Libby's Blog

Dear Friends: As we enjoy this Labor Day weekend, does the song “9 to 5” keep playing in your head? I think sometimes we forget what our American holidays are all about except for an extra day off. The passing of both Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem at this particular fraught time feels very significant. At first glance, they seem like opposites: hair, make-up, urban vs rural. But, in very different ways, they each lived their beliefs that all people “are created equal:” Do

Dear Friends: For my readers in Arlington, ICE terrorism is here in force. Recently there have been numerous ICE agents snatching people especially along Columbia Pike from grocery stores (MegaMart), bus stops, and parks. Buchanan Gardens apartments were occupied by ICE troops all day on Monday, the 17th causing people to leave in the wee hours of the morning so they could get to work without interacting with ICE. Those who stayed locked themselves in their apartments. As the

Dear Friends: No, I haven’t seen the “Odyssey” movie yet. But I think I’ve read more about it than any movie ever and the reviews and opinions keep coming. Mostly they are rave reviews, with the notable exception of Emily Wilson (whom I admire as a classics scholar, from what I’ve read about her work over the years) and, of course, Elon Musk and his ilk (whom, needless to say, I don’t admire). The movie seems to be a bit of a Rorschach test…like Homer’s Odysseus has been thro

Dear Friends: I continue to think about the meaning of July 4th, which felt so desecrated this year. One thought, shared by quite a few, I’m guessing, is that we can celebrate the 250th anniversary of our democracy more properly when we get to 2038 and the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the US Constitution. By that time – if we can do what we need to do now – our democracy may be secured again. The past few years have seen many Americans learning far more about US

Dear Friends: I hope everyone has been enjoying the various reflecting pool memes. The mess perfectly encapsulates Trump’s regime. It’s hard to laugh at so much of what this Regime does because millions of real people are being hurt or killed. But the reflecting pool mess is hilarious and hurts (almost) no one. These memes we can all laugh at didn’t really exist 20 years ago. Technology is a 2-edged sword for sure, but this week I’ve been delighting in it. Besides the funny m

Dear Friends: This blog is a little later than usual because I went to Scotland for my birthday and a meetup with some family and friends. It was a wonderful trip. Traveling is such a good way to get another perspective on things, especially when you are inclined, as I am, to delve into the local history of places when you visit. I’ve been struck lately by how many commentators and politicians use history as a way to explain and understand our current political situation.

Dear Friends: I hope everyone has been able to take a little time to disconnect from the crazy world and recharge a bit with whatever holidays you celebrate, or just enjoy spring. The last week was particularly crazy. The fact that Marjorie Taylor Greene, Tucker Carlson, Alex Jones, and others on the far right criticized Donald Trump indicates just how crazy it was. Even they see that our President is unhinged. Keeping perspective on our history is so important to mental heal

Dear Friends: The regime’s horrors continue, but it is spring, which always helps me keep things in perspective, at least a little. And I’m looking forward to being part of one of the many No Kings III events nationwide this Saturday. But before I get to No Kings, I recommend that you check out the very positive perspective of Rebecca Solnit, which you can explore in The Interview podcast or read about in The Guardian. Many of my readers will likely be familiar with Ms.

Dear Friends: We are entering the difficult stage of the shutdown when SNAP benefits go on pause, not because there isn’t money, but because the Regime is preventing contingency funds for this purpose from being spent to try to, literally, starve us into submission. As the Washington Post reports : “ Forty-two million people — roughly 1 in 8 Americans — could see cuts or delays to food assistance as soon as Saturday (November 1) if the government shutdown continues… On Th

Dear Friends: Those of us in Virginia have a big responsibility going into November. The races for Governor, Lt. Governor and...

Dear Friends: I think all of us watched with fascination the stunning victory of Zohran Momdani in New York City’s mayoral race. I have...

Dear Friends: I hope everyone is staying cool in this hot weather. My Rush Hour Resistance (RHR) is taking a break with the extreme...

Dear Friends: With the Federal government in turmoil, local government will continue to serve as a vital force for stability and...

This year, I am supporting Levar Stoney, Arjoon Srikanth, and Takis Karantonis.