Everyday Democrat
@markbail.bsky.social
Selectman
Granby, MA
Interests include political strategy and communication.
Diversions include playing piano, singing, and writing about magicians.
Granby, MA
Interests include political strategy and communication.
Diversions include playing piano, singing, and writing about magicians.
Now Receiving Death Threats
The Last Ditch Bar would like to thank @bostonglobe.com for threats of firebombing and violence. #mapoli
www.masslive.com/westernmass/...
The Last Ditch Bar would like to thank @bostonglobe.com for threats of firebombing and violence. #mapoli
www.masslive.com/westernmass/...
Western Mass. bar announces new security measures amid mask backlash
Following intense online criticism and national attention, a Western Mass. bar says it's rethinking safety and privacy.
www.masslive.com
September 30, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Now Receiving Death Threats
The Last Ditch Bar would like to thank @bostonglobe.com for threats of firebombing and violence. #mapoli
www.masslive.com/westernmass/...
The Last Ditch Bar would like to thank @bostonglobe.com for threats of firebombing and violence. #mapoli
www.masslive.com/westernmass/...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/29/m... #mapoli
Are the students happier? Leading better lives after high school? Would things have been worse without the SOA?
#MCAS scores are @bostonglobe.com's "Sweet Caroline": predictable and off-key.
(BONUS: @massbudget.bsky.social quoted out of context.)
Are the students happier? Leading better lives after high school? Would things have been worse without the SOA?
#MCAS scores are @bostonglobe.com's "Sweet Caroline": predictable and off-key.
(BONUS: @massbudget.bsky.social quoted out of context.)
‘It hasn’t really panned out’: Massachusetts pumped billions into the neediest schools. The results have been mixed. - The Boston Globe
Over the last seven years, Massachusetts school aid has soared to $7.7 billion this year. But concerns are growing over lackluster MCAS scores, inflation, and budget cuts.
www.bostonglobe.com
September 29, 2026 at 1:08 PM
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/29/m... #mapoli
Are the students happier? Leading better lives after high school? Would things have been worse without the SOA?
#MCAS scores are @bostonglobe.com's "Sweet Caroline": predictable and off-key.
(BONUS: @massbudget.bsky.social quoted out of context.)
Are the students happier? Leading better lives after high school? Would things have been worse without the SOA?
#MCAS scores are @bostonglobe.com's "Sweet Caroline": predictable and off-key.
(BONUS: @massbudget.bsky.social quoted out of context.)
The news coverage of this story was stupid.
This editorial is even stupider.
If you can't come to Western Mass and not make fun of us, don't come to Western Mass. #DistractedGlobe
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/24/o...
This editorial is even stupider.
If you can't come to Western Mass and not make fun of us, don't come to Western Mass. #DistractedGlobe
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/24/o...
The Last Ditch bar and the left’s scolding problem - The Boston Globe
At the Last Ditch, a dispute over masks has become a test of whether the left can tolerate disagreement without capitulating to its loudest critics.
www.bostonglobe.com
September 24, 2026 at 10:32 PM
The news coverage of this story was stupid.
This editorial is even stupider.
If you can't come to Western Mass and not make fun of us, don't come to Western Mass. #DistractedGlobe
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/24/o...
This editorial is even stupider.
If you can't come to Western Mass and not make fun of us, don't come to Western Mass. #DistractedGlobe
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/24/o...
“The elites talk about the end of the world when we are talking about the end of the month.”
drive.google.com/file/d/16IoK...
drive.google.com/file/d/16IoK...
The Left's Coalition Crisis: Understanding the Massive Divide Between Working Class and College Educated Voters, and How to Bridge it
drive.google.com
August 5, 2026 at 11:09 AM
“The elites talk about the end of the world when we are talking about the end of the month.”
drive.google.com/file/d/16IoK...
drive.google.com/file/d/16IoK...
“The elites talk about the end of the world when we are talking about the end of the month.”
--The Left's Coalition Crisis
--The Left's Coalition Crisis
August 5, 2026 at 11:08 AM
“The elites talk about the end of the world when we are talking about the end of the month.”
--The Left's Coalition Crisis
--The Left's Coalition Crisis
The online Left envisions a working class that needs their nurturing and TLC. Platner is a projection of their anxiety about a group that might not need them and really doesn’t like them all that much.
To be more specific, Fetterman and Platner’s white working class coded masculinity feels like a sensibility that’s especially alluring to someone who feels like they’re not living up to what a “successful” man in their family should be. So they become the authentic salt of the earth guy.
June 20, 2026 at 10:25 AM
The online Left envisions a working class that needs their nurturing and TLC. Platner is a projection of their anxiety about a group that might not need them and really doesn’t like them all that much.
Reposted by Everyday Democrat
What is true of Platner today was true of Platner a month ago.
He is a deeply flawed person who nevertheless is working his ass off and speaking in ways that appeal to Mainiacs (my mom, who was born there, told me I should call them that).
Maine voters have been forgotten from this discussion.
He is a deeply flawed person who nevertheless is working his ass off and speaking in ways that appeal to Mainiacs (my mom, who was born there, told me I should call them that).
Maine voters have been forgotten from this discussion.
June 1, 2026 at 1:59 PM
What is true of Platner today was true of Platner a month ago.
He is a deeply flawed person who nevertheless is working his ass off and speaking in ways that appeal to Mainiacs (my mom, who was born there, told me I should call them that).
Maine voters have been forgotten from this discussion.
He is a deeply flawed person who nevertheless is working his ass off and speaking in ways that appeal to Mainiacs (my mom, who was born there, told me I should call them that).
Maine voters have been forgotten from this discussion.
Because a lot of people on the left see the working class as children who need their benevolent intervention.
I honestly don't see why everyone thinks Platner is "another Fetterman," unless the working class aesthetic is what you're objecting to.
I've gotten accusations that I'm covert MAGA because I grew up working class and have tattoos. It seems, well, prejudiced.
I've gotten accusations that I'm covert MAGA because I grew up working class and have tattoos. It seems, well, prejudiced.
June 1, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Because a lot of people on the left see the working class as children who need their benevolent intervention.
It’s the future. We can’t see a plausible step forward.
There is compelling evidence that something has shifted in society in the last half-decade that has created near-permanent hallucinatory discontent, divorced from material conditions.
Since we don’t know what it is we can’t remedy it.
Meanwhile people are voting for fascists in large numbers.
Since we don’t know what it is we can’t remedy it.
Meanwhile people are voting for fascists in large numbers.
I really dont understand the obsession with tellinh everyone THE ECONOMY IS FINE today.
Like atleast under Biden you could argue he did it cause he feared Trump but doing it now is just dumb
Like atleast under Biden you could argue he did it cause he feared Trump but doing it now is just dumb
May 26, 2026 at 11:43 PM
It’s the future. We can’t see a plausible step forward.
What is it with people who work with others and don't understand their meaning?
Instead of reporting test results on a five or seven point scale, the NAEP uses a 3-point scale. The reason is rhetorical, making it easy to beat up on public education.
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/26/o...
Instead of reporting test results on a five or seven point scale, the NAEP uses a 3-point scale. The reason is rhetorical, making it easy to beat up on public education.
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/26/o...
Opinion | It’s Becoming Impossible to Know How Your Kid Is Doing in School
www.nytimes.com
May 26, 2026 at 11:13 AM
What is it with people who work with others and don't understand their meaning?
Instead of reporting test results on a five or seven point scale, the NAEP uses a 3-point scale. The reason is rhetorical, making it easy to beat up on public education.
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/26/o...
Instead of reporting test results on a five or seven point scale, the NAEP uses a 3-point scale. The reason is rhetorical, making it easy to beat up on public education.
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/26/o...
Of course, there's a tradeoff between higher pay and staffing levels. The question is, what's the alternative? Losing ground to health insurance increases and inflation?
Should educators bear the burden of government policy and economic externalities? #mapoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/25/m...
Should educators bear the burden of government policy and economic externalities? #mapoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/25/m...
For years, teacher unions fought for better pay and benefits. Now districts, including Boston, are planning layoffs. - The Boston Globe
Teachers unions in recent years have flexed their muscles to secure contracts with better pay. But now many of the same districts, including Boston, Newton, and Marblehead, face cuts and layoffs.
www.bostonglobe.com
May 25, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Of course, there's a tradeoff between higher pay and staffing levels. The question is, what's the alternative? Losing ground to health insurance increases and inflation?
Should educators bear the burden of government policy and economic externalities? #mapoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/25/m...
Should educators bear the burden of government policy and economic externalities? #mapoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/25/m...
Reposted by Everyday Democrat
EditorialCartoonist @andertoon.bsky.social with a powerful message.
May 15, 2026 at 3:25 AM
EditorialCartoonist @andertoon.bsky.social with a powerful message.
Political parties shouldn't act like political parties...
"It also leaves the nearly 65 percent of Massachusetts voters who are unenrolled — and who, therefore, can vote in either party’s primary — with no say on who gets on those ballots."
#mapoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/28/o...
"It also leaves the nearly 65 percent of Massachusetts voters who are unenrolled — and who, therefore, can vote in either party’s primary — with no say on who gets on those ballots."
#mapoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/28/o...
Massachusetts political conventions are an antidemocratic relic - The Boston Globe
Just declare the bar open and the 15 percent rule gone.
www.bostonglobe.com
April 28, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Political parties shouldn't act like political parties...
"It also leaves the nearly 65 percent of Massachusetts voters who are unenrolled — and who, therefore, can vote in either party’s primary — with no say on who gets on those ballots."
#mapoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/28/o...
"It also leaves the nearly 65 percent of Massachusetts voters who are unenrolled — and who, therefore, can vote in either party’s primary — with no say on who gets on those ballots."
#mapoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/28/o...
In which The Editors spot a trend: every 32 years an outsider either doesn't or almost doesn't make the primary ballot at the Democratic convention.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/28/o...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/28/o...
Massachusetts political conventions are an antidemocratic relic - The Boston Globe
Just declare the bar open and the 15 percent rule gone.
www.bostonglobe.com
April 28, 2026 at 6:29 PM
In which The Editors spot a trend: every 32 years an outsider either doesn't or almost doesn't make the primary ballot at the Democratic convention.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/28/o...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/28/o...
Any chance the Trump Administration will run out of incompetent people?
www.nytimes.com/2026/04/22/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/04/22/u...
Navy Secretary Is Fired as Infighting Roils Pentagon
www.nytimes.com
April 23, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Any chance the Trump Administration will run out of incompetent people?
www.nytimes.com/2026/04/22/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/04/22/u...
Mamdani. Talarico. Platner.
We know what we are but know not what we may be.
www.notus.org/perspectives...
We know what we are but know not what we may be.
www.notus.org/perspectives...
I’m a Maine Reporter Who Went to High School With Graham Platner. Here’s What Explains His Success.
In 2002, my classmate Graham Platner ran for student-body president of John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor, Maine. I remember watching him in our auditorium debate his fellow candidates. He was the radical, wearing a revolutionary proletarian costume: overalls and a red armband. (When I asked…
www.notus.org
April 11, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Mamdani. Talarico. Platner.
We know what we are but know not what we may be.
www.notus.org/perspectives...
We know what we are but know not what we may be.
www.notus.org/perspectives...
Why Are So Many Pundits So Far Out of Touch?
The median voter theorem is a fallacy, assuming that voters are two-dimensional.
www.nytimes.com/2026/03/24/o...
The median voter theorem is a fallacy, assuming that voters are two-dimensional.
www.nytimes.com/2026/03/24/o...
Opinion | Why Are So Many Democratic Politicians So Far Out of Touch?
www.nytimes.com
March 29, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Why Are So Many Pundits So Far Out of Touch?
The median voter theorem is a fallacy, assuming that voters are two-dimensional.
www.nytimes.com/2026/03/24/o...
The median voter theorem is a fallacy, assuming that voters are two-dimensional.
www.nytimes.com/2026/03/24/o...
RIP RobertMueller
“If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment.”
“If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment.”
March 21, 2026 at 7:51 PM
RIP RobertMueller
“If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment.”
“If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment.”
Pun Not Intended
March 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Pun Not Intended
Not enough to establish a trend, but an honest headline from the New York Times.
www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/u...
What Are Trump’s Positions on Iran? They Can Change by the Sentence.
www.nytimes.com
March 17, 2026 at 10:51 AM
Not enough to establish a trend, but an honest headline from the New York Times.
www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/u...
If something kills off public education, it will be our failure to address this problem. Students lose dozens of hours a week because of dysregulate children and classroom evacuations. #mapoli
www.edweek.org/leadership/e...
www.edweek.org/leadership/e...
Elementary Students Can’t Manage Their Emotions. What Schools Can Do to Help
Many teachers say kids' coping skills are not as good as they used to be.
www.edweek.org
March 16, 2026 at 10:45 AM
If something kills off public education, it will be our failure to address this problem. Students lose dozens of hours a week because of dysregulate children and classroom evacuations. #mapoli
www.edweek.org/leadership/e...
www.edweek.org/leadership/e...
Worth Looking Into
.....
The number of dysregulated students endangering teachers and staff. Classrooms across the state are regularly evacuated due to trying to meet the needs of dangerously out of control kids. #mapoli #education #DESE
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/16/m...
.....
The number of dysregulated students endangering teachers and staff. Classrooms across the state are regularly evacuated due to trying to meet the needs of dangerously out of control kids. #mapoli #education #DESE
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/16/m...
Special education teachers are leaving faster than schools replace them. Kids are paying the price. - The Boston Globe
Budget cuts and challenging working conditions are driving special education teachers out of schools at alarming rates.
www.bostonglobe.com
March 16, 2026 at 10:42 AM
Worth Looking Into
.....
The number of dysregulated students endangering teachers and staff. Classrooms across the state are regularly evacuated due to trying to meet the needs of dangerously out of control kids. #mapoli #education #DESE
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/16/m...
.....
The number of dysregulated students endangering teachers and staff. Classrooms across the state are regularly evacuated due to trying to meet the needs of dangerously out of control kids. #mapoli #education #DESE
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/16/m...
How you like me now? How you like me now? How you like me now? How you like me now?
March 13, 2026 at 8:13 PM
How you like me now? How you like me now? How you like me now? How you like me now?
How do you like it now, gentlemen?
www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/c...
www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/c...
At a Dinner, Trump Assailed Climate Rules and Asked $1 Billion From Big Oil (Published 2024)
www.nytimes.com
March 13, 2026 at 8:03 PM
How do you like it now, gentlemen?
www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/c...
www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/c...