Demental
@demental.bsky.social
A democrat just trying to make sense of it all. This place seems to nurture that
Pinned
Demental
@demental.bsky.social
· Sep 22
I suspect they are cramming through every business wish list item they can - mergers, acquisitions, licensing agreements…
It will be hell to de-monopolize/fix later and they’ll pull up the ladder behind them. When Dems in charge suddenly the rules will REALLY matter to protect the status quo
It will be hell to de-monopolize/fix later and they’ll pull up the ladder behind them. When Dems in charge suddenly the rules will REALLY matter to protect the status quo
It’s not just no king, 🇺🇸 is built on the idea that POWER CORRUPTS. That’s why we have the checks & balances
And MONEY = POWER
That’s why so many seemingly good people change when they become billionaires or stay in politics too long. Very few individuals can resist that level of temptation
🧵
And MONEY = POWER
That’s why so many seemingly good people change when they become billionaires or stay in politics too long. Very few individuals can resist that level of temptation
🧵
October 23, 2025 at 12:49 AM
It’s not just no king, 🇺🇸 is built on the idea that POWER CORRUPTS. That’s why we have the checks & balances
And MONEY = POWER
That’s why so many seemingly good people change when they become billionaires or stay in politics too long. Very few individuals can resist that level of temptation
🧵
And MONEY = POWER
That’s why so many seemingly good people change when they become billionaires or stay in politics too long. Very few individuals can resist that level of temptation
🧵
Evil, I think, is the absence of empathy
-Cpt. Gilbert, Nuremberg trials
I focus on the erosion of rights and the power over us that grows. I’m an analytical person, I intellectualize
But the suffering is more important. The people in ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, helpless w/o their dignity
This is evil
-Cpt. Gilbert, Nuremberg trials
I focus on the erosion of rights and the power over us that grows. I’m an analytical person, I intellectualize
But the suffering is more important. The people in ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, helpless w/o their dignity
This is evil
The official voice of the US government is cruel, gross, and weird. What is that doing to us?
Joking memes about imprisonment, deportation, and death by alligator are designed to radicalize and desensitize.
www.motherjones.com
August 17, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Evil, I think, is the absence of empathy
-Cpt. Gilbert, Nuremberg trials
I focus on the erosion of rights and the power over us that grows. I’m an analytical person, I intellectualize
But the suffering is more important. The people in ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, helpless w/o their dignity
This is evil
-Cpt. Gilbert, Nuremberg trials
I focus on the erosion of rights and the power over us that grows. I’m an analytical person, I intellectualize
But the suffering is more important. The people in ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, helpless w/o their dignity
This is evil
We currently have two critical problems
1- fascism
2- corrupt elites
2 got us 1. 2 also gave us major ones like
3- foreign adversaries
4- private equity & big tech/corp
5- Christofascism
Public service and journalism as a Fox/CNN talking head or book deals shouldn’t make one rich/elite
1/4
1- fascism
2- corrupt elites
2 got us 1. 2 also gave us major ones like
3- foreign adversaries
4- private equity & big tech/corp
5- Christofascism
Public service and journalism as a Fox/CNN talking head or book deals shouldn’t make one rich/elite
1/4
August 12, 2025 at 11:22 AM
We currently have two critical problems
1- fascism
2- corrupt elites
2 got us 1. 2 also gave us major ones like
3- foreign adversaries
4- private equity & big tech/corp
5- Christofascism
Public service and journalism as a Fox/CNN talking head or book deals shouldn’t make one rich/elite
1/4
1- fascism
2- corrupt elites
2 got us 1. 2 also gave us major ones like
3- foreign adversaries
4- private equity & big tech/corp
5- Christofascism
Public service and journalism as a Fox/CNN talking head or book deals shouldn’t make one rich/elite
1/4
We are fighting the wrong fight on tariffs
TAXES controlled by congress
TARIFFS controlled by president
He & cronies are making 🇺🇸 worse so that he can spend on what he wants - often to grab/consolidate power. As usual, media failing to look at the big picture and instead debating merits of tariffs
TAXES controlled by congress
TARIFFS controlled by president
He & cronies are making 🇺🇸 worse so that he can spend on what he wants - often to grab/consolidate power. As usual, media failing to look at the big picture and instead debating merits of tariffs
August 8, 2025 at 2:30 PM
We are fighting the wrong fight on tariffs
TAXES controlled by congress
TARIFFS controlled by president
He & cronies are making 🇺🇸 worse so that he can spend on what he wants - often to grab/consolidate power. As usual, media failing to look at the big picture and instead debating merits of tariffs
TAXES controlled by congress
TARIFFS controlled by president
He & cronies are making 🇺🇸 worse so that he can spend on what he wants - often to grab/consolidate power. As usual, media failing to look at the big picture and instead debating merits of tariffs
Palantir is the enemy
Thiel & Vance have their eye on the decades beyond the Trump/Musk era of power
What’s the point of having laws, like the Privacy Act referenced, if the Executive can just ignore them and take all our information - while not even protecting it?
Thiel & Vance have their eye on the decades beyond the Trump/Musk era of power
What’s the point of having laws, like the Privacy Act referenced, if the Executive can just ignore them and take all our information - while not even protecting it?
From the technology community on Reddit: House Democrats: DOGE is building a ‘master database’ of Americans’ sensitive information
Explore this post and more from the technology community
www.reddit.com
April 19, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Palantir is the enemy
Thiel & Vance have their eye on the decades beyond the Trump/Musk era of power
What’s the point of having laws, like the Privacy Act referenced, if the Executive can just ignore them and take all our information - while not even protecting it?
Thiel & Vance have their eye on the decades beyond the Trump/Musk era of power
What’s the point of having laws, like the Privacy Act referenced, if the Executive can just ignore them and take all our information - while not even protecting it?
Tho used interchangeably, I now believe there is a real difference between science and tech
Scientists are curious, follow the evidence wherever it leads, must be open-minded & are smart enough to understand data/facts
Tech is more exploitative, tied to profit, w/ high sales/bullshit factor
1/3
Scientists are curious, follow the evidence wherever it leads, must be open-minded & are smart enough to understand data/facts
Tech is more exploitative, tied to profit, w/ high sales/bullshit factor
1/3
April 9, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Tho used interchangeably, I now believe there is a real difference between science and tech
Scientists are curious, follow the evidence wherever it leads, must be open-minded & are smart enough to understand data/facts
Tech is more exploitative, tied to profit, w/ high sales/bullshit factor
1/3
Scientists are curious, follow the evidence wherever it leads, must be open-minded & are smart enough to understand data/facts
Tech is more exploitative, tied to profit, w/ high sales/bullshit factor
1/3
Ok 🇺🇸 as a business. Let’s look at shareholder value
✅ time saved in life by pooling resources
✅ access to things we own, like parks
✅ administration of our income(taxes)/expenses(incl services)
✅ knowledge/expertise of our employees
Doge cut SOME COSTS, but the VALUE of 🇺🇸/ citizen is down
1/2
✅ time saved in life by pooling resources
✅ access to things we own, like parks
✅ administration of our income(taxes)/expenses(incl services)
✅ knowledge/expertise of our employees
Doge cut SOME COSTS, but the VALUE of 🇺🇸/ citizen is down
1/2
The reason why you don’t run a government like you run a business is because Jersey Mike’s does not have the capacity to drop atomic weaponry on my house if I stop buying sandwiches there
“America is deeply unprofitable” it’s a country not a B2B startup you fucking dweeb
March 13, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Ok 🇺🇸 as a business. Let’s look at shareholder value
✅ time saved in life by pooling resources
✅ access to things we own, like parks
✅ administration of our income(taxes)/expenses(incl services)
✅ knowledge/expertise of our employees
Doge cut SOME COSTS, but the VALUE of 🇺🇸/ citizen is down
1/2
✅ time saved in life by pooling resources
✅ access to things we own, like parks
✅ administration of our income(taxes)/expenses(incl services)
✅ knowledge/expertise of our employees
Doge cut SOME COSTS, but the VALUE of 🇺🇸/ citizen is down
1/2
Here is where art does its thing.
I am reminded that a man who performed two Nazi salutes, supported the AfD, and tweeted Nazi puns to troll & gaslight afterwards…
…has an office in the White House
Felt that pain & sadness all over again reading this
I am reminded that a man who performed two Nazi salutes, supported the AfD, and tweeted Nazi puns to troll & gaslight afterwards…
…has an office in the White House
Felt that pain & sadness all over again reading this
I wrote about why the most important Oscar nominee is the movie about how living under authoritarian rule can feel surprisingly normal.
The Year’s Most Urgent Best Picture Contender Is the One Almost No One Has Seen
I’m Still Here has a warning—and a reason for hope.
slate.com
March 2, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Here is where art does its thing.
I am reminded that a man who performed two Nazi salutes, supported the AfD, and tweeted Nazi puns to troll & gaslight afterwards…
…has an office in the White House
Felt that pain & sadness all over again reading this
I am reminded that a man who performed two Nazi salutes, supported the AfD, and tweeted Nazi puns to troll & gaslight afterwards…
…has an office in the White House
Felt that pain & sadness all over again reading this
Put the nerds back in charge
It’s boring but everything works and the trains run on time
But no. My fellow Americans keep choosing drama train crash soap opera trash reality tv rape housewives melting icecaps messiah can fix what they themselves broke mess fascism
Are you not entertained?
It’s boring but everything works and the trains run on time
But no. My fellow Americans keep choosing drama train crash soap opera trash reality tv rape housewives melting icecaps messiah can fix what they themselves broke mess fascism
Are you not entertained?
February 28, 2025 at 3:47 AM
Put the nerds back in charge
It’s boring but everything works and the trains run on time
But no. My fellow Americans keep choosing drama train crash soap opera trash reality tv rape housewives melting icecaps messiah can fix what they themselves broke mess fascism
Are you not entertained?
It’s boring but everything works and the trains run on time
But no. My fellow Americans keep choosing drama train crash soap opera trash reality tv rape housewives melting icecaps messiah can fix what they themselves broke mess fascism
Are you not entertained?
FOLLOW THE DATA
Elon & Doge can
- See who gets $
- Stop who gets $
- Get info to influence gov contracts
But most dangerously, the data they obtain can be used to train AI models
Although important, we’re now past the q’s of admin/read/write access
These are questions that should be asked:
🧵
Elon & Doge can
- See who gets $
- Stop who gets $
- Get info to influence gov contracts
But most dangerously, the data they obtain can be used to train AI models
Although important, we’re now past the q’s of admin/read/write access
These are questions that should be asked:
🧵
February 6, 2025 at 12:52 PM
FOLLOW THE DATA
Elon & Doge can
- See who gets $
- Stop who gets $
- Get info to influence gov contracts
But most dangerously, the data they obtain can be used to train AI models
Although important, we’re now past the q’s of admin/read/write access
These are questions that should be asked:
🧵
Elon & Doge can
- See who gets $
- Stop who gets $
- Get info to influence gov contracts
But most dangerously, the data they obtain can be used to train AI models
Although important, we’re now past the q’s of admin/read/write access
These are questions that should be asked:
🧵
This is an absolutely brilliant thread. The information is organized to very quickly flip through, it’s summarized well, and it’s presented perfectly for this medium
Media take note!
@wyden.senate.gov, thank you for this
Media take note!
@wyden.senate.gov, thank you for this
NEW: My staff just got ahold of this memo from House Budget Committee Republicans. It's lengthy and hard to digest but it tells us exactly how Republicans plan to sell out the American people for another round of tax cuts to the rich. We're breaking down the highlights as we go:
www.finance.senate.gov
January 17, 2025 at 9:46 PM
This is an absolutely brilliant thread. The information is organized to very quickly flip through, it’s summarized well, and it’s presented perfectly for this medium
Media take note!
@wyden.senate.gov, thank you for this
Media take note!
@wyden.senate.gov, thank you for this
This was brilliant - read to see how SCOTUS views the ALGORITHM compared to the content of social media
Not only did this 🧵 succinctly explain TikTok oral args, I have a much better understanding of the issue
@stevenmazie.bsky.social, thanks and I actually find this format better than an article
Not only did this 🧵 succinctly explain TikTok oral args, I have a much better understanding of the issue
@stevenmazie.bsky.social, thanks and I actually find this format better than an article
I’ll be live-**eyeing parts of the hearing in this thread. It’s going to be a long one, with two hours allocated for argument plus untold extra time for justice-by-justice questions.
Get your dance moves ready.
Get your dance moves ready.
January 12, 2025 at 4:20 PM
This was brilliant - read to see how SCOTUS views the ALGORITHM compared to the content of social media
Not only did this 🧵 succinctly explain TikTok oral args, I have a much better understanding of the issue
@stevenmazie.bsky.social, thanks and I actually find this format better than an article
Not only did this 🧵 succinctly explain TikTok oral args, I have a much better understanding of the issue
@stevenmazie.bsky.social, thanks and I actually find this format better than an article
A heartwarming account of how Christianity became a dominant religion. Contrast this with Christian Nationalists’ views today, opposed to Jesus’s teachings
I had always wistfully admired people of faith. Trump’s first term stole my faith in those that have faith
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I had always wistfully admired people of faith. Trump’s first term stole my faith in those that have faith
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The birth of Jesus would probably have been forgotten – if it wasn’t for a plague | Jonathan Kennedy
When a terrifying Ebola-like pandemic struck the Roman empire, Christianity offered solutions that the old ways didn’t, says academic and author Jonathan Kennedy
www.theguardian.com
December 25, 2024 at 5:47 PM
A heartwarming account of how Christianity became a dominant religion. Contrast this with Christian Nationalists’ views today, opposed to Jesus’s teachings
I had always wistfully admired people of faith. Trump’s first term stole my faith in those that have faith
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I had always wistfully admired people of faith. Trump’s first term stole my faith in those that have faith
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Gov contracts for sale! And I suspect we are also witnessing a hostile takeover of the military industrial complex by the broligarchy.
I shed no tears for Lockheed et al. but we really need to follow the money in the coming years
www.cnbc.com/2024/12/23/t...
I shed no tears for Lockheed et al. but we really need to follow the money in the coming years
www.cnbc.com/2024/12/23/t...
Silicon Valley's White House influence grows as Trump taps tech execs for key roles
Trump nominated top tech leaders for key spots in his administration, including executives who've held roles at Andreessen Horowitz and PayPal.
www.cnbc.com
December 24, 2024 at 7:40 AM
Gov contracts for sale! And I suspect we are also witnessing a hostile takeover of the military industrial complex by the broligarchy.
I shed no tears for Lockheed et al. but we really need to follow the money in the coming years
www.cnbc.com/2024/12/23/t...
I shed no tears for Lockheed et al. but we really need to follow the money in the coming years
www.cnbc.com/2024/12/23/t...
Two recent articles reminded me the world essentially has the same problem as lack of coverage on Biden’s economy:
🇨🇦 implemented a ‘carbon tax’
🇬🇧 massive housing & clean energy plans
Details of the both following but note the lack of 📰, the vilification & hidden wins
🧵
bsky.app/profile/your...
🇨🇦 implemented a ‘carbon tax’
🇬🇧 massive housing & clean energy plans
Details of the both following but note the lack of 📰, the vilification & hidden wins
🧵
bsky.app/profile/your...
Canada, UK, Germany are primary targets for the Russia right now. Elon Musk is helping the Kremlin amplify its influence operations and bankrolling the politicians favourable to Putin. This is an attack on democracy and an operation to decrease support and aid for Ukraine.
December 23, 2024 at 7:10 PM
Two recent articles reminded me the world essentially has the same problem as lack of coverage on Biden’s economy:
🇨🇦 implemented a ‘carbon tax’
🇬🇧 massive housing & clean energy plans
Details of the both following but note the lack of 📰, the vilification & hidden wins
🧵
bsky.app/profile/your...
🇨🇦 implemented a ‘carbon tax’
🇬🇧 massive housing & clean energy plans
Details of the both following but note the lack of 📰, the vilification & hidden wins
🧵
bsky.app/profile/your...
I don’t see Bluesky as an echo-chamber, I see it as an idea-chamber.
I have experienced so many insights on here that have helped me refine my point of view in a way that feels empowering. Like I’m understanding more.
Case and point, this recent one I’m still reeling from
bsky.app/profile/deme...
I have experienced so many insights on here that have helped me refine my point of view in a way that feels empowering. Like I’m understanding more.
Case and point, this recent one I’m still reeling from
bsky.app/profile/deme...
Addiction: that’s what UPFs and social media (& tobacco) have in common
I couldn’t stop thinking about this article… What if we have some mechanism to determine and then measure addiction?
Ultraprocessed food and the phone are INTENTIONALLY addictive. A higher-level law to regulate companies… 1/
I couldn’t stop thinking about this article… What if we have some mechanism to determine and then measure addiction?
Ultraprocessed food and the phone are INTENTIONALLY addictive. A higher-level law to regulate companies… 1/
December 21, 2024 at 2:33 AM
I don’t see Bluesky as an echo-chamber, I see it as an idea-chamber.
I have experienced so many insights on here that have helped me refine my point of view in a way that feels empowering. Like I’m understanding more.
Case and point, this recent one I’m still reeling from
bsky.app/profile/deme...
I have experienced so many insights on here that have helped me refine my point of view in a way that feels empowering. Like I’m understanding more.
Case and point, this recent one I’m still reeling from
bsky.app/profile/deme...
I can’t see any benefit to her resigning? Why make it any easier?
“Until Meador steps in, Khan is able to keep serving as a commissioner—which would leave Ferguson in the unenviable position of presiding over a commission where he’s in the minority.”
Lina Khan is 🔥
www.barrons.com/articles/tru...
“Until Meador steps in, Khan is able to keep serving as a commissioner—which would leave Ferguson in the unenviable position of presiding over a commission where he’s in the minority.”
Lina Khan is 🔥
www.barrons.com/articles/tru...
If Lina Khan Refuses to Step Down from FTC, Trump's Pick for Chair Will Be Put in a Unusual Position
One by one, President Joe Biden’s agency heads have said they’ll step down in time for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. The major exception so far: Federal Trade Commission Chai...
www.barrons.com
December 18, 2024 at 1:29 AM
I can’t see any benefit to her resigning? Why make it any easier?
“Until Meador steps in, Khan is able to keep serving as a commissioner—which would leave Ferguson in the unenviable position of presiding over a commission where he’s in the minority.”
Lina Khan is 🔥
www.barrons.com/articles/tru...
“Until Meador steps in, Khan is able to keep serving as a commissioner—which would leave Ferguson in the unenviable position of presiding over a commission where he’s in the minority.”
Lina Khan is 🔥
www.barrons.com/articles/tru...
Way to go Joe! THIS is the type of reporting we need to see!
To summarize some of the main points:
🧵
bsky.app/profile/newr...
To summarize some of the main points:
🧵
bsky.app/profile/newr...
By nearly every metric, Bidenomics was a roaring success. It would be a mistake to ignore or forget the lessons that can be gleaned from the administration’s robust economic policy.
Bidenomics Was Wildly Successful
The president’s domestic record wasn’t just extraordinary. It might put Democrats back in power in four years.
newrepublic.com
December 18, 2024 at 12:46 AM
Way to go Joe! THIS is the type of reporting we need to see!
To summarize some of the main points:
🧵
bsky.app/profile/newr...
To summarize some of the main points:
🧵
bsky.app/profile/newr...
“being watched and paranoid” became his normal
An artist capturing this ‘feeling’ is so important. The idea that there are right and wrong ways to think and behave.
Not only are we watching you, we can speculate on your REAL thoughts from what we see
bsky.app/profile/caro...
An artist capturing this ‘feeling’ is so important. The idea that there are right and wrong ways to think and behave.
Not only are we watching you, we can speculate on your REAL thoughts from what we see
bsky.app/profile/caro...
December 15, 2024 at 12:16 PM
“being watched and paranoid” became his normal
An artist capturing this ‘feeling’ is so important. The idea that there are right and wrong ways to think and behave.
Not only are we watching you, we can speculate on your REAL thoughts from what we see
bsky.app/profile/caro...
An artist capturing this ‘feeling’ is so important. The idea that there are right and wrong ways to think and behave.
Not only are we watching you, we can speculate on your REAL thoughts from what we see
bsky.app/profile/caro...
Great insight - this is by far the most important part IMO.
As we shift towards vibe/feelings (over facts), we are easier to both analyze and manipulate.
bsky.app/profile/theg...
As we shift towards vibe/feelings (over facts), we are easier to both analyze and manipulate.
bsky.app/profile/theg...
December 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Great insight - this is by far the most important part IMO.
As we shift towards vibe/feelings (over facts), we are easier to both analyze and manipulate.
bsky.app/profile/theg...
As we shift towards vibe/feelings (over facts), we are easier to both analyze and manipulate.
bsky.app/profile/theg...
This is really important - she is pointing out the right things
a) the algorithms CAN be manipulated - despite the protestations of social media companies
b) the methods to determine free/fair elections outdated
bsky.app/profile/poli...
a) the algorithms CAN be manipulated - despite the protestations of social media companies
b) the methods to determine free/fair elections outdated
bsky.app/profile/poli...
December 11, 2024 at 1:04 AM
This is really important - she is pointing out the right things
a) the algorithms CAN be manipulated - despite the protestations of social media companies
b) the methods to determine free/fair elections outdated
bsky.app/profile/poli...
a) the algorithms CAN be manipulated - despite the protestations of social media companies
b) the methods to determine free/fair elections outdated
bsky.app/profile/poli...
This article vitally addresses the shitshow our media has left us in.
“Not the threats, but the facts.”
Very well written and articulates exactly how media short-circuits (with good intentions) its responsibility
time.com/7199622/trum...
“Not the threats, but the facts.”
Very well written and articulates exactly how media short-circuits (with good intentions) its responsibility
time.com/7199622/trum...
December 5, 2024 at 3:24 PM
This article vitally addresses the shitshow our media has left us in.
“Not the threats, but the facts.”
Very well written and articulates exactly how media short-circuits (with good intentions) its responsibility
time.com/7199622/trum...
“Not the threats, but the facts.”
Very well written and articulates exactly how media short-circuits (with good intentions) its responsibility
time.com/7199622/trum...
Surprisingly, I’m spending more time on Bluesky than Reddit (which I love)
Figured out why. Remember Dr Gottman’s research about contempt? That’s what’s missing here and is ubiquitous everywhere else.
The snarky trolls sucking the energy out of positive interactions
continued…
Figured out why. Remember Dr Gottman’s research about contempt? That’s what’s missing here and is ubiquitous everywhere else.
The snarky trolls sucking the energy out of positive interactions
continued…
December 3, 2024 at 2:37 PM
Surprisingly, I’m spending more time on Bluesky than Reddit (which I love)
Figured out why. Remember Dr Gottman’s research about contempt? That’s what’s missing here and is ubiquitous everywhere else.
The snarky trolls sucking the energy out of positive interactions
continued…
Figured out why. Remember Dr Gottman’s research about contempt? That’s what’s missing here and is ubiquitous everywhere else.
The snarky trolls sucking the energy out of positive interactions
continued…
Why are we ceding the economy to the Republicans? Biden rocked the economy and instead of shouting this from the rooftops, we're letting the bad guys write the story.
From now until inauguration, the media should be blasting the public with what Biden DID. Claim it so they can't.
From now until inauguration, the media should be blasting the public with what Biden DID. Claim it so they can't.
November 24, 2024 at 8:43 PM
Why are we ceding the economy to the Republicans? Biden rocked the economy and instead of shouting this from the rooftops, we're letting the bad guys write the story.
From now until inauguration, the media should be blasting the public with what Biden DID. Claim it so they can't.
From now until inauguration, the media should be blasting the public with what Biden DID. Claim it so they can't.