I’m late to ask but: what is everyone doing for National Rhode Island Day (which is today)?

What can you even say at this point?

Big day.

Me, counting all the democracy fire-alarms we've got right now, when you add five more.

Semi-regular PSA: I took an antidepressant this morning, as I've done for 5+ years. They've been a big help for me, along with therapy, in getting my anxiety and depression under control. I encourage folks to listen to actual doctors and mental health professionals over RFK Jr.

Pawtucket at dusk.

My favorite Taylor Swift moment was when the Providence Journal reported on her home-renovation plans with the tone and fervor of the WaPo on Watergate.

I do not like that JD Vance guy.

A beautiful view of PVD, from a vantage point I'm not used to seeing! 😍

"Governor McKee got more bad news on Monday when UNH released its latest survey of Rhode Islanders, showing him down by double-digits to Helena Foulkes in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, with a job approval rating of just 24%. ...Only 20% of Democrats think McKee deserves another term."

My favorite armchair comment is Americans don‘t understand authoritarianism, because so many of you don’t count Black people as Americans. Learn the history or shut up.

I recently read "1984" for the first time -- and also watched the 1984 (year) film adaptation. And the scene that probably sticks with me the most is when Winston, the skeptical/rebellious protagonist, meets his neighbor, a staunch Party loyalist, in prison. The scene, in the film:

What a dark day for press freedom in the United States

Back in 2016, I interviewed the late, legendary Congressman John Lewis for @salon.com about his brilliant graphic-memoir series "March," co-written with @natepowell.bsky.social and @andrewaydin.bsky.social, who also joined the interview. His answer to this question sticks with me.

Yet another day of wall-to-wall terrible news from the United States.

I'm getting vaxxed for COVID and the flu later today, which is, in fact, a routine step to safeguard my health but in our dystopia feels like some kind of political act?

Adding the great @steveahlquist.bsky.social to this list, for Rhode Island.

Good morning from Providence.

Apropos of today's album release news...can you imagine dropping the needle on this masterpiece for the first time?

BREAKING: R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha announced Friday he won’t run for governor next year and will be leaving politics. Details below. https://www.wpri.com/news/elections/ri-attorney-general-announces-hes-not-running-for-governor/

Something I'm looking forward to: the new documentary, "Orwell 2+2=5," by Raoul Peck, who previously directed "I Am Not Your Negro," about James Baldwin.

It's wild to watch CBS News, the Washington Post, and countless other institutions *opt-in* to decadence in order to better accommodate an era of national decadence.

Rhode Island Homeowner -- a Musician -- Releases New Album.

Yeats’ SECOND COMING feels too easy to quote these days but the one bit of it that stands out it again and again is: “The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity.” Such capitulation and acquiescence at every turn. All this bowing and scraping.

I've got a multi-author book event coming up in RI where the host of the evening's program wanted a humorous anecdote from each author. It took me a second to think of something. And then I remembered this:

My views, which are all incredibly contrarian, are supported by many billionaires in the business and media establishment.

Hire Andrew!

a heartwarming story of how being an unethical and talentless hack is no barrier to success when you are willing to endlessly flatter the wretched views of rich dipshits

"What we call democracy in a capitalist country only remains in being while things are going well; in time of difficulty it turns immediately into Fascism." -George Orwell, in 1937

Yikes.

Wishing all the globalists a meaningful Yom Kippur and an easy fast.

The fact that his trans daughter is famous, and happy, and despises him, has burnt a hole right through his soul.

Im not really loving how they changed the name to the Department of War, and then told senior military leadership that the enemy is “within.”

Somebody just told me, via text: "I think of you each time I see an Alex and Ani reference."

"Mr. Pope"

does it end well for societies to elect a deranged, unaccountable, corrupt grifter to the nation's highest office, I don't know much about history or life

There was a moment on my walk last night where the leaves and sun hit just right and turned the sidewalk to gold.

Behind the Story: @phileil.bsky.social joins @kimkalunian.bsky.social + me to discuss the role opioids are playing in Rhode Island politics. Shoutouts + more 👇https://www.wpri.com/original-and-local/wpri-original-local-shows/campaign-mudslinging-opioids-and-politics-in-the-race-for-ri-governor/ 

Government shut down, unemployment up, thousands of federal workers fired - with no cost savings … and …. Musk becomes first person to hit $500 billion net worth, Forbes list shows - www.reuters.com/business/aut...

Here's our chat. @kimkalunian.bsky.social and @elisherman.bsky.social are total pros!

Thanks to @kimkalunian.bsky.social and @elisherman.bsky.social for having me on WPRI's "Behind the Story" podcast, to discuss my recent @rhodeislandcurrent.com op-ed on the emergence of opioids and overdoses as a McKee-v-Foulkes campaign issue. I'll share the link when the convo's online!

Me, talking to my temperamental printer: "You had one job."

More from @lukeoneil47.bsky.social that gets at that uncanny mourning I felt last week: www.welcometohellworld.com/i-would-like...

10/10. No notes.

I -- a Providence journalist -- have a soft spot for the long-dead "Providence Telegram" reporter, Ed Lillibridge, featured in HP Lovecraft's story "The Haunter of the Dark."

I think a big reason Jeffries and Schumer aren't up for the moment is that the skills they used to get to their positions aren't particularly useful for this moment. Slowly climbing the ranks within a party and/or legislative chamber doesn't prepare you for fighting tyranny.

I hate to be petty but man there are absolutely some editors and publishers in my past who I hope notice that my kickstarter funded in 3.5 hours.

Assembling my cats for an all-paws meeting this morning to inform them about new grooming and fitness standards in the household.

Back on my bullshit* this morning. *listening to Tom Petty