Michael Fletcher
@mefletcher54.bsky.social
Retired Intelligence Analyst. Cold War era US Army Vet. Fairly familiar with System Dynamics and History. Personal eccentricities: Scadian KSCA, USCF NM&LM. Details and periodic commentary at http://mefletcher.blogspot.com/
Giving pardon powers to the single person was a relic of Kings, and ill-conceived. Mercy and clemency should be part of any system of justice. Perhaps a panel of retired judges would be better. At least they would be likely to be less political, or use pardons as a political patronage system. /1
The existence of the presidential pardon alone is proof the vaunted founders created a world class shitty constitution
November 10, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Giving pardon powers to the single person was a relic of Kings, and ill-conceived. Mercy and clemency should be part of any system of justice. Perhaps a panel of retired judges would be better. At least they would be likely to be less political, or use pardons as a political patronage system. /1
Reposted by Michael Fletcher
I assume Schumer knows this is the end of his political career?
November 10, 2025 at 12:35 PM
I assume Schumer knows this is the end of his political career?
To repeat: Maybe electing a life-long criminal to an office where he can pardon other criminals wasn't such a good idea.
November 10, 2025 at 1:08 PM
To repeat: Maybe electing a life-long criminal to an office where he can pardon other criminals wasn't such a good idea.
The cowardice in the political, academic and corporate worlds is just staggering. They let democracy die and dictatorship metastasize, but they get to keep their cozy high-paying job, and perks. The Wimp-O-Meter is at 11.
We need a national injection of the Lincoln/Morton steel backbone serum stat!
We need a national injection of the Lincoln/Morton steel backbone serum stat!
I see y'all are finally approaching Upstate levels of hatred for Chuck Schumer.
You're late.
You're late.
a man in a bathtub with the words welcome to the party pal on the bottom
Alt: John McClane yelling "welcome to the party, pal" through a broken window on Nakatomi Plaza, at the cop below, whose car just got hit by the body of the guy who was defenestrated.
media.tenor.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:06 PM
The cowardice in the political, academic and corporate worlds is just staggering. They let democracy die and dictatorship metastasize, but they get to keep their cozy high-paying job, and perks. The Wimp-O-Meter is at 11.
We need a national injection of the Lincoln/Morton steel backbone serum stat!
We need a national injection of the Lincoln/Morton steel backbone serum stat!
Labor shortages? Brain Drain? War deaths? Demographic decline?
All of the above?
All of the above?
India and Russia are set to sign a mobility pact, which would help increase the number of Indian workers in Russia in the coming years, The Economic Times reported.
The deal is likely to be signed during Putin's trip to India next month.
The deal is likely to be signed during Putin's trip to India next month.
November 10, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Labor shortages? Brain Drain? War deaths? Demographic decline?
All of the above?
All of the above?
It is not a good sign for a nation's future when that nation reputation-fluffs a former authoritarian leader.
The popular push-back is more than justified in the case of Suharto.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
The popular push-back is more than justified in the case of Suharto.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Fury as Indonesia declares late authoritarian ruler Suharto a national hero
Former leader presided over period marked by corruption, nepotism, censorship and claims of rights abuses
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:48 AM
It is not a good sign for a nation's future when that nation reputation-fluffs a former authoritarian leader.
The popular push-back is more than justified in the case of Suharto.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
The popular push-back is more than justified in the case of Suharto.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Michael Fletcher
Since 1990, the emissions share of the richest 1% has increased by 13%, and the richest 0.1% has grown by 32%, while the poorest 50% has decreased by 3%.
policy-practice.oxfam.org/resources/cl...
policy-practice.oxfam.org/resources/cl...
November 10, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Since 1990, the emissions share of the richest 1% has increased by 13%, and the richest 0.1% has grown by 32%, while the poorest 50% has decreased by 3%.
policy-practice.oxfam.org/resources/cl...
policy-practice.oxfam.org/resources/cl...
November 10, 2025 at 10:18 AM
It boggles my mind that people still view the cobbled together musing of mystics dated from the Bronze to the Dark Age as some kind of blueprint for living in modern times. Slavery, and patriarchy (a system not far removed from slavery) were accepted norms and government and society were /1
"The far right in America sees women as a national—as well as natural—resource..."
The premise of Atwood's Republic of Gilead.
#WeAreNotGoingBack
The premise of Atwood's Republic of Gilead.
#WeAreNotGoingBack
November 10, 2025 at 10:13 AM
It boggles my mind that people still view the cobbled together musing of mystics dated from the Bronze to the Dark Age as some kind of blueprint for living in modern times. Slavery, and patriarchy (a system not far removed from slavery) were accepted norms and government and society were /1
Who but a fool would trust the GOP to negotiate in good faith and keep their promises?
Maybe 50 years ago, but since then, they organized a seditious conspiracy and then carried out a coup attempt. Trump has made over 30k false or misleading statements, and that doesn't count his 2nd term.
Maybe 50 years ago, but since then, they organized a seditious conspiracy and then carried out a coup attempt. Trump has made over 30k false or misleading statements, and that doesn't count his 2nd term.
November 9, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Who but a fool would trust the GOP to negotiate in good faith and keep their promises?
Maybe 50 years ago, but since then, they organized a seditious conspiracy and then carried out a coup attempt. Trump has made over 30k false or misleading statements, and that doesn't count his 2nd term.
Maybe 50 years ago, but since then, they organized a seditious conspiracy and then carried out a coup attempt. Trump has made over 30k false or misleading statements, and that doesn't count his 2nd term.
Whether it be regressive fundamentaliat religious institutions and their like-minded political allies, it all boils down to outbreeding the perceived opposition and "winning." They needed patriarchy to ensure this happened, so they created it.
"The far right in America sees women as a national—as well as natural—resource, a means of reversing the mass tide of migration that they think has taken their country from them." www.liberalcurrents.com/women-should...
Women Should Make Babies, Not Vote: Why Some on the Far Right Want to Repeal the 19th Amendment
The far right takes losses at the ballot box as evidence that women do not deserve their rights.
www.liberalcurrents.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Whether it be regressive fundamentaliat religious institutions and their like-minded political allies, it all boils down to outbreeding the perceived opposition and "winning." They needed patriarchy to ensure this happened, so they created it.
I first mentioned the risk of the US becoming West Hungary several years ago. I followed up with a warning that we could degenerate further and become the Venezuela of the North. /1
West Hungary.
In honor of Viktor Orban's visit to Washington, here's a reminder that Orban has made his country corrupt, stagnant, and impoverished:
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
November 9, 2025 at 11:23 AM
I first mentioned the risk of the US becoming West Hungary several years ago. I followed up with a warning that we could degenerate further and become the Venezuela of the North. /1
West Hungary.
In honor of Viktor Orban's visit to Washington, here's a reminder that Orban has made his country corrupt, stagnant, and impoverished:
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
America’s Future Is Hungary
MAGA conservatives love Viktor Orbán. But he’s left his country corrupt, stagnant, and impoverished.
www.theatlantic.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:03 AM
West Hungary.
I've checked my notes. There is a growing body of evidence that one of the key weaknesses of Western civilization is Elon Musk.
[I'm not sure whether to gift this with a 😎 because it's about 95% truth and 5% humor. I generally strive for a more balanced distribution in my 😎 skeets.]
[I'm not sure whether to gift this with a 😎 because it's about 95% truth and 5% humor. I generally strive for a more balanced distribution in my 😎 skeets.]
One of these quotes is real: Musk actually made this sick statement.
The other one most likely is not: Though you may have seen it before because it is very relevant now, it appears to be misattributed to Hannah Arendt.
🧵
1/5
The other one most likely is not: Though you may have seen it before because it is very relevant now, it appears to be misattributed to Hannah Arendt.
🧵
1/5
November 8, 2025 at 12:41 PM
I've checked my notes. There is a growing body of evidence that one of the key weaknesses of Western civilization is Elon Musk.
[I'm not sure whether to gift this with a 😎 because it's about 95% truth and 5% humor. I generally strive for a more balanced distribution in my 😎 skeets.]
[I'm not sure whether to gift this with a 😎 because it's about 95% truth and 5% humor. I generally strive for a more balanced distribution in my 😎 skeets.]
Reposted by Michael Fletcher
Even if poor Americans are starving, they should at least take some comfort from the fact that the Supreme Court justices who are allowing them to starve have very impressive, academic credentials.
November 8, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Even if poor Americans are starving, they should at least take some comfort from the fact that the Supreme Court justices who are allowing them to starve have very impressive, academic credentials.
Harari doesn't miss the mark.
I have written about the perils of Good Guy vs Bad Guy framing in this long conflict, and the past being a stone of infinite weight, weighting down the minds and and wearing down the souls of both Peoples.
It's time to move on.
www.ft.com/content/0407...
I have written about the perils of Good Guy vs Bad Guy framing in this long conflict, and the past being a stone of infinite weight, weighting down the minds and and wearing down the souls of both Peoples.
It's time to move on.
www.ft.com/content/0407...
Yuval Noah Harari: Only generosity can secure peace between Israelis and Palestinians
Both sides must abandon false moral certainties and oversimplified historical narratives if the cycle of violence is to be broken
www.ft.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Harari doesn't miss the mark.
I have written about the perils of Good Guy vs Bad Guy framing in this long conflict, and the past being a stone of infinite weight, weighting down the minds and and wearing down the souls of both Peoples.
It's time to move on.
www.ft.com/content/0407...
I have written about the perils of Good Guy vs Bad Guy framing in this long conflict, and the past being a stone of infinite weight, weighting down the minds and and wearing down the souls of both Peoples.
It's time to move on.
www.ft.com/content/0407...
He seems to get it.
Set to become the youngest PM of The Netherlands, Rob Jetten spoke about the need for independent European pillar within NATO that would, under the leadership of European defense minister, operate independently, if needed.
November 8, 2025 at 10:42 AM
He seems to get it.
I shake my head and ask, "What have you become, Israel? What have you become?"
One of the most tragic phenomena of our time is an entire people, long oppressed, becoming the oppressors.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
One of the most tragic phenomena of our time is an entire people, long oppressed, becoming the oppressors.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Israel’s underground jail, where Palestinians are held without charge and never see daylight
Exclusive: Detainees at Rakefet include nurse and teenager who have been deprived of natural light since January
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:05 AM
I shake my head and ask, "What have you become, Israel? What have you become?"
One of the most tragic phenomena of our time is an entire people, long oppressed, becoming the oppressors.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
One of the most tragic phenomena of our time is an entire people, long oppressed, becoming the oppressors.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
"Let's faux-ponderously explore the legal details while millions face hunger" is not just evidence of a mind-boggling level of Ivory Tower arrogance; it is yet more evidence that the Star Chamber Six has come to an accommodation with our favorite budding dictator. /1
apnews.com/article/snap...
apnews.com/article/snap...
Supreme Court issues emergency order to block full SNAP food aid payments
The Supreme Court has granted the Trump administration’s emergency appeal to temporarily block a court order to fully fund SNAP food aid payments amid the government shutdown.
apnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:57 AM
"Let's faux-ponderously explore the legal details while millions face hunger" is not just evidence of a mind-boggling level of Ivory Tower arrogance; it is yet more evidence that the Star Chamber Six has come to an accommodation with our favorite budding dictator. /1
apnews.com/article/snap...
apnews.com/article/snap...
Political cartoonists provide a treasure trove of hard truths about ourselves.
November 7, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Political cartoonists provide a treasure trove of hard truths about ourselves.
The Department of Homeland Repression and ICE are a cautionary tale. They show what happens to people when they agree to play the prison guards in a Standford Prison Experiment which isn't closed down almost immediately, but instead is run for decades.
Nuremburg trials is the moderate position
He said that the agents would throw food at them to eat. The agents threatened to withhold food for a week and to beat him up if he didn't sign deportation papers. He said he saw others refuse and get beaten/receive no food. He signed because he was afraid.
November 7, 2025 at 12:48 PM
The Department of Homeland Repression and ICE are a cautionary tale. They show what happens to people when they agree to play the prison guards in a Standford Prison Experiment which isn't closed down almost immediately, but instead is run for decades.
An absurdity.
As empires approach their end, the leaders obsess about erecting monuments to their own greatness. This is, in essence, Musk's monument to himself. /1
www.forbes.com/sites/tylerr...
As empires approach their end, the leaders obsess about erecting monuments to their own greatness. This is, in essence, Musk's monument to himself. /1
www.forbes.com/sites/tylerr...
Tesla Approves Musk’s $1 Trillion Pay Package
The world’s richest person could have his net worth nearly double under the proposed payment plan.
www.forbes.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:36 AM
An absurdity.
As empires approach their end, the leaders obsess about erecting monuments to their own greatness. This is, in essence, Musk's monument to himself. /1
www.forbes.com/sites/tylerr...
As empires approach their end, the leaders obsess about erecting monuments to their own greatness. This is, in essence, Musk's monument to himself. /1
www.forbes.com/sites/tylerr...
An authoritarian leader gives assurances that he won't resort to a war of aggression.
My reaction? 😆😅 😂😂 Oh, that's a good one! /1
apnews.com/article/trum...
My reaction? 😆😅 😂😂 Oh, that's a good one! /1
apnews.com/article/trum...
Trump says China's Xi has assured him that he won't take action on Taiwan during Republican's term
President Donald Trump says Chinese President Xi Jinping has given him assurances that Beijing would take no action toward unifying Taiwan with mainland China while the Republican leader is in office.
apnews.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:01 AM
An authoritarian leader gives assurances that he won't resort to a war of aggression.
My reaction? 😆😅 😂😂 Oh, that's a good one! /1
apnews.com/article/trum...
My reaction? 😆😅 😂😂 Oh, that's a good one! /1
apnews.com/article/trum...
Whomever dreamed up the phrase, "trumped up charges" was a genius.
Fortunately for us, judges and juries are sticklers for credible evidence. When they don't get it, they acquit.
They are a vital part of justice and the rule of law that Trump hasn't been able to destroy.
Fortunately for us, judges and juries are sticklers for credible evidence. When they don't get it, they acquit.
They are a vital part of justice and the rule of law that Trump hasn't been able to destroy.
The officer said it exploded when it hit him and smelled like "onions and mustard." Then they showed a pic of the intact sandwich still in its wrapper.
The jury says “Not guilty!”
#RESIST
#Pinks #ProudBlue #StrongerTogether #SandwichGuy
The jury says “Not guilty!”
#RESIST
#Pinks #ProudBlue #StrongerTogether #SandwichGuy
November 6, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Whomever dreamed up the phrase, "trumped up charges" was a genius.
Fortunately for us, judges and juries are sticklers for credible evidence. When they don't get it, they acquit.
They are a vital part of justice and the rule of law that Trump hasn't been able to destroy.
Fortunately for us, judges and juries are sticklers for credible evidence. When they don't get it, they acquit.
They are a vital part of justice and the rule of law that Trump hasn't been able to destroy.
Bragging about shooting their dog has grown to bragging about shooting people.
The Department of Homeland Repression appears to attract a certain type of person for employment. The label degenerate psycho comes to mind.
The Department of Homeland Repression appears to attract a certain type of person for employment. The label degenerate psycho comes to mind.
“.. in a group Signal chat, .. he wrote in part: ‘I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys.’”
@reuters.com #Chicago
www.reuters.com/world/us/bor...
@reuters.com #Chicago
www.reuters.com/world/us/bor...
November 6, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Bragging about shooting their dog has grown to bragging about shooting people.
The Department of Homeland Repression appears to attract a certain type of person for employment. The label degenerate psycho comes to mind.
The Department of Homeland Repression appears to attract a certain type of person for employment. The label degenerate psycho comes to mind.