Jonah Blank
@jonahblank.bsky.social
Anthropologist, author, dad. Order purely alphabetical
Pinned
Jonah Blank
@jonahblank.bsky.social
· Nov 14
Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God: Retracing the Ramayana T…
The three-thousand-year-old epic Ramayana chronicles Lo…
goodreads.com
Who am I? What am I doing here?
Intro thread with links to some of my work.
My first book was "Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God: Retracing the Ramayana Through India"
goodreads.com/book/show/17...
[🧵 of publications]
Least surprising news of the day:
February 5, 2026 at 3:38 AM
Least surprising news of the day:
We've now learned the names of dozens of Epstein's pals.
In almost all cases-- Dersh, Summers, Lutnick, now Karp-- a reasonable reaction was, "Yeah, that tracks."
Apart from maybe Bill Gates, did you ever say, "Wow-- Never would have expected it from THAT guy."
Bad people do bad things.
In almost all cases-- Dersh, Summers, Lutnick, now Karp-- a reasonable reaction was, "Yeah, that tracks."
Apart from maybe Bill Gates, did you ever say, "Wow-- Never would have expected it from THAT guy."
Bad people do bad things.
In less than a year this guy sold out his law firm in a cowardly capitulation to Trump that, in turn, pressured a bunch of other firms to debase themselves in the same way. Then he shows up in the Epstein files. Imagine disgracing yourself so quickly and so thoroughly. bsky.app/profile/fina...
Brad Karp to step down as Paul Weiss chair after Epstein revelations ft.trib.al/H1vYT7B
February 5, 2026 at 3:38 AM
We've now learned the names of dozens of Epstein's pals.
In almost all cases-- Dersh, Summers, Lutnick, now Karp-- a reasonable reaction was, "Yeah, that tracks."
Apart from maybe Bill Gates, did you ever say, "Wow-- Never would have expected it from THAT guy."
Bad people do bad things.
In almost all cases-- Dersh, Summers, Lutnick, now Karp-- a reasonable reaction was, "Yeah, that tracks."
Apart from maybe Bill Gates, did you ever say, "Wow-- Never would have expected it from THAT guy."
Bad people do bad things.
Quite apart from the hideousness of saying this about two murder victims:
♦️The entire machinery of the US government, and every MAGA influencer, have had weeks to examine every facet of #ReneeGood & #AlexPretti 's lives. And they still look heroic.
How many of us could bear that type of scrutiny?
♦️The entire machinery of the US government, and every MAGA influencer, have had weeks to examine every facet of #ReneeGood & #AlexPretti 's lives. And they still look heroic.
How many of us could bear that type of scrutiny?
Trump on Alex Pretti and Renee Good: "He was not an angel and she was not an angel. You know, you look at some tapes."
February 5, 2026 at 3:31 AM
Quite apart from the hideousness of saying this about two murder victims:
♦️The entire machinery of the US government, and every MAGA influencer, have had weeks to examine every facet of #ReneeGood & #AlexPretti 's lives. And they still look heroic.
How many of us could bear that type of scrutiny?
♦️The entire machinery of the US government, and every MAGA influencer, have had weeks to examine every facet of #ReneeGood & #AlexPretti 's lives. And they still look heroic.
How many of us could bear that type of scrutiny?
Reposted by Jonah Blank
Jeff Bezos’s wealth has increased an average of $70 million every day of 2026, meaning that he could have offset The Post’s losses with what he’s made since Monday.
February 5, 2026 at 2:48 AM
Jeff Bezos’s wealth has increased an average of $70 million every day of 2026, meaning that he could have offset The Post’s losses with what he’s made since Monday.
Reposted by Jonah Blank
If Jeff Bezos could afford to spend $75 million on the Melania movie & $500 million for a yacht to sail off to his $55 million wedding to give his wife a $5 million ring, please don't tell me he needed to fire one-third of the Washington Post staff.
Democracy dies in oligarchy.
Democracy dies in oligarchy.
February 5, 2026 at 12:16 AM
If Jeff Bezos could afford to spend $75 million on the Melania movie & $500 million for a yacht to sail off to his $55 million wedding to give his wife a $5 million ring, please don't tell me he needed to fire one-third of the Washington Post staff.
Democracy dies in oligarchy.
Democracy dies in oligarchy.
His latest defense of #ICE:
♦️Look at all the people we DIDN'T kill!
♦️Look at all the people we DIDN'T kill!
Trump: I hate even talking about ICE. 2 people out of tens of thousands and you get bad publicity.
Host: But it was 2 Americans who died—
Trump: We have the smallest trucks. We've been very tough on the waters
Host: The waters?
Trump: The waters where we knock out boats
Host: But it was 2 Americans who died—
Trump: We have the smallest trucks. We've been very tough on the waters
Host: The waters?
Trump: The waters where we knock out boats
February 5, 2026 at 2:30 AM
His latest defense of #ICE:
♦️Look at all the people we DIDN'T kill!
♦️Look at all the people we DIDN'T kill!
Reuters doesn't mention this in its headline or its post, but here's lede they buried (covered in Financial Times):
♦️Brad Karp didn't resign because of he was one of Trump 2.0's first quislings.
♦️He was forced out because he's deep in the #EpsteinFiles.
Bad people do bad things.
♦️Brad Karp didn't resign because of he was one of Trump 2.0's first quislings.
♦️He was forced out because he's deep in the #EpsteinFiles.
Bad people do bad things.
Good.
About a year ago, Brad Karp became the first Big Law head to bow down and offer up tribute to Trump. His shameful surrender set the pattern for so many other legal and corporate cowards.
He has enough millions to retire in luxury.
But he can never repurchase his soul.
About a year ago, Brad Karp became the first Big Law head to bow down and offer up tribute to Trump. His shameful surrender set the pattern for so many other legal and corporate cowards.
He has enough millions to retire in luxury.
But he can never repurchase his soul.
Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Karp resigns reut.rs/4tjJ7SN
February 5, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Reuters doesn't mention this in its headline or its post, but here's lede they buried (covered in Financial Times):
♦️Brad Karp didn't resign because of he was one of Trump 2.0's first quislings.
♦️He was forced out because he's deep in the #EpsteinFiles.
Bad people do bad things.
♦️Brad Karp didn't resign because of he was one of Trump 2.0's first quislings.
♦️He was forced out because he's deep in the #EpsteinFiles.
Bad people do bad things.
Good.
About a year ago, Brad Karp became the first Big Law head to bow down and offer up tribute to Trump. His shameful surrender set the pattern for so many other legal and corporate cowards.
He has enough millions to retire in luxury.
But he can never repurchase his soul.
About a year ago, Brad Karp became the first Big Law head to bow down and offer up tribute to Trump. His shameful surrender set the pattern for so many other legal and corporate cowards.
He has enough millions to retire in luxury.
But he can never repurchase his soul.
February 5, 2026 at 2:14 AM
Good.
About a year ago, Brad Karp became the first Big Law head to bow down and offer up tribute to Trump. His shameful surrender set the pattern for so many other legal and corporate cowards.
He has enough millions to retire in luxury.
But he can never repurchase his soul.
About a year ago, Brad Karp became the first Big Law head to bow down and offer up tribute to Trump. His shameful surrender set the pattern for so many other legal and corporate cowards.
He has enough millions to retire in luxury.
But he can never repurchase his soul.
♦️"The price was set by an algorithm using your personal data."
1. Yeah, we know that's true for every company, every time. But it feels even worse when they come right out and say it.
2. Loyal readers of the #WashingtonPost will be charged more than casual ones.
That's Bezos' world.
And ours.
1. Yeah, we know that's true for every company, every time. But it feels even worse when they come right out and say it.
2. Loyal readers of the #WashingtonPost will be charged more than casual ones.
That's Bezos' world.
And ours.
I was curious to see what the WashPost would do to retain subscribers, so I started the cancellation process -- and they came back with a $2/month offer, which is crazy
February 5, 2026 at 2:07 AM
♦️"The price was set by an algorithm using your personal data."
1. Yeah, we know that's true for every company, every time. But it feels even worse when they come right out and say it.
2. Loyal readers of the #WashingtonPost will be charged more than casual ones.
That's Bezos' world.
And ours.
1. Yeah, we know that's true for every company, every time. But it feels even worse when they come right out and say it.
2. Loyal readers of the #WashingtonPost will be charged more than casual ones.
That's Bezos' world.
And ours.
Good catch:
I'm guessing it's old stationary.
But I do like the under-the-radar diss of Crapo.
I'm guessing it's old stationary.
But I do like the under-the-radar diss of Crapo.
What do you make of Wyden (D) identifying himself as "CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE"? Did he just grab some year-old stationery, or did he slay Crapo (R)?
www.wyden.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
www.wyden.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
February 5, 2026 at 1:13 AM
Good catch:
I'm guessing it's old stationary.
But I do like the under-the-radar diss of Crapo.
I'm guessing it's old stationary.
But I do like the under-the-radar diss of Crapo.
All the Wise Establishment Pundits pooh-pooh the idea that Trump will try to stay in office after 2028. They're dangerously, blindly, absurdly wrong.
He will DEFINITELY try to stay in office-- whether by (illegally) running, or by attempting a coup.
The only question is whether he will succeed.
He will DEFINITELY try to stay in office-- whether by (illegally) running, or by attempting a coup.
The only question is whether he will succeed.
Trump on NBC doesn't slam the door on shredding the Constitution and serving an illegal third term
February 5, 2026 at 1:10 AM
All the Wise Establishment Pundits pooh-pooh the idea that Trump will try to stay in office after 2028. They're dangerously, blindly, absurdly wrong.
He will DEFINITELY try to stay in office-- whether by (illegally) running, or by attempting a coup.
The only question is whether he will succeed.
He will DEFINITELY try to stay in office-- whether by (illegally) running, or by attempting a coup.
The only question is whether he will succeed.
How odious is Alan Dershowitz?
♦️He helped broker the 2008 oh-so-shady sweetheart deal that kept Epstein out of big-boy prison, and enabled him to keep abusing girls for another decade.
...And Epstein STILL despised him.
♦️He helped broker the 2008 oh-so-shady sweetheart deal that kept Epstein out of big-boy prison, and enabled him to keep abusing girls for another decade.
...And Epstein STILL despised him.
Its hilarious that both Epstein and Woody Allen absolutely HATED Dershowitz and would talk behind his back.
February 5, 2026 at 1:04 AM
How odious is Alan Dershowitz?
♦️He helped broker the 2008 oh-so-shady sweetheart deal that kept Epstein out of big-boy prison, and enabled him to keep abusing girls for another decade.
...And Epstein STILL despised him.
♦️He helped broker the 2008 oh-so-shady sweetheart deal that kept Epstein out of big-boy prison, and enabled him to keep abusing girls for another decade.
...And Epstein STILL despised him.
I'd be amazed by one.
It would be truly incredible if two people could be found who said nice things about Dershowitz
behind his back.
behind his back.
Its hilarious that both Epstein and Woody Allen absolutely HATED Dershowitz and would talk behind his back.
February 5, 2026 at 12:59 AM
I'd be amazed by one.
If this guy isn't in the #EpsteinFiles...
...it's only because Jeffrey never met him.
...it's only because Jeffrey never met him.
a Republican witness in the GOP's "Somali Scammers" hearing details how he drives by childcare centers and looks at how many footprints in the snow there are to determine how many kids are there. Psycho stuff.
February 5, 2026 at 12:56 AM
If this guy isn't in the #EpsteinFiles...
...it's only because Jeffrey never met him.
...it's only because Jeffrey never met him.
I'm still trying to understand why the CIA has obliterated its World Factbook-- including all of its archives for the past half-century.
Only explanation I can think of:
♦️The Trump Regime's latest example DEI/woke/anti-American/etc: The mere existence of the rest of the world.
Only explanation I can think of:
♦️The Trump Regime's latest example DEI/woke/anti-American/etc: The mere existence of the rest of the world.
♦️The CIA is eliminating its World Factbook.
This has been a valuable unclassified resource since 1971. It let everyone know what the US government understood to be an accurate assessment of key data.
Why on earth is it being killed?
www.cia.gov/stories/stor...
This has been a valuable unclassified resource since 1971. It let everyone know what the US government understood to be an accurate assessment of key data.
Why on earth is it being killed?
www.cia.gov/stories/stor...
Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell - CIA
www.cia.gov
February 5, 2026 at 12:54 AM
I'm still trying to understand why the CIA has obliterated its World Factbook-- including all of its archives for the past half-century.
Only explanation I can think of:
♦️The Trump Regime's latest example DEI/woke/anti-American/etc: The mere existence of the rest of the world.
Only explanation I can think of:
♦️The Trump Regime's latest example DEI/woke/anti-American/etc: The mere existence of the rest of the world.
Reposted by Jonah Blank
NEW: Abigail Spanberger this afternoon ordered that all state agencies leave ICE's 287(g) program.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
Virginia’s New Governor Ends ICE Program. Local Contracts Remain, For Now. - Bolts
Abigail Spanberger left the 287(g) program, which empowered state law enforcement to detain immigrants. Will Democrats also bar local police and sheriffs from the program?
boltsmag.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:36 PM
NEW: Abigail Spanberger this afternoon ordered that all state agencies leave ICE's 287(g) program.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
Because...they rejected the idea of an "Air Joker?"
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Nike, Accused of Bias Against White Workers, Is Under Federal Investigation
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Because...they rejected the idea of an "Air Joker?"
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Reposted by Jonah Blank
Next stage: Jeff fires Will Lewis. But the ship has taken on too much water, and there's no patching that gaping hole in the hull.
Stage after that: Jeff sells the Post.
...to Larry Ellison.
Stage after that: Jeff sells the Post.
...to Larry Ellison.
I don't see how Will Lewis can effectively lead WaPo.
Lewis did not save Bezos from himself on opinion pages. (375K+ cancelations) His innovations did not stem enough red ink.
And he has not taken any ownership of the devastating ensuing cuts. He's making Murray own it alone.
Lewis did not save Bezos from himself on opinion pages. (375K+ cancelations) His innovations did not stem enough red ink.
And he has not taken any ownership of the devastating ensuing cuts. He's making Murray own it alone.
February 4, 2026 at 11:19 PM
Next stage: Jeff fires Will Lewis. But the ship has taken on too much water, and there's no patching that gaping hole in the hull.
Stage after that: Jeff sells the Post.
...to Larry Ellison.
Stage after that: Jeff sells the Post.
...to Larry Ellison.
The #WashingtonPost has long been my go-to for sports:
♦️NYT has spun its sports coverage off to The Athletic: I have an NYT subscription, but am not permitted to read its sports section.
♦️I get scores from ESPN, but it collapses stories to just a few lines sandwiched between boilerplate.
FU, Jeff.
♦️NYT has spun its sports coverage off to The Athletic: I have an NYT subscription, but am not permitted to read its sports section.
♦️I get scores from ESPN, but it collapses stories to just a few lines sandwiched between boilerplate.
FU, Jeff.
Sportswriters at WaPo say they spent the last two years seeking guidance for reinvention from top editors, but never saw leaders support visionary ideas (Bryan Curtis/The Ringer)
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
February 4, 2026 at 11:11 PM
The #WashingtonPost has long been my go-to for sports:
♦️NYT has spun its sports coverage off to The Athletic: I have an NYT subscription, but am not permitted to read its sports section.
♦️I get scores from ESPN, but it collapses stories to just a few lines sandwiched between boilerplate.
FU, Jeff.
♦️NYT has spun its sports coverage off to The Athletic: I have an NYT subscription, but am not permitted to read its sports section.
♦️I get scores from ESPN, but it collapses stories to just a few lines sandwiched between boilerplate.
FU, Jeff.
That's how to write a headline:
Trump is honoring these Black icons for Black History Month — even as his administration broadly suppresses Black history, culture, and DEI efforts across the U.S.
Trump is honoring these Black icons in quest "to restore the Nation"
The park will honor Jackie Robinson, Aretha Franklin and Coretta Scott King, amongst others.
www.axios.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:05 PM
That's how to write a headline:
Reposted by Jonah Blank
Westboro Baptist Church tried to make an Anti-Luigi Mangione poster but it just looks like Luigi is threatening billionaires and goes unironically hard af
February 4, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Westboro Baptist Church tried to make an Anti-Luigi Mangione poster but it just looks like Luigi is threatening billionaires and goes unironically hard af
Reposted by Jonah Blank
Within a month of our President calling all Somalis "garbage," saying "they contribute nothing" that "they come from hell," "I don't want them in our country," the DOJ appears to be creating a separate process for deportation proceedings based on nationality just for Somalis.
February 4, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Within a month of our President calling all Somalis "garbage," saying "they contribute nothing" that "they come from hell," "I don't want them in our country," the DOJ appears to be creating a separate process for deportation proceedings based on nationality just for Somalis.
Reposted by Jonah Blank
I'm not sure what to make of it, but every Somali I represent in immigration court currently (8 of them) have today had their hearings cancelled and their judges reassigned. They're now all assigned to a video judge from Louisiana and scheduled for court hearing in one month. 🧵
February 4, 2026 at 8:01 PM
I'm not sure what to make of it, but every Somali I represent in immigration court currently (8 of them) have today had their hearings cancelled and their judges reassigned. They're now all assigned to a video judge from Louisiana and scheduled for court hearing in one month. 🧵
♦️The CIA is eliminating its World Factbook.
This has been a valuable unclassified resource since 1971. It let everyone know what the US government understood to be an accurate assessment of key data.
Why on earth is it being killed?
www.cia.gov/stories/stor...
This has been a valuable unclassified resource since 1971. It let everyone know what the US government understood to be an accurate assessment of key data.
Why on earth is it being killed?
www.cia.gov/stories/stor...
Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell - CIA
www.cia.gov
February 4, 2026 at 10:44 PM
♦️The CIA is eliminating its World Factbook.
This has been a valuable unclassified resource since 1971. It let everyone know what the US government understood to be an accurate assessment of key data.
Why on earth is it being killed?
www.cia.gov/stories/stor...
This has been a valuable unclassified resource since 1971. It let everyone know what the US government understood to be an accurate assessment of key data.
Why on earth is it being killed?
www.cia.gov/stories/stor...