Brandon Downey
@bdowney.bsky.social
Infosec professional, photographer, math enthusiast, occasional augmented reality warlord. Peculiar but refined tastes in triangles, cinema, and cocktails. Some skill with Azad.
Signal: bdowney.23
Opinions are my own and not those of my employer
Signal: bdowney.23
Opinions are my own and not those of my employer
Reposted by Brandon Downey
“If Schumer really wanted to use his considerable influence and leverage to stop this, he could have done that,” a senior Democratic Senate aide tells Zeteo. “He didn’t.”
Furious Liberals Call for Schumer to Step Aside, Senate Dems Mostly Quiet
After their shutdown surrender, liberal lawmakers are begging their base to unite behind them anyway – as Trumpland celebrates that their opposition is a bunch of 'p*ssies.'
zeteo.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:23 AM
“If Schumer really wanted to use his considerable influence and leverage to stop this, he could have done that,” a senior Democratic Senate aide tells Zeteo. “He didn’t.”
I mean not *every* Charter school does all these crooked things at once, but I would expect to hear about this one on @swindled.bsky.social.
Love 'cancelled 11th grade to get around state testing requirements' is a bullet point!
Love 'cancelled 11th grade to get around state testing requirements' is a bullet point!
Twin Rivers Unified board vote puts Highlands Community Charter’s future in jeopardy
The Twin Rivers Unified school board voted to hold a public hearing on Dec. 2 to decide whether to close Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools, which was found to have misspent $180 millio...
edsource.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:41 AM
I mean not *every* Charter school does all these crooked things at once, but I would expect to hear about this one on @swindled.bsky.social.
Love 'cancelled 11th grade to get around state testing requirements' is a bullet point!
Love 'cancelled 11th grade to get around state testing requirements' is a bullet point!
It's a terrible experience as a Kaiser patient that a thread with my dodctor that's more than a month old I can't reply. Feels wildly anti-user.
However, when I think about it in the context of necro-threads on social media....
However, when I think about it in the context of necro-threads on social media....
November 11, 2025 at 2:51 AM
It's a terrible experience as a Kaiser patient that a thread with my dodctor that's more than a month old I can't reply. Feels wildly anti-user.
However, when I think about it in the context of necro-threads on social media....
However, when I think about it in the context of necro-threads on social media....
I wonder how popular banning CBD gummies will be. Surely the Democrats voting for this have a grand plan for it.
Meanwhile, more states legalize weed every day....
Meanwhile, more states legalize weed every day....
November 11, 2025 at 2:17 AM
I wonder how popular banning CBD gummies will be. Surely the Democrats voting for this have a grand plan for it.
Meanwhile, more states legalize weed every day....
Meanwhile, more states legalize weed every day....
Reposted by Brandon Downey
seems to me that those democrats inclined not to fight perceive themselves as living through a somewhat ordinary cycle of presidential overreach and backlash and not something much more significant and dangerous
November 10, 2025 at 12:50 PM
seems to me that those democrats inclined not to fight perceive themselves as living through a somewhat ordinary cycle of presidential overreach and backlash and not something much more significant and dangerous
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Chuck Schumer Helps Pull Democrats Back From Brink Of Courage
November 10, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Chuck Schumer Helps Pull Democrats Back From Brink Of Courage
I've already gotten the "Blue Sky isn't normal" thing, but I just know that when I see leaders willing to fight, I'm elated. Leaders who fold, deflated.
I don't think most of the Democratic base are dummies either. We know leadership in the Senate are folders, not fighters.
Disappointing.
I don't think most of the Democratic base are dummies either. We know leadership in the Senate are folders, not fighters.
Disappointing.
November 10, 2025 at 4:50 AM
I've already gotten the "Blue Sky isn't normal" thing, but I just know that when I see leaders willing to fight, I'm elated. Leaders who fold, deflated.
I don't think most of the Democratic base are dummies either. We know leadership in the Senate are folders, not fighters.
Disappointing.
I don't think most of the Democratic base are dummies either. We know leadership in the Senate are folders, not fighters.
Disappointing.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
The Dem base wants the shutdown to continue because it’s the only time we’ve felt like our electeds were representing us: trying to squeeze the GOP instead of squeezing us to accept concessions; directing their anger at the Republicans instead of at their own voters for wanting them to resist
November 10, 2025 at 4:12 AM
The Dem base wants the shutdown to continue because it’s the only time we’ve felt like our electeds were representing us: trying to squeeze the GOP instead of squeezing us to accept concessions; directing their anger at the Republicans instead of at their own voters for wanting them to resist
Reposted by Brandon Downey
if you genuinely think Schumer and Democratic leadership opposed this & Republicans coincidentally got exactly the number of votes they needed to avoid a filibuster and none of those votes are from Democratic Senators who are up for reelection in the midterms next year, I have a bridge to sell you.
November 10, 2025 at 3:05 AM
if you genuinely think Schumer and Democratic leadership opposed this & Republicans coincidentally got exactly the number of votes they needed to avoid a filibuster and none of those votes are from Democratic Senators who are up for reelection in the midterms next year, I have a bridge to sell you.
Why don't we put her in charge?
The average SNAP benefit per month is $177 a person.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
November 10, 2025 at 2:59 AM
Why don't we put her in charge?
I hate politics as a game, but JFC there are some people in the party who simply lack the courage to win.
Here in Herm Edward's classic video, he reminds us that the point is to win.
The Dems voting yes on this are doing something else; they maybe need to find a new job.
Here in Herm Edward's classic video, he reminds us that the point is to win.
The Dems voting yes on this are doing something else; they maybe need to find a new job.
Herm Edwards You Play To Win
YouTube video by topdoggjb
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:55 AM
I hate politics as a game, but JFC there are some people in the party who simply lack the courage to win.
Here in Herm Edward's classic video, he reminds us that the point is to win.
The Dems voting yes on this are doing something else; they maybe need to find a new job.
Here in Herm Edward's classic video, he reminds us that the point is to win.
The Dems voting yes on this are doing something else; they maybe need to find a new job.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Agree.
Sen Hassan, asked what will happen if Republicans don't carry out the deal, "Well, shame on them."
This is not what people were mobilizing for on Oct 18.
Sen Hassan, asked what will happen if Republicans don't carry out the deal, "Well, shame on them."
This is not what people were mobilizing for on Oct 18.
November 10, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Agree.
Sen Hassan, asked what will happen if Republicans don't carry out the deal, "Well, shame on them."
This is not what people were mobilizing for on Oct 18.
Sen Hassan, asked what will happen if Republicans don't carry out the deal, "Well, shame on them."
This is not what people were mobilizing for on Oct 18.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Donald Trump’s approval rating has tanked and Republican suffered heavy losses in last week’s elections. There’s never been a better time for Senate Democrats to cave on the ACA extension.
November 9, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Donald Trump’s approval rating has tanked and Republican suffered heavy losses in last week’s elections. There’s never been a better time for Senate Democrats to cave on the ACA extension.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Following up on this. This remains a ‘cave is minutes or hours away’ situation. If you want to impact how this plays out you need to contact senators literally now. I want to add additional points of context. What I’m relaying is what I’ve picked up from highly reliable sources.
Sounds like the squishes in the senate caucus are ready to pull the plug with no ACA changes. This is real. If you want to register your opinion you shld call yr senator in the next hour. They not only want to reopen w/nothing. They want cover from their colleagues who still want to hold out.
November 9, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Following up on this. This remains a ‘cave is minutes or hours away’ situation. If you want to impact how this plays out you need to contact senators literally now. I want to add additional points of context. What I’m relaying is what I’ve picked up from highly reliable sources.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
🚨 We’re hearing that Senate Democrats are on the verge of caving to Trump in another “Schumer Surrender.”
That means your Democratic senators need to hear from you right now.
Call: indivisible.org/resource/cal...
Email: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
That means your Democratic senators need to hear from you right now.
Call: indivisible.org/resource/cal...
Email: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
November 9, 2025 at 9:30 PM
🚨 We’re hearing that Senate Democrats are on the verge of caving to Trump in another “Schumer Surrender.”
That means your Democratic senators need to hear from you right now.
Call: indivisible.org/resource/cal...
Email: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
That means your Democratic senators need to hear from you right now.
Call: indivisible.org/resource/cal...
Email: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and they will connect you with your senator's office.
If you're represented by one of the squishier centrists, be sure to make a call. Now.
If you're represented by one of the squishier centrists, be sure to make a call. Now.
Sounds like the squishes in the senate caucus are ready to pull the plug with no ACA changes. This is real. If you want to register your opinion you shld call yr senator in the next hour. They not only want to reopen w/nothing. They want cover from their colleagues who still want to hold out.
November 9, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and they will connect you with your senator's office.
If you're represented by one of the squishier centrists, be sure to make a call. Now.
If you're represented by one of the squishier centrists, be sure to make a call. Now.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Sounds like the squishes in the senate caucus are ready to pull the plug with no ACA changes. This is real. If you want to register your opinion you shld call yr senator in the next hour. They not only want to reopen w/nothing. They want cover from their colleagues who still want to hold out.
November 9, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Sounds like the squishes in the senate caucus are ready to pull the plug with no ACA changes. This is real. If you want to register your opinion you shld call yr senator in the next hour. They not only want to reopen w/nothing. They want cover from their colleagues who still want to hold out.
Community patrol for Rapid Response Network at San Jose city hall rally.
Consider joining or supporting your local rapid response to help document and help your local community vs. ICE/DHS.
We are Stronger Together.
Shirt by @djinnandtonic.bsky.social; #wideawakes.
Consider joining or supporting your local rapid response to help document and help your local community vs. ICE/DHS.
We are Stronger Together.
Shirt by @djinnandtonic.bsky.social; #wideawakes.
November 9, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Community patrol for Rapid Response Network at San Jose city hall rally.
Consider joining or supporting your local rapid response to help document and help your local community vs. ICE/DHS.
We are Stronger Together.
Shirt by @djinnandtonic.bsky.social; #wideawakes.
Consider joining or supporting your local rapid response to help document and help your local community vs. ICE/DHS.
We are Stronger Together.
Shirt by @djinnandtonic.bsky.social; #wideawakes.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
I know several people who worked on this rollout. They were really proud of it.
The I.R.S. is shutting down its free online system for filing tax returns, a program that the Biden administration introduced last year and that users gave high marks.
via @tarasiegelbernard.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/b...
via @tarasiegelbernard.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/b...
I.R.S. Halts Free Online Offering for Filing Taxes Directly
www.nytimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:38 PM
I know several people who worked on this rollout. They were really proud of it.
I don't believe in metaphysical darkness as an external thing, but damned if I haven't seen it dozens of time since 2016.
Like we let something terrible in, while we were sleeping.
It's here now, walking our streets, shooting our priests with pepper balls and abducting teachers in front of kids.
Like we let something terrible in, while we were sleeping.
It's here now, walking our streets, shooting our priests with pepper balls and abducting teachers in front of kids.
November 9, 2025 at 7:33 AM
I don't believe in metaphysical darkness as an external thing, but damned if I haven't seen it dozens of time since 2016.
Like we let something terrible in, while we were sleeping.
It's here now, walking our streets, shooting our priests with pepper balls and abducting teachers in front of kids.
Like we let something terrible in, while we were sleeping.
It's here now, walking our streets, shooting our priests with pepper balls and abducting teachers in front of kids.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Sorry to see your number is up Baltimore.
Look to what Chicago is doing; join or support your local rapid response networks and pro-immigrant charities.
Help keep your city as safe as it can be from these fascist goons.
Look to what Chicago is doing; join or support your local rapid response networks and pro-immigrant charities.
Help keep your city as safe as it can be from these fascist goons.
ICE poised to ramp up raids in Baltimore by Thanksgiving
The Trump administration has rush-ordered infrastructure to conduct raids, abduct residents, and detain people for months.
www.beltway.news
November 9, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Sorry to see your number is up Baltimore.
Look to what Chicago is doing; join or support your local rapid response networks and pro-immigrant charities.
Help keep your city as safe as it can be from these fascist goons.
Look to what Chicago is doing; join or support your local rapid response networks and pro-immigrant charities.
Help keep your city as safe as it can be from these fascist goons.
Unfit to lead.
SCOOP: Schumer was more involved than reported with the attempted cave on the government shutdown. The Gang of 8 Senate Dems had his approval & he was getting daily updates.
In Thursday's caucus meeting, the Gang claimed they had 10 votes to cave. The caucus went nuts, leading to the new proposal.
In Thursday's caucus meeting, the Gang claimed they had 10 votes to cave. The caucus went nuts, leading to the new proposal.
Why Does Schumer Keep Trying to Cave? - The American Prospect
Most commentators, including me, concluded that the Tuesday election victory saved Democrats from capitulating to Republican demands to pass a simple continuing resolution to re-open the government, i...
prospect.org
November 9, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Unfit to lead.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
This is more easily executable with a three-wish genie, but it's good to be prepared for all circumstances.
COMIC ◆ www.smbc-comics.com/comic/fish-3
PATREON ◆ www.patreon.com/ZachWeinersm...
STORE ◆ smbc-store.myshopify.com
COMIC ◆ www.smbc-comics.com/comic/fish-3
PATREON ◆ www.patreon.com/ZachWeinersm...
STORE ◆ smbc-store.myshopify.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:30 PM
This is more easily executable with a three-wish genie, but it's good to be prepared for all circumstances.
COMIC ◆ www.smbc-comics.com/comic/fish-3
PATREON ◆ www.patreon.com/ZachWeinersm...
STORE ◆ smbc-store.myshopify.com
COMIC ◆ www.smbc-comics.com/comic/fish-3
PATREON ◆ www.patreon.com/ZachWeinersm...
STORE ◆ smbc-store.myshopify.com
Wow, savage post-humous obituary.
Quick notes:
1. Scariest words in the English language: 'I'm a successful auto-didact, and I'm here to help!'
2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ne_supr... is a reminder that this is the source of many of our ills today.
Quick notes:
1. Scariest words in the English language: 'I'm a successful auto-didact, and I'm here to help!'
2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ne_supr... is a reminder that this is the source of many of our ills today.
November 8, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Wow, savage post-humous obituary.
Quick notes:
1. Scariest words in the English language: 'I'm a successful auto-didact, and I'm here to help!'
2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ne_supr... is a reminder that this is the source of many of our ills today.
Quick notes:
1. Scariest words in the English language: 'I'm a successful auto-didact, and I'm here to help!'
2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ne_supr... is a reminder that this is the source of many of our ills today.