Solextre
@solextre.bsky.social
Retired teacher (systems theory, communication) maker of abstract music videos (see solextre YouTube) no political party ... to quote Kurt Vonnegut:
"To be is to do - Socrates
To do is to be - Sartre
Do Be Do Be Do - Sinatra"
:-)
"To be is to do - Socrates
To do is to be - Sartre
Do Be Do Be Do - Sinatra"
:-)
#POLITX
Here is a good place to get news about what's happening in Minnesota:
www.startribune.com/news-politic...
Here is a good place to get news about what's happening in Minnesota:
www.startribune.com/news-politic...
Local Minneapolis news - Minnesota Star Tribune
Mpls news from the Minnesota Star Tribune, including crime, Minneapolis schools, government, housing and local neighborhoods.
www.startribune.com
January 25, 2026 at 2:30 AM
#POLITX
Here is a good place to get news about what's happening in Minnesota:
www.startribune.com/news-politic...
Here is a good place to get news about what's happening in Minnesota:
www.startribune.com/news-politic...
#CHRNCL
Political publicity that uses this tactic of emphasizing the good of one side and not mentioning anything bad about that side is called: PROPAGANDA. In cable news, MSNBC and FOX both engage in propaganda. On the Internet, many sources that call themselves "news" are actually propaganda.
Political publicity that uses this tactic of emphasizing the good of one side and not mentioning anything bad about that side is called: PROPAGANDA. In cable news, MSNBC and FOX both engage in propaganda. On the Internet, many sources that call themselves "news" are actually propaganda.
January 24, 2026 at 3:13 PM
#CHRNCL
Political publicity that uses this tactic of emphasizing the good of one side and not mentioning anything bad about that side is called: PROPAGANDA. In cable news, MSNBC and FOX both engage in propaganda. On the Internet, many sources that call themselves "news" are actually propaganda.
Political publicity that uses this tactic of emphasizing the good of one side and not mentioning anything bad about that side is called: PROPAGANDA. In cable news, MSNBC and FOX both engage in propaganda. On the Internet, many sources that call themselves "news" are actually propaganda.
#CHRNCL
In a heavily mediated culture you never HAVE to lie to misinform. For example, you can focus on the fact that nearly 60% of Americans dislike the Democratic Party, and ignore the fact that the same percentage dislike the Republicans. Or vice versa. Media focuses attention; much gets ignored.
In a heavily mediated culture you never HAVE to lie to misinform. For example, you can focus on the fact that nearly 60% of Americans dislike the Democratic Party, and ignore the fact that the same percentage dislike the Republicans. Or vice versa. Media focuses attention; much gets ignored.
January 22, 2026 at 7:17 PM
#CHRNCL
In a heavily mediated culture you never HAVE to lie to misinform. For example, you can focus on the fact that nearly 60% of Americans dislike the Democratic Party, and ignore the fact that the same percentage dislike the Republicans. Or vice versa. Media focuses attention; much gets ignored.
In a heavily mediated culture you never HAVE to lie to misinform. For example, you can focus on the fact that nearly 60% of Americans dislike the Democratic Party, and ignore the fact that the same percentage dislike the Republicans. Or vice versa. Media focuses attention; much gets ignored.
#CHRNCL PUBLICITY
In today's heavily mediated culture people sometimes ignore the difference between publicity and action. An action is an effort with a discernible effect. Publicity draws attention to a particular situation. Publicity may eventually lead to action, but it itself is not action.
In today's heavily mediated culture people sometimes ignore the difference between publicity and action. An action is an effort with a discernible effect. Publicity draws attention to a particular situation. Publicity may eventually lead to action, but it itself is not action.
January 22, 2026 at 2:37 AM
#CHRNCL PUBLICITY
In today's heavily mediated culture people sometimes ignore the difference between publicity and action. An action is an effort with a discernible effect. Publicity draws attention to a particular situation. Publicity may eventually lead to action, but it itself is not action.
In today's heavily mediated culture people sometimes ignore the difference between publicity and action. An action is an effort with a discernible effect. Publicity draws attention to a particular situation. Publicity may eventually lead to action, but it itself is not action.
#CHRNCL
A quick review: three main points.
1. The industrial age has ended and the Internet age has begun.
2. The end of factory work, and the rise of global communications, has changed the way society works.
3. The chaos will not last forever. All we can do is to deal with it and try to survive.
A quick review: three main points.
1. The industrial age has ended and the Internet age has begun.
2. The end of factory work, and the rise of global communications, has changed the way society works.
3. The chaos will not last forever. All we can do is to deal with it and try to survive.
January 20, 2026 at 4:52 PM
#CHRNCL
A quick review: three main points.
1. The industrial age has ended and the Internet age has begun.
2. The end of factory work, and the rise of global communications, has changed the way society works.
3. The chaos will not last forever. All we can do is to deal with it and try to survive.
A quick review: three main points.
1. The industrial age has ended and the Internet age has begun.
2. The end of factory work, and the rise of global communications, has changed the way society works.
3. The chaos will not last forever. All we can do is to deal with it and try to survive.
#POLITX
Knebel is a good storyteller and an excellent writer. This tail of a popular president whose staff perceives that he is slowly losing his mind was published prior to the creation of the 25th Amendment, and seems even more appropriate today because of that. www.amazon.com/Night-Camp-D...
Knebel is a good storyteller and an excellent writer. This tail of a popular president whose staff perceives that he is slowly losing his mind was published prior to the creation of the 25th Amendment, and seems even more appropriate today because of that. www.amazon.com/Night-Camp-D...
Night of Camp David
Amazon.com: Night of Camp David eBook : Knebel, Fletcher: Books
www.amazon.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:19 PM
#POLITX
Knebel is a good storyteller and an excellent writer. This tail of a popular president whose staff perceives that he is slowly losing his mind was published prior to the creation of the 25th Amendment, and seems even more appropriate today because of that. www.amazon.com/Night-Camp-D...
Knebel is a good storyteller and an excellent writer. This tail of a popular president whose staff perceives that he is slowly losing his mind was published prior to the creation of the 25th Amendment, and seems even more appropriate today because of that. www.amazon.com/Night-Camp-D...
#CHRNCL
The rural/urban divide, the rise of Big Tech, the widespread use of automation – all of these blend together in a complicated dance as our society, its politics and its economy move into the Internet Age. Our current problems are reflection of this.
The rural/urban divide, the rise of Big Tech, the widespread use of automation – all of these blend together in a complicated dance as our society, its politics and its economy move into the Internet Age. Our current problems are reflection of this.
January 19, 2026 at 4:23 PM
#CHRNCL
The rural/urban divide, the rise of Big Tech, the widespread use of automation – all of these blend together in a complicated dance as our society, its politics and its economy move into the Internet Age. Our current problems are reflection of this.
The rural/urban divide, the rise of Big Tech, the widespread use of automation – all of these blend together in a complicated dance as our society, its politics and its economy move into the Internet Age. Our current problems are reflection of this.
#CHRNCL
American advertising abounds with rural scenes - likely a reflection of the longing that many city dwellers have for the "country". And with the rise of telecommuting it has become possible to live in a rural area and work anywhere. So possibly the tide is beginning to turn.
American advertising abounds with rural scenes - likely a reflection of the longing that many city dwellers have for the "country". And with the rise of telecommuting it has become possible to live in a rural area and work anywhere. So possibly the tide is beginning to turn.
January 18, 2026 at 6:44 PM
#CHRNCL
American advertising abounds with rural scenes - likely a reflection of the longing that many city dwellers have for the "country". And with the rise of telecommuting it has become possible to live in a rural area and work anywhere. So possibly the tide is beginning to turn.
American advertising abounds with rural scenes - likely a reflection of the longing that many city dwellers have for the "country". And with the rise of telecommuting it has become possible to live in a rural area and work anywhere. So possibly the tide is beginning to turn.
#CHRNCL
Empty has its charms. The air is clean, the water pure, the streets are quiet, you can see the stars at night, and there are deer wandering through your backyard. But emptiness provides few services, and has no economy to speak of.
Empty has its charms. The air is clean, the water pure, the streets are quiet, you can see the stars at night, and there are deer wandering through your backyard. But emptiness provides few services, and has no economy to speak of.
January 17, 2026 at 2:24 PM
#CHRNCL
Empty has its charms. The air is clean, the water pure, the streets are quiet, you can see the stars at night, and there are deer wandering through your backyard. But emptiness provides few services, and has no economy to speak of.
Empty has its charms. The air is clean, the water pure, the streets are quiet, you can see the stars at night, and there are deer wandering through your backyard. But emptiness provides few services, and has no economy to speak of.
#CHRNCL
It's worth repeating. Over 80% of all Americans live in the urbs and suburbs. The other 20% are spread out across the rest of the country. This makes most of America essentially empty.
It's worth repeating. Over 80% of all Americans live in the urbs and suburbs. The other 20% are spread out across the rest of the country. This makes most of America essentially empty.
January 17, 2026 at 4:31 AM
#CHRNCL
It's worth repeating. Over 80% of all Americans live in the urbs and suburbs. The other 20% are spread out across the rest of the country. This makes most of America essentially empty.
It's worth repeating. Over 80% of all Americans live in the urbs and suburbs. The other 20% are spread out across the rest of the country. This makes most of America essentially empty.
#CHRNCL
The media keeps it's focus on Donald Trump, but it is the millions of unhappy Americans who support him who give him his power. Those millions, registered as Republicans, are generally older and live primarily in rural areas – while their Democratic opponents live primarily in cities.
The media keeps it's focus on Donald Trump, but it is the millions of unhappy Americans who support him who give him his power. Those millions, registered as Republicans, are generally older and live primarily in rural areas – while their Democratic opponents live primarily in cities.
January 15, 2026 at 2:28 PM
#CHRNCL
The media keeps it's focus on Donald Trump, but it is the millions of unhappy Americans who support him who give him his power. Those millions, registered as Republicans, are generally older and live primarily in rural areas – while their Democratic opponents live primarily in cities.
The media keeps it's focus on Donald Trump, but it is the millions of unhappy Americans who support him who give him his power. Those millions, registered as Republicans, are generally older and live primarily in rural areas – while their Democratic opponents live primarily in cities.
#CHRNCL
The workers were mostly registered Democrats who voted as independents. When Donald Trump arrived and focused on the "swamp" in Washington, saying that he would fix it, the workers re-registered as Republicans an adopted "Make America Great Again" as their slogan.
The workers were mostly registered Democrats who voted as independents. When Donald Trump arrived and focused on the "swamp" in Washington, saying that he would fix it, the workers re-registered as Republicans an adopted "Make America Great Again" as their slogan.
January 14, 2026 at 4:57 PM
#CHRNCL
The workers were mostly registered Democrats who voted as independents. When Donald Trump arrived and focused on the "swamp" in Washington, saying that he would fix it, the workers re-registered as Republicans an adopted "Make America Great Again" as their slogan.
The workers were mostly registered Democrats who voted as independents. When Donald Trump arrived and focused on the "swamp" in Washington, saying that he would fix it, the workers re-registered as Republicans an adopted "Make America Great Again" as their slogan.
#CHRNCL
Except for Pittsburgh and Detroit and one or two other cities, The industrial Midwest was a collection of small town factories. After the collapse, many people moved away, and the entire region became depressed and even more rural. The new urban politics had little use for it.
Except for Pittsburgh and Detroit and one or two other cities, The industrial Midwest was a collection of small town factories. After the collapse, many people moved away, and the entire region became depressed and even more rural. The new urban politics had little use for it.
January 13, 2026 at 9:35 PM
#CHRNCL
Except for Pittsburgh and Detroit and one or two other cities, The industrial Midwest was a collection of small town factories. After the collapse, many people moved away, and the entire region became depressed and even more rural. The new urban politics had little use for it.
Except for Pittsburgh and Detroit and one or two other cities, The industrial Midwest was a collection of small town factories. After the collapse, many people moved away, and the entire region became depressed and even more rural. The new urban politics had little use for it.
#CHRNCL
If you were a 50 year-old former steel worker, who lost his job, his pension, and his house before becoming addicted to fentanyl and losing the rest of his savings – and the government did nothing to help, then you might be a little angry. This was the genesis of the group that became MAGA.
If you were a 50 year-old former steel worker, who lost his job, his pension, and his house before becoming addicted to fentanyl and losing the rest of his savings – and the government did nothing to help, then you might be a little angry. This was the genesis of the group that became MAGA.
January 12, 2026 at 7:23 PM
#CHRNCL
If you were a 50 year-old former steel worker, who lost his job, his pension, and his house before becoming addicted to fentanyl and losing the rest of his savings – and the government did nothing to help, then you might be a little angry. This was the genesis of the group that became MAGA.
If you were a 50 year-old former steel worker, who lost his job, his pension, and his house before becoming addicted to fentanyl and losing the rest of his savings – and the government did nothing to help, then you might be a little angry. This was the genesis of the group that became MAGA.
#CHRNCL
The "Industrial Midwest" had been the center of the US economy and the envy of the world since the end of the Civil War. And now, in less than two decades, it was gone. The economy had moved on, and the factory workers had been replaced by automation and foreign labor.
The "Industrial Midwest" had been the center of the US economy and the envy of the world since the end of the Civil War. And now, in less than two decades, it was gone. The economy had moved on, and the factory workers had been replaced by automation and foreign labor.
January 11, 2026 at 12:51 PM
#CHRNCL
The "Industrial Midwest" had been the center of the US economy and the envy of the world since the end of the Civil War. And now, in less than two decades, it was gone. The economy had moved on, and the factory workers had been replaced by automation and foreign labor.
The "Industrial Midwest" had been the center of the US economy and the envy of the world since the end of the Civil War. And now, in less than two decades, it was gone. The economy had moved on, and the factory workers had been replaced by automation and foreign labor.
#CHRNCL
The people involved were mostly blue-collar factory workers. They were not urban minorities, so the Democrats were not interested. They were not upper middle class business owners, so the Republicans were not interested. They were destitute and desperate, and they were ignored - until Trump.
The people involved were mostly blue-collar factory workers. They were not urban minorities, so the Democrats were not interested. They were not upper middle class business owners, so the Republicans were not interested. They were destitute and desperate, and they were ignored - until Trump.
January 10, 2026 at 7:38 PM
#CHRNCL
The people involved were mostly blue-collar factory workers. They were not urban minorities, so the Democrats were not interested. They were not upper middle class business owners, so the Republicans were not interested. They were destitute and desperate, and they were ignored - until Trump.
The people involved were mostly blue-collar factory workers. They were not urban minorities, so the Democrats were not interested. They were not upper middle class business owners, so the Republicans were not interested. They were destitute and desperate, and they were ignored - until Trump.
#CHRNCL
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
January 9, 2026 at 3:43 PM
#CHRNCL
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
#CHRNCL A BIT OF HISTORY
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.
January 8, 2026 at 8:36 PM
#CHRNCL A BIT OF HISTORY
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.
#CHRNCL
We have come to depend on a hierarchically organized central government to provide us with any number of services, but the efficiency of this approach is now in question. (The average age of a US senator is 64 years, so it is likely the change will be slow in coming. Stay tuned.)
We have come to depend on a hierarchically organized central government to provide us with any number of services, but the efficiency of this approach is now in question. (The average age of a US senator is 64 years, so it is likely the change will be slow in coming. Stay tuned.)
January 7, 2026 at 11:46 PM
#CHRNCL
We have come to depend on a hierarchically organized central government to provide us with any number of services, but the efficiency of this approach is now in question. (The average age of a US senator is 64 years, so it is likely the change will be slow in coming. Stay tuned.)
We have come to depend on a hierarchically organized central government to provide us with any number of services, but the efficiency of this approach is now in question. (The average age of a US senator is 64 years, so it is likely the change will be slow in coming. Stay tuned.)
#POLITX
This Just Security article outlines the legal situation with regard to the US action in Venezuela.
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
This Just Security article outlines the legal situation with regard to the US action in Venezuela.
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela
Experts survey the international law issues of Operation Absolute Resolve.
www.justsecurity.org
January 5, 2026 at 11:20 PM
#POLITX
This Just Security article outlines the legal situation with regard to the US action in Venezuela.
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
This Just Security article outlines the legal situation with regard to the US action in Venezuela.
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
#POLITX
What is it called when you take over another nation and claim their natural resources for yourself? Colonialism? Are we an empire now?
What is it called when you take over another nation and claim their natural resources for yourself? Colonialism? Are we an empire now?
January 5, 2026 at 5:38 PM
#POLITX
What is it called when you take over another nation and claim their natural resources for yourself? Colonialism? Are we an empire now?
What is it called when you take over another nation and claim their natural resources for yourself? Colonialism? Are we an empire now?
#POLITX
CHRNCL is devoted to analysis of the social systems that brought our culture to its present day. POLITX will be a thread devoted to the current political situation. It should be noted that I am not virulently anti-Trump, but I am strongly pro-democracy, and I worry about where we are headed.
CHRNCL is devoted to analysis of the social systems that brought our culture to its present day. POLITX will be a thread devoted to the current political situation. It should be noted that I am not virulently anti-Trump, but I am strongly pro-democracy, and I worry about where we are headed.
January 5, 2026 at 5:38 PM
#POLITX
CHRNCL is devoted to analysis of the social systems that brought our culture to its present day. POLITX will be a thread devoted to the current political situation. It should be noted that I am not virulently anti-Trump, but I am strongly pro-democracy, and I worry about where we are headed.
CHRNCL is devoted to analysis of the social systems that brought our culture to its present day. POLITX will be a thread devoted to the current political situation. It should be noted that I am not virulently anti-Trump, but I am strongly pro-democracy, and I worry about where we are headed.
#CHRNCL
Because it was created during the industrial age, our government is designed as a hierarchy. The President issues commands which travel down the hierarchy to government workers. Congress and the Supreme Court both work at the top level in conjunction with the President's commands.
Because it was created during the industrial age, our government is designed as a hierarchy. The President issues commands which travel down the hierarchy to government workers. Congress and the Supreme Court both work at the top level in conjunction with the President's commands.
January 5, 2026 at 3:33 PM
#CHRNCL
Because it was created during the industrial age, our government is designed as a hierarchy. The President issues commands which travel down the hierarchy to government workers. Congress and the Supreme Court both work at the top level in conjunction with the President's commands.
Because it was created during the industrial age, our government is designed as a hierarchy. The President issues commands which travel down the hierarchy to government workers. Congress and the Supreme Court both work at the top level in conjunction with the President's commands.