Douglas Ryan, M. Ed

This is horrifying, even though many of us knew we would get here.

On Going to the Sun Road in Glacier, I got out of the car to photograph one. It chased me back into the car. It was having none of the paparazzi business.

What a stunning day in Saigon!

The image shows two X posts. The first, by Patrick Wyman, expresses outrage over a decision, calling a historical event at Wounded Knee a massacre of mostly women and children, labeling it one of the most shameful events in American history and questioning the morality of defending it. The second, by a user named Secretary of War Pete, states that under his direction, soldiers who fought at the Battle of Wounded Knee will keep their medals, declaring the decision final and their historical place settled, accompanied by an image of a man in a suit speaking at a podium with an American flag backdrop.

I have assumed this for some time, but we are seeing it play out in real time.

"It's absurd to think that … the government of the United States that [the people] pay for, that they vote for, is really in service of one man. ... He is using every arm of the government to create pleasure for himself … and also to seek vengeance upon his enemies."

Sad.

I’ve been down that lonely road a few times, and each time felt humbled to be there.

I’m so sorry you have to go through that! It’s so difficult to have your sanctuary violated, I know from experience. I wish you peace. Thanks for your important work.

True.

A large meadow slug moving past mushrooms that are growing in moss

“Most of us walk unseeing through the world, unaware alike of its beauties, its wonders, and the strange and sometimes terrible intensity of the lives that are being lived about us.”

Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, published September 27, 1962

🌿

I’m scratching my head.

I took just about that exact same picture back in 1996, my first time to Zion.

Even in his most fevered, drunken dreams, Richard Milhous Nixon couldn't possibly have even imagined doing a tenth of this shit.

Inflation is so bad these days that taking a $50,000 cash bribe can't even get you indicted. SAD!! Thank you for your attention to this matter.

I have taken a lot of great photographs in my life. I have been fortunate in that respect. In terms of photos I have taken on land, this must be one of the most treasured among my experiences. I am forever grateful for the opportunity. Also, I worked very hard for it.

Illinois is launching a first-of-its-kind legal hotline for LGBTQ+ individuals — Illinois Pride Connect.

As the only state in the nation that will provide free legal advice to protect the LGBTQ+ community, we'll help fight ignorance with information and cruelty with compassion.

He’s an inspiration. He’s trying his best.

Good for them!

I think someone’s been going a little heavy on the herring, and perhaps the pints.

This is what you voted for⁉️

Detainees treated like violent criminals. Moved from cage to cage at 3 a.m. and sleep-deprived. Only 3 minutes to eat. Bathrooms three times a week. No towel to dry off after a shower and growing fungus on their bodies.

Listen to this once. Then listen to it again.

‘I’m Not Quite Sure How to Respond to This Presentation’ The discomfiting spectacle of RFK Jr.’s new vaccine-advisory committee

Trump Republicanism cashiers the nation’s public health system in exchange for… what, exactly?

www.theatlantic.com/health/archi...

The budget bill contains tens of billions to fund an army of 10,000 more ICE agents. This is a red alert moment for our democracy.

As U.S. Dismantles Voice of America, Rival Powers Hope to Fill the Void

“The soft power suicide of the U.S. will be incomprehensible to future historians who will be dumbfounded in their attempts to explain why the global leader voluntarily wrecked one of its greatest national assets...”

www.nytimes.com/2025/06/24/b...

Why Are Federal Agents Wearing Masks? It’s a Threat to American Democracy Masked Federal Agents Are Undermining Trust—and Democracy

Federal and local law enforcement wearing masks is just plain unamerican. It’s a cowards move, and shows the fact that the kinds of deportations happening and the methods are, shameful and unpopular.

adamkinzinger.substack.com/p/why-are-fe...

Take two bullets serving in the American military, get deported.

Take five dishonest deferments to dodge the draft, get elected president.

There is something terribly wrong with this country.

The fact that our military was perfectly happy to use weapons abroad in violation of the War Powers Act doesn't bode well for us when they are asked to use weapons at home in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act.

Take note.