Jonah Blank
@jonahblank.bsky.social
Anthropologist, author, dad. Order purely alphabetical
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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]
Prediction:
♦️The "day after" #Venezuela plan will consist of bribing generals into backing Maria Corina Machado & cutting US oil companies in for huge profits (with Trump & cronies wetting their beaks).
♦️Half of US will cheer, other half won't care.
♦️He'll repeat the playbook until...forever?
♦️The "day after" #Venezuela plan will consist of bribing generals into backing Maria Corina Machado & cutting US oil companies in for huge profits (with Trump & cronies wetting their beaks).
♦️Half of US will cheer, other half won't care.
♦️He'll repeat the playbook until...forever?
So now we will see the consequences of electing a corrupt rapist narcissistic demented misogynist to lead our government. Once the blip of nationalist “rah rah” passes (in this case, quite quickly), Americans will be left with an enormous mess to clean up. And we won’t have the world with us.
January 3, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Prediction:
♦️The "day after" #Venezuela plan will consist of bribing generals into backing Maria Corina Machado & cutting US oil companies in for huge profits (with Trump & cronies wetting their beaks).
♦️Half of US will cheer, other half won't care.
♦️He'll repeat the playbook until...forever?
♦️The "day after" #Venezuela plan will consist of bribing generals into backing Maria Corina Machado & cutting US oil companies in for huge profits (with Trump & cronies wetting their beaks).
♦️Half of US will cheer, other half won't care.
♦️He'll repeat the playbook until...forever?
Reposted by Jonah Blank
Marco Rubio is reportedly saying Maduro will stand trial in US courts.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
January 3, 2026 at 10:52 AM
Marco Rubio is reportedly saying Maduro will stand trial in US courts.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
"What do you think is next for the Venezuelan people"?
"Well, WE'RE making that decision now."
When George Bush invaded Iraq, he claimed (and perhaps even believed) the Iraqi people would control their future.
♦️Is it better or worse that Trump has tossed out this pretense for #Venezuela?
"Well, WE'RE making that decision now."
When George Bush invaded Iraq, he claimed (and perhaps even believed) the Iraqi people would control their future.
♦️Is it better or worse that Trump has tossed out this pretense for #Venezuela?
FOX & FRIENDS: What do you think is next for the Venezuelan people now that you have removed Maduro so he can face American justice?
TRUMP: Well, we're making that decision now. We can't take a chance on letting somebody else run it, just take over where he left off. So we're making that decision
TRUMP: Well, we're making that decision now. We can't take a chance on letting somebody else run it, just take over where he left off. So we're making that decision
January 3, 2026 at 4:03 PM
"What do you think is next for the Venezuelan people"?
"Well, WE'RE making that decision now."
When George Bush invaded Iraq, he claimed (and perhaps even believed) the Iraqi people would control their future.
♦️Is it better or worse that Trump has tossed out this pretense for #Venezuela?
"Well, WE'RE making that decision now."
When George Bush invaded Iraq, he claimed (and perhaps even believed) the Iraqi people would control their future.
♦️Is it better or worse that Trump has tossed out this pretense for #Venezuela?
"Nobody can stop us."
He's so close to being right. What he means is:
♦️"Nobody WILL stop us."
Applies to every single action he's ever taken as president.
He's so close to being right. What he means is:
♦️"Nobody WILL stop us."
Applies to every single action he's ever taken as president.
Trump on China: "There's not gonna be a problem. They're gonna get oil. We're gonna allow people to have oil ... nobody can stop us."
January 3, 2026 at 3:20 PM
"Nobody can stop us."
He's so close to being right. What he means is:
♦️"Nobody WILL stop us."
Applies to every single action he's ever taken as president.
He's so close to being right. What he means is:
♦️"Nobody WILL stop us."
Applies to every single action he's ever taken as president.
Thank you, Sen @chrismurphyct.bsky.social.
♦️When you've made a big mistake (like voting to confirm Rubio): Admit it. Do it clearly, and without mush-mouthing.
Too many Democrats (and most Wise Establishment Pundits) have given Trump the benefit of the doubt. Every one of them should fess up.
♦️When you've made a big mistake (like voting to confirm Rubio): Admit it. Do it clearly, and without mush-mouthing.
Too many Democrats (and most Wise Establishment Pundits) have given Trump the benefit of the doubt. Every one of them should fess up.
BASH: You voted to approve Marco Rubio's nomination to be secretary of state. Did you make the right choice?
CHRIS MURPHY: Nope. It was a mistake. It was a mistake. I think a lot of us thought Marco Rubio was going to stand up to Trump on an issue like this.
CHRIS MURPHY: Nope. It was a mistake. It was a mistake. I think a lot of us thought Marco Rubio was going to stand up to Trump on an issue like this.
January 3, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Thank you, Sen @chrismurphyct.bsky.social.
♦️When you've made a big mistake (like voting to confirm Rubio): Admit it. Do it clearly, and without mush-mouthing.
Too many Democrats (and most Wise Establishment Pundits) have given Trump the benefit of the doubt. Every one of them should fess up.
♦️When you've made a big mistake (like voting to confirm Rubio): Admit it. Do it clearly, and without mush-mouthing.
Too many Democrats (and most Wise Establishment Pundits) have given Trump the benefit of the doubt. Every one of them should fess up.
Reposted by Jonah Blank
Bombing of Venezuela Earns Trump World Wrestling Entertainment Peace Prize
January 3, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Bombing of Venezuela Earns Trump World Wrestling Entertainment Peace Prize
...And how could I forget Iran?
Before he attacks Greenland, he'll definitely bomb Iran at least once or twice.
Before he attacks Greenland, he'll definitely bomb Iran at least once or twice.
Counterpoint:
♦️He might go for Panama, Colombia, Nigeria, Mexico, or Brazil first.
♦️He might go for Panama, Colombia, Nigeria, Mexico, or Brazil first.
The “if you give a mouse a cookie” principle means that if he faces no consequences worldwide for this, he’ll go for Greenland next.
January 3, 2026 at 3:01 PM
...And how could I forget Iran?
Before he attacks Greenland, he'll definitely bomb Iran at least once or twice.
Before he attacks Greenland, he'll definitely bomb Iran at least once or twice.
Reposted by Jonah Blank
This all seems pretty unbecoming of a FIFA Peace Prize winner
January 3, 2026 at 2:42 PM
This all seems pretty unbecoming of a FIFA Peace Prize winner
The Trump Admin is, right now, suing to force Washington DC to let anyone possess semiautomatic weapons.
The US Attorney General confirms Maduro is being charged with "conspiracy to possess machine guns" - something Republicans usually call a constitutional right.
January 3, 2026 at 2:56 PM
The Trump Admin is, right now, suing to force Washington DC to let anyone possess semiautomatic weapons.
Trump never objected to the invasion of Iraq: His only objection was that the US didn't illegally "take their oil."
He's frequently claimed that #Venezuela has "stolen" America's oil (what he seems to mean is nationalization of stakes held by US oil companies).
Yes, he'll try to take the oil.
He's frequently claimed that #Venezuela has "stolen" America's oil (what he seems to mean is nationalization of stakes held by US oil companies).
Yes, he'll try to take the oil.
January 3, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Trump never objected to the invasion of Iraq: His only objection was that the US didn't illegally "take their oil."
He's frequently claimed that #Venezuela has "stolen" America's oil (what he seems to mean is nationalization of stakes held by US oil companies).
Yes, he'll try to take the oil.
He's frequently claimed that #Venezuela has "stolen" America's oil (what he seems to mean is nationalization of stakes held by US oil companies).
Yes, he'll try to take the oil.
Counterpoint:
♦️He might go for Panama, Colombia, Nigeria, Mexico, or Brazil first.
♦️He might go for Panama, Colombia, Nigeria, Mexico, or Brazil first.
The “if you give a mouse a cookie” principle means that if he faces no consequences worldwide for this, he’ll go for Greenland next.
January 3, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Counterpoint:
♦️He might go for Panama, Colombia, Nigeria, Mexico, or Brazil first.
♦️He might go for Panama, Colombia, Nigeria, Mexico, or Brazil first.
Reposted by Jonah Blank
History rhymes: Nicolas Maduro was captured on the 26th anniversary of Manuel Noriega's surrender to US forces. But that's where the similarity ends.
In my latest column, I explain why Venezuela is a very different proposition from Panama
time.com/7342906/vene...
In my latest column, I explain why Venezuela is a very different proposition from Panama
time.com/7342906/vene...
Venezuela Isn’t Panama—No Matter How Much Trump Wishes It Were
The capture of Maduro is the easy part. What comes next will test whether America has learned anything from its history.
time.com
January 3, 2026 at 2:39 PM
History rhymes: Nicolas Maduro was captured on the 26th anniversary of Manuel Noriega's surrender to US forces. But that's where the similarity ends.
In my latest column, I explain why Venezuela is a very different proposition from Panama
time.com/7342906/vene...
In my latest column, I explain why Venezuela is a very different proposition from Panama
time.com/7342906/vene...
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?