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Reading an otherwise excellent book, “Polarized America,” published in 2006. But this line strikes me as a bit naive through the lens of December 2023:
“there is simply no question to us that the United States is a far more tolerant place [than] it was fifty years ago.”
The authors couldn’t have imagined what - and who - was coming. #politics
“Following the #science” is not quite as simple or straightforward as it sounds.
sheril.substack.com/p/follow-t… #politics
"Follow the Science?"
Data isn't enough to achieve the best possible evidence-based policy outcomes.Sheril Kirshenbaum (Unelected Representative)
My research focuses on how senior congressional staffers in the U.S. make decisions on #science policy.
For over a year, I’ve been sifting through hours & hours & hours of transcripts from my interviews while analyzing the data & writing.
Now, it's time to begin sharing what I've learned... sheril.substack.com/p/lets-beg… #politics
Let's Begin.
Within hundreds of pages of text from my interviews with senior congressional staffers are hours of insightful commentary.Sheril Kirshenbaum (Unelected Representative)
A few folks have asked for details on my last post & I realize many may not know I am finishing a Ph.D. related to how Congress makes science-related policy decisions. sheril.substack.com/p/a-disser…
Nearly 20 years ago I worked in the Senate & now my research considers where staffers go for #science information & who they trust. The literature largely focuses on politicians, but staffers are responsible for policies w/o electoral accountability. I'll share more once it's published. #politics
A Dissertation on Democracy
Consider this the Cliffs NotesSheril Kirshenbaum (Unelected Representative)
"Most politicians are honest about not knowing enough science & rely on experts." [Source: nature.com/articles/d41586-023…]
As someone writing a dissertation on where policymakers seek out information related to #science policy, I wholeheartedly disagree.
Scientists & other experts are not a top source for information. They're not even a 2nd or 3rd source. #politics
‘Politicians don’t understand science’: advisers give evidence at UK COVID inquiry
Patrick Vallance, Chris Witty and others reflect on advising the UK government during the ongoing investigation into the country’s pandemic response.Sanderson, Katharine
This week's comic: The things Mike Johnson has said are so over the top that I thought I might place him in the role of my flaming conservative character (hence the flames, in case anyone was wondering about that). It’s almost impossible to exaggerate this man’s theocratic worldview, so I tried to use actual quotes where I could.
#uspol #politics #cartoon #democracy #authoritarianism #republicans #theocracy #lgbtq
Ben Sargent's latest Loon Star State cartoon, from the July/August 2023 issue of Texas Observer magazine: texasobserver.org/issues/july-…
#TexasNeedsAnObserver! Become a member and get our magazine, six times per year: texasobserver.org/join
#politics #news #USpol #Texas #GregAbbott #HB2127 #democracy #journalism #comics
Texas Observer July/August 2023: Abbott's Border Boondoggle
Delger Erdenesanaa looks at how Texas water plans ignore the climate. Justin Miller takes us into the growing problems of Greg Abbott's wall.The Texas Observer
Today is my dissertation proposal defense. That means I'll give a public lecture about my research in front of my committee.
As some folks may know, I'm doing another round of grad school, mid-career, focused on scientific decision making in the U.S. Congress sheril.substack.com/p/a-disser… #science #politics
In terms of PhD-ing, this is kind of like the pregame. I passed my comprehensive exams last year & will officially defend my dissertation & finish this Fall. So here goes...
A Dissertation on Democracy
Consider this the Cliffs NotesSheril Kirshenbaum (Unelected Representative)
Happy #Newstodon Friday, a day to celebrate the journalists and publications on the #Fediverse.
This week, we're highlighting @justinmiller's deep investigation into the #pollution, corruption, and waste surrounding Greg Abbott's ever-growing #border-wall,. This is the cover story to the July/August 2023 magazine issue: texasobserver.org/abbotts-bill…
If you enjoy reading #news on Mastodon, remember to support outlets you love with donations & memberships.
#politics #HumanRights #immigration
Abbott's Billion-Dollar Barrier
Texas’ border wall is rearing its head—concerns about wildlife, public thrift, and property rights notwithstanding.Justin Miller (The Texas Observer)
Science Debate is now "Science on the Ballot" with @SciPolNetwork
This nonpartisan initiative, which I cofounded in 2007, asks candidates, elected officials, the public & the media to focus on science policy issues prior to Election Day. scipolnetwork.org/science-on-t… #elections #science #politics
U.S. state coalitions are launching on Tuesday, July 18 at 7pm ET & you can join the kickoff event to get involved, learn about the program & work with campaigns. Register at ow.ly/Bgz950P20Jp
By today’s standards he seems mild. Even Obama praised him. Along with Lincoln, Republicans trot Ronald Reagan out every time Democrats praise the communication wizardry of Obama, Clinton, or Kennedy, or the stalwart composition of FDR or integrity of Truman. In reality, Reagan was an impenetrable facade of congeniality who was quite hostile to civil rights.
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@blackmastodon@a.gup.pe @BlackMastodon@chirp.social #BlackMastodon #Histodons #History #BlackHistory #Politics #StillWeRise
Boris Johnson Partygate report: Key findings at a glance
A report by MPs into whether the former prime minister misled Parliament has finally been published.
“Data shows for the first time that the peak demand for electricity this summer will exceed the amount we can generate from on-demand, dispatchable power, so we will be relying on #renewables to keep the lights on.”
But rather than fix the grid, #Republicans spent their time in the #Texas legislature trying to block renewable #energy:
texasobserver.org/88th-session…
#environment #infrastructure #ClimateChange #TXlege #politics #news #USpol #OilAndGas
The Awful 88th Session of the Texas Lege
Losers during the 88th session of the legislature included taxpayers, teachers, trans youths, and anyone who uses electricity.Texas Observer Staff (The Texas Observer)
Democratic Underground shared this quote from my 2009 book, Unscientific America, as a quote for the day.
It’s interesting to return to in 2023, especially given my research on scientific decision making in Congress. I’m not quite sure how I would change it at first glance, but my perspective is more nuanced 14 years later. #science #democracy #politics
While I was overseas, I completed 2 manuscripts, with another coming. And that’s only the beginning. sheril.substack.com/p/there-an…
Some stories didn't fit neatly into articles but seem quite timely in 2023. For example, congressional staffers tend to know about the hidden health status of aging members of Congress. Grandstanding doesn’t necessarily reflect what happens once the cameras go off. And social media restricts policy opportunities in ways we don’t see. #politics
There and Back Again
While this substack has been quiet lately, I sure have a lot to say. After living overseas on sabbatical in Australia - writing, reading, interviewing, and analyzing data - I’ve just arrived back in the U.S.Sheril Kirshenbaum (Unelected Representative)
”Employees are expected to comply with this dress code in a manner consistent with their biological #gender.”—#Texas Department of #Agriculture memorandum
Ag Dept employees received an unwelcome surprise in a new dress code issued last week that seems aimed at oppressing #transgender and #nonbinary workers, reports Digital Editor Kit @oconnell based on a document leaked to us:
texasobserver.org/sid-miller-d…
#transphobia #LGBTQIA+ #news #politics #USpol #trans #HumanRights #GregAbbott #Republicans
![Screenshot of “Texas Department of Agriculture Dress Code and Grooming Policy,” with Commissioner Sid Miller’s name and seal at the top. In the opening section labelled objective: “All employee’s appearance should reflect the culture, dignity and professionalism of the Texas Department of Agriculture. All employees, regardless of assignment, are expected to present themselves in a professional manner that cultivates a favorable impression from coworkers, other government officials, agency customers and the general public. Employees are expected to comply with this dress code in a manner consistent with their biological gender. [The previous sentence has been highlighted in yellow.] Basic elements for appropriate attire across the board consist of clothing that is in neat and clean condition.” The rest of the screen shot explains that this dress code applies to everyone at TDA, that supervisors should exercise discretion and make sure everyone looks professional. People sent home to change won’t be compensated, and in general, business attire is expected.](https://keybored.me/photo/preview/640/1049766 "Screenshot of “Texas Department of Agriculture Dress Code and Grooming Policy,” with Commissioner Sid Miller’s name and seal at the top. In the opening section labelled objective: “All employee’s appearance should reflect the culture, dignity and professionalism of the Texas Department of Agriculture. All employees, regardless of assignment, are expected to present themselves in a professional manner that cultivates a favorable impression from coworkers, other government officials, agency customers and the general public. Employees are expected to comply with this dress code in a manner consistent with their biological gender. [The previous sentence has been highlighted in yellow.] Basic elements for appropriate attire across the board consist of clothing that is in neat and clean condition.” The rest of the screen shot explains that this dress code applies to everyone at TDA, that supervisors should exercise discretion and make sure everyone looks professional. People sent home to change won’t be compensated, and in general, business attire is expected.")
Ag Commissioner Sid Miller’s New Transphobic Dress Code
An April 13 memo from the Department of Agriculture welcomes “Western wear” but requires employees to dress according to “biological gender.”Kit O'Connell (The Texas Observer)
We’re told flattering anecdotes about how elected leaders came to write a bill or introduce a plan.
Usually it's fiction.
New post: sheril.substack.com/p/theres-m… #politics #news
“Ron DeSanctimonious” and The Psychology of Name-Calling on the Campaign Trail
Why Donald Trump's snarky nicknames stick - and undermine his rivals.Sheril Kirshenbaum (Unelected Representative)
Imagine you’re a 25 year old staffer in Congress responsible for drafting legislation, meeting with constituents, writing speeches & responding to lobbyists. You also make recommendations for how your boss should vote.
Here's how you might start the day: sheril.substack.com/p/morning-… #science #politics
Morning On The Hill
A few hours as a legislative staffer.Sheril Kirshenbaum (Unelected Representative)
Many congressional staffers I interview in my research say they wish that the same science groups visiting the other party's offices would also reach out to them.
When some staff feel ignored by scientists, they may not seek out their guidance on legislation.
The result is two different policy conversations happening on single issues by each party across Capitol Hill. That’s bad for democracy & chips away at the ability to compromise.
New post: sheril.substack.com/p/we-need-… #politics
In 2007, a small group of concerned citizens co-founded the nonpartisan ngo Science Debate. The goal was simple: Science Debate asked presidential candidates to answer science policy questions related to issues like competitiveness, space exploration, & pandemic response.
Why? If candidates addressed #science issues, they should be more likely to arrive in office with a plan for how to deal with challenges related to health, tech & the environment. open.substack.com/pub/sheril/p… #politics
5 towering men filed into our conference room in the Hart Senate office building.
“Hello little lady,” one lightheartedly greeted me, glancing back at the door as if still waiting for someone.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I began. “What brings you here today?”
The group shifted in their seats, perhaps mildly irritated. I guessed they expected to speak directly with a U.S. senator rather than the 25yo woman sitting across from them.
Today, a story from my past: sheril.substack.com/p/the-oil-… #politics
In #politics, consensus doesn’t require that information is correct or understood. Policymakers may even find that turning to experts for guidance doesn’t serve their needs or interests.
And even when they look for accurate data, they’re likely to disagree about what comprises expertise & evidence. After all, every DC think tank claims to deliver “the facts” in white papers & briefing materials, yet their conclusions rarely align. sheril.substack.com/p/do-facts…
TL/DR: Facts aren't enough.
Do Facts Matter?
Sure. Especially when they support our beliefs and lead to conclusions we like.Sheril Kirshenbaum (Unelected Representative)
I arrived as a Senate staffer in 2006 with a Masters in policy, but academic training did not prepare me for the job.
I spent my 1st morning marveling at how interested my colleagues seemed to be in “R&D,” assuming it reflected a shared appreciation of research & development (a term that broadly encompasses science policy issues). Science touches everything after all.
An hour later, I sheepishly discovered they were simply referring to Republicans & Democrats. sheril.substack.com/p/the-fict… #politics
The Fiction of American Democracy
Hidden congressional staffers shape policy without electoral accountability.Sheril Kirshenbaum (Unelected Representative)
When we elect U.S. Senators & House members to office, we expect them - and by extension, their office staff - to reflect the preferences & attitudes in our district or state. But do they actually know what constituents want?
It’s complicated, but the limited evidence we have so far suggests no.
New post: sheril.substack.com/p/represen… #politics #Congress
"Representation"
Do congressional staff know what constituents want? Probably not.Sheril Kirshenbaum (Unelected Representative)
Populism coupled with increasing assaults on scientific integrity have dramatically shifted the political landscape & contributed to geopolitical instability.
The policy ramifications are yet to be understood, but anti-intellectualism has threatened public health, stymied environmental progress, influenced funding priorities & sculpted the rhetoric of local, state & national politics.
New post: The Rise of Anti-intellectualism sheril.substack.com/p/the-rise… #science #politics
#Humor #Politics #acappella #dragqueens #monster #EndtheGOP #NoMoreTrumpies #NoRepublicanVictorories
Monster Crash (a "Monster Mash" Parody)
#acappella #dragqueens #monsterJust in time for Halloween, we bring you a haunting parody chock full of Dragapella® delights and ghoulish garb: "Monster Cras...YouTube