bapticus
@bapticus.bsky.social
Retired academic, baptist liberal that cares for the rights of those of faith and no faith, believing the separation of state and religion is for enabling the best expressions of both - its absence facilitating injustice and suffering.
Mr. Smith, the Standard
Bondy, Noem, Hegseth, and Patel embarrassed themselves before the American people with their conduct before Congress. Today with Jack Smith we witnessed a professional public servant. May his tribe increase.
Bondy, Noem, Hegseth, and Patel embarrassed themselves before the American people with their conduct before Congress. Today with Jack Smith we witnessed a professional public servant. May his tribe increase.
September 29, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Mr. Smith, the Standard
Bondy, Noem, Hegseth, and Patel embarrassed themselves before the American people with their conduct before Congress. Today with Jack Smith we witnessed a professional public servant. May his tribe increase.
Bondy, Noem, Hegseth, and Patel embarrassed themselves before the American people with their conduct before Congress. Today with Jack Smith we witnessed a professional public servant. May his tribe increase.
Democracy Dying in the Lights
Shame on ABS, CBS, Fox News, and NBC for not standing with CNN. Journalistic entities worthy of a Fourth Estate designation would stand up to abusive power; they would see such a situation as summoning them to be especially faithful. Instead, they failed the call.
Shame on ABS, CBS, Fox News, and NBC for not standing with CNN. Journalistic entities worthy of a Fourth Estate designation would stand up to abusive power; they would see such a situation as summoning them to be especially faithful. Instead, they failed the call.
September 27, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Democracy Dying in the Lights
Shame on ABS, CBS, Fox News, and NBC for not standing with CNN. Journalistic entities worthy of a Fourth Estate designation would stand up to abusive power; they would see such a situation as summoning them to be especially faithful. Instead, they failed the call.
Shame on ABS, CBS, Fox News, and NBC for not standing with CNN. Journalistic entities worthy of a Fourth Estate designation would stand up to abusive power; they would see such a situation as summoning them to be especially faithful. Instead, they failed the call.
We Were Better
Our government is disappearing people, a practice of governments having no concern for justice and well-being of its citizens. This administration lusts for power, forsaking its relationship to the Constitution and the rule of law, thus disloyal to the idea and values of America.
Our government is disappearing people, a practice of governments having no concern for justice and well-being of its citizens. This administration lusts for power, forsaking its relationship to the Constitution and the rule of law, thus disloyal to the idea and values of America.
AP Exclusive: ICE hides locations of thousands of detainees with final removal orders
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has stopped publicly revealing where it is holding most detainees who are subject to final deportation orders, in a move that has made it harder for lawyers an...
apnews.com
September 21, 2026 at 7:39 PM
We Were Better
Our government is disappearing people, a practice of governments having no concern for justice and well-being of its citizens. This administration lusts for power, forsaking its relationship to the Constitution and the rule of law, thus disloyal to the idea and values of America.
Our government is disappearing people, a practice of governments having no concern for justice and well-being of its citizens. This administration lusts for power, forsaking its relationship to the Constitution and the rule of law, thus disloyal to the idea and values of America.
Monied, Not Insightful
Peter Theil stated ... "the Antichrist is a Luddite who wants to stop all science."
To the contrary, Mr. Theil, good theology advocates for good science. Give us good science/technology and people will not stand in the way.
But we could do with less bad theology. Thanks.
Peter Theil stated ... "the Antichrist is a Luddite who wants to stop all science."
To the contrary, Mr. Theil, good theology advocates for good science. Give us good science/technology and people will not stand in the way.
But we could do with less bad theology. Thanks.
September 12, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Monied, Not Insightful
Peter Theil stated ... "the Antichrist is a Luddite who wants to stop all science."
To the contrary, Mr. Theil, good theology advocates for good science. Give us good science/technology and people will not stand in the way.
But we could do with less bad theology. Thanks.
Peter Theil stated ... "the Antichrist is a Luddite who wants to stop all science."
To the contrary, Mr. Theil, good theology advocates for good science. Give us good science/technology and people will not stand in the way.
But we could do with less bad theology. Thanks.
God's Work?
Vance: “... I’m trying to focus on ... God’s work ... and if that leads to the end times, okay."
"If that" with "okay" means he can't claim world restoration, a good, transformed reality, given his words point to world dissolution and disappointment.
God's work? Try justice and peace.
Vance: “... I’m trying to focus on ... God’s work ... and if that leads to the end times, okay."
"If that" with "okay" means he can't claim world restoration, a good, transformed reality, given his words point to world dissolution and disappointment.
God's work? Try justice and peace.
September 2, 2026 at 5:44 PM
God's Work?
Vance: “... I’m trying to focus on ... God’s work ... and if that leads to the end times, okay."
"If that" with "okay" means he can't claim world restoration, a good, transformed reality, given his words point to world dissolution and disappointment.
God's work? Try justice and peace.
Vance: “... I’m trying to focus on ... God’s work ... and if that leads to the end times, okay."
"If that" with "okay" means he can't claim world restoration, a good, transformed reality, given his words point to world dissolution and disappointment.
God's work? Try justice and peace.
Home Court Advantage
“They want to pack the U.S. Supreme Court,” Johnson told reporters.“
He really said that.
Not only does the Speaker desire the advantage, he wants such for whatever seasons are left, too.
But, want in one hand and, well, you know.
Let's just say it's political theatre.
“They want to pack the U.S. Supreme Court,” Johnson told reporters.“
He really said that.
Not only does the Speaker desire the advantage, he wants such for whatever seasons are left, too.
But, want in one hand and, well, you know.
Let's just say it's political theatre.
September 1, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Home Court Advantage
“They want to pack the U.S. Supreme Court,” Johnson told reporters.“
He really said that.
Not only does the Speaker desire the advantage, he wants such for whatever seasons are left, too.
But, want in one hand and, well, you know.
Let's just say it's political theatre.
“They want to pack the U.S. Supreme Court,” Johnson told reporters.“
He really said that.
Not only does the Speaker desire the advantage, he wants such for whatever seasons are left, too.
But, want in one hand and, well, you know.
Let's just say it's political theatre.
More is Less
New study (www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....) findings reveal communities with undocumented immigrants experience less crime. Data for some time have indicated immigrants commit less crime than the indigenous US population. Truth is, we need more immigrants. They are good neighbors.
New study (www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....) findings reveal communities with undocumented immigrants experience less crime. Data for some time have indicated immigrants commit less crime than the indigenous US population. Truth is, we need more immigrants. They are good neighbors.
Does unauthorized immigration drive community crime rates? Evidence from 11,500 U.S. neighborhoods
Research on the immigration-crime nexus has grown substantially, yet few studies differentiate among immigrants of different legal statuses, including undocumented immigrants. Of those that do, ana...
www.tandfonline.com
August 19, 2026 at 8:41 PM
More is Less
New study (www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....) findings reveal communities with undocumented immigrants experience less crime. Data for some time have indicated immigrants commit less crime than the indigenous US population. Truth is, we need more immigrants. They are good neighbors.
New study (www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....) findings reveal communities with undocumented immigrants experience less crime. Data for some time have indicated immigrants commit less crime than the indigenous US population. Truth is, we need more immigrants. They are good neighbors.
Hardball
As Matthews would say, "Let's Play."
Rand Paul is stymied by Anthony Fauci but his party might have seen it coming. People are put out with GOP, its obstreperousness, hardball ways and tolerance for such has waned. The 5th is within the law and resists the theatre. Showin' some backbone.
As Matthews would say, "Let's Play."
Rand Paul is stymied by Anthony Fauci but his party might have seen it coming. People are put out with GOP, its obstreperousness, hardball ways and tolerance for such has waned. The 5th is within the law and resists the theatre. Showin' some backbone.
July 29, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Hardball
As Matthews would say, "Let's Play."
Rand Paul is stymied by Anthony Fauci but his party might have seen it coming. People are put out with GOP, its obstreperousness, hardball ways and tolerance for such has waned. The 5th is within the law and resists the theatre. Showin' some backbone.
As Matthews would say, "Let's Play."
Rand Paul is stymied by Anthony Fauci but his party might have seen it coming. People are put out with GOP, its obstreperousness, hardball ways and tolerance for such has waned. The 5th is within the law and resists the theatre. Showin' some backbone.
A Stank
No laws were broken, that and popularity defining ethics, too big to fail, and insider profiteering, the thinking and behavior behind a Meta data center. Secrecy by public officials, their lack of concern for ends justifying means behavior, and power of billionaires to co-opt government.
No laws were broken, that and popularity defining ethics, too big to fail, and insider profiteering, the thinking and behavior behind a Meta data center. Secrecy by public officials, their lack of concern for ends justifying means behavior, and power of billionaires to co-opt government.
How Meta Got Everything It Wanted in a Secret Louisiana Data Center Deal
A Times examination details how the Silicon Valley giant used private talks with local officials to start a project big enough to cover nearly six square miles.
www.nytimes.com
July 27, 2026 at 4:31 PM
A Stank
No laws were broken, that and popularity defining ethics, too big to fail, and insider profiteering, the thinking and behavior behind a Meta data center. Secrecy by public officials, their lack of concern for ends justifying means behavior, and power of billionaires to co-opt government.
No laws were broken, that and popularity defining ethics, too big to fail, and insider profiteering, the thinking and behavior behind a Meta data center. Secrecy by public officials, their lack of concern for ends justifying means behavior, and power of billionaires to co-opt government.
Devolving
Phone, there was a time it was good. Same with email and texts. Then business ruining a good thing.
Robo, email, text are cheap compared to print thus a wide cast. Marketing, even with all its purported data, has become lazy, listening too much to accountants.
Listen to me.
"Bye."
Phone, there was a time it was good. Same with email and texts. Then business ruining a good thing.
Robo, email, text are cheap compared to print thus a wide cast. Marketing, even with all its purported data, has become lazy, listening too much to accountants.
Listen to me.
"Bye."
July 23, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Devolving
Phone, there was a time it was good. Same with email and texts. Then business ruining a good thing.
Robo, email, text are cheap compared to print thus a wide cast. Marketing, even with all its purported data, has become lazy, listening too much to accountants.
Listen to me.
"Bye."
Phone, there was a time it was good. Same with email and texts. Then business ruining a good thing.
Robo, email, text are cheap compared to print thus a wide cast. Marketing, even with all its purported data, has become lazy, listening too much to accountants.
Listen to me.
"Bye."
Living Pall
GOP pols believe Trump lost and Biden won the 2020 election. They have no doubt.
What, then, explains embracing Trump's fancy, jeopardizing government, world standing, their children's safety, all while laying waste to their reputations?
What person would accept that cost for power?
GOP pols believe Trump lost and Biden won the 2020 election. They have no doubt.
What, then, explains embracing Trump's fancy, jeopardizing government, world standing, their children's safety, all while laying waste to their reputations?
What person would accept that cost for power?
July 23, 2026 at 7:04 PM
Living Pall
GOP pols believe Trump lost and Biden won the 2020 election. They have no doubt.
What, then, explains embracing Trump's fancy, jeopardizing government, world standing, their children's safety, all while laying waste to their reputations?
What person would accept that cost for power?
GOP pols believe Trump lost and Biden won the 2020 election. They have no doubt.
What, then, explains embracing Trump's fancy, jeopardizing government, world standing, their children's safety, all while laying waste to their reputations?
What person would accept that cost for power?
Spring Training Over
The first pitch officially opening the season to undermine the midterms was thrown tonight by DJ Trump. The ball, old, dirty, flayed, and lopsided due to being thoroughly beaten in the past, was thrown into the ground. A 47' sinker. One person remarked, "Well, that was nutty."
The first pitch officially opening the season to undermine the midterms was thrown tonight by DJ Trump. The ball, old, dirty, flayed, and lopsided due to being thoroughly beaten in the past, was thrown into the ground. A 47' sinker. One person remarked, "Well, that was nutty."
July 17, 2026 at 4:38 AM
Spring Training Over
The first pitch officially opening the season to undermine the midterms was thrown tonight by DJ Trump. The ball, old, dirty, flayed, and lopsided due to being thoroughly beaten in the past, was thrown into the ground. A 47' sinker. One person remarked, "Well, that was nutty."
The first pitch officially opening the season to undermine the midterms was thrown tonight by DJ Trump. The ball, old, dirty, flayed, and lopsided due to being thoroughly beaten in the past, was thrown into the ground. A 47' sinker. One person remarked, "Well, that was nutty."
Behold, A Good Thing
With all the disappointment surrounding us, it is important to note good things ARE happening. One being #PalemettoWorks. It is a non-profit helping people to help build a better world. Kudos to its leaders, volunteers, and especially those learning to be the change we need.
With all the disappointment surrounding us, it is important to note good things ARE happening. One being #PalemettoWorks. It is a non-profit helping people to help build a better world. Kudos to its leaders, volunteers, and especially those learning to be the change we need.
Palmetto Works – Community Development Corporation
Community Development Corporation
palmettoworks.com
July 14, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Behold, A Good Thing
With all the disappointment surrounding us, it is important to note good things ARE happening. One being #PalemettoWorks. It is a non-profit helping people to help build a better world. Kudos to its leaders, volunteers, and especially those learning to be the change we need.
With all the disappointment surrounding us, it is important to note good things ARE happening. One being #PalemettoWorks. It is a non-profit helping people to help build a better world. Kudos to its leaders, volunteers, and especially those learning to be the change we need.
Bababaaad to the Bone
Having justice department attorneys and the Acting AG recommended by a federal judge for sanctioning due to bad faith behavior is but another example of this administration's undermining of faith in government, faith a requisite condition for a vibrant democracy.
Having justice department attorneys and the Acting AG recommended by a federal judge for sanctioning due to bad faith behavior is but another example of this administration's undermining of faith in government, faith a requisite condition for a vibrant democracy.
July 14, 2026 at 10:45 PM
Bababaaad to the Bone
Having justice department attorneys and the Acting AG recommended by a federal judge for sanctioning due to bad faith behavior is but another example of this administration's undermining of faith in government, faith a requisite condition for a vibrant democracy.
Having justice department attorneys and the Acting AG recommended by a federal judge for sanctioning due to bad faith behavior is but another example of this administration's undermining of faith in government, faith a requisite condition for a vibrant democracy.
It's Time
A message to President Trump's children in Congress: It's time to take his car-keys. His driving has become a danger to those sharing the road. Taking the keys is a compassionate act, an act respecting of life. Please be responsible.
A message to President Trump's children in Congress: It's time to take his car-keys. His driving has become a danger to those sharing the road. Taking the keys is a compassionate act, an act respecting of life. Please be responsible.
July 14, 2026 at 9:37 AM
It's Time
A message to President Trump's children in Congress: It's time to take his car-keys. His driving has become a danger to those sharing the road. Taking the keys is a compassionate act, an act respecting of life. Please be responsible.
A message to President Trump's children in Congress: It's time to take his car-keys. His driving has become a danger to those sharing the road. Taking the keys is a compassionate act, an act respecting of life. Please be responsible.
Diagnosis & Treatment
America has lupus. The government attacks healthy bodily functioning for some maladaptive reason by treating healthy parts of the body as if they were diseased. Treatment is steroid, dosage to peak the first of November; but steroid may be re-administered as flairs occur.
America has lupus. The government attacks healthy bodily functioning for some maladaptive reason by treating healthy parts of the body as if they were diseased. Treatment is steroid, dosage to peak the first of November; but steroid may be re-administered as flairs occur.
July 2, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Diagnosis & Treatment
America has lupus. The government attacks healthy bodily functioning for some maladaptive reason by treating healthy parts of the body as if they were diseased. Treatment is steroid, dosage to peak the first of November; but steroid may be re-administered as flairs occur.
America has lupus. The government attacks healthy bodily functioning for some maladaptive reason by treating healthy parts of the body as if they were diseased. Treatment is steroid, dosage to peak the first of November; but steroid may be re-administered as flairs occur.
An AbomiNation
Trump's Religious Liberty Commission just released its draft findings and is calling for ending the separation of church and state.
Religious people of all stripes would do well to reject any policy ending said separation.
When church and state wed bad things follow.
Trump's Religious Liberty Commission just released its draft findings and is calling for ending the separation of church and state.
Religious people of all stripes would do well to reject any policy ending said separation.
When church and state wed bad things follow.
June 27, 2026 at 1:46 AM
An AbomiNation
Trump's Religious Liberty Commission just released its draft findings and is calling for ending the separation of church and state.
Religious people of all stripes would do well to reject any policy ending said separation.
When church and state wed bad things follow.
Trump's Religious Liberty Commission just released its draft findings and is calling for ending the separation of church and state.
Religious people of all stripes would do well to reject any policy ending said separation.
When church and state wed bad things follow.
Fine Print
“This plane was transformed into a ... level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before,” Mr. Trump said.
The plane houses ... a framed print ... on the wall.
A print?!
“This plane was transformed into a ... level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before,” Mr. Trump said.
The plane houses ... a framed print ... on the wall.
A print?!
June 20, 2026 at 12:32 AM
Fine Print
“This plane was transformed into a ... level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before,” Mr. Trump said.
The plane houses ... a framed print ... on the wall.
A print?!
“This plane was transformed into a ... level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before,” Mr. Trump said.
The plane houses ... a framed print ... on the wall.
A print?!
Foul Balls
Southern Baptist clergy tell women that they can't preach because they don't have a penis but when Trump does things woefully inconsistent with their religion they can't find their balls.
Southern Baptist clergy tell women that they can't preach because they don't have a penis but when Trump does things woefully inconsistent with their religion they can't find their balls.
June 14, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Foul Balls
Southern Baptist clergy tell women that they can't preach because they don't have a penis but when Trump does things woefully inconsistent with their religion they can't find their balls.
Southern Baptist clergy tell women that they can't preach because they don't have a penis but when Trump does things woefully inconsistent with their religion they can't find their balls.
Wait a Second
Say you workin' folks take 50 years to be a trillionnaire like Musk; what salary would you need?
Assume annual 250 days at 8 hours. Typical salary pay base.
All you need to make is $2,778 per second.
When the boss says "Wait a second," perhaps you say, "Sure, take a minute or two."
Say you workin' folks take 50 years to be a trillionnaire like Musk; what salary would you need?
Assume annual 250 days at 8 hours. Typical salary pay base.
All you need to make is $2,778 per second.
When the boss says "Wait a second," perhaps you say, "Sure, take a minute or two."
June 12, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Wait a Second
Say you workin' folks take 50 years to be a trillionnaire like Musk; what salary would you need?
Assume annual 250 days at 8 hours. Typical salary pay base.
All you need to make is $2,778 per second.
When the boss says "Wait a second," perhaps you say, "Sure, take a minute or two."
Say you workin' folks take 50 years to be a trillionnaire like Musk; what salary would you need?
Assume annual 250 days at 8 hours. Typical salary pay base.
All you need to make is $2,778 per second.
When the boss says "Wait a second," perhaps you say, "Sure, take a minute or two."
Because We Can't
Listening to Comer and Johnson on voting in blue states is nutty, to be generous. Their argument goes something like this:
Because we can't prove fraud, then fraudulent voting is rampant.
Listening to Comer and Johnson on voting in blue states is nutty, to be generous. Their argument goes something like this:
Because we can't prove fraud, then fraudulent voting is rampant.
June 9, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Because We Can't
Listening to Comer and Johnson on voting in blue states is nutty, to be generous. Their argument goes something like this:
Because we can't prove fraud, then fraudulent voting is rampant.
Listening to Comer and Johnson on voting in blue states is nutty, to be generous. Their argument goes something like this:
Because we can't prove fraud, then fraudulent voting is rampant.
Arrested Development
A theology that dismisses the natural world is insufficiently developed and useless. A theology that frowns upon science reveals its insignificance and irrelevancy.
A theology that dismisses the natural world is insufficiently developed and useless. A theology that frowns upon science reveals its insignificance and irrelevancy.
Dismay as Trump officials move to dismantle a key ocean monitoring system
The Ocean Observatories Initiative, which provides crucial marine and climate data, is the administration's latest victim.
www.motherjones.com
June 5, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Arrested Development
A theology that dismisses the natural world is insufficiently developed and useless. A theology that frowns upon science reveals its insignificance and irrelevancy.
A theology that dismisses the natural world is insufficiently developed and useless. A theology that frowns upon science reveals its insignificance and irrelevancy.
Screwed Up
With USAID funding we practiced being our brothers' keeper. Then we, instead, selfishly focused mainly on ourselves. Turns out being compassionate is the best, practical way of being in the world.
With USAID funding we practiced being our brothers' keeper. Then we, instead, selfishly focused mainly on ourselves. Turns out being compassionate is the best, practical way of being in the world.
Screwworm Is Back In Texas Cattle—Is DOGE To Blame?
The government cut funding for the New World screwworm monitoring program and then reportedly ignored ranchers warning the parasite was working its way to the U.S.
www.forbes.com
June 4, 2026 at 10:07 PM
Screwed Up
With USAID funding we practiced being our brothers' keeper. Then we, instead, selfishly focused mainly on ourselves. Turns out being compassionate is the best, practical way of being in the world.
With USAID funding we practiced being our brothers' keeper. Then we, instead, selfishly focused mainly on ourselves. Turns out being compassionate is the best, practical way of being in the world.
Crime Bill
POTUS says he'll drop $10B suit if nearly $2B is instead allocated among J6 individuals. Guess some might then say, "well, wouldn't that be a reduction in crime?" Still, under this admin crime seems to be lucrative.
POTUS says he'll drop $10B suit if nearly $2B is instead allocated among J6 individuals. Guess some might then say, "well, wouldn't that be a reduction in crime?" Still, under this admin crime seems to be lucrative.
May 15, 2026 at 4:55 AM
Crime Bill
POTUS says he'll drop $10B suit if nearly $2B is instead allocated among J6 individuals. Guess some might then say, "well, wouldn't that be a reduction in crime?" Still, under this admin crime seems to be lucrative.
POTUS says he'll drop $10B suit if nearly $2B is instead allocated among J6 individuals. Guess some might then say, "well, wouldn't that be a reduction in crime?" Still, under this admin crime seems to be lucrative.
Road Out
Eating, medical care, housing, safe-sex, gasoline, etc. are becoming less affordable and more unaffordable. Yet we have money and energy for vanity wars and memorials, tax breaks for billionnaires, and technology that will take away our livelihood. GOP is attenuating life.
Change Course!
Eating, medical care, housing, safe-sex, gasoline, etc. are becoming less affordable and more unaffordable. Yet we have money and energy for vanity wars and memorials, tax breaks for billionnaires, and technology that will take away our livelihood. GOP is attenuating life.
Change Course!
May 1, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Road Out
Eating, medical care, housing, safe-sex, gasoline, etc. are becoming less affordable and more unaffordable. Yet we have money and energy for vanity wars and memorials, tax breaks for billionnaires, and technology that will take away our livelihood. GOP is attenuating life.
Change Course!
Eating, medical care, housing, safe-sex, gasoline, etc. are becoming less affordable and more unaffordable. Yet we have money and energy for vanity wars and memorials, tax breaks for billionnaires, and technology that will take away our livelihood. GOP is attenuating life.
Change Course!