Tim Longman 🏳️🌈
@timlongman.bsky.social
Poli Sci and IR prof at BU. Posts on Africa, human rights, US politics, LGBTQ+, religion & politics. Progressive, Christian, proud gay dad. 2 books on Rwanda. Currently writing book on church and state across Africa and another on LGBTQ backlash in Africa
As predicted, Susan Collins comes out against Blanche. Don’t make too much of it. The R leadership okayed it b/c they have a vote to lose and b/c Collins in a tight race in Maine, in which Ds have won last several presidential elections. But they can’t lose another. All eyes on Cassidy and Murkowski
Is anyone at all surprised by this? Republicans who have absolutely nothing to lose by standing up for principle nevertheless caving to Trump, despite how badly he has treated them? It’s truly pathetic.
Christopher Webb@cwebbonline.com · 2d agoExcuse my ignorance, but if Todd Blanche is confirmed, couldn’t he just issue a new memo under a slightly different framework that still gives Trump the slush fund and the immunity he wanted? We can’t trust these people.
The thing about dictators is that they demand complete and utter loyalty. I’ve seen this in Rwanda where allies of Kagame must pretend like the president is always infallibly right. Any disagreement with his policies, and you end up prosecuted for corruption, if you’re lucky.
Timothy McBride@mcbridetd.bsky.social · 3d agoTrump attacks longtime ally, former FoxNews analyst Jeanine Pirro for dropping Reflecting Pool vandalism case because the facts didn't support going forward www.politico.com/news/2026/08...
Stories like this make me ashamed of my government. We are being ruled by the cruelest bigots. If we don’t stop them, eventually they will come for us all.
Gillian Brockell@gillianbrockell.com · 4d agoGreat reporting from @emilybregel.bsky.social about a gay man who’s been in the US since he was four, imprisoned in a “hotel” in Equatorial Guinea since April. He says he’s being denied soap and toilet paper in retaliation for filing a complaint w African Commission. 1/ tucson.com/news/local/b...
It’s as though, right after a very successful World Cup which left people with surprisingly good feelings about FIFA, Infantino said, “Well, that can’t continue,” and so committed himself to making everyone hate FIFA again.
Unofficial BBCNews (World) Bot@bbcnews-world-rss.bsky.social · 4d agoFifa World Cup plans: Uefa has 'lost confidence' in current leadership
Really interesting reporting here on Rwanda efforts to use social media to sway public opinion. Having personally come under attack from pro-Kagame influencers, this rings true.
Michela Wrong@michelawrong.bsky.social · 4d agoThe Continent magazine has published an investigation I carried out alongside Kenyan journo James Okong'o exposing how Rwanda's government manipulates social media - secretly paying influencers - in support of the M23 occupation of DRC. Thank you @pulitzercenter.org for your support.
The Continent magazine has published an investigation I carried out alongside Kenyan journo James Okong'o exposing how Rwanda's government manipulates social media - secretly paying influencers - in support of the M23 occupation of DRC. Thank you @pulitzercenter.org for your support.
So tacky. So, so, so very tacky. And the sad thing is that Trump really thinks it’s classy. It’s like folks who think the Olive Garden is fine dining.
Dom Ervolina@dominicervolina.com · 7d agoDeputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino posted this video of the Oval Office and it somehow looks even more embarrassing than I realized
This is the link if you would like to make comments opposing the proposed revisions to Title VI and Fulbright-Hays regulations.
Regulations.gov
regulations.gov
Tim Longman 🏳️🌈@timlongman.bsky.social · 5d agoThe African Studies Association (where I serve on the Executive Committee) has issued a response to the proposal by ED to eliminate regulations around Title VI and Fulbright-Hays. The fear is that the administration plans to gut the programs and bend them to their right wing agenda.
The African Studies Association (where I serve on the Executive Committee) has issued a response to the proposal by ED to eliminate regulations around Title VI and Fulbright-Hays. The fear is that the administration plans to gut the programs and bend them to their right wing agenda.
ASA Opposes ED’s Proposed Rescission of International Education Program Regulations
Public Comment Posted July 30, 2026 African Studies Association Opposes ED’s Proposed Rescission of International Education Program RegulationsThe African Studies Association (ASA) strongly opposes th...
africanstudies.org
After everything that has happened over the last two years, every single Republican in Minnesota should be voted out of office.
Aaron Rupar@atrupar.com · 5d agoTrump: "We heard in Minnesota there was a cyberattack and they blame it on Iran. I don't think so. I blame it on Minnesota because they're grossly incompetent. Iran's got bigger problems than worrying about Minnesota."
The African Studies Association (where I serve on the Executive Committee) has issued a response to the proposal by ED to eliminate regulations around Title VI and Fulbright-Hays. The fear is that the administration plans to gut the programs and bend them to their right wing agenda.
ASA Opposes ED’s Proposed Rescission of International Education Program Regulations
Public Comment Posted July 30, 2026 African Studies Association Opposes ED’s Proposed Rescission of International Education Program RegulationsThe African Studies Association (ASA) strongly opposes th...
africanstudies.org
So much stupid going on in the Trump administration. So, so, so much stupid.
The US State Department Redraws the Map of Africa at the AIDS2026 Conference
And rewrites history, too. All before the official opening.
emilysbass.substack.com
I went running today for the first time in a few years since I haven’t been able to bike as much as usual, and I have 2 observations: 1. Running uses very different muscles than cycling. 2, I have become an old man. I mean I used to run track and X country, but now … yikes I’m slow!!
Energetic Elderly Man's Pre-Race Dance
ALT: Energetic Elderly Man's Pre-Race Dance
static.klipy.com
As an update, class went really well today with lots of participation and great conversation.
Tim Longman 🏳️🌈@timlongman.bsky.social · last wk.I am teaching about Israel/Palestine in my religion and politics class today. Some thoughts on how successfully to address this extraordinarily controversial topic in the classroom.
So, Amnesty is violating human rights by standing up for ... the rights of trans people? Huh. Where exactly does Rowling's intense hatred for trans folk come from? She keeps digging deeper and deeper on this. I'm really regretting now how much time I've spent reading her books to my kids.
Alejandra Caraballo@esqueer.net · last wk.Projection so powerful, you could screen the Odyssey in 70MM IMAX from it.
I am teaching about Israel/Palestine in my religion and politics class today. Some thoughts on how successfully to address this extraordinarily controversial topic in the classroom.
Does anyone other than Rahm Emmanuel actually think that Rahm Emmanuel is a credible presidential candidate?
Timothy McBride@mcbridetd.bsky.social · last wk.2028 Democratic power rankings, right now www.axios.com/2026/07/27/2...
I usually hate the horror genre (given the things I’ve seen in real life), but Widow’s Bay is really, really good! (I know I’m late to the game, but just finishing up the first season).
Widow's Bay
ALT: Widow's Bay
static.klipy.com
The cruelty of this ad campaign is disgusting, particularly under the false pretext of protecting kids. As a gay dad who is often exhausted from the work of trying to provide for a special-needs child, this is so disheartening. Screw these bigots.
'No child has two dads' billboards spark outrage across rural Ohio
The campaign’s attempt to shame queer families instead galvanized residents, nonprofits and civil rights groups across the state.
advocate.com
I’m not sure that having all three animals lying on top of me actually helps me nap.
Some days, biking to work is the best kind of therapy.
Simply not paying attention: random people tell me they don’t follow news because it’s awful (which triggers political science engagement syndrome = my need to point out why that’s part of the problem)
I am consistently amazed that a third of Americans can look at the extraordinary incompetence of the Trump administration, the epic decline of the country under his rule, and the clear pettiness and nastiness of the man himself and still support Trump.
Trump's approval rating nears record lows, latest poll shows
President Trump’s polling woes continue as his approval rating struggled again in a new Economist/YouGov poll.
yahoo.com
Wait, I thought foreign manipulation in the US wasn't a thing? (Remember how that whole Russian interference in US elections was a myth because it benefited Trump?}
JD Vance accuses Israel of 'manipulating' US public opinion to prolong Iran war
The US vice president says he thinks some Israeli politicians are trying to detail efforts to end the conflict.
bbc.com
Just watched the Heartstopper movie, and now I have to be nice to everyone and look at the world through rose colored glasses. 😊 So sweet.
Kit Connor, Joe Locke share favorite ‘full-circle moments’ from ‘Heartstopper Forever’ – 101.9fm The MIX – WTMX Chicago
Heartstopper Forever bid farewell to Nick, Charlie and friends, but not before revisiting memories of seasons past.The film is peppered with nostalgic reference
wtmx.com
Just watched the Heartstopper movie, and now I have to be nice to everyone and look at the world through rose colored glasses. 😊 So sweet.
Kit Connor, Joe Locke share favorite ‘full-circle moments’ from ‘Heartstopper Forever’ – 101.9fm The MIX – WTMX Chicago
Heartstopper Forever bid farewell to Nick, Charlie and friends, but not before revisiting memories of seasons past.The film is peppered with nostalgic reference
wtmx.com
