Tara Samples

“The president cut your health care so he could build himself a golden ballroom” is a pretty easy message to sell

I’m just a girl screaming into the void that the destruction of our institutions WAS THE ENTIRE POINT.

This is why @timothysnyder.bsky.social’s *SECOND* (of 21!) lesson in his book On Tyranny is “Defend Institutions”

Sixty years ago today, Medicare and Medicaid were signed into law - securing health care for millions and saving countless lives. As GOP politicians try to tear them down, it's up to us to protect and expand these programs for Americans who rely on them today and for future generations.

‘1984’ is upon us

If we can afford to “force treatment” we can afford housing subsidies, job training and outpatient voluntary health care.

Forced Institutionalizing isn’t the way. Homelessness is not one thing. It’s former foster kids, AND those facing mental illness AND job loss ANd post incarceration crisis AND affordable housing crisis AND substance abuse. Criminalizing the poor is unjust.

Clinical Psychologist who regularly works with #unhoused people here- forced treatment against someone’s will is not often successful treatment. There are excellent models that can impact #homelessness that deserve funding and public/private funding and collaboration. We should fund them.

Most states allow all pregnant women- regardless of documentation- coverage. This is unconscionable to risk the health and safety of pregnant women and infants and children by seeking their incarceration/deportation from health records. Not to mention a HUGE violation of PHI protections in HIPPA

Incarceration of pregnant women is NOT pro-life. Medical records should not be used to pursue mass incarceration and deportation. Real prolife policies elevate mother child health and safety.

Most states, including TN only allow undocumented adults on Medicaid during a pregnancy- for the health of mom and baby. This move not only decimates HIPPA protections and potentially destroys confidence in our medical system by vulnerable groups but also endangers women & unborn children.

This Executive decision will make EDs crowded, patients sicker with communicable diseases and some of our neighbors will be permanently disabled or die from poor healthcare access.

As a psychologist working in a FQHC- providing behavioral health support to anyone who needs it is my privilege and joy. It also keeps communities healthier, safer and saves lives. www.hhs.gov/press-room/p...

Even as the Trump administration attacks brown people all over the country, MEXICO shows up to help Texas after the flood…

Folds: If we’ve been told our whole lives that we can’t spend money on the arts because they’re not important—then why was taking over the Kennedy Center and the arts the first thing they did?

It is extremely important. It’s the bedrock of self-expression.

It’s World Scleroderma/ Systemic Sclerosis Day. I’ve been diagnosed 7 years, and am so grateful for the scientific community for research and development to increase lifespan and quality of life for those suffering this rare disease

I hate when I go to bed early on a Saturday night and wake up Sunday morning only to discover we’ve gone to war in the Middle East without the consent of Congress. 😡

I’m glad she is safe. I wish our community would find their gun sense and that violence with firearms stops being a constant fear of mom’s every where.

quote on a dark blue and purple background from Sudip S. Parikh, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), criticizing proposed cuts to science funding in the FY26 U.S. federal budget. The quote reads: “If enacted, the FY26 budget request would end America’s global scientific leadership. The cuts to science would imperil our nation’s future health, security and prosperity. This budget proposal stands in stark contrast to the President’s call for a renewed commitment to American scientific leadership. Congress has demonstrated a bipartisan commitment to investment in research and must do so again to answer the President’s call.” The quote is attributed to Sudip S. Parikh, CEO of AAAS and Executive Publisher of the Science family of journals. The AAAS logo appears at the bottom right.

I don't think anyone outside of universities, pharma and biotech, independent research institutions have any idea of what is happening right now. If you haven't sounded the alarm among your friends, family and colleagues, now is the time to do it.

There are 6,800+ international medical graduates expecting to start residency on July 1 who may be delayed or unable to start because of the US State Department’s pause on J1 visa interviews.

Residents are the life blood of hospitals and this change will have disastrous impacts on patient care.

If Bluesky is hitting a slight engagement decline, it might have less to do with Bluesky, and more that the politically moderate-to-left population is scared and frustrated and it's hard to post without perseverating about it, but we don't really want to read each other's perserverations.

Start every day with this reality:

EVERY HOUSE SEAT and 33 Senate seats are up for election in 2026. THAT must be the focus. Let’s get disciplined.
#LeaveNoPowerOnTheTable

ballotpedia.org/United_State...

Cutting Medicare and Medicaid neither makes Americans healthy nor America great. But it may make us sick and poor- as health is fundamental for social and economic growth.

In the song UT is clearly playing Florida or Alabama - and every self respecting GA fan will always cheer for their opponents. Go Dawgs.

"This is a threat to every American" - @timmiller.bsky.social on Stephen Miller's sick plan to take away due process from Americans

Tyree Nichols was a Dad. A Son. A friend. A photographer. A child of God. He didn’t deserve to be beat to death by the people who swore to protect and uphold the law. Memphis deserves accountability & repentance. Peace & Justice demand accountability. But today we grieve in shock and horror again.

Department of Education Eliminates Grant for PBS Children’s Shows

The PBS Kids app is one of the few things you can trust your kids to play around with on a computer. All the shows that you can stream are good and entertaining. Nothing positive comes from getting rid of this, they're just trying to make life worse for everyone www.nytimes.com/2025/05/06/u...

Twenty Lessons, read by John Lithgow Key selections from On Tyranny, for viewing and sharing

"On Tyranny" is a #1 NYT bestseller again. I wish the moment were different. But I’m glad the book is useful. And grateful for all the kind words about putting the 20 lessons to work.
snyder.substack.com/p/twenty-les...

I’m so confused by the folks who said that raising the minimum wage would increase the price of every day goods while also being okay with tariffs raising the price of every day goods…

I reckon they are okay paying higher prices as long as it doesn’t help anyone making a minimum wage.

Narcan is life saving medication that helps people survive to treatment. Where are the pro-life people?