Jonah Blank
@jonahblank.bsky.social
Anthropologist, author, dad. Order purely alphabetical
Pinned
Jonah Blank
@jonahblank.bsky.social
· Nov 14
Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God: Retracing the Ramayana T…
The three-thousand-year-old epic Ramayana chronicles Lo…
goodreads.com
Who am I? What am I doing here?
Intro thread with links to some of my work.
My first book was "Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God: Retracing the Ramayana Through India"
goodreads.com/book/show/17...
[🧵 of publications]
In 2003, I worked on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Neo-cons argued it would be a "cake-walk" to invade a sovereign nation, oust its leader, and install somebody we liked.
Those of us who objected were told to shut up: "We'll be greeted as liberators!"
♦️We were right then, we're right now.
Those of us who objected were told to shut up: "We'll be greeted as liberators!"
♦️We were right then, we're right now.
President Trump said on Saturday that the U.S. had captured the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro. Follow live updates. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
January 3, 2026 at 2:13 PM
In 2003, I worked on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Neo-cons argued it would be a "cake-walk" to invade a sovereign nation, oust its leader, and install somebody we liked.
Those of us who objected were told to shut up: "We'll be greeted as liberators!"
♦️We were right then, we're right now.
Those of us who objected were told to shut up: "We'll be greeted as liberators!"
♦️We were right then, we're right now.
The target audience for Bari Weiss' MAGAfication of CBS is exactly one elderly man.
Whose dictatorial control over government regulation is far more important to the (multi-billionaire) owner of CBS than any possible number of viewers lost.
Whose dictatorial control over government regulation is far more important to the (multi-billionaire) owner of CBS than any possible number of viewers lost.
I have no idea who the target audience is for this CBS stuff - the strategy makes no sense unless it becomes Fox lite and Trump & co. start touting it.
this kind of signaling will do little to attract right-of-center viewers over from Fox or get low-engagement viewers with weak / ideologically unconstrained preferences to tune in, but it will actively cause them to lose left-of-center viewers to other outlets
January 3, 2026 at 2:26 AM
The target audience for Bari Weiss' MAGAfication of CBS is exactly one elderly man.
Whose dictatorial control over government regulation is far more important to the (multi-billionaire) owner of CBS than any possible number of viewers lost.
Whose dictatorial control over government regulation is far more important to the (multi-billionaire) owner of CBS than any possible number of viewers lost.
I haven't been a reporter for decades, but I've got a lot more experience in #journalism than #BariWeiss does.
Of all the editors for whom I worked, at three major outlets, not one of them had "five armed bodyguards." (Or even one).
Of all the editors for whom I worked, at three major outlets, not one of them had "five armed bodyguards." (Or even one).
"Weiss is planning on chartering a private plane to fly to each location for the “Live From America” tour this month. Besides taking Dokoupil and CBS Evening News executive producer Kim Harvey on the flights, Weiss’ personal security detail of five armed bodyguards will also be on board."
January 3, 2026 at 1:08 AM
I haven't been a reporter for decades, but I've got a lot more experience in #journalism than #BariWeiss does.
Of all the editors for whom I worked, at three major outlets, not one of them had "five armed bodyguards." (Or even one).
Of all the editors for whom I worked, at three major outlets, not one of them had "five armed bodyguards." (Or even one).
@amnanawaz.bsky.social did a good job, but should have noted that only Congress has the authority to change the Kennedy Center's name.
Grenell made no effort to hide his offensiveness ("let me educate you," "if you can understand"). This is why he has no Admin post:
♦️Even Trump's circle hate him.
Grenell made no effort to hide his offensiveness ("let me educate you," "if you can understand"). This is why he has no Admin post:
♦️Even Trump's circle hate him.
Watching the odious Richard Grenell, new boss of Kennedy Center, under relentless grilling by @amnanawaz.bsky.social on PBS NewsHour
Keeps referring to "the then-Kennedy Center."
This guy needs to be bracketed w Stephen Miller and Russell Vought in annals of our times.
Very good job by A Nawaz
Keeps referring to "the then-Kennedy Center."
This guy needs to be bracketed w Stephen Miller and Russell Vought in annals of our times.
Very good job by A Nawaz
January 3, 2026 at 1:04 AM
@amnanawaz.bsky.social did a good job, but should have noted that only Congress has the authority to change the Kennedy Center's name.
Grenell made no effort to hide his offensiveness ("let me educate you," "if you can understand"). This is why he has no Admin post:
♦️Even Trump's circle hate him.
Grenell made no effort to hide his offensiveness ("let me educate you," "if you can understand"). This is why he has no Admin post:
♦️Even Trump's circle hate him.
Because Grenell got beaten out for all the top Admin posts, he's been flying under the radar. But he's one of the most dangerous of Trump's acolytes, and he's not out forever:
♦️If Rubio lets his sycophancy ebb, Grenell's on hand.
♦️And in a Trump 3.0 (don't think it's not a real threat), he's up.
♦️If Rubio lets his sycophancy ebb, Grenell's on hand.
♦️And in a Trump 3.0 (don't think it's not a real threat), he's up.
Watching the odious Richard Grenell, new boss of Kennedy Center, under relentless grilling by @amnanawaz.bsky.social on PBS NewsHour
Keeps referring to "the then-Kennedy Center."
This guy needs to be bracketed w Stephen Miller and Russell Vought in annals of our times.
Very good job by A Nawaz
Keeps referring to "the then-Kennedy Center."
This guy needs to be bracketed w Stephen Miller and Russell Vought in annals of our times.
Very good job by A Nawaz
January 3, 2026 at 12:09 AM
Because Grenell got beaten out for all the top Admin posts, he's been flying under the radar. But he's one of the most dangerous of Trump's acolytes, and he's not out forever:
♦️If Rubio lets his sycophancy ebb, Grenell's on hand.
♦️And in a Trump 3.0 (don't think it's not a real threat), he's up.
♦️If Rubio lets his sycophancy ebb, Grenell's on hand.
♦️And in a Trump 3.0 (don't think it's not a real threat), he's up.
If he's really not planning on running in 2028...
...why did his Super PAC raise $100 million? In the past six months alone?
...why did his Super PAC raise $100 million? In the past six months alone?
NEW: The Trump-backed MAGA Inc. super PAC raised $100m+ in the 2nd half of 2025, including from donors with interests before his administration:
▶️Greg & Anna Brockman (AI policies): $25m
▶️Juul (Trump's FDA approved Juul's vapes): $1m
▶️American Rights & Reform PAC (cannabis rescheduling): $1m+
▶️Greg & Anna Brockman (AI policies): $25m
▶️Juul (Trump's FDA approved Juul's vapes): $1m
▶️American Rights & Reform PAC (cannabis rescheduling): $1m+
Trump Super PAC Raised More Than $100 Million in Recent Months
www.nytimes.com
January 3, 2026 at 12:03 AM
If he's really not planning on running in 2028...
...why did his Super PAC raise $100 million? In the past six months alone?
...why did his Super PAC raise $100 million? In the past six months alone?
Reposted by Jonah Blank
New York civil liberties groups celebrated Mamdani’s orders as a step to protect the First Amendment right to criticize Israel.
Israel Accuses Mamdani of Antisemitism for Reversing Orders Adams Gave Under Indictment
The Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu accused New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism for undoing Eric Adams orders.
interc.pt
January 2, 2026 at 11:53 PM
New York civil liberties groups celebrated Mamdani’s orders as a step to protect the First Amendment right to criticize Israel.
The speed with which I hit "Block"...
January 2, 2026 at 11:22 PM
The speed with which I hit "Block"...
Huey's unavailable. But Bobby Seale is just 89...
JUST IN: California ban on openly carrying guns is unconstitutional, court rules reut.rs/4ssH3ri
January 2, 2026 at 10:37 PM
Huey's unavailable. But Bobby Seale is just 89...
Rather a different response if you ask people who've interacted with him in [checks police report]...Malibu.
not just “conservative”; Mel Gibson sorta came back!!
!!!!!!!!!Mel Gibson!!!!!!!!!!!
Part of why is b/c if u ask people who’ve worked with him in Hollywood, they’ll say things like: I know I know but he is very nice
!!!!!!!!!Mel Gibson!!!!!!!!!!!
Part of why is b/c if u ask people who’ve worked with him in Hollywood, they’ll say things like: I know I know but he is very nice
You can be as conservative as you want in Hollywood; you just need to be
1. good at your job
2. not awful to work with
1. good at your job
2. not awful to work with
January 2, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Rather a different response if you ask people who've interacted with him in [checks police report]...Malibu.
Reposted by Jonah Blank
Why do I have to read an Irish paper for a feature about this?
‘It’s surreal’: US sanctions lock International Criminal Court judge out of daily life
Canadian judge Kimberly Prost is unable to use credit cards, transfer money or book everyday services in what she calls an attack on the independence of the judiciary
www.irishtimes.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Why do I have to read an Irish paper for a feature about this?
Also, in Establishment Media framing:
♦️Being "progressive" is an intellectual (or even moral) failing, for which one should display some contrition.
♦️Being "conservative" (let alone "moderate" or "centrist") is a civic virtue-- why would anyone ever be apologetic about that?
♦️Being "progressive" is an intellectual (or even moral) failing, for which one should display some contrition.
♦️Being "conservative" (let alone "moderate" or "centrist") is a civic virtue-- why would anyone ever be apologetic about that?
nope. probably because being conservative is treated as an inherent state of being, while being progressive is seen as transient.
Have you ever seen the framing of "unapologetically conservative"?
January 2, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Also, in Establishment Media framing:
♦️Being "progressive" is an intellectual (or even moral) failing, for which one should display some contrition.
♦️Being "conservative" (let alone "moderate" or "centrist") is a civic virtue-- why would anyone ever be apologetic about that?
♦️Being "progressive" is an intellectual (or even moral) failing, for which one should display some contrition.
♦️Being "conservative" (let alone "moderate" or "centrist") is a civic virtue-- why would anyone ever be apologetic about that?
Trump lived in NYC far longer than @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social has been alive.
Can you imagine him ever riding the subway?
(I assume he must have done so at least once, as a publicity stunt. Is there photographic evidence?)
Can you imagine him ever riding the subway?
(I assume he must have done so at least once, as a publicity stunt. Is there photographic evidence?)
Mayor Mamdani hasn't moved into Gracie Mansion yet and remains in his Astoria apartment for now, his team says. He expects to move at some point before his lease is up Jan. 30.
His team also shares this pic of him taking the W train to City Hall this morning from Astoria.
His team also shares this pic of him taking the W train to City Hall this morning from Astoria.
January 2, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Trump lived in NYC far longer than @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social has been alive.
Can you imagine him ever riding the subway?
(I assume he must have done so at least once, as a publicity stunt. Is there photographic evidence?)
Can you imagine him ever riding the subway?
(I assume he must have done so at least once, as a publicity stunt. Is there photographic evidence?)
And the therapy this decision will eventually require will also be provided by ChatGPT.
The parents of the first baby born in 2026 in this county outside Baltimore got their name ideas from ChatGPT. Hudson Oakley Winkler.
www.baltimoresun.com/2026/01/01/c...
www.baltimoresun.com/2026/01/01/c...
ChatGPT named Carroll County’s first-born baby in 2026
The first baby born in Carroll County in 2026 was named with help from ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence chatbot.
www.baltimoresun.com
January 2, 2026 at 6:38 PM
And the therapy this decision will eventually require will also be provided by ChatGPT.
Fact-check: ✅
♦️Kissinger never received one iota of accountability for his crimes. He was treated as a sage and savant not only by his GOP co-conspirators, but also by the Democratic Establishment. He lived to 100, in luxury to the very end.
♦️The lesson: We make our own justice. Or don't.
♦️Kissinger never received one iota of accountability for his crimes. He was treated as a sage and savant not only by his GOP co-conspirators, but also by the Democratic Establishment. He lived to 100, in luxury to the very end.
♦️The lesson: We make our own justice. Or don't.
The genocide in Cambodia killed around 2 million people. The U.S. -- and Henry Kissinger in particular -- helped facilitate genocides in there, in East Timor, and also Bangladesh theintercept.com/2023/05/23/h...
January 2, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Fact-check: ✅
♦️Kissinger never received one iota of accountability for his crimes. He was treated as a sage and savant not only by his GOP co-conspirators, but also by the Democratic Establishment. He lived to 100, in luxury to the very end.
♦️The lesson: We make our own justice. Or don't.
♦️Kissinger never received one iota of accountability for his crimes. He was treated as a sage and savant not only by his GOP co-conspirators, but also by the Democratic Establishment. He lived to 100, in luxury to the very end.
♦️The lesson: We make our own justice. Or don't.
How do we know these photos are from the inauguration of @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social rather than Donald Trump?
1. The streets are packed.
2. People are smiling.
1. The streets are packed.
2. People are smiling.
Thousands of New Yorkers packed the plaza outside City Hall and the streets of Lower Manhattan to see Mayor Zohran Mamdani take office on Thursday. See more photos here. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/n...
January 2, 2026 at 5:22 PM
How do we know these photos are from the inauguration of @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social rather than Donald Trump?
1. The streets are packed.
2. People are smiling.
1. The streets are packed.
2. People are smiling.
Point:
-Kawhi is one of the most hollow, overrated NBA stars. Right up there with Kyrie, and (as time proved) Lonzo Ball & Ben Simmons.
Counterpoint:
-This:
-Kawhi is one of the most hollow, overrated NBA stars. Right up there with Kyrie, and (as time proved) Lonzo Ball & Ben Simmons.
Counterpoint:
-This:
Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 118-101 victory over the Utah Jazz that extended their winning streak to a season-best six games.
Kawhi Leonard's 45 points with bloodied nose lead Clippers to 6th straight win, 118-101 over Jazz
Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 118-101 victory over the Utah Jazz that extended their winning streak to a season-best six games.
bit.ly
January 2, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Point:
-Kawhi is one of the most hollow, overrated NBA stars. Right up there with Kyrie, and (as time proved) Lonzo Ball & Ben Simmons.
Counterpoint:
-This:
-Kawhi is one of the most hollow, overrated NBA stars. Right up there with Kyrie, and (as time proved) Lonzo Ball & Ben Simmons.
Counterpoint:
-This:
Want to impress your jagoff friends with your expert knowledge of snooty champagne?
Want to exude the raw classiness of a young Steven Segal?
♦️Then this is for you:
Want to exude the raw classiness of a young Steven Segal?
♦️Then this is for you:
January 2, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Want to impress your jagoff friends with your expert knowledge of snooty champagne?
Want to exude the raw classiness of a young Steven Segal?
♦️Then this is for you:
Want to exude the raw classiness of a young Steven Segal?
♦️Then this is for you:
January 2, 2026 at 3:42 PM
Why do his doctors keep making him take cognitive tests?
♦️They're afraid to tell him that the animal he thinks is a giraffe is really an elephant.
♦️They're afraid to tell him that the animal he thinks is a giraffe is really an elephant.
January 2, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Why do his doctors keep making him take cognitive tests?
♦️They're afraid to tell him that the animal he thinks is a giraffe is really an elephant.
♦️They're afraid to tell him that the animal he thinks is a giraffe is really an elephant.
Reposted by Jonah Blank
Federal minimum wage 👀
2009: $7.25
2010: $7.25
2011: $7.25
2012: $7.25
2013: $7.25
2014: $7.25
2015: $7.25
2016: $7.25
2017: $7.25
2018: $7.25
2019: $7.25
2020: $7.25
2021: $7.25
2022: $7.25
2023: $7.25
2024: $7.25
2025: $7.25
2026: $7.25
2009: $7.25
2010: $7.25
2011: $7.25
2012: $7.25
2013: $7.25
2014: $7.25
2015: $7.25
2016: $7.25
2017: $7.25
2018: $7.25
2019: $7.25
2020: $7.25
2021: $7.25
2022: $7.25
2023: $7.25
2024: $7.25
2025: $7.25
2026: $7.25
January 2, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Federal minimum wage 👀
2009: $7.25
2010: $7.25
2011: $7.25
2012: $7.25
2013: $7.25
2014: $7.25
2015: $7.25
2016: $7.25
2017: $7.25
2018: $7.25
2019: $7.25
2020: $7.25
2021: $7.25
2022: $7.25
2023: $7.25
2024: $7.25
2025: $7.25
2026: $7.25
2009: $7.25
2010: $7.25
2011: $7.25
2012: $7.25
2013: $7.25
2014: $7.25
2015: $7.25
2016: $7.25
2017: $7.25
2018: $7.25
2019: $7.25
2020: $7.25
2021: $7.25
2022: $7.25
2023: $7.25
2024: $7.25
2025: $7.25
2026: $7.25
First order of business for the next Democratic president (if there ever is one):
♦️Exactly this. For every EO Trump ever signed.
♦️Exactly this. For every EO Trump ever signed.
Mayor Mamdani has nullified every executive order issued by Eric Adams after he struck his corrupt bargain with Trump to secure dismissal of the indictment against him.
January 2, 2026 at 12:37 AM
First order of business for the next Democratic president (if there ever is one):
♦️Exactly this. For every EO Trump ever signed.
♦️Exactly this. For every EO Trump ever signed.
On a rather bleak #NewYearsDay, here's something to which you can look forward:
logwork.com/countdown-h5o4
logwork.com/countdown-h5o4
Trump’s Final Term Ends in: - Countdown Timer
Trump’s Final Term Ends in: Countdown Timer
logwork.com
January 1, 2026 at 10:01 PM
On a rather bleak #NewYearsDay, here's something to which you can look forward:
logwork.com/countdown-h5o4
logwork.com/countdown-h5o4
Reposted by Jonah Blank
My main takeaway from the Jack Smith testimony: we should push our presidential candidate to make him Attorney General in 2029.
January 1, 2026 at 8:54 PM
My main takeaway from the Jack Smith testimony: we should push our presidential candidate to make him Attorney General in 2029.
Lee Greenwood wasn't available?
Vanilla Ice performing with a dancing Ninja Turtle at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve party
January 1, 2026 at 6:14 PM
Lee Greenwood wasn't available?