David Sacerdote
@davidsacerdote.bsky.social
Software engineer.
Mostly talk climate and related politics.
Mostly talk climate and related politics.
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Look, the guy built his empire on:
- bankrupt casinos
- losing money on skyscrapers
- worthless memecoins
- social networks no one uses
by converting them all into money laundering and bribery machines. Yes, the oil is shitty, but that probably isn't the point.
- bankrupt casinos
- losing money on skyscrapers
- worthless memecoins
- social networks no one uses
by converting them all into money laundering and bribery machines. Yes, the oil is shitty, but that probably isn't the point.
I happen to know quite a bit about Venezuelan oil.
TL;DR it’s hard to extract, notoriously investor-endangering, isn’t needed (global crude is oversupplied to the tune of 3.3 min bpd) and isn’t easily refined (it’s too dense so always sold at a heavy discount)
www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/202...
TL;DR it’s hard to extract, notoriously investor-endangering, isn’t needed (global crude is oversupplied to the tune of 3.3 min bpd) and isn’t easily refined (it’s too dense so always sold at a heavy discount)
www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/202...
Venezuela has the world’s most oil: Why doesn’t it earn more from exports?
Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, more than five times more than the United States.
www.aljazeera.com
January 4, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Look, the guy built his empire on:
- bankrupt casinos
- losing money on skyscrapers
- worthless memecoins
- social networks no one uses
by converting them all into money laundering and bribery machines. Yes, the oil is shitty, but that probably isn't the point.
- bankrupt casinos
- losing money on skyscrapers
- worthless memecoins
- social networks no one uses
by converting them all into money laundering and bribery machines. Yes, the oil is shitty, but that probably isn't the point.
Reposted by David Sacerdote
How much has Operation Midway Blitz cost the federal government so far? The Trump administration isn't saying, so for the @chicagotribune.com I came up with a rough -- but conservative -- estimate of $59 million and counting. Check out more at this gift link www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/o...
Cost of Operation Midway Blitz: $59M and counting
A Tribune review of court filings, databases and other public records detailing the scope of the incursion and typical costs shows how much the federal government has spent since September.
www.chicagotribune.com
January 4, 2026 at 4:24 PM
How much has Operation Midway Blitz cost the federal government so far? The Trump administration isn't saying, so for the @chicagotribune.com I came up with a rough -- but conservative -- estimate of $59 million and counting. Check out more at this gift link www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/o...
Reposted by David Sacerdote
extermina a "fauna selvagem" e colapsa o agronegócio por óbvio
"É preciso exterminar toda a fauna selvagem": a radicalização do agronegócio na Catalunha entra em conflito com organizações de proteção da biodiversidade. www.publico.es/sociedad/m-a...
"Hay que exterminar toda la fauna salvaje": la radicalización de ciertos sectores agrarios choca con entidades de protección a la biodiversidad
Durante la última protesta agraria en Catalunya, varios agricultores colgaron de un puente de la carretera C-17 un jabalí y un ciervo muerto.
www.publico.es
January 4, 2026 at 2:01 PM
extermina a "fauna selvagem" e colapsa o agronegócio por óbvio
Reposted by David Sacerdote
This too is a kind of climate politics.
Trump: "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country. And we are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so."
January 3, 2026 at 5:19 PM
This too is a kind of climate politics.
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Venezuela's oil is among the dirtiest oils in the world to produce when it comes to global warming.
But revitalizing the industry will take years (it’s taken Iraq 20+). Even harder with only ‘concepts of a plan’
My thoughts for @juliaradio.bsky.social @npr.org
www.npr.org/2026/01/04/n...
But revitalizing the industry will take years (it’s taken Iraq 20+). Even harder with only ‘concepts of a plan’
My thoughts for @juliaradio.bsky.social @npr.org
www.npr.org/2026/01/04/n...
Trump wants U.S. oil companies in Venezuela. Here's what to know
President Trump wants more U.S. oil companies to "go in" to Venezuela. But there are economic, historical, and climate reasons that may not be easy. Here's what you need to know about oil in Venezuela...
www.npr.org
January 4, 2026 at 2:32 PM
Venezuela's oil is among the dirtiest oils in the world to produce when it comes to global warming.
But revitalizing the industry will take years (it’s taken Iraq 20+). Even harder with only ‘concepts of a plan’
My thoughts for @juliaradio.bsky.social @npr.org
www.npr.org/2026/01/04/n...
But revitalizing the industry will take years (it’s taken Iraq 20+). Even harder with only ‘concepts of a plan’
My thoughts for @juliaradio.bsky.social @npr.org
www.npr.org/2026/01/04/n...
Reposted by David Sacerdote
There are definite parallels in how both of these conflicts are being sold to the public. But while down from his immediate post-9/11 high, Bush (unlike Trump today) was still popular in early 2003. His ratings weren't underwater until 2004, when it was clear the war was out of control.
January 4, 2026 at 2:29 PM
There are definite parallels in how both of these conflicts are being sold to the public. But while down from his immediate post-9/11 high, Bush (unlike Trump today) was still popular in early 2003. His ratings weren't underwater until 2004, when it was clear the war was out of control.
Reposted by David Sacerdote
To add to the madness of it all, the attack on Venezuela is clearly, above all, an oil grab. But we scarcely need oil any more.
January 4, 2026 at 11:33 AM
To add to the madness of it all, the attack on Venezuela is clearly, above all, an oil grab. But we scarcely need oil any more.
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Why I support #offshorewind
Southern New England has no other clean energy source available now which can reduce our dependence on imported #fossilfuels, which are driving #climatechange. Here's our 2019 study w/SEI: #OSW rose to the top.
Courts must stop the attack.
www.sei.org/publications...
Southern New England has no other clean energy source available now which can reduce our dependence on imported #fossilfuels, which are driving #climatechange. Here's our 2019 study w/SEI: #OSW rose to the top.
Courts must stop the attack.
www.sei.org/publications...
Deeper Decarbonization in the Ocean State
This study – from SEI and Brown University's Climate and Development Lab – finds that Rhode Island can feasibly decarbonize its economy in one or two decades.
www.sei.org
January 4, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Why I support #offshorewind
Southern New England has no other clean energy source available now which can reduce our dependence on imported #fossilfuels, which are driving #climatechange. Here's our 2019 study w/SEI: #OSW rose to the top.
Courts must stop the attack.
www.sei.org/publications...
Southern New England has no other clean energy source available now which can reduce our dependence on imported #fossilfuels, which are driving #climatechange. Here's our 2019 study w/SEI: #OSW rose to the top.
Courts must stop the attack.
www.sei.org/publications...
Reposted by David Sacerdote
We must pass Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s War Powers Resolution that asserts Congress' authorities, and Trump must be impeached. 2/2
January 3, 2026 at 6:38 PM
We must pass Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s War Powers Resolution that asserts Congress' authorities, and Trump must be impeached. 2/2
Reposted by David Sacerdote
This is a good piece summing up why Venezuela's oil is at least a partial real factor in what happened over the past few days, beyond just 'big reserves'.
Some big US oil majors aren't exactly thrilled but the industry itself never found a dirty, inefficient project it couldn't get subsidised....
Some big US oil majors aren't exactly thrilled but the industry itself never found a dirty, inefficient project it couldn't get subsidised....
Why is Donald Trump so interested in Venezuela's oil?
US is the world's biggest oil producer by a country mile - but that's light crude oil, meaning it is still totally dependent on trade to meet its demands for heavy oil. And that brings us to Venezuela
news.sky.com/story/how-m...
US is the world's biggest oil producer by a country mile - but that's light crude oil, meaning it is still totally dependent on trade to meet its demands for heavy oil. And that brings us to Venezuela
news.sky.com/story/how-m...
Why is Donald Trump so interested in Venezuela's oil?
The US is the world's biggest oil producer by a country mile - but that's light crude oil, meaning it is still totally dependent on trade to meet its demands for heavy oil. And that brings us to Venezuela.
news.sky.com
January 4, 2026 at 10:40 AM
This is a good piece summing up why Venezuela's oil is at least a partial real factor in what happened over the past few days, beyond just 'big reserves'.
Some big US oil majors aren't exactly thrilled but the industry itself never found a dirty, inefficient project it couldn't get subsidised....
Some big US oil majors aren't exactly thrilled but the industry itself never found a dirty, inefficient project it couldn't get subsidised....
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Last year, Trump promised American oil executives “a great deal” if they donated $1 billion to his campaign.
Today, he gave them Venezuela — home to the largest oil reserves in the world.
This new war is not only illegal and reckless; it is deeply corrupt.
Today, he gave them Venezuela — home to the largest oil reserves in the world.
This new war is not only illegal and reckless; it is deeply corrupt.
January 3, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Last year, Trump promised American oil executives “a great deal” if they donated $1 billion to his campaign.
Today, he gave them Venezuela — home to the largest oil reserves in the world.
This new war is not only illegal and reckless; it is deeply corrupt.
Today, he gave them Venezuela — home to the largest oil reserves in the world.
This new war is not only illegal and reckless; it is deeply corrupt.
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Happening now: several hundred people are pouring into Chicago's downtown Federal Plaza.
It's 25 degrees outside.
Organizers are leading the crowd in a chant of, "no boots on the ground, no bombs in the air!"
Two protesters hold a large banner reading, "no war for Venezuela oil."
It's 25 degrees outside.
Organizers are leading the crowd in a chant of, "no boots on the ground, no bombs in the air!"
Two protesters hold a large banner reading, "no war for Venezuela oil."
January 3, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Happening now: several hundred people are pouring into Chicago's downtown Federal Plaza.
It's 25 degrees outside.
Organizers are leading the crowd in a chant of, "no boots on the ground, no bombs in the air!"
Two protesters hold a large banner reading, "no war for Venezuela oil."
It's 25 degrees outside.
Organizers are leading the crowd in a chant of, "no boots on the ground, no bombs in the air!"
Two protesters hold a large banner reading, "no war for Venezuela oil."
Reposted by David Sacerdote
and then for hours used passive voice to pretend they had no idea who was behind the apparently spontaneous explosions
(Semafor) - The New York Times and Washington Post learned of a secret US raid on Venezuela soon before it was scheduled to begin Friday night — but held off publishing what they knew to avoid endangering US troops ..
@semafor.com
www.semafor.com/article/01/0...
@semafor.com
www.semafor.com/article/01/0...
January 4, 2026 at 2:22 AM
and then for hours used passive voice to pretend they had no idea who was behind the apparently spontaneous explosions
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Instead of whatever this is, we should have a government getting lots of new homes and apartments built, lots of clean energy built, lots of high speed rail and transit and bike lanes built, human rights for everyone, economic & healthcare opportunities for all, & innovation that leads the world.
January 4, 2026 at 2:12 AM
Instead of whatever this is, we should have a government getting lots of new homes and apartments built, lots of clean energy built, lots of high speed rail and transit and bike lanes built, human rights for everyone, economic & healthcare opportunities for all, & innovation that leads the world.
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Folks like to say "twitter is not the real world" but the government is being run by people addicted to it, and who take actions based on how many twitter likes it will generate, and approving comments it will get from their favorite Twitter accounts
January 3, 2026 at 8:38 PM
Folks like to say "twitter is not the real world" but the government is being run by people addicted to it, and who take actions based on how many twitter likes it will generate, and approving comments it will get from their favorite Twitter accounts
Reposted by David Sacerdote
They are putting Americans’ safety in danger while destabilizing the region to enrich themselves.
Congress must act, and Trump must be impeached.
Congress must act, and Trump must be impeached.
January 3, 2026 at 5:15 PM
They are putting Americans’ safety in danger while destabilizing the region to enrich themselves.
Congress must act, and Trump must be impeached.
Congress must act, and Trump must be impeached.
I just did a significant update to the list which drives the Democrats Feed, adding a large number of Democrats who have joined in the last few months.
If you see an account which shouldn't be in this feed, or one which needs to be added, please let me know.
bsky.app/profile/davi...
If you see an account which shouldn't be in this feed, or one which needs to be added, please let me know.
bsky.app/profile/davi...
January 4, 2026 at 3:48 AM
I just did a significant update to the list which drives the Democrats Feed, adding a large number of Democrats who have joined in the last few months.
If you see an account which shouldn't be in this feed, or one which needs to be added, please let me know.
bsky.app/profile/davi...
If you see an account which shouldn't be in this feed, or one which needs to be added, please let me know.
bsky.app/profile/davi...
Reposted by David Sacerdote
This preemption strips California regulators of the ability to require additional safety equipment. bsky.app/profile/dust...
Notable that with today’s announcement about offshore oil development, that there was no mention of existing oil platforms off southern California dependent on pipelines owned by Sable, who is counting on a lifeline from the Trump administration.
This article was just un-paywalled and makes the case for why, “Sable is about to enter into a reflexive death spiral.” www.hfir.com/p/idea-sable... 🔌💡
January 4, 2026 at 2:02 AM
This preemption strips California regulators of the ability to require additional safety equipment. bsky.app/profile/dust...
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Cancer research costs too much but we have the money to run Venezuela
January 3, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Cancer research costs too much but we have the money to run Venezuela
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Wrote a thing:
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
Five Facets of the Attack on Venezuela by the Rogue Nation the US Has Become
1
They are saying it baldly: this is an oil grab. There is a history of oil grabs going back to British imperialism in the middle east in the late nineteenth century and murders of Osage Nation triba...
www.meditationsinanemergency.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Wrote a thing:
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
Strongest statement so far from any congrresmember.
President Trump’s unauthorized military action in Venezuela is unconstitutional, dangerous, and an impeachable abuse of power. Congress alone has the authority to declare war and Trump is once again ignoring the law to serve his own interests.
My full statement:
My full statement:
January 4, 2026 at 12:09 AM
Strongest statement so far from any congrresmember.
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Isn't that the implicit deal?
-- Central Asia and Eastern Europe for Russia.
-- Southeast Asia for China.
-- North and South America (including Greenland) for the United States.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politic...
-- Central Asia and Eastern Europe for Russia.
-- Southeast Asia for China.
-- North and South America (including Greenland) for the United States.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politic...
Political geography of Nineteen Eighty-Four - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 3, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Isn't that the implicit deal?
-- Central Asia and Eastern Europe for Russia.
-- Southeast Asia for China.
-- North and South America (including Greenland) for the United States.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politic...
-- Central Asia and Eastern Europe for Russia.
-- Southeast Asia for China.
-- North and South America (including Greenland) for the United States.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politic...
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Very important signal here. You can say it's abt oil. And part of it is. But the White House is actually being forced to strongarm the oil companies to get involved. www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
Trump admin sends tough private message to oil companies on Venezuela
The White House has told companies they must rebuild Venezuela's crude-pumping infrastructure if they want compensation for assets seized by Caracas.
www.politico.com
January 3, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Very important signal here. You can say it's abt oil. And part of it is. But the White House is actually being forced to strongarm the oil companies to get involved. www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
Reposted by David Sacerdote
"My strong assumption is that they now seem to be totally winging it," writes @joshtpm.bsky.social about Trump's assertion that the U.S. will now "run" Venezuela.
First Thoughts on Trump’s Excellent Venezuela Adventure
Let me share a few thoughts about the U.S. action overnight in...
talkingpointsmemo.com
January 3, 2026 at 10:24 PM
"My strong assumption is that they now seem to be totally winging it," writes @joshtpm.bsky.social about Trump's assertion that the U.S. will now "run" Venezuela.
Reposted by David Sacerdote
Scoop by @benlefebvre.bsky.social, @zcolman.bsky.social and James Bikales: Trump has a use-it-or-lose-it demand for oil companies thinking of returning to #Venezuela: They go back in NOW, and spend billions of $, or forget about compensation for their seized assets.
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
Trump’s message to oil companies on Venezuela: 'You gotta go in'
The White House has told companies they must to rebuild Venezuela's crude-pumping infrastructure if they want compensation for assets seized by Caracas.
www.politico.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Scoop by @benlefebvre.bsky.social, @zcolman.bsky.social and James Bikales: Trump has a use-it-or-lose-it demand for oil companies thinking of returning to #Venezuela: They go back in NOW, and spend billions of $, or forget about compensation for their seized assets.
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...