*in my Alicia Keys voice* This world is on fireeee

(L) NYT The Daily | Episode: What does Kamala Harris Stand For?

I think some of the points made in this episode are the sentiments I hadn't yet been able to pinpoint with words about why I'm not on the Kamala train. Representation is nice, appreciated, and needed. But I've been around politicians for almost 20 years now, and my standards are high. Partner that with my experience with campaigns? Ha. I have too many questions that I shouldn't have to ask, because she should've come out of the gate with the answers.

(R) Maryland is so liberal. It would never have ICE detention centers. Or would it?

People love to act as if Maryland is a wholly blue state. Without the densely populated counties surrounding Washington D.C., it's actually quite red. Gerrymandering has been a friend to democrats and republicans in this state. Partner that with a disengaged citizenry, and you've got a lot of county executives, sheriffs, police chiefs, and developers, who are swayed in the direction of the inhumane.

Bonus read: Immigration raids are quite American. And those at the receiving end weren’t always brown.

(R) You likely have an uncomfortable feeling in your gut about how the U.S is engaging (er, not) with Iran. It’s right.

This article isn't going to make you feel any better, but if you’ve been feeling uneasy and don’t know why, read this article.

(L) Vox Worldly | Episode: Are the US and Turkey heading for a divorce?

A good 101 on being inconsistent on alliances with countries in Eurasia (specifically Turkey, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Russia), isn’t a good idea.

(R) “I said Brrr. It’s cold in here. There must be some missiles in the atmosphere.”

So much for that U.S.-Russia bromance.

The Bantu Knots are Back

(W) The Handmaid's Tale

I still stand by my theory/observation that we're slowly inching towards becoming Gilead. All I know is, I couldn’t be June. The end.

(L) Post Reports | Episode: You do know the banjo is an African instrument, right?!

I know that by now, y'all have heard Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road," so don't act like you haven't. We are at the root of most of pop culture, many genres of music, other artistic expressions, technologies, and so on and so on. Naturally, when the Nashville country music scene tries to act like a black man that isn't Darius Rucker, can't/doesn't make music that fits the country genre guidelines, reporters have to point out that the forefathers of country music (bluegrass, folk, etc.) came from people who look like me, not like Taylor Swift. There's an amazing interview with Valerie June, whose music has been added to my Spotify library.

(R) Build yourself up, don't tear yourself down

I sent this to a few friends when I came across this. It resonated with me in more ways than one, and to my surprise, Do you need to write a letter like this to yourself?

(W) Skin

I believe this is my first purchase from iTunes since 2011. I heard about this "thriller" that was apparently inspired by real events. For some reason, I thought this was going to be in the movie theater, but it doesn't look like that will be the case (at least not anywhere near me). Honestly, that's probably for the best. It's an intimate film, and a good primer for quality discussion in the right circles (and not necessarily just with those who share your beliefs).

(L) POLITICO Women | Episode: Foreign policy isn’t just for white men: Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley

I’m still feeling inspired by this y’all. Though I’ve decided that I want to stay in civil service and not make the switch to foreign, to hear Gina talk about who she saw while she was at DoS, and to think about who I see in my office and building, I am grateful. Her transition to being more active in local level and grassroots politics after, sounds a lot like what I do now, and what I’ll end up doing in the future.

Stay hip. Stay alert. Try not to start a war.

-BKC