Dominic Holland
@dominicholland.bsky.social
Posted here are politically relevant notes to myself, publicly available. Apolitical is political; no one is beyond politics, or history. And physics is not a good lens through which to view social reality.
Reposted by Dominic Holland
If you want to know why Hegseth is panicking about reminders that there is accountably for giving or carrying out illegal orders, it’s likely because he knows he has given illegal orders to murder people.
Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to kill all crew members in the Sept. 2 strike on a suspected drug boat. Navy SEALs fired a second missile.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:02 PM
If you want to know why Hegseth is panicking about reminders that there is accountably for giving or carrying out illegal orders, it’s likely because he knows he has given illegal orders to murder people.
Reposted by Dominic Holland
As the US threatens Venezuela, top military commanders might note that Venezuela is a member of the International Criminal Court and it has refused to sign an "Article 98 waiver" with the US. That means that Americans could be brought before the ICC on war crimes charges.
November 29, 2025 at 3:58 PM
As the US threatens Venezuela, top military commanders might note that Venezuela is a member of the International Criminal Court and it has refused to sign an "Article 98 waiver" with the US. That means that Americans could be brought before the ICC on war crimes charges.
Critically important for understanding the Trump regime's attitude toward Russia and, therefore, Ukraine:
November 30, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Critically important for understanding the Trump regime's attitude toward Russia and, therefore, Ukraine:
Reposted by Dominic Holland
Former US military lawyers speak out:
"The Former JAGs Working Group unanimously considers both the giving and the execution of these orders, if true, to constitute war crimes, murder, or both."
Statement on Media Reports of Pentagon “No Quarter” Orders in Caribbean Boat Strikes
1/2
"The Former JAGs Working Group unanimously considers both the giving and the execution of these orders, if true, to constitute war crimes, murder, or both."
Statement on Media Reports of Pentagon “No Quarter” Orders in Caribbean Boat Strikes
1/2
November 29, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Former US military lawyers speak out:
"The Former JAGs Working Group unanimously considers both the giving and the execution of these orders, if true, to constitute war crimes, murder, or both."
Statement on Media Reports of Pentagon “No Quarter” Orders in Caribbean Boat Strikes
1/2
"The Former JAGs Working Group unanimously considers both the giving and the execution of these orders, if true, to constitute war crimes, murder, or both."
Statement on Media Reports of Pentagon “No Quarter” Orders in Caribbean Boat Strikes
1/2
Reposted by Dominic Holland
One of the features of the Trump era is a formalization of the use of enemies lists to induce terror. It is one thing when MAGA influencers or organizations are naming you as an enemy of the state, but it takes on a different cast when its the White House. donmoynihan.substack.com/p/governing-...
The White House web site now includes a "media bias" tracker with a leaderboard and an offender hall of shame. www.whitehouse.gov/mediabias/
November 30, 2025 at 12:31 AM
One of the features of the Trump era is a formalization of the use of enemies lists to induce terror. It is one thing when MAGA influencers or organizations are naming you as an enemy of the state, but it takes on a different cast when its the White House. donmoynihan.substack.com/p/governing-...
Reposted by Dominic Holland
MIT's famous linguistic professor Noam Chomsky was in regular and close contact with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a review of emails published by the U.S. House Oversight Committee. In the documents, Chomsky described Epstein as a "highly valued friend."
Epstein emails show close connection with MIT's Noam Chomsky
MIT's famous linguistic professor Noam Chomsky was in regular and close contact with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a review of emails published by the U.S. House Oversight Committee. In t...
www.wbur.org
November 20, 2025 at 1:24 PM
MIT's famous linguistic professor Noam Chomsky was in regular and close contact with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a review of emails published by the U.S. House Oversight Committee. In the documents, Chomsky described Epstein as a "highly valued friend."
Reposted by Dominic Holland
I am just a small town political scientist, but I am not sure this is how it works. But then again, quite possibly the National Security Advisor, the Secretary of State and the Archivist of the United States knows better
⚡️ US to discuss Ukraine security guarantees after peace deal signed, Rubio tells allies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
US to discuss Ukraine security guarantees after peace deal signed, Rubio tells allies
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
kyivindependent.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:26 AM
I am just a small town political scientist, but I am not sure this is how it works. But then again, quite possibly the National Security Advisor, the Secretary of State and the Archivist of the United States knows better
The remaining 45% did something they should not have done. They have no excuse. They are not innocent. If there is no reflection, no reckoning, there is no learning, and they will do it again, with insouciance or even with passion.
The 55% are a basket of deplorables.
It adds up to unhealthy USA.
The 55% are a basket of deplorables.
It adds up to unhealthy USA.
November 30, 2025 at 6:34 AM
The remaining 45% did something they should not have done. They have no excuse. They are not innocent. If there is no reflection, no reckoning, there is no learning, and they will do it again, with insouciance or even with passion.
The 55% are a basket of deplorables.
It adds up to unhealthy USA.
The 55% are a basket of deplorables.
It adds up to unhealthy USA.
November 29, 2025
open.substack.com/pub/heatherc...
open.substack.com/pub/heatherc...
November 29, 2025
In the wake of yesterday’s report from Alex Horton and Ellen Nakashima of the Washington Post that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered Special Operations to kill the survivors of a September 2 stri...
open.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 6:23 AM
November 29, 2025
open.substack.com/pub/heatherc...
open.substack.com/pub/heatherc...
"Dissonance" is truly about as good as the NYT could come up with.
It is as though they do not want to understand what Trump et al are up to with Venezuela, ginning up a war.
It is as though they do not want to understand what Trump et al are up to with Venezuela, ginning up a war.
November 30, 2025 at 6:03 AM
"Dissonance" is truly about as good as the NYT could come up with.
It is as though they do not want to understand what Trump et al are up to with Venezuela, ginning up a war.
It is as though they do not want to understand what Trump et al are up to with Venezuela, ginning up a war.
Karoline Leavitt: The president is strong and alert and brilliant!
Mike Johnson: I did not see it.
He just needs to last long enough that he can be impeached for the third time, convicted, and in a criminal court tried for a multitude of his numerous felonies, and locked away.
Mike Johnson: I did not see it.
He just needs to last long enough that he can be impeached for the third time, convicted, and in a criminal court tried for a multitude of his numerous felonies, and locked away.
So yes, this pic (and the enlargement) was taken today.
Yikes!
🧟♂️
Yikes!
🧟♂️
November 30, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Karoline Leavitt: The president is strong and alert and brilliant!
Mike Johnson: I did not see it.
He just needs to last long enough that he can be impeached for the third time, convicted, and in a criminal court tried for a multitude of his numerous felonies, and locked away.
Mike Johnson: I did not see it.
He just needs to last long enough that he can be impeached for the third time, convicted, and in a criminal court tried for a multitude of his numerous felonies, and locked away.
It should be clear to everyone that the Trump regime is entirely onboard with Russia's ongoing genocide of — and genocidal ambitions toward — Ukrainians.
It is 2025 and The United States of America actively supports genocide — genocide on a massive scale. There's money in it, you see.
It is 2025 and The United States of America actively supports genocide — genocide on a massive scale. There's money in it, you see.
Genocide just as Lemkin defined it.
euromaidanpress.com/2025/11/27/r...
euromaidanpress.com/2025/11/27/r...
Putin signs decree formalizing Russification of occupied Ukraine through 2036 - Euromaidan Press
Putin signs decree formalizing Russification of occupied Ukraine through 2036, setting 95% "Russian identity" targets for four oblasts.
euromaidanpress.com
November 30, 2025 at 1:47 AM
It should be clear to everyone that the Trump regime is entirely onboard with Russia's ongoing genocide of — and genocidal ambitions toward — Ukrainians.
It is 2025 and The United States of America actively supports genocide — genocide on a massive scale. There's money in it, you see.
It is 2025 and The United States of America actively supports genocide — genocide on a massive scale. There's money in it, you see.
Reposted by Dominic Holland
Genocide just as Lemkin defined it.
euromaidanpress.com/2025/11/27/r...
euromaidanpress.com/2025/11/27/r...
Putin signs decree formalizing Russification of occupied Ukraine through 2036 - Euromaidan Press
Putin signs decree formalizing Russification of occupied Ukraine through 2036, setting 95% "Russian identity" targets for four oblasts.
euromaidanpress.com
November 30, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Genocide just as Lemkin defined it.
euromaidanpress.com/2025/11/27/r...
euromaidanpress.com/2025/11/27/r...
Reposted by Dominic Holland
"Gentry Beach, a college friend of Donald Trump Jr. and campaign donor to his father, has been in talks to acquire a stake in a Russian Arctic gas project if it is released from sanctions.”
www.wsj.com/world/russia...
www.wsj.com/world/russia...
November 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM
"Gentry Beach, a college friend of Donald Trump Jr. and campaign donor to his father, has been in talks to acquire a stake in a Russian Arctic gas project if it is released from sanctions.”
www.wsj.com/world/russia...
www.wsj.com/world/russia...
Reposted by Dominic Holland
Just sent out this free piece. Trump's 28 point plan put one thing in stark relief--and that was how much better the Biden Administration was for Ukraine than Trump's. There is no comparison. Biden was Ukraine's friend and Trump is not (he is Russia's). open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
The Change From Biden To Trump Has Been Devastating For Ukraine
And Why it is Important for the Direction of US Foreign Policy
open.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Just sent out this free piece. Trump's 28 point plan put one thing in stark relief--and that was how much better the Biden Administration was for Ukraine than Trump's. There is no comparison. Biden was Ukraine's friend and Trump is not (he is Russia's). open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
The like-clockwork response of the fascist-moron-in-chief to a perceived terrorist opportunity.
In case you thought you were safe bc you aren't one of his currently identified enemies to kidnap and deport, take a look at this line:
"and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our Country..."
No one is safe when a bully is in charge.
"and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our Country..."
No one is safe when a bully is in charge.
November 29, 2025 at 6:21 PM
The like-clockwork response of the fascist-moron-in-chief to a perceived terrorist opportunity.
And don't forget the total negligence angle: asbestos dust everyone was exposed to.
Demolishing the East Wing of the White House before finalizing plans for what will be built above its ruins is a near-perfect metaphor for Trump's approach to economic policy. The only difference is the wrecking crew doesn’t claim the rubble is evidence of unprecedented growth.
November 29, 2025 at 6:14 PM
And don't forget the total negligence angle: asbestos dust everyone was exposed to.
A complete suspension of common sense for MAGA? Not a problem. They do it all the time — anything for Trump, nativism, anti-intellectualism, etc.
“To believe anything about Epstein coming from Trump and his cronies requires a complete suspension of common sense, which is why it’s good to remember that the simplest explanation is often the correct one: they’re lying.” — @justinglawe.bsky.social
MAGA's Epstein gaslighting is unsustainable
To believe anything they say requires a complete suspension of common sense.
www.publicnotice.co
November 29, 2025 at 6:11 PM
A complete suspension of common sense for MAGA? Not a problem. They do it all the time — anything for Trump, nativism, anti-intellectualism, etc.
Tom Stoppard Dies at 88
I recall several years ago in an interview Stoppard emphasized the importance of story, of narrative, dismissing “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” as a young man's play. Showing off intellectual virtuosity & cleverness pales next to telling a good tale. Exactly right.
I recall several years ago in an interview Stoppard emphasized the importance of story, of narrative, dismissing “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” as a young man's play. Showing off intellectual virtuosity & cleverness pales next to telling a good tale. Exactly right.
Tom Stoppard, Award-Winning Playwright of Witty Drama, Dies at 88
www.nytimes.com
November 29, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Tom Stoppard Dies at 88
I recall several years ago in an interview Stoppard emphasized the importance of story, of narrative, dismissing “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” as a young man's play. Showing off intellectual virtuosity & cleverness pales next to telling a good tale. Exactly right.
I recall several years ago in an interview Stoppard emphasized the importance of story, of narrative, dismissing “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” as a young man's play. Showing off intellectual virtuosity & cleverness pales next to telling a good tale. Exactly right.
“He Must Have Got This From K.”
open.substack.com/pub/macspaun...
open.substack.com/pub/macspaun...
“He Must Have Got This From K.”
How a Russian operative used the American media to force a risible “peace deal” into existence
open.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 7:04 AM
“He Must Have Got This From K.”
open.substack.com/pub/macspaun...
open.substack.com/pub/macspaun...
Reposted by Dominic Holland
Dear Europe: If you read this and still think the United States is with you, you deserve everything you fear is coming your way. This is Russian-style corruption incorporated into the American system. www.wsj.com/world/russia...
www.wsj.com
November 29, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Dear Europe: If you read this and still think the United States is with you, you deserve everything you fear is coming your way. This is Russian-style corruption incorporated into the American system. www.wsj.com/world/russia...
Reposted by Dominic Holland
New: @theins.press saw the Witkoff-Dmitriev plan six months ago in draft form—except it was all Dmitriev. Bloomberg reports now Dmitriev told Ushakov he’d pass along a Russian plan and the Americans “can present it as their own”: theins.press/en/politics/...
Made in Moscow: The “U.S. peace plan” for Ukraine was substantially formulated months ago by Kremlin operative Kirill Dmitriev
Since it was first published on Nov. 20, the much-discussed 28-point plan for ending the war in Ukraine has borne all the signs of a Kremlin information operation. In fact, many of its most controvers...
theins.press
November 26, 2025 at 1:19 PM
New: @theins.press saw the Witkoff-Dmitriev plan six months ago in draft form—except it was all Dmitriev. Bloomberg reports now Dmitriev told Ushakov he’d pass along a Russian plan and the Americans “can present it as their own”: theins.press/en/politics/...
Brexit was a Make Britain Great Again project. There is a lot of ruin in a nation, so much so that the ignoramuses and worse pushing the self-immolation will have no trouble operating in denial. There never will be any reckoning. In the USA the self-immolation is and will be a lot worse.
Still reeling from the Stanford report on Brexit. Reduced GDP by up to 8% and investment by as much as 18%. The UK Treasury would have £40 billion more each year if Britain had remained in the EU. Devastating self-immolation.
The Economic Impact of Brexit
Other
siepr.stanford.edu
November 29, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Brexit was a Make Britain Great Again project. There is a lot of ruin in a nation, so much so that the ignoramuses and worse pushing the self-immolation will have no trouble operating in denial. There never will be any reckoning. In the USA the self-immolation is and will be a lot worse.
Reposted by Dominic Holland
One of whom presented a Russian capitulation document as a US peace plan. That’s the headline. We need headlines that are true and not news jargon that washes out the basic facts.
President Donald Trump’s demand that Ukraine sign a deal by Thanksgiving appears to have softened as he leaves some of the most important details of the peace plan in the hands of his envoys, one of whom was just embroiled in a high-profile phone leak. https://wapo.st/481ZdYG
Trump steps back from Ukraine peace process, sends out envoys
Envoy Steve Witkoff, who in new phone leaks appears to have advised Russia on negotiations, heads to Moscow next week to discuss the peace plan.
wapo.st
November 28, 2025 at 10:55 PM
One of whom presented a Russian capitulation document as a US peace plan. That’s the headline. We need headlines that are true and not news jargon that washes out the basic facts.
Reposted by Dominic Holland
“You’re a stupid person” — Trump lashes out at a reporter who presses him on the fact that the suspected DC shooter was actually thoroughly vetted before he was let in the US from Afghanistan
November 28, 2025 at 12:24 AM
“You’re a stupid person” — Trump lashes out at a reporter who presses him on the fact that the suspected DC shooter was actually thoroughly vetted before he was let in the US from Afghanistan