Michael Fletcher
@mefletcher54.bsky.social
Retired Intelligence Analyst. Cold War era US Army Vet. Fairly familiar with System Dynamics and History. Personal eccentricities: Scadian KSCA, USCF NM&LM. Details and periodic commentary at http://mefletcher.blogspot.com/
A concise summary of the Zeitgeist. 😎
February 18, 2026 at 10:25 PM
A concise summary of the Zeitgeist. 😎
True enough.
That is why the Trump Administration strategy is to try to string the Europeans along on the false hope that Trump and US policy could somehow improve.
/1
That is why the Trump Administration strategy is to try to string the Europeans along on the false hope that Trump and US policy could somehow improve.
/1
As we speak: the biggest move of 🇺🇸military assets we've seen in years in preparation for war with Iran
This right here is why the US will never voluntarily pull out of Europe. Without these European bases, the Americans can't launch their military adventures in the Middle East.
This right here is why the US will never voluntarily pull out of Europe. Without these European bases, the Americans can't launch their military adventures in the Middle East.
February 18, 2026 at 10:24 PM
True enough.
That is why the Trump Administration strategy is to try to string the Europeans along on the false hope that Trump and US policy could somehow improve.
/1
That is why the Trump Administration strategy is to try to string the Europeans along on the false hope that Trump and US policy could somehow improve.
/1
Yes. All of this.
Wishful thinking that the US will snap out of it is not a European defense strategy. They had an inkling of the problem in 2017-21, but then Trump, like the worst bad penny ever, came back.
Europe can't afford to roll those dice again.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Wishful thinking that the US will snap out of it is not a European defense strategy. They had an inkling of the problem in 2017-21, but then Trump, like the worst bad penny ever, came back.
Europe can't afford to roll those dice again.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Without US military support, we need a European defence union. Here’s what that looks like | Paul Taylor
The fledgling ‘coalition of the willing’ assembled for Ukraine could form the basis for an urgent European security response, says Paul Taylor of the European Policy Centre
www.theguardian.com
February 18, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Yes. All of this.
Wishful thinking that the US will snap out of it is not a European defense strategy. They had an inkling of the problem in 2017-21, but then Trump, like the worst bad penny ever, came back.
Europe can't afford to roll those dice again.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Wishful thinking that the US will snap out of it is not a European defense strategy. They had an inkling of the problem in 2017-21, but then Trump, like the worst bad penny ever, came back.
Europe can't afford to roll those dice again.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Michael Fletcher
Countries that do not use Fritos as currency could be "left behind," says Frito-Lay CEO Ken Biddleman
February 18, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Countries that do not use Fritos as currency could be "left behind," says Frito-Lay CEO Ken Biddleman
Reposted by Michael Fletcher
It seems kind of big to me that the U.S. Deputy Attorney General just tacitly admitted that the Trump Administration is hiding evidence of an international elite pedophile rape conspiracy that included the sexualized torture, and even murder, of children. And why? Well, the president was involved.
The fact that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche publicly stated that DOJ excluded all images showing “death, physical abuse, or injury” from Epstein files is almost certain proof that the images exist.
By withholding the images entirely rather than redacting minors, he is protecting the abusers.
By withholding the images entirely rather than redacting minors, he is protecting the abusers.
February 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM
It seems kind of big to me that the U.S. Deputy Attorney General just tacitly admitted that the Trump Administration is hiding evidence of an international elite pedophile rape conspiracy that included the sexualized torture, and even murder, of children. And why? Well, the president was involved.
The classic I don't know dodge. The answer is no.
The Constitution gives the President no authority over elections.
Also, E.O.s are policy documents on how the Executive Branch shall carry out and enforce existing law enacted by Congress. They aren't laws. Only Congress can create laws.
The Constitution gives the President no authority over elections.
Also, E.O.s are policy documents on how the Executive Branch shall carry out and enforce existing law enacted by Congress. They aren't laws. Only Congress can create laws.
February 18, 2026 at 1:10 PM
The classic I don't know dodge. The answer is no.
The Constitution gives the President no authority over elections.
Also, E.O.s are policy documents on how the Executive Branch shall carry out and enforce existing law enacted by Congress. They aren't laws. Only Congress can create laws.
The Constitution gives the President no authority over elections.
Also, E.O.s are policy documents on how the Executive Branch shall carry out and enforce existing law enacted by Congress. They aren't laws. Only Congress can create laws.
In case you were unaware, Florida, Texas and others are competing for the top spot on the State corruption and sleazy crony capitalism Leaderboard.
Although neck and neck with Texas, under DeSantis Florida has really making it's move to grab the top spot.
Although neck and neck with Texas, under DeSantis Florida has really making it's move to grab the top spot.
February 18, 2026 at 12:27 PM
In case you were unaware, Florida, Texas and others are competing for the top spot on the State corruption and sleazy crony capitalism Leaderboard.
Although neck and neck with Texas, under DeSantis Florida has really making it's move to grab the top spot.
Although neck and neck with Texas, under DeSantis Florida has really making it's move to grab the top spot.
As an old Cold Warrior, I admit to bristling a bit when people make light of it.
For one, we were closer to nuclear exchange than people like to admit. Some estimates say we got lucky.*
Secondly, there were casualties, more than people like to admit. /1
www.military.com/daily-news/i...
For one, we were closer to nuclear exchange than people like to admit. Some estimates say we got lucky.*
Secondly, there were casualties, more than people like to admit. /1
www.military.com/daily-news/i...
The Last American Killed During the Cold War Was an Army Major Shot by a Soviet Soldier
On March 24, 1985, a Soviet sentry shot and killed U.S. Army Maj. Arthur D. "Nick" Nicholson. He was the last American killed in the line of duty during the Cold War. The U.S. Department of War offici...
www.military.com
February 18, 2026 at 11:47 AM
As an old Cold Warrior, I admit to bristling a bit when people make light of it.
For one, we were closer to nuclear exchange than people like to admit. Some estimates say we got lucky.*
Secondly, there were casualties, more than people like to admit. /1
www.military.com/daily-news/i...
For one, we were closer to nuclear exchange than people like to admit. Some estimates say we got lucky.*
Secondly, there were casualties, more than people like to admit. /1
www.military.com/daily-news/i...
Is Europe finally shedding of their self-inflicted geopolitical miasma? There are signs they might be.
It's good Ukraine has proven so resilient, or Russia would have been on Europe's doorstep and eyeing up the Baltic States at a minimum.
Perhaps someone isn't thanking Ukraine enough? 😎
It's good Ukraine has proven so resilient, or Russia would have been on Europe's doorstep and eyeing up the Baltic States at a minimum.
Perhaps someone isn't thanking Ukraine enough? 😎
February 18, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Is Europe finally shedding of their self-inflicted geopolitical miasma? There are signs they might be.
It's good Ukraine has proven so resilient, or Russia would have been on Europe's doorstep and eyeing up the Baltic States at a minimum.
Perhaps someone isn't thanking Ukraine enough? 😎
It's good Ukraine has proven so resilient, or Russia would have been on Europe's doorstep and eyeing up the Baltic States at a minimum.
Perhaps someone isn't thanking Ukraine enough? 😎
Throughout history, there was a big tell as to who truly ruled. Did Kings, Dictators and High Priests pay taxes? Of course not!
Those who truly rule don't pay taxes.
Those who truly rule don't pay taxes.
Last year, surveillance giant Palantir (who got an 8-figure contract from ICE) paid $0 in federal income tax despite making $1.5 BILLION, partly due to new tax cuts in Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill.
They cut Medicaid & SNAP to pay for this.
This monstrosity must be reversed.
They cut Medicaid & SNAP to pay for this.
This monstrosity must be reversed.
Palantir Pays Zero Federal Income Tax Despite Explosive Growth, Largely Due to Trump Tax Law
Palantir reported $1.5 billion of U.S. income but paid exactly zero federal income tax in 2025. Despite explosive growth, tax breaks from the Trump tax law helped Palantir avoid paying even a dime of...
itep.org
February 18, 2026 at 1:58 AM
Throughout history, there was a big tell as to who truly ruled. Did Kings, Dictators and High Priests pay taxes? Of course not!
Those who truly rule don't pay taxes.
Those who truly rule don't pay taxes.
Evil
"the camp was raided to confiscate letters from the children"
“I don’t want to be in this place I want to go to my school.”
- 7 year old imprisoned by ICE for 70 days in a concentration camp in Texas.
Today, after @propublica.org published this story, the camp was raided to confiscate letters from the children.
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
- 7 year old imprisoned by ICE for 70 days in a concentration camp in Texas.
Today, after @propublica.org published this story, the camp was raided to confiscate letters from the children.
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
February 17, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Evil
This describes an eye-popping betrayal of trust by Noem. In addition to lacking some fundamental human properties, she seems to have no understanding of the culture of mariners and how they behave in the face of the ever-present dangers of the sea. /1
How is it possible that Kristi Noem still has this job. Imagine if you’re a family member or a shipmate of this guardsman.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/imm...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/imm...
February 17, 2026 at 6:15 PM
This describes an eye-popping betrayal of trust by Noem. In addition to lacking some fundamental human properties, she seems to have no understanding of the culture of mariners and how they behave in the face of the ever-present dangers of the sea. /1
It brings to mind, "baffle them with bullshit." What kind of person could accept such gobbledygook as erudition?
Ok, we know the answer.
The intellectual shallowness of our Techbro overlords, who seem, to a man, convinced of their own genius and right to rule, never ceases to amaze me.
Ok, we know the answer.
The intellectual shallowness of our Techbro overlords, who seem, to a man, convinced of their own genius and right to rule, never ceases to amaze me.
May I present to you, the most recent incisive stylings of our ruling elite’s philosopher-king?
February 17, 2026 at 1:50 PM
It brings to mind, "baffle them with bullshit." What kind of person could accept such gobbledygook as erudition?
Ok, we know the answer.
The intellectual shallowness of our Techbro overlords, who seem, to a man, convinced of their own genius and right to rule, never ceases to amaze me.
Ok, we know the answer.
The intellectual shallowness of our Techbro overlords, who seem, to a man, convinced of their own genius and right to rule, never ceases to amaze me.
Maybe it's time to do a Lidar and GPR sweep around a certain ranch. The use of other forensic tools used in such matters might also be justified. These might reveal some things. They might not.
Just saying.
Just saying.
February 17, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Maybe it's time to do a Lidar and GPR sweep around a certain ranch. The use of other forensic tools used in such matters might also be justified. These might reveal some things. They might not.
Just saying.
Just saying.
Reposted by Michael Fletcher
There is no nice way to say this:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is obstructing justice.
It, like it's parent organization, the now renamed the Department of Injustice, are the wholly-owned subsidiaries of our proto-dicatatorship.
Expect no justice there.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is obstructing justice.
It, like it's parent organization, the now renamed the Department of Injustice, are the wholly-owned subsidiaries of our proto-dicatatorship.
Expect no justice there.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
FBI won’t share Alex Pretti shooting evidence, Minnesota authorities say
State’s governor had demanded impartial inquiry into the shooting of the VA nurse by federal immigration agents
www.theguardian.com
February 17, 2026 at 9:59 AM
There is no nice way to say this:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is obstructing justice.
It, like it's parent organization, the now renamed the Department of Injustice, are the wholly-owned subsidiaries of our proto-dicatatorship.
Expect no justice there.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is obstructing justice.
It, like it's parent organization, the now renamed the Department of Injustice, are the wholly-owned subsidiaries of our proto-dicatatorship.
Expect no justice there.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
A Jackson quote that has stuck with me over the years seems relevant in a time when our nation is building a network of concentration camps for brown people. I don't recall the exact quote, but the gist is,
"If you are building prisons instead of schools, society is headed in the wrong direction."
"If you are building prisons instead of schools, society is headed in the wrong direction."
Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights icon and two-time presidential candidate, dies at 84 www.nbcnews.com/news/obituar...
Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights icon and two-time presidential candidate, dies at 84
“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family said in a statement Tuesday.
www.nbcnews.com
February 17, 2026 at 9:52 AM
A Jackson quote that has stuck with me over the years seems relevant in a time when our nation is building a network of concentration camps for brown people. I don't recall the exact quote, but the gist is,
"If you are building prisons instead of schools, society is headed in the wrong direction."
"If you are building prisons instead of schools, society is headed in the wrong direction."
This is also an important point about human survival. Humans don't thrive and survive by being loner preppers with goods stockpiled and weapons caches. Human survived by building resilient communities of mutual support. Such communities could and often would interlock with other nearby communities
The forest is the system: Not the individual trees. Many people try to build resilience by making themselves bigger, stronger, more independent. They stockpile resources, they build higher walls, they try to go it alone. HOWEVER, We The People are stronger together. Unite!
February 16, 2026 at 7:29 PM
This is also an important point about human survival. Humans don't thrive and survive by being loner preppers with goods stockpiled and weapons caches. Human survived by building resilient communities of mutual support. Such communities could and often would interlock with other nearby communities
Reposted by Michael Fletcher
The pace at which US wealth concentration is rising is simply staggering
The concentration of AI wealth into the hands of a few tech barons + plutocratic capture ==> unchartered territory
The concentration of AI wealth into the hands of a few tech barons + plutocratic capture ==> unchartered territory
February 15, 2026 at 2:47 PM
The pace at which US wealth concentration is rising is simply staggering
The concentration of AI wealth into the hands of a few tech barons + plutocratic capture ==> unchartered territory
The concentration of AI wealth into the hands of a few tech barons + plutocratic capture ==> unchartered territory
If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Republicans is not a difficult one.
Dogs haven't organized seditious plots and an insurrectionist coup and aren't trying to install a dictatorial police state. Dogs aren't covering for child rapists.
Also, overall, dogs are far nicer.
Dogs haven't organized seditious plots and an insurrectionist coup and aren't trying to install a dictatorial police state. Dogs aren't covering for child rapists.
Also, overall, dogs are far nicer.
February 16, 2026 at 2:49 PM
If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Republicans is not a difficult one.
Dogs haven't organized seditious plots and an insurrectionist coup and aren't trying to install a dictatorial police state. Dogs aren't covering for child rapists.
Also, overall, dogs are far nicer.
Dogs haven't organized seditious plots and an insurrectionist coup and aren't trying to install a dictatorial police state. Dogs aren't covering for child rapists.
Also, overall, dogs are far nicer.
I thought traitors attempting to fool us by wrapping themselves in the flag was supposed to be a metaphor.
February 16, 2026 at 10:17 AM
I thought traitors attempting to fool us by wrapping themselves in the flag was supposed to be a metaphor.
I'm surprised they aren't labeling it a "Special Military Operation."
"Weeks-long military operations" in foreign countries usually go by a more accurate label: War. It's called war, just like Russia's "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine is a war.
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
"Weeks-long military operations" in foreign countries usually go by a more accurate label: War. It's called war, just like Russia's "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine is a war.
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Exclusive: US military preparing for potentially weeks-long Iran operations
The disclosure by two U.S. officials raises the stakes for both nations.
www.reuters.com
February 15, 2026 at 10:17 PM
I'm surprised they aren't labeling it a "Special Military Operation."
"Weeks-long military operations" in foreign countries usually go by a more accurate label: War. It's called war, just like Russia's "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine is a war.
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
"Weeks-long military operations" in foreign countries usually go by a more accurate label: War. It's called war, just like Russia's "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine is a war.
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Reposted by Michael Fletcher
When the billionaires have most of the money, they'll face a political challenge from the impoverished masses; hence the giant prisons.
Someone has sure already made this observation but the fact they can convert all those empty warehouses into prison camps means they could have converted them into housing, community centers, job training centers or, hell, libraries or schools all along. It’s always a matter of will not resources.
February 15, 2026 at 6:41 PM
When the billionaires have most of the money, they'll face a political challenge from the impoverished masses; hence the giant prisons.
Reposted by Michael Fletcher
Reminder that Francesca Albanese is not being targeted for a sentence twisted and lifted out of context in a speech.
She is being targeted for daring to name the names of giant companies complicit in the crime of genocide.
They would rather destroy international law than be accountable to it.
She is being targeted for daring to name the names of giant companies complicit in the crime of genocide.
They would rather destroy international law than be accountable to it.
It was my great honour to interview the one and only Francesca Albanese yesterday. Watch here, and find out why Trump and Rubio are so determined to stop her vital work:
zeteo.com/p/israels-te...
zeteo.com/p/israels-te...
Israel's Tech Boom & the Economy of Genocide
Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur, joins Naomi to discuss calls for her removal and her latest report documenting the 'corporate machinery sustaining Israel’s settler-colonial project.’
zeteo.com
February 15, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Reminder that Francesca Albanese is not being targeted for a sentence twisted and lifted out of context in a speech.
She is being targeted for daring to name the names of giant companies complicit in the crime of genocide.
They would rather destroy international law than be accountable to it.
She is being targeted for daring to name the names of giant companies complicit in the crime of genocide.
They would rather destroy international law than be accountable to it.
Acrimony is a common problem when nations or even US states negotiate water use. At least the US states won't start shooting to resolve such disputes.
This problem will grow, and conflict could result as the bite of the Climate Disaster deepens in the coming years.
This problem will grow, and conflict could result as the bite of the Climate Disaster deepens in the coming years.
The leaders of seven states failed to negotiate a deal to share the diminishing waters of the Colorado River by a Trump administration deadline, leaving the Southwest in a quagmire while the river’s depleted reservoirs continue to decline. www.latimes.com/environment/... @latimes.com
As a Colorado River deadline passes, reservoirs keep declining
Seven states have missed a federal deadline to reach a water deal on the Colorado River. They remain divided on how to cut water use.
www.latimes.com
February 15, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Acrimony is a common problem when nations or even US states negotiate water use. At least the US states won't start shooting to resolve such disputes.
This problem will grow, and conflict could result as the bite of the Climate Disaster deepens in the coming years.
This problem will grow, and conflict could result as the bite of the Climate Disaster deepens in the coming years.