Greetings, fearless members of the Daily Kos Community! Hope you didn’t miss these Picks too much while I was on vacation last week (no worries if you didn’t notice). We’re back with a LOT of great Community writing this week, so I’m not going to take too much time plying you with prose about this wild week we’ve had.
This week’s selections are particularly educational, and I’ve learned a lot from reading them and their associated links. I’ve also been working on a diary with a colleague this week that has taught me about issues and history of which I was approximately 98% ignorant, and it got me thinking about how much I’ve learned in my time here at Daily Kos, both from my coworkers and you fine members of the Community. With that in mind, I present this week’s Community Question:
What’s the most significant lesson(s) you’ve learned in your time here at Daily Kos?
Maybe you learned some facts or history you’d never known or always had wrong. Or maybe you were exposed for the first time to perspectives or experiences of people you never considered or thought of before. Did you learn how to do something new? Pick up some oh so potent and useful tips to help you organize and activate your political network? Anything goes, even if it’s just a new keyboard shortcut.
I can’t wait to hear your answers this week, Dearest Ones.
With no further ado, allow me to present this week’s picks, many of which might teach you a thing or two.
Why White Nationalism is Bigoted: A Primer for Congressional Representatives from Iowa & Others
By Toro Blanco
Even if you think you know EXACTLY what white nationalism means and why it’s unacceptable, this thorough and well-written explainer is worth your time. At the very least, it might give you some solid talking points in case you run into Steve King.
Cancer pseudoscience and myths – a danger to health
By SkepticalRaptor
Our second primer of the week explores and dismantles some of the most prevalent nonsense about cancer that just keeps on spreading like, um … cancer. These myths aren’t all over the top, either—some seem perfectly plausible, which is what makes them so treacherous to the truth.
The Longest Shutdown in United States History: Here’s how one missed paycheck is affecting my family
By JamieV
Well over a million Americans aren’t getting paid as Trump holds the nation hostage in his pursuit of his border wall. A detailed look at the devastation wrought by the president’s playing around with people’s paydays.
After sexual harassment scandal, Georgia GOP adopts rules that could punish victims for speaking up
By Blue Tuesday
Brian Kemp stole the Georgia election from Stacey Abrams last year. Just a few weeks into office, he and his fellow Republicans are using their power to protect predators. Thankfully, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Trump is trapped. And he locked the entire GOP in with him.
By Murfster35
Our third primer of the week looks at how the cult of Trump managed to infect the entire GOP like a virus that may just be incurable.
Remembering Natalie
By jrberg
A young civil servant was gunned down by an angry man twice her age. Most news coverage focuses on her killer, but this diary is about her.
The Shutdown IS The Deconstruction Of The Administrative State
By m2c4
This is one dark diary, folks, but it’s worth your time to explore the eerie ways that the current shutdown reflects the government shakeup promised by Team Trump.
Thoughts on the Shutdown. The Government is Often Working People Doing Good for Fellow Citizens.
By MRN 8255000
The government is so much more than red tape, out of touch politicians, and slow-moving offices. This look at just one government program that falls outside the stereotypical scope offers just one example of how federal funding impacts everyday people.
Judge blocks Trump’s evangelical assault on women in 13 states
By Rmuse
Around these parts, we have always known that nobody’s right to healthcare should be ruled by someone else’s faith. This week, a federal judge agreed.
Vermont pastor hid his history of molesting a child--and his church doesn't care
By Christian Dem in NC
The headline to this originally reported story may sound hyperbolic, but it’s not only accurate, it might even be an understatement. This story out of the independent fundamentalist Baptist church will enrage you.
One Hundred Million for America, ACTION DIARY ONE: What It Will Take
By Yosef 52
Our fearless Yosef 52 worked tirelessly leading up to the 2018 midterms, posting GOTV resources and action items Every. Single. Day. After just a short breather, Yosef is at it again with a brand new, very ambitious project for 2020. Take a look and join the challenge.
"He's Hurting The Wrong People” - Some Additional Thoughts
By dsnottselliott
A LOT has been said about the bitter disappointment of Trump supporters who endorsed his heinous policies when they thought he was only going to hurt people who they considered beneath them. This diary goes a bit deeper into the harsh realities of discovering that the president you love considers you to be one of the very people you hate.
The Terrorist’s Main Port of Entry
By JohnBAlexander
For all the talk of protecting the nation from terrorists through travel bans and border walls, we’re ignoring the real way that how terrorism actually gets into this country.
EXCLUSIVE: Inside the White House During the Shutdown’s Early Days
By Bob Johnson
This week’s picks are pretty heavy, but let’s finish smiling. There’s not much to laugh about when it comes to the shutdown, but this hilarious “Behind the Tweet” satire takes us deep into the mind of Donald Trump—in a fun way.
That’s it for this week, folks! As always, feel free to ship me your recommendations in the comments or my Kosmail. I’m also looking forward to hearing about your DK lessons learned!
See you next Saturday!