#wheaton Md

[t13shoots]

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Occupy the Democratic National Committee

Picks and Shovels is a new, standalone technothriller starring Marty Hench, my two-fisted, hard-fighting, tech-scam-busting forensic accountant. You can pre-order it on my latest Kickstarter, which features a brilliant audiobook read by Wil Wheaton.

Back in 2017, the Democratic National Committee's lawyers submitted a legal brief that didn't just say the quiet part out loud; they bellowed it: "[The DNC can] go into back rooms like they used to and smoke cigars and pick the [presidential] candidate that way":

https://observer.com/2017/05/dnc-lawsuit-presidential-primaries-bernie-sanders-supporters/

The brief was submitted in the lawsuit between Bernie Sanders and the DNC. Sanders sued over the DNC changing the rules midway through 2016 process in order to sideline him and give the nomination to Hillary Clinton. The DNC's response boiled down to, "Sure, we cheated. So what? We, the committee, are ultimately answerable only to ourselves, and we can choose anyone to lead the party into any election."

The DNC is a weak institution, in other words. There's a universe in which that would be OK. After all, there's a lot of overhead that comes with making strong institutions, all those checks and balances and oversight and transparency soak up resources that you could be using to do other stuff. In an ideal world, a badly run Democratic Party would be spurred to improve after it lost elections, which would result in the defenestration of bad party bosses and the ouster of bad candidates:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/30/weak-institutions/

But the US political system is not an ideal world. In the real world, it's possible for party bosses who pursue disastrous strategies that result in key electoral losses to remain in power. The Democratic Party still rakes in massive donations from people who hate Trump more than they hate the Democratic Party's incompetence. Candidates in gerrymandered safe seats can be wildly incompetent and still hold onto power for improbably long timescales, despite the manifest evidence of their total unfitness for office:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Lipinski

In the absence of real consequences for corruption, incompetence and utter moral turpitude, the Democratic National Committee needs some other form of discipline to get it into fighting form. We need to occupy the DNC, strengthen its institutional safeguards, and turn it into an election-winning, fascism-fighting, extinction-rebelling, worker-defending powerhouse.

Three weeks from now, the DNC will meet in National Harbor MD to elect its new president and officers. Who gets to vote on that? The 448 members of the party's national committee. Who are they? As Micah Sifry writes for The American Prospect, it's a secret, even to the committee members:

https://prospect.org/politics/2025-01-10-opening-dncs-black-box/

No, really. While nominally, members can request a list of their fellow members, the DNC stalls and stonewalls and does everything it can to prevent the committee from communicating in any way they can't control. This is incredible, but it's true. Which is why Sifry has published a leaked list of all 448 members:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bQKIP3W1NWChRjSbsE0O5k5s7OdgXrJi5-CMfFECIBU/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Looking at the spreadsheet of members, we get a rare glimpse inside the Democratic sausage factory. There's te 73 "at large" members who were voted on as a single block after being handpicked by outgoing president Jaime Harrison. These members are a mix of great people and terrible people, and that's by design: it meant that Sanders and Warren voters could only get their people onto the committee if they voted for some of the most disgusting corporate shills you can imagine.

The fact that the national committee's membership is secret and their communications must pass through a DNC chokepoint means that they get up to all kinds of shenanigans, like at the 2023 summer meeting where they voted themselves the power to throw out any bylaw amendments passed at a national party convention. The vote was whipped by paid DNC staff, creating an atmosphere so poisonous that Jessica Chambers (a rep from Wyoming) called the DNC "the least democratic organization that I’m involved with."

Sifry's breakdown is really useful: he identifies the minority of members who are elected by the party rank-and-file, calling them "the people most responsive to what the base of the party cares about." He also calls out the corporate shills who "buckrake as lobbists," like Donna Brazile, "a partner at “corporate reputation strategy firm.”

But even where state party organizations have elections for their committee members, some states keep the results of those elections a secret. Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania have 69 members, but the identities of all but 14 of them are a secret.

This is a rotten institution, and that's by design. If you want to know why we can't have nice things – or, you know, a world that's not on fire and haunted by creeping fascism – this is why. The takeover of the DNC won't be easy, but it can't start until we know who the DNC is.

Check out my Kickstarter to pre-order copies of my next novel, Picks and Shovels!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/10/smoke-filled-room-where-it-happens/#dinosaurs

[ladycels]

I absolutely love location shoots. There's something about setting my work into a setting that I think adds so much pop to it. Like when we took Milotic to Brookside Gardens Wheaton Md just before dawn.

Photography by ADoylible - Creative Photography

[dailyanarchistposts]

Footnotes, 101-150

[101] Joost A. M. Meerloo, Mental Seduction and Menticide: The Psychology of Thought Control and Brain-Washing (London: Jonathan Cape, 1957), 163–164, 184.

[102] B. A. Robinson, “Promise Keepers, Pro and Con: Part 1,” Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, November 2, 2003, www.religioustolerance.org.

[103] Jena Recer, “Whose Promise Are They Keeping?” National NOW Times, August 1995, www.now.org.

[104] James Dobson, “Building Moral Character in Kids,” radio broadcast, Focus on the Family International, February 8, 2006, www.oneplace.com =2/8/2006.

[105] Tony Kushner, Angels in America (New York: Theatre Communications Group, 1995), 46.

[106] James Dobson, Marriage under Fire: Why We Must Win This Battle (Sisters, OR: Multnomah, 2004), 41.

[107] “Focus on the Family,” Citizen Magazine January 2003, quoted in Jeff Lutes, A False Focus on My Family (Lynchburg, VA: Soulforce, 2004), 8.

[108] Dobson, Marriage Under Fire, 49.

[109] James Dobson, Bringing Up Boys (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 2001), 127.

[110] Robert Knight, “The Homosexual Agenda in Schools,” Family Research Council, quoted in Matthew Shepard, “Nazi Anti-Jewish Speech vs. Religious Right Anti-Gay Speech,” Hatecrime.org, www.hatecrime.org.

[111] P. Gibson, “Gay Males and Lesbian Youth Suicide,” in M. R. Feinleib, ed., Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Youth Suicide, Volume 3: Prevention and Interventions in Youth Suicide(Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Public Health Service; Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, 1989; DHHS publication ADM 89–1623), 110.

[112] Pat Robertson, quoted in Richard K. Fenn, Dreams of Glory, 8.

[113] Kavan Peterson, “Washington Gay Marriage Ruling Looms,” Stateline.org, March 7, 2006, cms.stateline.org; “Same-Sex Marriage Measures on the 2004 Ballot,” National Conference of State Legislatures, November 2004, www.ncsl.org.

[114] Mel White, Stranger at the Gate (New York: Penguin, 1995), 25.

[115] Ibid., 22–23.

[116] Ibid., 29.

[117] Ibid., 14.

[118] Ibid., 49–50.

[119] Ibid., 96.

[120] Ibid., 107.

[121] Ibid., 142.

[122] Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism(New York: Harcourt, 1979), 353.

[123] Scott LaFee, “Local Scientists, Doctors and Professors Talk About ‘Intelligent Design,’” San Diego Union Tribune, June 8, 2005, F-1.

[124] Frank Newport, “Third of Americans Say Evidence Has Supported Darwin’s Evolution Theory,” Gallup Poll, November 19, 2004, poll.gallup.com.

[125] Keith Graham, Biology: God’s Living Creation (Pensacola, FL: A Beka, 1986), 404.

[126] Alfred M. Rehwinkel, The Wonders of Creation (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1974), in Graham, Biology, 133.

[127] Graham, Biology, 163.

[128] Graham, Biology, 351.

[129] Carl Wieland, “Darwin’s Bodysnatchers: New Horrors,” Creation 14:2 (March 1992), 16–18.

[130] Carl Wieland, “Apartheid and ‘The Cradle of Humankind,’” Creation 26:2 (March 2004), 10–14.

[131] “What Happened When Stalin Read Darwin?” Creation 10:4 (September 1998), 23.

[132] Jerry Bergman, “Darwinism and the Nazi Race Holocaust,” Technical Journal 13:2, 101–111.

[133] “Evolution and the Hutu-Tutsi Slayings,” Creation 21:2 (March 1999), 47.

[134] Graham, Biology, 347.

[135] Jerry Bergman, “Was Charles Darwin Psychotic? A Study of His Mental Health,” Impact (January 2004).

[136] Raymond Hall, “Darwin’s Impact—The Bloodstained Legacy of Evolution,” Creation 27:2 (March 2005), 46–47.

[137] Graham, Biology, 347.

[138] Ibid., 349.

[139] Hannah Arendt, Origins of Totalitarianism, 371.

[140] “Intelligence Report,” Southern Poverty Law Center (Spring 2005), 4. www.splcenter.org.

[141] Union of Concerned Scientists, “Scientific Integrity in Policy Making: An Investigation into the Bush Administration’s Misuse of Science,” March 2004, 2; 32, www.ucsusa.org.

[142] This lecture was taped and transcribed by Timothy Nunan of Princeton University.

[143] Karl Popper, The Open Society and Its Enemies (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1971), 1:96.

[144] Max Blumenthal, “Justice Sunday Preachers,” The Nation, May 9, 2005 (Web edition only), www.thenation.com.

[145] Ibid.

[146] Ibid.

[147] David Kirkpatrick, “Club of the Most Powerful Gathers in Strictest Privacy,” The New York Times, August 28, 2004.

[148] Ibid.

[149] Max Blumenthal, “Who Are Justice Sunday’s Ministers of Ministry?” Talk To Action, January 6, 2006, www.talk2action.org.

[150] Quoted in Daniel Lev, The Terrorist Next Door (New York: Thomas Dumae/St. Martin, 2002), 27.

[carlocksmithwheatonmd]

Car Locksmith Wheaton MD

At ((Car Locksmith Wheaton MD)), we have all the best possible devices and gear to appropriately enable you with any auto lockouts, to key duplicates or any other bolt inconveniences you might look in Wheaton, MD. We have a group of exceedingly prepared and experienced locksmiths who know how to function with every one of you bolts and keys regardless of how old or new your vehicles are. Services We Offer : Transponder Car Keys- Car Lock Repair- Car Door Opening- Lost Car Keys- Ignition Car Keys- Broken Car Key Removal- Trunk Opening- Change Residential Locks- Lost House Keys- Home Lock Rekey- Deadbolt Installation- Residential Lock Repair- Patio Door Locks- Master Key Systems- Access Control Systems- Broken Office Key Removal- Lost Office Keys- Safe Opening- Keyless Entry- Commercial Lock Repair- Emergency Lockouts We are available in "Baltimore MD , Columbia MD , Germantown MD , Silver Spring MD , Waldorf MD , Ellicott City MD , Frederick MD , Glen Burnie MD, Gaithersburg MD, Rockville MD, Bethesda MD, Dundalk MD, Bowie MD, Towson MD ,Aspen Hill MD , Severn MD , Wheaton MD , North Bethesda MD 21201, 21202, 21205, 21206, 21207, 21208, 21209, 21210, 21211, 21212, 21213, 21214, 21215, 21216, 21217, 21218, 21222, 21223, 21224, 21225, 21226, 21227, 21228, 21229, 21230, 21231, 21234, 21236, 21237, 21239, 21251. 13781 Connecticut Ave, Wheaton, MD, 20906 301-744-9310 Mon - Fri: 8:00AM - 9:00PM | Sat - Sun: 8:00AM - 7:00PM https://carlocksmithwheatonmd.com/

[locksmithsbrooklynparkmd]

locksmiths Brooklyn Park MD

Here at Locksmith Brookly Park we provide the people of this beautiful city with excellent 24 hour locksmith services. And we keep our prices competitive but low so you won't have to sell an arm and a leg to pay for our locksmith services. If you need home locksmith services like getting a copy made of your house key. Or having one of our locksmiths go to your home and install, inspect, replair or replace any of your door locks. Maybe allow our 24 hour locksmiths to go to your home and unlock the door after you locked your keys in the house. And if you lose your house keys we can re-key your door lock and create you a whole new house key copy. Services We Offer : Transponder Car Keys- Car Lock Repair- Car Door Opening- Lost Car Keys- Ignition Car Keys- Broken Car Key Removal- Trunk Opening- Change Residential Locks- Lost House Keys- Home Lock Rekey- Deadbolt Installation- Residential Lock Repair- Patio Door Locks- Master Key Systems- Access Control Systems- Broken Office Key Removal- Lost Office Keys- Safe Opening- Keyless Entry- Commercial Lock Repair- Emergency Lockouts We are available in "Baltimore MD , Columbia MD , Germantown MD , Silver Spring MD , Waldorf MD , Ellicott City MD , Frederick MD , Glen Burnie MD, Gaithersburg MD, Rockville MD, Bethesda MD, Dundalk MD, Bowie MD, Towson MD ,Aspen Hill MD , Severn MD , Wheaton MD , North Bethesda MD 21201, 21202, 21205, 21206, 21207, 21208, 21209, 21210, 21211, 21212, 21213, 21214, 21215, 21216, 21217, 21218, 21222, 21223, 21224, 21225, 21226, 21227, 21228, 21229, 21230, 21231, 21234, 21236, 21237, 21239, 21251. 5725 Ritchie Hwy #A2 Brooklyn Park MD 21225 410-635-0454 Mon - Fri: 8:00AM - 8:00PM Sat - Sun: 9:00AM - 5:00PM locksmithbrooklynpark.com

[garagedoorrepairedgewatermd]

Garage Door Repair Edgewater MD

So, we make sure that you have just what you need once you choose us. In addition, you certainly want to go for the service that installs, services, and sells quality garage doors. Professional & Trained Technicians Many customers think about this because it ensures that once they choose the door they want, they will no longer spend more time and effort looking to hire someone else who will install or solve the concern once the need arises. Our Professional Services: New Garage Door- Garage Door Repair -Garage Door Opener- Garage Door Services- Garage Door Out Of Track -Fix Broken Garage Door -Garage Cable Replacement- How to Fix Broken Garage Door We are available in "Baltimore MD , Columbia MD , Germantown MD , Silver Spring MD , Waldorf MD , Ellicott City MD , Frederick MD , Glen Burnie MD, Gaithersburg MD, Rockville MD, Bethesda MD, Dundalk MD, Bowie MD, Towson MD ,Aspen Hill MD , Severn MD , Wheaton MD , North Bethesda MD 21201, 21202, 21205, 21206, 21207, 21208, 21209, 21210, 21211, 21212, 21213, 21214, 21215, 21216, 21217, 21218, 21222, 21223, 21224, 21225, 21226, 21227, 21228, 21229, 21230, 21231, 21234, 21236, 21237, 21239, 21251.

410-881-2554 3255 Solomons Island Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037 All Days 8 am : 8 pm https://garagedoorrepairedgewatermd.com/

[sabistarphotos]

April 23, 2022

Brookside Gardens

Wheaton, MD

[t13shoots]

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

Picks and Shovels is a new, standalone technothriller starring Marty Hench, my two-fisted, hard-fighting, tech-scam-busting forensic accountant. You can pre-order it on my latest Kickstarter, which features a brilliant audiobook read by Wil Wheaton.

#20yrsago Sheet-music for Super Mario https://web.archive.org/web/20050112012306/https://gprime.net/images/mariopiano/

#20yrsago Jailed for a Song: Human-readable copyfight explanation https://web.archive.org/web/20050121142031/http://www.jailedforasong.com/

#20yrsago Free beer that’s free as in speech https://web.archive.org/web/20050121093653/http://www.voresoel.dk/main.php?id=70

#20yrsago IBM turning 500 patents over for free implementation https://web.archive.org/web/20100505080603/http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20050110235654673

#20yrsago Fundie denounces sf for atheism, nudism https://web.archive.org/web/20100111034704/https://www.wayoflife.org/files/2fd19aa02a25c87c4946a653a20f1344-486.html

#15yrsago Bruce Schneier’s TSA logo redesign contest https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2010/01/tsa_logo_contes.html

#15yrsago Secret London: guide to the weird and wonderful secrets of London-town https://memex.craphound.com/2010/01/11/secret-london-guide-to-the-weird-and-wonderful-secrets-of-london-town/

#5yrsago William Gibson talks about scrapping and rewriting a novel after the 2016 Trump election https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jan/11/william-gibson-i-was-losing-a-sense-of-how-weird-the-real-world-was

#5yrsago Departing Kotaku writers post a farewell message to their private equity asshole boss: “Sup dude. Suck it.” https://kotaku.com/goodbye-from-josh-and-gita-1840936478

#5yrsago America’s most popular governor: the lavishly corrupt Larry Hogan [R-MD] https://newrepublic.com/article/156183/popular-crook-america

#1yrago The real AI automation threat to workers https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/11/robots-stole-my-jerb/#computer-says-no

Check out my Kickstarter to pre-order copies of my next novel, Picks and Shovels!

[carlocksmithmiddleriver]

https://www.carlocksmithmiddleriver.com

410-849-7763

We keep an updated workforce of automotive locksmiths. We hunt for advanced techniques and equipment in this field. The objective is to remain abreast and ahead of the queue in service excellence. We are exceptionally prepared for any vehicle locksmith needs that the great people of Middle river might have. If you need to replace ignition key or repair the remote car key we are here to deliver. Car Locksmith Middle River is the home for service excellence. We are passionate and capable of repairing and replacing transponder keys, the remote key, car locks etcetera. Car Locksmith Von Ormy img We can open up your locked doors Car key repair is a process we have trained on, rehearsed on and built our competence around. We have the proficiency to handle numerous car key replacements, duplication and repair services to a whole range of vehicle models. Our team of experts has the proficiency, the charisma, and the diligence. Upon unlocking the door to your automobile we can replace the jammed or damaged car lock. We offer excellent lock rekey services to our clients. This will help reverse the insecurity of a compromised lock. Car Locksmith Middle River is indeed the home of proficiency.Locksmith pros who want to help you today The remote key might as well get damaged by water or some excessive impact. We can repair a damaged remote key by carefully disassembling it and examining the extent of damage. You do not have to buy another remote key or contact the dealership. Our services are more convenient and better priced compared to many. Our Locksmith Services : Lockout, Rekey Lock, Change Locks, Ignition Key, Key Replacement, Transponder Key, Locked Out of Car, Emergency Locksmith, Rekey Locks, Car Key Replacement, Car Key Programming, Office Lockout, Locked Out of House, 24 Hour Locksmith Areas Served : We are available in "Baltimore MD , Columbia MD , Germantown MD , Silver Spring MD , Waldorf MD , Ellicott City MD , Frederick MD , Glen Burnie MD, Gaithersburg MD, Rockville MD, Bethesda MD, Dundalk MD, Bowie MD, Towson MD ,Aspen Hill MD , Severn MD , Wheaton MD , North Bethesda MD 21201, 21202, 21205, 21206, 21207, 21208, 21209, 21210, 21211, 21212, 21213, 21214, 21215, 21216, 21217, 21218, 21222, 21223, 21224, 21225, 21226, 21227, 21228, 21229, 21230, 21231, 21234, 21236, 21237, 21239, 21251. Special offers : $20 OFF: Re~Keying Services 30% OFF: 2nd Ignition Key $15 OFF: Change Locks Contact Us : Car Locksmith Middle River MD 9728 Pulaski Hwy,Middle River, MD 21220 USA www.carlocksmithmiddleriver.com sun-sat: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

[locksmithservicebaltimore1]

We provide professional service for the Balimore MD and surrounding areas. All of our technicians are licensed and insured to provide our customers high quality service and competitive prices. All our technicians are experienced in all areas of services for your automobile, residential, commercial and emergency locksmith service needs 24 hour a day 365 days a year. We also offer no extra charge for nights and weekends unlike our competitors. We service the Baltimore MD and surround areas. From lost keys to rekeying all types of locks. That is what makes us the leading Locksmith Company in Baltimore. Our technicians provide lockout assistance, lock device changes, locking mechanism assembly, replacement keys, automobile keys, ignition key replacement for customers and businesses alike. Our Baltimore locksmiths and security team will assist you with any car security needs. Have you been locked outside of your car? Locksmith Service Baltimore will get you back into your vehicle, for far less than other companies such as those your auto technician or dealership would offer. We be at your location in a matter of minutes – contact us today and save. No matter what type of locksmith service need you my have, Locksmith Service Baltimore provides superior quality, fast support offered by professionals who are licensed and insured for your own safety and peace of mind. We are available in "Baltimore MD , Columbia MD , Germantown MD , Silver Spring MD , Waldorf MD , Ellicott City MD , Frederick MD , Glen Burnie MD, Gaithersburg MD, Rockville MD, Bethesda MD, Dundalk MD, Bowie MD, Towson MD ,Aspen Hill MD , Severn MD , Wheaton MD , North Bethesda MD 21201, 21202, 21205, 21206, 21207, 21208, 21209, 21210, 21211, 21212, 21213, 21214, 21215, 21216, 21217, 21218, 21222, 21223, 21224, 21225, 21226, 21227, 21228, 21229, 21230, 21231, 21234, 21236, 21237, 21239, 21251. 30%OF Second Ignition Key 15% OF New loks- Rekey locks-Residential / Commercial Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

520 E 25th St Baltimore, MD 21218

Locksmith Service Baltimore

[rotipizza]

Random bookstore around the Wheaton, MD area

[sabistarphotos]

April 23, 2022

Brookside Gardens

Wheaton, MD

[carlocksmithbrooklynpark-blog]

Car Locksmith Brooklyn Park

When it comes to car locksmithing services, we have the right professionals who can offer important car lockmithing services even during the oddese hours of the day. Our qualified, professional locksmiths can offer the following services: repairing broken locks, installation of new locks, getting rid of old ones and installing better-performing locks, repairing and duplicating keys, improving the lock system in your home, office, or car, and more! Services We Offer : Transponder Car Keys- Car Lock Repair- Car Door Opening- Lost Car Keys- Ignition Car Keys- Broken Car Key Removal- Trunk Opening- Change Residential Locks- Safe Opening- Keyless Entry- Commercial Lock Repair- Emergency Lockouts our offer $20 OFF On Rekey Lock with New Lock Change $15 OFF On Change Lock 10% OFF On Car Keys 15% OFF SENIOR CITIZEN Must Present ID to Verify 30% OFF 2nd Key Ignition 50% OFF 2nd Key We are available in "Baltimore MD , Columbia MD , Germantown MD , Silver Spring MD , Waldorf MD , Ellicott City MD , Frederick MD , Glen Burnie MD, Gaithersburg MD, Rockville MD, Bethesda MD, Dundalk MD, Bowie MD, Towson MD ,Aspen Hill MD , Severn MD , Wheaton MD , North Bethesda MD 21201, 21202, 21205, 21206, 21207, 21208, 21209, 21210, 21211, 21212, 21213, 21214, 21215, 21216, 21217, 21218, 21222, 21223, 21224, 21225, 21226, 21227, 21228, 21229, 21230, 21231, 21234, 21236, 21237, 21239, 21251. our address : 5801 Ritchie Hwy #225, Brooklyn Park, MD 21225 Call Now : 410-635-1163 working hours : all days : 5 AM - 12 AM our website : carlocksmithBrooklynPark.com

[t13shoots]