Kathleen Rubenstein

The craziest thing about the Sydney Sweeney situation is that Trump still hasn’t released the Epstein files.

Hard agree. Feel your feelings. Sit with the pain. It's all valid. But don't for a minute let your lack of transformational imagination impede others' marching feet. Then, when you've rested a bit, get right back in it.

Absolutely brilliant takedown by our former Acting DOL secretary.

August 1, 2025 AMERICAN ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION Committee on Economic Statistics and Committee on Government Relations Statement from the American Economic Association on the Dismissal of the BLS Commissioner Leaders of the American Economic Association express their grave concern over the dismissal of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) earlier today. The independence of the federal statistical agencies is essential to the proper functioning of a modern economy. Accurate, timely, and impartial statistics are the foundation upon which households, businesses, and policymakers make critical decisions. Undermining the independence or credibility of these agencies threatens the integrity of the information that markets, institutions, and the public rely on every day. Measuring the vast and dynamic U.S. economy in real time is inherently challenging. It is standard practice for statistical estimates to be revised as more complete and higher-quality data become available. These revisions reflect the commitment of statistical agencies to accuracy, transparency, and methodological rigor-not failure or bias. The BLS has long had a well-deserved reputation for professional excellence and nonpartisan integrity. Safeguarding this tradition is vital for the continued health of the U.S. economy and public trust in our institutions. We call upon elected officials to respect and preserve the independence of the nation's statistical infrastructure. Lawrence Katz President, American Economic Association Katharine Abraham President-Elect, American Economic Association Karen Dynan Chair, American Economic Association Committee on Economic Statistics Kenneth Troske Chair, American Economic Association Committee on Government Relations

Statement from the largest economics association about the BLS firing

As context: AEA approximately never makes such public statements

This is a big deal

#jobsreport #dol

We the people have some power to change their cost benefit analysis.

What's ironic -- as someone who lost a lot to be principled -- is while the half-heartedness may seem "good for the brand", integrity is valuable reputationally. Not that performative pushback is helpful -- gads no. Just that, if they did the right thing, folks would honor that. They'd be OK.

This whole 🧵lets be sure to dream and write and discuss the better world we can build together. So we can see our actions taking us towards a horizon worthy of all of us.

Theo asks how much this floooooof weighs

Another single, powerless person shows more courage than our massive, elite institutions.

Opinion | JD Vance Claims One of Our Worst Traditions as His Own

Essential reading by @jamellebouie.net "JD Vance Claims One of Our Worst Traditions as His Own"

Opinion | This Is Who’s Really Driving the Decline in Interest in Liberal Arts Education

"This Is Who’s Really Driving the Decline in Interest in Liberal Arts Education" - I largely agree with this piece by Jennifer Frey. Far and away the weight of our current failings are coming from those with power refusing to stand up.

I was explaining to my Ukrainian colleague the phrase ‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch’. She told me the equivalent in Ukrainian is ‘The only free cheese is in the mousetrap’ - which is so much better

Galvanizing piece. My favorite line: "Democracy is not a spectator sport. It is built – and rebuilt – by people who show up in their communities, workplaces, schools and congregations. ... [P]eople choosing to act, even in small ways, to defend democracy from where they stand."

Important read. Thank you Mike for your service.

The Supreme Court just issued a ruling that limits the ability of courts to block unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration, like his executive order that aims to get rid of the 14th Amendment.

We're filing a class-action lawsuit to protect birthright citizenship.

My statement on today’s decision in Trump v Casa:

Opinion | Democratic Leaders Tried to Crush Zohran Mamdani. They Should Have Been Taking Notes.

Great insights by Rebecca Kirzner Katz -- dems need to stop squashing candidates who genuinely excite voters, embrace candidates who can authentically speak to the electorate they’re running to represent, and get curious about what they're doing that resonates. www.nytimes.com/2025/06/25/o...

Exactly this. You ain't seen nothing yet.

It's going to get so ugly, so racist, so vile, so anti-Muslim.

And this is from the Democrats...

Just wait until you see what Republicans and other groups get involved.

With the rule of law under near constant assault, lawyers can play a key role in its defense. We’re proud to co-sponsor a webinar series to equip lawyers with the tools & resources to get involved locally and nationally. Register: www.checksandbalancesnow.org/webinars

It’s time to remind Donald Trump that America is still the Home of the Brave.

I encourage everyone to actually read the dissent. The description of what this government is doing should shock anyone with a conscience. It is unfathomably cruel, indeed sadistic. And yes, *this* is being enabled by the highest court in the nation.

Yes! @becingber.bsky.social was brilliant and very clear thank you!

Very helpful if you are looking for a short primer on war powers, like I was. Thank you @leahlitman.bsky.social for getting this to us in such a timely way.

I thought the "dumb presidents" line was in a snarky summary... but nope.

@jelaniya.bsky.social on historic parallels to the reaction to ICE raids:


"My students are like, 'Oh, so these people who came out against the Fugitive Slave Act were all abolitionists?' I said, 'No, these were people who could not countenance the idea of their neighbors being taken from them.'"

My hot take: it may be an antiquated title, but Meg gets my vote for First Lady of the City of New York. #BradLander #FLONYC

This list of ways to honor the Hortman is beautiful. I'm going to do one today and one tomorrow, at least. Would love to hear what you do. May their memory be a blessing.

What’s your sign?