Benjamin Downs Lane
@slowtalking.bsky.social
Atlanticist gone Gaullist
Retired WHO.
Health Systems Governance/ Emergencies/Public Economics.
UVA/Geneva/Tulane/Graz
Novels: Pale Fire / Der Zauberberg
Political philosophy: The Devil’s Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce
Retired WHO.
Health Systems Governance/ Emergencies/Public Economics.
UVA/Geneva/Tulane/Graz
Novels: Pale Fire / Der Zauberberg
Political philosophy: The Devil’s Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
Weird and almost universal revisionism today. Even at the time, it was pretty clear that Mandelson wasn't appointed *despite* his dodgy links but *because* of them. Trump's Washington is a dirty swamp. Mandelson was deemed a man able to swim in it. This wasn't a secret. Everybody said it out loud.
February 4, 2026 at 8:55 PM
Weird and almost universal revisionism today. Even at the time, it was pretty clear that Mandelson wasn't appointed *despite* his dodgy links but *because* of them. Trump's Washington is a dirty swamp. Mandelson was deemed a man able to swim in it. This wasn't a secret. Everybody said it out loud.
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
INBOX: Washington Post Ukraine Correspondent Lizzie Johnson announces that she has been laid off in the middle of a below-freezing war zone without power, heat, or running water.
February 4, 2026 at 5:11 PM
INBOX: Washington Post Ukraine Correspondent Lizzie Johnson announces that she has been laid off in the middle of a below-freezing war zone without power, heat, or running water.
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
Incredible. They destroyed a great newspaper because they hated the people who actually paid for it and read it so much that they'd rather scrap the paper if they couldn't get Tucker Carlson's audience bsky.app/profile/maxt...
Speaking to WaPo employees, editor Matt Murray says cuts are about “positioning ourselves to become more essential to people's lives, and what is becoming a more crowded, competitive and complicated media landscape, and after some years when, candidly, the Post has had struggles to do that."
February 4, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Incredible. They destroyed a great newspaper because they hated the people who actually paid for it and read it so much that they'd rather scrap the paper if they couldn't get Tucker Carlson's audience bsky.app/profile/maxt...
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
NEWS: The cuts were so severe that at least one department head asked to leave The Post rather than be included in the planning.
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Washington Post Begins Sweeping Layoffs
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:11 PM
NEWS: The cuts were so severe that at least one department head asked to leave The Post rather than be included in the planning.
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
the guy who financed a propaganda film about the nazi first lady is killing a newspaper that writes unfavorably about her and her husband. this is how the club works.
February 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM
the guy who financed a propaganda film about the nazi first lady is killing a newspaper that writes unfavorably about her and her husband. this is how the club works.
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
Remind me. What happened to Caligula in the end?
February 4, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Remind me. What happened to Caligula in the end?
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
It's kind of wild that the French foreign ministry has an official shitposting account.
France’s Foreign Ministry owns Elon Musk in this response:
February 4, 2026 at 11:49 AM
It's kind of wild that the French foreign ministry has an official shitposting account.
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
Sir Ed Davey just asked in the Commons whether Starmer is concerned that Epstein may have been sharing secret documents from Mandelson with the Russians
Poland will launch an investigation into possible links between the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Russian intelligence, as well as any impact on Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday.
February 4, 2026 at 12:21 PM
Sir Ed Davey just asked in the Commons whether Starmer is concerned that Epstein may have been sharing secret documents from Mandelson with the Russians
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
Marge Simspson voice: "The secret ingredient is shame!"
One by one, Europeans mentioned in the Epstein files who still hold political office are beginning to resign or are being forced out of office.
Meanwhile, ruled by an administration almost entirely made up of Epstein associates, the US carries on as if nothing really happened.
Meanwhile, ruled by an administration almost entirely made up of Epstein associates, the US carries on as if nothing really happened.
February 4, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Marge Simspson voice: "The secret ingredient is shame!"
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
One by one, Europeans mentioned in the Epstein files who still hold political office are beginning to resign or are being forced out of office.
Meanwhile, ruled by an administration almost entirely made up of Epstein associates, the US carries on as if nothing really happened.
Meanwhile, ruled by an administration almost entirely made up of Epstein associates, the US carries on as if nothing really happened.
February 3, 2026 at 2:39 PM
One by one, Europeans mentioned in the Epstein files who still hold political office are beginning to resign or are being forced out of office.
Meanwhile, ruled by an administration almost entirely made up of Epstein associates, the US carries on as if nothing really happened.
Meanwhile, ruled by an administration almost entirely made up of Epstein associates, the US carries on as if nothing really happened.
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
Martinez: "[I] sat in federal court and watched from 20 feet away as the border patrol agent who attempted to kill me testified at a hearing. Agent Charles Exum—Charles Exum, my attempted executioner was Charles Exum—I hope the government does not consider my use of his name here to be...doxxing."
February 3, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Martinez: "[I] sat in federal court and watched from 20 feet away as the border patrol agent who attempted to kill me testified at a hearing. Agent Charles Exum—Charles Exum, my attempted executioner was Charles Exum—I hope the government does not consider my use of his name here to be...doxxing."
Keep an eye out for this. I saw it at the Nyon festival and recommend it highly.
Early cinema premiere of our documentary movie "Blame - Bats, politics and a world out of Balance" yesterday organized Albert Einstein school of public policy was fantastic.
The doc will now be screened in select cinemas in multiple Swiss and German citizen!
Feel free to write me if you got Qs!
The doc will now be screened in select cinemas in multiple Swiss and German citizen!
Feel free to write me if you got Qs!
Unser Dolumentarfilm "Blame" hatte gestern Vorpremiere im Kino, organisiert bei der ETH in Zurich.
Diese und nächste Woche dann in mehreren deutschen und schweizer Städten in ausgewählten Kinos!
Wenn jemand Fragen rund um den Film hat, kann man mich gerne anschreiben!
Diese und nächste Woche dann in mehreren deutschen und schweizer Städten in ausgewählten Kinos!
Wenn jemand Fragen rund um den Film hat, kann man mich gerne anschreiben!
February 3, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Keep an eye out for this. I saw it at the Nyon festival and recommend it highly.
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
A correction for the ages (from The Guardian's review of 'Melania'):
February 3, 2026 at 8:23 PM
A correction for the ages (from The Guardian's review of 'Melania'):
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
WWJD in Minneapolis
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
WWJD in Minneapolis
We are fighting the regime not on the grounds of power but of legitimacy—and it’s a Christian struggle.
open.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:07 PM
WWJD in Minneapolis
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
Black history is living, shaped continuously by the places where Black people have built power, culture and community. Few cities embody that truth more clearly than Atlanta.
From Auburn Avenue to the world: 100 moments in Black Atlanta history
www.uatl.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Black history is living, shaped continuously by the places where Black people have built power, culture and community. Few cities embody that truth more clearly than Atlanta.
Three reactions:
1. Yes. The moderate position is abolish.
2. American tolerance for bullying culture is the main reason why I chose Europe.
3. Will Bunch is amazing.
1. Yes. The moderate position is abolish.
2. American tolerance for bullying culture is the main reason why I chose Europe.
3. Will Bunch is amazing.
They weren't rookies
The two federal agents who murdered Alex Pretti had a combined 20 years of experience with BP or CBP, and simmered in a toxic culture with an absurd crime rate that must be erased, not "reformed"
My new column on what really killed Alex www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
The two federal agents who murdered Alex Pretti had a combined 20 years of experience with BP or CBP, and simmered in a toxic culture with an absurd crime rate that must be erased, not "reformed"
My new column on what really killed Alex www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
The toxic culture that killed Alex Pretti | Will Bunch Newsletter
Plus, who is Tulsi Gabbard really working for?
www.inquirer.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Three reactions:
1. Yes. The moderate position is abolish.
2. American tolerance for bullying culture is the main reason why I chose Europe.
3. Will Bunch is amazing.
1. Yes. The moderate position is abolish.
2. American tolerance for bullying culture is the main reason why I chose Europe.
3. Will Bunch is amazing.
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
Trump's assistance to the Russian attack on Ukrainian power and heating last night was so egregious that I put together this short, free piece on it. He helped Putin kill Ukrainians. If the USA does not do something soon, the US should be seen as a Putin ally. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Trump Helps Putin Kill Ukrainians: A Case Study
Hi All,
open.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Trump's assistance to the Russian attack on Ukrainian power and heating last night was so egregious that I put together this short, free piece on it. He helped Putin kill Ukrainians. If the USA does not do something soon, the US should be seen as a Putin ally. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
Okay, I'm now hearing reports of other locals being removed from Minnesota rapid response for interacting with press, as well as some "organizers" instituting onerous screening processes to join these networks.
It's time for local leaders to step in. These policies are incredibly counterproductive.
It's time for local leaders to step in. These policies are incredibly counterproductive.
February 3, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Okay, I'm now hearing reports of other locals being removed from Minnesota rapid response for interacting with press, as well as some "organizers" instituting onerous screening processes to join these networks.
It's time for local leaders to step in. These policies are incredibly counterproductive.
It's time for local leaders to step in. These policies are incredibly counterproductive.
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
"The real European financial threat to America: An uncoordinated, decentralised and gradual buyers’ strike is the actual danger" www.ft.com/content/d267...
February 3, 2026 at 12:21 PM
"The real European financial threat to America: An uncoordinated, decentralised and gradual buyers’ strike is the actual danger" www.ft.com/content/d267...
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
According to the Toronto Police, 150,000 people attended the demonstration in solidarity with Iranian protesters.
February 3, 2026 at 12:31 AM
According to the Toronto Police, 150,000 people attended the demonstration in solidarity with Iranian protesters.
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
A Ukrainian night in numbers:
Out of 521 in total, 38 Russian missiles &
412 drones were intercepted, say officials.
Energy infrastructure was targeted across eight regions.
Leaving 1100 homes without power.
With temperatures at -21 degrees Celsius.
Out of 521 in total, 38 Russian missiles &
412 drones were intercepted, say officials.
Energy infrastructure was targeted across eight regions.
Leaving 1100 homes without power.
With temperatures at -21 degrees Celsius.
February 3, 2026 at 8:09 AM
A Ukrainian night in numbers:
Out of 521 in total, 38 Russian missiles &
412 drones were intercepted, say officials.
Energy infrastructure was targeted across eight regions.
Leaving 1100 homes without power.
With temperatures at -21 degrees Celsius.
Out of 521 in total, 38 Russian missiles &
412 drones were intercepted, say officials.
Energy infrastructure was targeted across eight regions.
Leaving 1100 homes without power.
With temperatures at -21 degrees Celsius.
Same same, actually
Genuinely curious: If your family is American, what brought them here?
Mine: religious nuttery & primogeniture
Mine: religious nuttery & primogeniture
February 3, 2026 at 12:54 AM
Same same, actually
Reposted by Benjamin Downs Lane
NFL offensive players: i just think we need to stop picking people from new mexico. i mean nobody any disrespect but football is an american sport.
NFL defensive players: carly rae jepsen is mother
NFL defensive players: carly rae jepsen is mother
February 2, 2026 at 8:24 PM
NFL offensive players: i just think we need to stop picking people from new mexico. i mean nobody any disrespect but football is an american sport.
NFL defensive players: carly rae jepsen is mother
NFL defensive players: carly rae jepsen is mother
Nice to see that there some Americans who saw from the outset how shameful a war of conquest against a neighbor was.
Today marks the 178th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which formally ended the Mexican-American War.
"The anniversary is also significant because the treaty was negotiated by a U.S. diplomat in direct defiance of the president of the US," writes expert James Lindsay.
"The anniversary is also significant because the treaty was negotiated by a U.S. diplomat in direct defiance of the president of the US," writes expert James Lindsay.
Remembering the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo | Council on Foreign Relations
The United States secured the third-largest territorial acquisition in its history after a U.S. diplomat defied the president who appointed him.
www.cfr.org
February 2, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Nice to see that there some Americans who saw from the outset how shameful a war of conquest against a neighbor was.