Act for Democracy

Act for Democracy

@act4d.bsky.social

Act for Democracy is an Indivisible group based in Portland, Oregon. Our guiding principle is the conviction that an individual, regularly doing one small thing, can make a big difference. Our mission is to sustain democracy and support worthy issues.

2.2K followers131 following458 posts

Act for Democracy reposted

Today marks the beginning of #TransgenderAwarenessWeek! To trans people across the state and the country - I will continue to fight for the equal rights and opportunities you deserve despite the onslaught of GOP attacks against the community.

Act for Democracy reposted

Renters: I want to hear from you! At our next Homelessness and Housing Committee meeting on Tuesday, November 18, we’re holding open public testimony so renters can speak directly to councilors about their experiences and what they’d like to see from the City.

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If we’re meeting our community on the streets with direct resources and a place for them to go that fits their need – what they ACTUALLY need – I’m all for that. But that’s not what’s happening when people are swept.

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Replying to @counciloravalos.bsky.social

Half of all renters in Portland are rent burdened and 25% are severely burdened. As rents continue to rise and more and more people end up on our streets, we need to have a serious discussion about what the community needs to make sure that people can stay housed.

portland.govHomelessness and Housing Committee | Portland.govSubject matter: Housing investments, permitting, and the continuum of housing supports.Sheltering and the City’s role in homeless services.The needs, programs, policies, and bureaus addressing housing...

Act for Democracy reposted

Aftyn Behn *always* fights for TN. She listens, shows up, and gets things done! #TN07 deserves her leadership in DC. Early voting is happening NOW and goes to Nov 26th Election Day is Dec 2. Let's make it happen!

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While millions of Americans are seeing their healthcare costs spike and food support taken away, what is Trump doing? Building a gilded ballroom to impress his billionaire buddies. YOU DESERVE BETTER.

theguardian.comTrump’s ballroom blitz sparks chorus of disgust: ‘The perfect symbol’Obama once joked about what a gaudy Trump White House would look like – the president seems bent on proving him right

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Irony, facetiousness, and satire enrich human lives immeasurably, but poison LLMs bc their "statistical nextwordism" approach has no tone of voice or contextual understanding. It would be a shame if my quotidian use of cynical ironicalism killed LLMs dead w/o even a gratuitous twist of the knife.

Katie Mack@astrokatie.com

Chatbots — LLMs — do not know facts and are not designed to be able to accurately answer factual questions. They are designed to find and mimic patterns of words, probabilistically. When they’re “right” it’s because correct things are often written down, so those patterns are frequent. That’s all.

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The disappearance of America’s leadership class at a time like this means that the rest of us have to be leaders. We can no longer wait to be led by those with the power and authority to lead. You must lead, I must lead, all of us must lead. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for.

Act for Democracy reposted

Act for Democracy reposted

"HOPE in this deep and powerful sense is not the same as joy that things are going well or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously headed for early success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good, not because it stands a chance to succeed."

Sarahyperbole@necessarah.bsky.social

Reminds me of this great piece from Vaclav Havel. @jesscraven101.bsky.social included it in a newsletter and I have gone back to it so many times: interactioninstitute.org/havel-on-hope/

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As I understand it, we're also the dumping ground for our neighboring states' dirty diesel trucks since their air quality standards are stronger than ours.

Act for Democracy reposted

Replying to @indivisible-oregon.bsky.social

This NPR interview nails it: the “ballroom” isn’t décor—it’s doctrine. Trump’s gold-plated brand becomes governance: unilateral, performative, exclusionary. Implying that if you’re not cheering, you’re “not American.” Just because it gleams doesn’t mean it’s democratic. bsky.app/profile/npr....

Act for Democracy reposted

Act for Democracy reposted

The amazing Bev Scott revs up the #MpactPDX crowd Democracy is not for spectators. We need courage, not working under the radar. Don’t focus on ROI. Slavery had an ROI. Invest in people so that we can say “all the children are fine” We need to plan for opportunity, not just emergency

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Thank you to everyone who has reached out with concern. Late last night, I woke up to my car, car port, and home engulfed in flames. I'm grateful for the quick response from Portland firefighters who prevented the fire from spreading even further.

Act for Democracy reposted

It’s been a busy few weeks of legal rulings and rhetorical statements as Portland has become a flashpoint in the national discourse on how the president can use the National Guard. Here’s a quick look at where things stand right now and what may develop this week.

opb.orgPortland awaits court decisions on National Guard deploymentAs the wind and rain blew across the sodden city this weekend, Portlanders awaited clarity from the courts on whether and when federalized National Guard troops might be seen on the streets.

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Constituents are telling me that increased healthcare costs will be devastating for themselves and their families. I am ready, willing, and able to work with Republican colleagues to reopen the government, but will not accept a budget that decimates healthcare for thousands of Oregonians.

oregonlive.comThis Oregon family faces 45% increase for health insurance if ACA subsidies go awayThey are among thousands of Oregonians who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace who could pay an additional $127 to $456 a month on average.

Act for Democracy reposted

Blustery day in Oregon? Warm up with a hot drink and help flip Virginia— join a phonebank today at 11am PT. Training provided, newbies welcome. Invite a friend and log on!

States Win Portland, Oregon@stateswinportland.bsky.social

Every week, a crew of Portlanders call Virginia voters. Now it’s time for them to vote. So we have creative ways to help them visualize and commit to voting. “What will you wear?” “So, before or after lunch?” “Anyone else coming with you?” It’s fun, and we’re making a difference. Join us!

Act for Democracy reposted

A gray, rainy day is the perfect time to create something bright. Our café staffer Ava came up with a Halloween craft to bring a little fun to lunchtime. The spooky decorations now hanging in our café were made with love by the guests we serve.

Act for Democracy reposted

Our veterans shouldn’t be met with force from their own government for exercising the very rights they risked their lives to protect. I stand with every single veteran standing up and speaking out against Trump's lawlessness.

theguardian.comLawmakers slam Ice after US military veterans are arrested, injuredThe Guardian revealed how US veterans have been injured and arrested at protests against Ice deportations

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Um, #Cascadia says HELL NO to oil drilling off our coast. Thanks for your attention to this matter.

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The ongoing threat of federal troops in Portland and the increased targeting of immigrant Oregonians is making our communities less safe. What will it take to protect our neighbors and our communities from a hostile administration for the long haul?

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Did you know District 1 has the highest percentage of immigrants and refugees in the entire city of Portland? With increased ICE activity in our area, now is the time for our East Portland community to learn how to recognize, report, and record ICE activity on our streets.

Act for Democracy reposted

Food Chain Workers Alliance is having its summit in Portland, and holding a rally for local struggles! Support this rally of farm, food, production, and warehouse workers this Sunday! March to New Seasons HQ to demand a fair contract with NSLU! 📅Sunday, 10/26 at 3:30pm 📍Chapman Square

Act for Democracy reposted

As Oregonians wait to find out if Monday's 9th Circuit Appeals Court ruling re: National Guard will be re-heard by a full panel of judges, US District Judge Karin Immergut promises a decision on whether she'll dissolve the 2nd TRO, at fed gov't's request, "by Monday, if not before."

Act for Democracy reposted

Act for Democracy reposted

I'm no public opinion understander, but seems like there's a need for greater push back on the Trump administration's bogus narratives for these lawless strikes. First and foremost, despite the admin's falsehoods, these strikes are not about stopping the trafficking of fentanyl into the US.

YouGov America@today.yougov.com

NEW Economist/YouGov Oct 17-20: Drug smuggling % who approve | disapprove of the U.S. military making lethal strikes on boats suspected of containing drugs being smuggled from the Caribbean U.S. adult citizens 48% | 38% Democrats 23% | 62% Republicans 87% | 6% today.yougov.com/politics/art...

Act for Democracy reposted

Replying to @indivisible-oregon.bsky.social

Now what? Grab your wrench, 🔧 hop off that lily pad, 🥬 and join your fellow ribbiters. 🐸 bsky.app/profile/indi...

Indivisible Oregon ❌👑‬@indivisible-oregon.bsky.social

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