Dave S
@dmstraker.bsky.social
Work: Engineer, educator, bus/psych consultant
Home: Learning, writing, DIY, gardening, cooking, photography, painting, guitar, dogs, hubby, dad
Home: Learning, writing, DIY, gardening, cooking, photography, painting, guitar, dogs, hubby, dad
There is a thing about remembering.
Not just history lessons, but recalling and feeling and knowing how bloody important some things are, and that to repeat them is to consciously bring about unspeakable tragedy again.
Not just history lessons, but recalling and feeling and knowing how bloody important some things are, and that to repeat them is to consciously bring about unspeakable tragedy again.
December 1, 2025 at 11:12 PM
There is a thing about remembering.
Not just history lessons, but recalling and feeling and knowing how bloody important some things are, and that to repeat them is to consciously bring about unspeakable tragedy again.
Not just history lessons, but recalling and feeling and knowing how bloody important some things are, and that to repeat them is to consciously bring about unspeakable tragedy again.
Trump has a superpower for escaping accountability. His whole life is about getting away with things. I think he gets a real buzz from it.
This is not true for those around him, who fall on their sword or get pushed onto it in order to save his sorry ass.
This is not true for those around him, who fall on their sword or get pushed onto it in order to save his sorry ass.
December 1, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Trump has a superpower for escaping accountability. His whole life is about getting away with things. I think he gets a real buzz from it.
This is not true for those around him, who fall on their sword or get pushed onto it in order to save his sorry ass.
This is not true for those around him, who fall on their sword or get pushed onto it in order to save his sorry ass.
Capitalism means profit first and last. Short-term over long-term. Individual success over collective concerns.
Democracy is supposed to contain capitalism's worst excesses, but that brake is currently wholly removed.
Democracy is supposed to contain capitalism's worst excesses, but that brake is currently wholly removed.
December 1, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Capitalism means profit first and last. Short-term over long-term. Individual success over collective concerns.
Democracy is supposed to contain capitalism's worst excesses, but that brake is currently wholly removed.
Democracy is supposed to contain capitalism's worst excesses, but that brake is currently wholly removed.
I don't think Pistol Pete read the rules before saying 'no survivors'.
And didn't they fire all the JAGs?
And would he listen to any advice from those around him?
And would any of those he has gathered around him have read the rules?
And if they had, would they just let him hang himself?
And didn't they fire all the JAGs?
And would he listen to any advice from those around him?
And would any of those he has gathered around him have read the rules?
And if they had, would they just let him hang himself?
🧵A legal scholar finds the killing by special forces of survivors in the Navy attack on an alleged drug boat to be a war crime and murder.
"the currently governing DOD Manual in Section 5.9 states clearly that persons “placed hors de combat may not be made the object of attack.” ...
"the currently governing DOD Manual in Section 5.9 states clearly that persons “placed hors de combat may not be made the object of attack.” ...
A Dishonorable Strike
Indulging all assumptions in favor of the administration’s boat strikes, killing helpless men is murder
open.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:54 AM
I don't think Pistol Pete read the rules before saying 'no survivors'.
And didn't they fire all the JAGs?
And would he listen to any advice from those around him?
And would any of those he has gathered around him have read the rules?
And if they had, would they just let him hang himself?
And didn't they fire all the JAGs?
And would he listen to any advice from those around him?
And would any of those he has gathered around him have read the rules?
And if they had, would they just let him hang himself?
Reposted by Dave S
The president has illegally declared war to stop fentanyl trafficking from a country that does not traffic that drug, claiming its leader is trafficking drugs himself, the day after pardoning a former leader of a country who is a convicted drug trafficker.
Just to level set
Just to level set
November 29, 2025 at 4:47 PM
The president has illegally declared war to stop fentanyl trafficking from a country that does not traffic that drug, claiming its leader is trafficking drugs himself, the day after pardoning a former leader of a country who is a convicted drug trafficker.
Just to level set
Just to level set
Mismanagement of the military is a massively expensive and dangerous affair.
And the evidence keeps piling up. I don't know why everyone in the Pentagon doesn't quit. They must be stressed being brief just watching the chaos.
And the evidence keeps piling up. I don't know why everyone in the Pentagon doesn't quit. They must be stressed being brief just watching the chaos.
November 29, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Mismanagement of the military is a massively expensive and dangerous affair.
And the evidence keeps piling up. I don't know why everyone in the Pentagon doesn't quit. They must be stressed being brief just watching the chaos.
And the evidence keeps piling up. I don't know why everyone in the Pentagon doesn't quit. They must be stressed being brief just watching the chaos.
Life is a road with a series of potholes in it.
You can fall into the potholes one at a time, stay there forever or climb out and carry on.
Or you can learn where the potholes are beforehand then go around them.
-- Lionel Richie
You can fall into the potholes one at a time, stay there forever or climb out and carry on.
Or you can learn where the potholes are beforehand then go around them.
-- Lionel Richie
November 29, 2025 at 7:02 AM
Life is a road with a series of potholes in it.
You can fall into the potholes one at a time, stay there forever or climb out and carry on.
Or you can learn where the potholes are beforehand then go around them.
-- Lionel Richie
You can fall into the potholes one at a time, stay there forever or climb out and carry on.
Or you can learn where the potholes are beforehand then go around them.
-- Lionel Richie
Integrity/corruption sequence:
1. Seeing the opportunity.
2. Degree of temptation felt.
3. Knowing how legitimate this is.
4. Having the willpower to do the right thing.
5. Pride or remorse felt.
6. Correction or cover-up.
1. Seeing the opportunity.
2. Degree of temptation felt.
3. Knowing how legitimate this is.
4. Having the willpower to do the right thing.
5. Pride or remorse felt.
6. Correction or cover-up.
November 29, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Integrity/corruption sequence:
1. Seeing the opportunity.
2. Degree of temptation felt.
3. Knowing how legitimate this is.
4. Having the willpower to do the right thing.
5. Pride or remorse felt.
6. Correction or cover-up.
1. Seeing the opportunity.
2. Degree of temptation felt.
3. Knowing how legitimate this is.
4. Having the willpower to do the right thing.
5. Pride or remorse felt.
6. Correction or cover-up.
Reposted by Dave S
A reminder: Trump 1.0 ordered the Afghanistan withdrawal, and Trump 2.0 granted the shooter asylum this past April. Trump 2.0 also dismantled the joint terrorism task force, and gutted our national security apparatus.
CIA statement about the Afghan man identified as the gunman who shot two National Guardsmen in Washington
November 27, 2025 at 6:59 PM
A reminder: Trump 1.0 ordered the Afghanistan withdrawal, and Trump 2.0 granted the shooter asylum this past April. Trump 2.0 also dismantled the joint terrorism task force, and gutted our national security apparatus.
A-grade people appoint A-grade people because they value merit.
B-grade people appoint C-grade people when they fear being shown up as incompetent.
B-grade people appoint C-grade people when they fear being shown up as incompetent.
November 28, 2025 at 12:46 PM
A-grade people appoint A-grade people because they value merit.
B-grade people appoint C-grade people when they fear being shown up as incompetent.
B-grade people appoint C-grade people when they fear being shown up as incompetent.
Reposted by Dave S
Trump is making America a no-go country, and not just for migrants.
Tourism has already gone off a cliff. International companies are shipping to different markets. Politicians are making new alliances. Americans abroad are shunned.
North Korea, here we come.
apnews.com/article/trum...
Tourism has already gone off a cliff. International companies are shipping to different markets. Politicians are making new alliances. Americans abroad are shunned.
North Korea, here we come.
apnews.com/article/trum...
Trump vows to 'permanently pause' migration from poor nations in anti-immigrant social media screed
President Donald Trump has vowed to “permanently pause migration” from poorer nations in a blistering anti-immigrant screed posted to social media.
apnews.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Trump is making America a no-go country, and not just for migrants.
Tourism has already gone off a cliff. International companies are shipping to different markets. Politicians are making new alliances. Americans abroad are shunned.
North Korea, here we come.
apnews.com/article/trum...
Tourism has already gone off a cliff. International companies are shipping to different markets. Politicians are making new alliances. Americans abroad are shunned.
North Korea, here we come.
apnews.com/article/trum...
Trump turns tragedy into travesty. Every time. One person commits a a terrible crime and he uses it to attack thousands of innocents.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Trump says he will ‘permanently pause’ migration from ‘third world countries’ after national guard shooting
In a social media post sent late on Thanksgiving, US president said he would ‘end all federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens’ following Washington DC shooting
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Trump turns tragedy into travesty. Every time. One person commits a a terrible crime and he uses it to attack thousands of innocents.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Trump effects:
Varying tariffs lead to gouging, supplier flight, small business collapse and other bad stuff.
Unpredictability leads to hedging, contingency and other costly risk management.
Lies and callousness lead to distrust, dislike and disgust.
Varying tariffs lead to gouging, supplier flight, small business collapse and other bad stuff.
Unpredictability leads to hedging, contingency and other costly risk management.
Lies and callousness lead to distrust, dislike and disgust.
November 27, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Trump effects:
Varying tariffs lead to gouging, supplier flight, small business collapse and other bad stuff.
Unpredictability leads to hedging, contingency and other costly risk management.
Lies and callousness lead to distrust, dislike and disgust.
Varying tariffs lead to gouging, supplier flight, small business collapse and other bad stuff.
Unpredictability leads to hedging, contingency and other costly risk management.
Lies and callousness lead to distrust, dislike and disgust.
The wealthy are pulling the strings off politics in the UK as well as in the USA.
It's a danger sign. Social collapse can follow when the rich ignore the poor -- and especially the young, who are historically at the forefront of many revolutions.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
It's a danger sign. Social collapse can follow when the rich ignore the poor -- and especially the young, who are historically at the forefront of many revolutions.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
‘Unelected power’ of ultra-rich is reshaping British politics, report claims
Equality Trust study shows how House of Lords appointments, big donations and media ownership affect political decisions
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:23 PM
The wealthy are pulling the strings off politics in the UK as well as in the USA.
It's a danger sign. Social collapse can follow when the rich ignore the poor -- and especially the young, who are historically at the forefront of many revolutions.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
It's a danger sign. Social collapse can follow when the rich ignore the poor -- and especially the young, who are historically at the forefront of many revolutions.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
There's a lot of anger about these days. I see it. I feel it. I worry about it.
Anger triggers people. Critically, it gets clicks. And so it spreads, amost like a disease. It can certainly cause deep harm.
Anger does not make you brave. Indeed, anger is a poor substitute for courage.
Anger triggers people. Critically, it gets clicks. And so it spreads, amost like a disease. It can certainly cause deep harm.
Anger does not make you brave. Indeed, anger is a poor substitute for courage.
November 26, 2025 at 6:34 PM
There's a lot of anger about these days. I see it. I feel it. I worry about it.
Anger triggers people. Critically, it gets clicks. And so it spreads, amost like a disease. It can certainly cause deep harm.
Anger does not make you brave. Indeed, anger is a poor substitute for courage.
Anger triggers people. Critically, it gets clicks. And so it spreads, amost like a disease. It can certainly cause deep harm.
Anger does not make you brave. Indeed, anger is a poor substitute for courage.
Abraham Maslow identified a simple set of deep human needs. The deepest 'physiological' needs include health.
A problem is that healthcare can be very expensive, so who pays?
The wealthy say individuals pay. Those who can't afford it need government support.
Politics reflects real representation.
A problem is that healthcare can be very expensive, so who pays?
The wealthy say individuals pay. Those who can't afford it need government support.
Politics reflects real representation.
November 26, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Abraham Maslow identified a simple set of deep human needs. The deepest 'physiological' needs include health.
A problem is that healthcare can be very expensive, so who pays?
The wealthy say individuals pay. Those who can't afford it need government support.
Politics reflects real representation.
A problem is that healthcare can be very expensive, so who pays?
The wealthy say individuals pay. Those who can't afford it need government support.
Politics reflects real representation.
It's the dirty bargain of dictators everywhere:
You give me absolute loyalty and I'll let you be corrupt (but give me my cut).
If you are caught, I'll protect you (but keep me out of it).
If you betray me, I'll expose you (or worse).
You give me absolute loyalty and I'll let you be corrupt (but give me my cut).
If you are caught, I'll protect you (but keep me out of it).
If you betray me, I'll expose you (or worse).
November 26, 2025 at 6:08 AM
It's the dirty bargain of dictators everywhere:
You give me absolute loyalty and I'll let you be corrupt (but give me my cut).
If you are caught, I'll protect you (but keep me out of it).
If you betray me, I'll expose you (or worse).
You give me absolute loyalty and I'll let you be corrupt (but give me my cut).
If you are caught, I'll protect you (but keep me out of it).
If you betray me, I'll expose you (or worse).
The purpose of Trump indicting Comey, James, etc is to cause them pain, both financial and emotional.
Why?
Because he is diagnosed as a malignant narcissist: thin skinned, vengeful and likes hurting 'enemies'.
And a great way to maximize pain is with a drawn-out investigation or prosecution.
Why?
Because he is diagnosed as a malignant narcissist: thin skinned, vengeful and likes hurting 'enemies'.
And a great way to maximize pain is with a drawn-out investigation or prosecution.
November 25, 2025 at 5:52 PM
The purpose of Trump indicting Comey, James, etc is to cause them pain, both financial and emotional.
Why?
Because he is diagnosed as a malignant narcissist: thin skinned, vengeful and likes hurting 'enemies'.
And a great way to maximize pain is with a drawn-out investigation or prosecution.
Why?
Because he is diagnosed as a malignant narcissist: thin skinned, vengeful and likes hurting 'enemies'.
And a great way to maximize pain is with a drawn-out investigation or prosecution.
Comey and James case dismissed. But it will return with a proper lawyer, just choosing them more in legal fees.
Trump uses the law as sword and shield. This is the sword, breaking 'enemies' through delays and attendant escalating cost.
Trump uses the law as sword and shield. This is the sword, breaking 'enemies' through delays and attendant escalating cost.
BREAKING: The indictment of Comey has been DISMISSED because Halligan was unlawfully appointed. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
#213 in United States v. Comey (E.D. Va., 1:25-cr-00272) – CourtListener.com
ORDERED AND ADJUDGED as follows: (1) The appointment of Ms. Halligan as Interim U.S. Attorney violated 28 U.S.C. § 546 and the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. (2) All actions flowing fro...
storage.courtlistener.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Comey and James case dismissed. But it will return with a proper lawyer, just choosing them more in legal fees.
Trump uses the law as sword and shield. This is the sword, breaking 'enemies' through delays and attendant escalating cost.
Trump uses the law as sword and shield. This is the sword, breaking 'enemies' through delays and attendant escalating cost.
A common short-cut we use to determine trust is similarity.
Hence we see politicians and sales people doing lots of 'I am like you' messaging. In meeting strangers we also look for points of similarity.
Hence we see politicians and sales people doing lots of 'I am like you' messaging. In meeting strangers we also look for points of similarity.
November 25, 2025 at 10:04 AM
A common short-cut we use to determine trust is similarity.
Hence we see politicians and sales people doing lots of 'I am like you' messaging. In meeting strangers we also look for points of similarity.
Hence we see politicians and sales people doing lots of 'I am like you' messaging. In meeting strangers we also look for points of similarity.
The Optics Momentum Ratchet:
Monday: "Big announcement on Friday!" (create excitement).
Tuesday, Wednesday: Enthusiastic speculation in the media (build excitement).
Thursday: "It's postponed." (quietly drop it).
Friday: Everyone already moved on to next topic (but good feelings continue).
Monday: "Big announcement on Friday!" (create excitement).
Tuesday, Wednesday: Enthusiastic speculation in the media (build excitement).
Thursday: "It's postponed." (quietly drop it).
Friday: Everyone already moved on to next topic (but good feelings continue).
November 25, 2025 at 9:50 AM
The Optics Momentum Ratchet:
Monday: "Big announcement on Friday!" (create excitement).
Tuesday, Wednesday: Enthusiastic speculation in the media (build excitement).
Thursday: "It's postponed." (quietly drop it).
Friday: Everyone already moved on to next topic (but good feelings continue).
Monday: "Big announcement on Friday!" (create excitement).
Tuesday, Wednesday: Enthusiastic speculation in the media (build excitement).
Thursday: "It's postponed." (quietly drop it).
Friday: Everyone already moved on to next topic (but good feelings continue).
The optics momentum ratchet:
Monday: "Big announcement on Friday!" (create excitement)
Tuesday, Wednesday: Enthusiastic speculation in the media. (build excitement)
Thursday: "It's postponed." (quietly drop it)
Friday: Everyone already moved on to next topic. (but good feelings continue).
Monday: "Big announcement on Friday!" (create excitement)
Tuesday, Wednesday: Enthusiastic speculation in the media. (build excitement)
Thursday: "It's postponed." (quietly drop it)
Friday: Everyone already moved on to next topic. (but good feelings continue).
absolutely incredible -- CNN host introduces a segment about Trump's "new healthcare proposal," but less than two minutes later breaks into her script to announce "breaking news" that Trump's healthcare proposal is being postponed
November 25, 2025 at 9:49 AM
The optics momentum ratchet:
Monday: "Big announcement on Friday!" (create excitement)
Tuesday, Wednesday: Enthusiastic speculation in the media. (build excitement)
Thursday: "It's postponed." (quietly drop it)
Friday: Everyone already moved on to next topic. (but good feelings continue).
Monday: "Big announcement on Friday!" (create excitement)
Tuesday, Wednesday: Enthusiastic speculation in the media. (build excitement)
Thursday: "It's postponed." (quietly drop it)
Friday: Everyone already moved on to next topic. (but good feelings continue).
The politicization of business is the destruction of capitalism.
When businesses are expected to prioritize the whims of politicians, they can expect to be less focused on serving direct stakeholders and hence risk collapse.
When businesses are expected to prioritize the whims of politicians, they can expect to be less focused on serving direct stakeholders and hence risk collapse.
November 24, 2025 at 11:02 PM
The politicization of business is the destruction of capitalism.
When businesses are expected to prioritize the whims of politicians, they can expect to be less focused on serving direct stakeholders and hence risk collapse.
When businesses are expected to prioritize the whims of politicians, they can expect to be less focused on serving direct stakeholders and hence risk collapse.
Trump has changed the world. Tariffs made imported food find new markets. Cheap US farm labor has been sent away. Family farms are being eaten by profit-hungry Big Agriculture firms.
Cheap American food is a thing of the past.
Cheap American food is a thing of the past.
November 24, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Trump has changed the world. Tariffs made imported food find new markets. Cheap US farm labor has been sent away. Family farms are being eaten by profit-hungry Big Agriculture firms.
Cheap American food is a thing of the past.
Cheap American food is a thing of the past.