy with
@stevenel.bsky.social
on which we talked a lot about Frank Capra and how his films constructed a vision of American democracy and ideals that is still popular in the public imagination.
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A Cautionary Christmas Tale (for Democracy)
Podcast Episode · DIY Democracy · 12/18/2025 · 52m
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cautionary-christmas-tale-for-democracy/id1286579387?i=1000741910710
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Steven Nelson
Dr. Vaughn Joy
3 months ago
Looking for some Christmasy podcasts or articles this festive week? Look no more: my gift to you all is a thread of all sorts of reads and listens from or featuring yours truly so you can drop some knowledge at the dinner table this Thursday! First up, Unsung History with
@feministkelly.bsky.social
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Christmas Films, the Early Cold War & the FBI
Podcast Episode · Unsung History · 12/15/2025 · 43m
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christmas-films-the-early-cold-war-the-fbi/id1570650874?i=1000741404313
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Steven Nelson
Marisa Kabas
3 months ago
support independent media. idk what else to say right now.
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A Christmas episode for the show! Gather the family around the radio and hear
@gvaughnjoy.bsky.social
tell the tale of Frank Capra, HUAC, and who gets to be American and how.
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DIY Democracy: A Cautionary Christmas Tale (for Democracy)
I spoke with Dr. Vaughn Joy, author of a recent book on Christmas movies and politics. We spoke about Frank Capra, his celebration of America through film, and his ostracization as an alleged Communis...
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/a-cautionary-christmas-tale-for-democracy
3 months ago
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A Christmas episode for the show! Gather the family around the radio and hear
@gvaughnjoy.bsky.social
tell the tale of Frank Capra, HUAC, and who gets to be American and how.
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DIY Democracy: A Cautionary Christmas Tale (for Democracy)
I spoke with Dr. Vaughn Joy, author of a recent book on Christmas movies and politics. We spoke about Frank Capra, his celebration of America through film, and his ostracization as an alleged Communis...
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/a-cautionary-christmas-tale-for-democracy
3 months ago
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Prisonculture
3 months ago
I would like to remind folks that
@librariesftp.bsky.social
's 2026 Library Board Cohort application is due 12/18 [so this week]. We hope that folks on the Left(s) will apply. We will only be offering one cohort in 2026.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
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FTP Library Elections & Appointments Training Cohort
Hello! You're filling out this form because you've expressed interest in running for or seeking appointment to a local library board seat in your community (or because you're a serving trustee who'd l...
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9uMQGTIwK8gIee-khhubnOrqrxXAf-dKahzeY8IDc-d-Drg/viewform
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Brian Goldstone
3 months ago
If cost has kept you from picking up There Is No Place for Us (which is totally understandable), good news: the ebook is *$1.99* today—93% off!—on Kindle, B&N, Bookshop, and elsewhere. So grateful to everyone who's been reading and sharing the book this year. It means a lot.
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There Is No Place for Us by Brian Goldstone: 9780593237144 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES AND THE ATLANTIC’S TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR • Through the “revelatory and gut-wrenching” (Associated Press) stories of five Atlanta families, this landmark...
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/645871/there-is-no-place-for-us-by-brian-goldstone/
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For the show, I spoke with
@kimkelly.bsky.social
, labor journalist and author of the recent American labor history: Fight Like Hell about the book and about what we can learn from labor history to help us today. Have a listen!
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DIY Democracy: People need to be able to give themselves permission to fight sometimes
I spoke with Kim Kelly, labor journalist and author of the recent American labor history: about the book and about what we can learn from labor history to help us today. Music is by Evan Schaeffer.
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/people-need-to-be-able-to-give-themselves-permission-to-fight-sometimes
3 months ago
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Steven Nelson
Tony Corsentino
3 months ago
DC Public Library with a friendly reminder 📚
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Mississippi Free Press
3 months ago
Every time you support the Mississippi Free Press, you help protect truth and lift up the people who make this state what it is. And today, your kindness stretches even further. Every donation is TRIPLED. Make your impact count:
buff.ly/t2DNQKV
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For the show, I spoke with
@kimkelly.bsky.social
, labor journalist and author of the recent American labor history: Fight Like Hell about the book and about what we can learn from labor history to help us today. Have a listen!
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DIY Democracy: People need to be able to give themselves permission to fight sometimes
I spoke with Kim Kelly, labor journalist and author of the recent American labor history: about the book and about what we can learn from labor history to help us today. Music is by Evan Schaeffer.
https://diydemocracy.libsyn.com/people-need-to-be-able-to-give-themselves-permission-to-fight-sometimes
3 months ago
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Every time I get this question, I am annoyed at the stupidity of it.
add a skeleton here at some point
3 months ago
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