Early Evening Roundup, May 23
Featuring: Jen Rubin; Carron J. Phillips; Jehieli Luevanos-Ovalle; The Democracy Index; "Little Marco Goes to Congress"; The Democracy Movement; Jamie Schler; Ruben Bolling; and our Pet of the Week!
Memorial Day’s origins go back to 1868. Originally known as “Decoration Day,” the holiday started with communities coming together to decorate the graves of those who had died offering their service in the Civil War. It was established as a federal holiday in 1971, and has come to be regarded as an unofficial launch of the summer season and sensibility. In the spirit of that confluence of meanings, we send you into the long weekend from multiple streams. There are somber reflections; nods to communities coming together, an essential pillar to our nation’s survival; sources of lightness and ridicule; and tools to ease you into a healthy yet indulgent summer. Finally, no Friday would be complete without our Contrarian Pet of the Week, and it is my sincere honor to introduce all you Contrarians to our newest contributor, MacOmar.
Happy Decoration Day, Memorial Day, and summer kick-off. Thanks for being with us, friends!
Undaunted: Veterans
Observing the United States from abroad as it begins the Memorial Day weekend, I am struck by how much of the world that we know today would not exist, but for American military and financial sacrifice. That sounds too pristine. If not for young men and women ready to lay down their lives for others, Europe today would not be free, democratic, and devoted to Western values...
It took America only five years to forget about George Floyd
By Carron J. Phillips
Witnessing the death of an innocent Black man caused this country to reflect. However, the subsequent "racial awakening" proved to be short-lived
The Democracy Index
A spectacle and a sabotage. That was the latest disgraceful display in the Oval Office this week, when the president of the United States ambushed the South African president with patently false white supremacist claims that South Africa is conducting a “genocide” of white South African farmers. That bizarre and disturbing episode provided a capstone to…
Marco Goes to Congress
We are taking a clear-eyed look at some of the less savory members of this regime, who must be held accountable for failing to uphold their oaths of office. We also recognize those unafraid to ask the right questions.
Tom the Dancing Bug
Follow Ruben Bolling on Substack here; Join Tom the Dancing Bug’s Inner Hive here; and here is the Tom the Dancing Bug website, with information about the new book, “It’s the Great Storm, Tom the Dancing Bug!"
The Contrarian covers the Democracy Movement
Friday: Protesters outside Trump's 'meme coin dinner,' Tesla Takedowns, Batman joins the resistance, reminders about June 14 protests, and more. Keep checking to see how Americans all across the country are protecting and defending democracy.
Take care of yourself while the world is burning
By Jehieli Luevanos-Ovalle
Self-care is important if you want to keep up the fight.
Summer Cherry Berry Cobbler
“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." —Franklin D. Roosevelt
We lost our dog of 16 years almost a year ago now. This post caused me to laugh out loud, and brought me just beyond the brink of tears. Our dogs have always been rescue dogs. Maybe it's time to rescue another?
"You can't buy love, but you can rescue it."
Old dog rescue saying from an old Sheltie Rescuer (me).
How do I submit a photo for Dog of the Week? 🤔