To Advance American Interests, the U.S. Needs More Diplomats, Not Less If we reduce support for the State Department, we also reduce our ability to advance American national interests.

In the wake of Trump/Rubio firing 1,350 State Department diplomats today, reupping this piece:

To Advance American Interests, the U.S. Needs More Diplomats, Not Less open.substack.com/pub/michaelm...

Brilliant and needed in this hour.

The man too afraid to ride the 6 train is gonna take you to space.

Buster Crabbe & Johnny Weissmuller arm wrestling

CNN is reporting the FEMA response was delayed 3 days because of Noem’s cost controls, and FEMA officials were “taken aback” by how limited the agency’s response was.

Absolutely incredible turnout for Budapest Pride! So proud of all the organizers, including some old friends, who estimate hundreds of thousands— major embarrassment to Orban

Far-Right ‘Appeal to Heaven’ Flag Seen at January 6 Riot Flown Above Government Agency in DC The “Appeal to Heaven” flag, a popular symbol for Christian nationalists that was waved by January 6 rioters, was raised over the Small Business Administration headquarters last week.

The “Appeal to Heaven” flag, a popular symbol for Christian nationalists that was waved by January 6 rioters, was raised over the Small Business Administration headquarters last week. www.wired.com/story/far-ri...

Chicago ✊

they're having a hard time hiding their boredom

So proud to be a part of this amazing morning. Location ocean beach San Francisco
#nokings

The US has long been a research powerhouse. After Trump’s cuts, other countries are stepping in | CNN Growing up in Brazil, neuroscientist Danielle Beckman always dreamed of moving to the US for work. So, in 2017, when Beckman got the opportunity to work at the California National Primate Research Cen...

How a Trump-fueled brain drain could be the rest of the world’s brain gain: cnn.it/4l5uxtp

#Books
#BookSky
#READ

Elon quits Washington #ElonMusk #DOGE #Trump #MAGA

On his 99th birthday, David Attenborough’s ‘Ocean’ documentary highlights ‘the most important place on Earth’ | CNN Crashing waves, glistening sea spray, a calm expanse of deep blue. These are the images that open “Ocean with David Attenborough,” the veteran broadcaster’s latest film. After decades of sharing stori...

The film — released in cinemas today and available to stream globally on Disney+ and Hulu in June — coincides with Attenborough’s 99th birthday, and describes how the ocean has changed during his lifetime.

Bessent said he would tell a little girl who wants a doll for Christmas but can’t get one that she should thank President Trump for making the economy better with tariffs. bsky.app/profile/atru...

Andry José Hernández Romero

Andry José Hernández Romero, I remember you, even if I do not know how to articulate my horror, rage, & sorrow at your treatment by my government.

No one has heard from you in 43 days.

As vigil, I’m posting a photo of you every day until you are returned from El Salvador.

🔴 The Advocate reports, “JD Vance wants the UK to repeal its LGBTQ+ hate speech laws to secure a trade deal.”
www.advocate.com/politics/us-...

RFK Jr.’s lies about autism are disgraceful — and I won't share them to spread misinformation.

He consistently undermines public health and reinforces dangerous myths.

In Illinois, we stand with those with autism, and I’ll keep fighting for inclusion, science, and the truth.

The Lies About Josh Shapiro Have Consequences An attack on the Pennsylvania governor shows the dangers of tendentious misrepresentations.

I wrote about the attempted murder of Josh Shapiro, and how deceptions and double standards about Jewish politicians have consequences. Gift link:

In today’s atmosphere, it’s obvious why a book warning of totalitarian censorship would be in the American Library Association’s list of most commonly challenged books

Before the election, I warned that there is no safe haven under authoritarianism.

If they can ship Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a foreign prison—accused of no crime, with no trial—they can do it to anyone.

Americans of conscience must stand against this now.

I Have Never Been More Afraid for My Country’s Future www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/o...

On this day in 1911, Addie Joss tragically passed away at the age of 31. Here’s my painting of a host of AL stars teamed up for a benefit game three months later, based on the photography of Louis Van Oeyen. The contest against the Cleveland Naps raised $12,914.60 for the Joss family.

Old mobile phones and keyboards. Overlaid text reads: FT Exclusive: EU issues US-bound staff with burner phones to avoid espionage

Breaking news: The European Commission is issuing burner phones and basic laptops to some US-bound staff to avoid the risk of espionage — a measure traditionally reserved for trips to China www.ft.com/content/20d0...

In three months, we went from global economic powerhouse to pariah.

Our tragedy is made entirely in the USA.

By one man. Donald Trump.

The More You Know…💫

Loathe thy neighbor: Elon Musk and the Christian right are waging war on empathy Trump’s actions are irreconcilable with Christian compassion. But an unholy alliance seeks to cast empathy as a parasitic plague

“Empathy is not a sin, a toxin, or an evolutionary dead end. It is a tool, and like all tools it can be a weapon. We are going to need it.”

By @joolia.bsky.social

www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...

Never seen one man destroy so much wealth.

The American bald eagle knew.