Omar Ocampo
@ocampomar.bsky.social
Political scientist and researcher at the Institute for Policy Studies.
Old school leftist.
Economic justice and freedom, peace and prosperity, democracy and equality, solidarity and class struggle.
Old school leftist.
Economic justice and freedom, peace and prosperity, democracy and equality, solidarity and class struggle.
The Washington Post dies in a billionaire oligarch's darkness.
The Washington Post embarked on severe cuts despite appeals by the newsroom to owner Jeff Bezos. The paper is to narrow its focus largely to politics and national security. n.pr/4qAlWBj
Bezos orders deep job cuts at 'Washington Post'
The Washington Post embarked on severe cuts despite appeals by the newsroom to owner Jeff Bezos. The paper is to narrow its focus largely to politics and national security.
n.pr
February 4, 2026 at 7:30 PM
The Washington Post dies in a billionaire oligarch's darkness.
An opportunity to improve relations.
They'll agree on bilateral issues but disagree on regional security - the US wants to dominate LatAm & Petro wants to protect sovereignty.
Petro needs to avoid a "Zelensky scenario" bc Trump will intervene in COL's elections à la HND & ARG if it goes poorly.
They'll agree on bilateral issues but disagree on regional security - the US wants to dominate LatAm & Petro wants to protect sovereignty.
Petro needs to avoid a "Zelensky scenario" bc Trump will intervene in COL's elections à la HND & ARG if it goes poorly.
President Trump is scheduled to meet with Colombian President Gustavo Petro tomorrow.
February 3, 2026 at 3:22 AM
An opportunity to improve relations.
They'll agree on bilateral issues but disagree on regional security - the US wants to dominate LatAm & Petro wants to protect sovereignty.
Petro needs to avoid a "Zelensky scenario" bc Trump will intervene in COL's elections à la HND & ARG if it goes poorly.
They'll agree on bilateral issues but disagree on regional security - the US wants to dominate LatAm & Petro wants to protect sovereignty.
Petro needs to avoid a "Zelensky scenario" bc Trump will intervene in COL's elections à la HND & ARG if it goes poorly.
Exhibit A of why the private market will never solve the housing affordability crisis: homeowners have an interest in keeping the value of their asset (residential real estate) high and want politicians to pursue policies that will continue to appreciate the price of their asset.
Trump: "I don't want to drive housing prices down. I want to drive housing prices up for people who own homes."
January 29, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Exhibit A of why the private market will never solve the housing affordability crisis: homeowners have an interest in keeping the value of their asset (residential real estate) high and want politicians to pursue policies that will continue to appreciate the price of their asset.
Reposted by Omar Ocampo
Trump's desire in annexing Greenland has a lot to do with the development of new maritime shipping routes that will open up thanks to the progressive retreat of Arctic ice sheets.
It'll shorten international trade routes & Trump wants to ensure foreign shipping has access to the Northwest Passage.
It'll shorten international trade routes & Trump wants to ensure foreign shipping has access to the Northwest Passage.
Trumps message to the people of Greenland is that we’re gonna get Greenland one way or the other
March 5, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Trump's desire in annexing Greenland has a lot to do with the development of new maritime shipping routes that will open up thanks to the progressive retreat of Arctic ice sheets.
It'll shorten international trade routes & Trump wants to ensure foreign shipping has access to the Northwest Passage.
It'll shorten international trade routes & Trump wants to ensure foreign shipping has access to the Northwest Passage.
It is recreational sadism. #AbolishICE
One of the stories that makes me the saddest out of this ICE invasion is one out of the Minnesota Star Tribune today about ICE agents eating at a little Mexican restaurant in the small town of Willmar, Minn, —and then, when they were done, arresting some of the workers.
January 17, 2026 at 4:38 AM
It is recreational sadism. #AbolishICE
Maria Corina Machado speaking at the Heritage Foundation is not surprising when you consider that she contributed to the stigmatization of the Vzlan diaspora in the US.
She gave legitimacy to Trump's assertion that undocumented Vzlan immigrants were Tren de Aragua or criminals sent by Maduro.
She gave legitimacy to Trump's assertion that undocumented Vzlan immigrants were Tren de Aragua or criminals sent by Maduro.
January 17, 2026 at 12:35 AM
Maria Corina Machado speaking at the Heritage Foundation is not surprising when you consider that she contributed to the stigmatization of the Vzlan diaspora in the US.
She gave legitimacy to Trump's assertion that undocumented Vzlan immigrants were Tren de Aragua or criminals sent by Maduro.
She gave legitimacy to Trump's assertion that undocumented Vzlan immigrants were Tren de Aragua or criminals sent by Maduro.
Reposted by Omar Ocampo
U.S. billionaires made record-breaking extreme wealth gains last year. But "Average taxpayers like you and I," says IPS @inequality.org researcher @ocampomar.bsky.social in @truthout.org, "still pay income tax at triple the rate of the wealthiest Americans."
Top 15 US Billionaires Gained Nearly $1 Trillion in Wealth in Trump’s First Year
The US has 935 billionaires, roughly a dozen of whom have jobs within the Trump administration.
truthout.org
January 16, 2026 at 1:01 PM
U.S. billionaires made record-breaking extreme wealth gains last year. But "Average taxpayers like you and I," says IPS @inequality.org researcher @ocampomar.bsky.social in @truthout.org, "still pay income tax at triple the rate of the wealthiest Americans."
Reposted by Omar Ocampo
NEW: No, it was never really about drugs. Yes, it was about oil — but it wasn't *only* about oil. And no, it wasn't even close to being legal.
In a new explainer out today, IPS scholars clear up the biggest questions about the U.S. attack on Venezuela:
In a new explainer out today, IPS scholars clear up the biggest questions about the U.S. attack on Venezuela:
What You Need to Know About the U.S. Attack on Venezuela - Institute for Policy Studies
What You Need to Know About the U.S. Attack on Venezuela
ips-dc.org
January 14, 2026 at 5:23 PM
NEW: No, it was never really about drugs. Yes, it was about oil — but it wasn't *only* about oil. And no, it wasn't even close to being legal.
In a new explainer out today, IPS scholars clear up the biggest questions about the U.S. attack on Venezuela:
In a new explainer out today, IPS scholars clear up the biggest questions about the U.S. attack on Venezuela:
Reposted by Omar Ocampo
While oil is one factor in the decision to carry out military operations against Venezuela, the Trump administration’s real agenda is even more troubling — an attempt to exercise complete political control over Latin America.
@ocampomar.bsky.social on Foreign Policy in Focus:
@ocampomar.bsky.social on Foreign Policy in Focus:
Venezuela and the Trump Administration’s “Hemisphere First” Agenda - FPIF
Oil is part of the reason Trump invaded Venezuela. But the bigger reason is classic imperial power politics.
fpif.org
January 13, 2026 at 5:02 PM
While oil is one factor in the decision to carry out military operations against Venezuela, the Trump administration’s real agenda is even more troubling — an attempt to exercise complete political control over Latin America.
@ocampomar.bsky.social on Foreign Policy in Focus:
@ocampomar.bsky.social on Foreign Policy in Focus:
Reposted by Omar Ocampo
NEW: Yes, oil is a factor in Trump's attack on Venezuela. But it's not the primary one, argues IPS scholar @ocampomar.bsky.social.
The core motivation is "to exert complete political control — and economic domination — over Latin America. It’s classic U.S. imperialism."
The core motivation is "to exert complete political control — and economic domination — over Latin America. It’s classic U.S. imperialism."
Venezuela and the Trump Administration’s “Hemisphere First” Agenda - FPIF
Oil is part of the reason Trump invaded Venezuela. But the bigger reason is classic imperial power politics.
fpif.org
January 8, 2026 at 7:33 PM
NEW: Yes, oil is a factor in Trump's attack on Venezuela. But it's not the primary one, argues IPS scholar @ocampomar.bsky.social.
The core motivation is "to exert complete political control — and economic domination — over Latin America. It’s classic U.S. imperialism."
The core motivation is "to exert complete political control — and economic domination — over Latin America. It’s classic U.S. imperialism."
In FPIF, I argue that Vzlan oil was a secondary motivation. The main motive is to oust China from having access to strategic assets in LatAm & Trump is not afraid to use the War on Drugs as a pretext.
Vzla is a test lab to see how the world reacts to US interference.
fpif.org/venezuela-an...
Vzla is a test lab to see how the world reacts to US interference.
fpif.org/venezuela-an...
Venezuela and the Trump Administration’s “Hemisphere First” Agenda - FPIF
Oil is part of the reason Trump invaded Venezuela. But the bigger reason is classic imperial power politics.
fpif.org
January 8, 2026 at 7:08 PM
In FPIF, I argue that Vzlan oil was a secondary motivation. The main motive is to oust China from having access to strategic assets in LatAm & Trump is not afraid to use the War on Drugs as a pretext.
Vzla is a test lab to see how the world reacts to US interference.
fpif.org/venezuela-an...
Vzla is a test lab to see how the world reacts to US interference.
fpif.org/venezuela-an...
“It’s not just that US billionaires are entering 2026 with record-breaking increases in wealth: it’s that they are also paying far less in taxes compared to the huge amount of wealth they amass."
My quote in this article by @ohiocapitaljournal.com
My quote in this article by @ohiocapitaljournal.com
In yet another sign of exploding inequality, a new data analysis finds that while affordability is an urgent issue for average Ohioans, the richest Americans keep getting richer. A lot richer ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/07/t...
The 15 richest Americans got 33% richer in 2025 — far outpacing average Ohioans • Ohio Capital Journal
In yet another sign of exploding inequality, a new data analysis finds that while affordability is an urgent issue for average Ohioans, the richest Americans keep getting richer. A lot richer.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:01 PM
“It’s not just that US billionaires are entering 2026 with record-breaking increases in wealth: it’s that they are also paying far less in taxes compared to the huge amount of wealth they amass."
My quote in this article by @ohiocapitaljournal.com
My quote in this article by @ohiocapitaljournal.com
Bicycle socialism.
Zohran just went out and fixed the Williamsburg Bridge bike entrance. Just did it. No faffing, no nonsense. Bam. Fixed.
January 7, 2026 at 4:11 AM
Bicycle socialism.
Reposted by Omar Ocampo
NEW: Not only is there "certainly no fentanyl involved" between Venezuela and the U.S., but the region's most prolific drug traffickers have often in fact been U.S. allies.
In a new BBC interview, IPS drug policy scholar @sanho.bsky.social dismantles Trump admin claims. Watch:
In a new BBC interview, IPS drug policy scholar @sanho.bsky.social dismantles Trump admin claims. Watch:
VIDEO: The Worst Drug Traffickers Are Often U.S. Allies - Institute for Policy Studies
VIDEO: The Worst Drug Traffickers Are Often U.S. Allies
ips-dc.org
January 6, 2026 at 9:29 PM
NEW: Not only is there "certainly no fentanyl involved" between Venezuela and the U.S., but the region's most prolific drug traffickers have often in fact been U.S. allies.
In a new BBC interview, IPS drug policy scholar @sanho.bsky.social dismantles Trump admin claims. Watch:
In a new BBC interview, IPS drug policy scholar @sanho.bsky.social dismantles Trump admin claims. Watch:
Reposted by Omar Ocampo
And just like that, Trump’s imaginary “narcoterrorist cartel” vanishes. I talked about it in my BBC interview last night.
January 6, 2026 at 4:28 PM
And just like that, Trump’s imaginary “narcoterrorist cartel” vanishes. I talked about it in my BBC interview last night.
Drug trafficking was always a BS pretext, but oil is a secondary motivation.
Trump appealed to extractive imperialism to sell the intervention.
Maduro's removal always implied oil sector development bc it's Vzla's cash cow, but US oil companies are now guaranteed to get profitable oil concessions.
Trump appealed to extractive imperialism to sell the intervention.
Maduro's removal always implied oil sector development bc it's Vzla's cash cow, but US oil companies are now guaranteed to get profitable oil concessions.
Captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Celia Flores have arrived in New York to face charges. The couple are likely to make their first court appearances in the coming days.
Follow live coverage.
Follow live coverage.
Live Updates: Trump on U.S. Capture of Venezuela’s Maduro: ‘We Are Going to Run the Country’
The U.S. military operation in Venezuela comes after months of pressure on the Latin American country’s president. Follow along for live updates, news and analysis.
on.wsj.com
January 4, 2026 at 3:53 AM
Drug trafficking was always a BS pretext, but oil is a secondary motivation.
Trump appealed to extractive imperialism to sell the intervention.
Maduro's removal always implied oil sector development bc it's Vzla's cash cow, but US oil companies are now guaranteed to get profitable oil concessions.
Trump appealed to extractive imperialism to sell the intervention.
Maduro's removal always implied oil sector development bc it's Vzla's cash cow, but US oil companies are now guaranteed to get profitable oil concessions.
The situation is obviously fluid, but if true, this means there was a negotiated settlement where Venezuela's top brass sacrificed Maduro in exchange for a long-term transition.
Vladimir Padrino López and Diosdado Cabello were most likely the ones behind giving him up.
Vladimir Padrino López and Diosdado Cabello were most likely the ones behind giving him up.
January 3, 2026 at 2:20 PM
The situation is obviously fluid, but if true, this means there was a negotiated settlement where Venezuela's top brass sacrificed Maduro in exchange for a long-term transition.
Vladimir Padrino López and Diosdado Cabello were most likely the ones behind giving him up.
Vladimir Padrino López and Diosdado Cabello were most likely the ones behind giving him up.
There is only one democratic force, and that is the working class.
January 2, 2026 at 6:33 AM
There is only one democratic force, and that is the working class.
My New Year’s Resolution is to actively post on Bluesky.
December 31, 2025 at 10:49 PM
My New Year’s Resolution is to actively post on Bluesky.
Reposted by Omar Ocampo
El Pacto Histórico in Colombia had their primaries yesterday and elected Iván Cepeda as their presidential candidate next year.
Experts expected a turnout of about 700,000 voters, but more than 2.7 million went to the polls.
www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacion...
Experts expected a turnout of about 700,000 voters, but more than 2.7 million went to the polls.
www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacion...
Éxito del Pacto, Cepeda a primera vuelta y más claves de la consulta
La consulta del Pacto Histórico, el movimiento que lidera el presidente Petro, sacó 2,7 millones de votos. Superó todas las expectativas.
www.lasillavacia.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:00 PM
El Pacto Histórico in Colombia had their primaries yesterday and elected Iván Cepeda as their presidential candidate next year.
Experts expected a turnout of about 700,000 voters, but more than 2.7 million went to the polls.
www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacion...
Experts expected a turnout of about 700,000 voters, but more than 2.7 million went to the polls.
www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacion...
According to La Silla Vacía, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has not been added to the traditional Clinton List, but a list created by Joe Biden in 2021 where "a direct link with a drug trafficker does not need to be shown." WTF!
www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacion...
www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacion...
Trump usa la Lista Clinton como arma política contra Petro
Es una decisión sin precedentes. El gobierno de EE.UU. también sancionó a familiares de Petro y a Benedetti. Además, hizo recortes a su ayuda a Colombia.
www.lasillavacia.com
October 26, 2025 at 4:55 AM
According to La Silla Vacía, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has not been added to the traditional Clinton List, but a list created by Joe Biden in 2021 where "a direct link with a drug trafficker does not need to be shown." WTF!
www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacion...
www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacion...
Reposted by Omar Ocampo
First World Series between two cities threatened with invasion or invaded by a U.S. president.
October 21, 2025 at 3:45 AM
First World Series between two cities threatened with invasion or invaded by a U.S. president.
Reposted by Omar Ocampo
NEW: Massachusetts is one of a few states considering subsidizing Sustainable Aviation Fuels, or SAFs. In reality, SAFs won't help reduce greenhouse gas emissions — instead, the best solution is simply to reduce flying and increase other transit.
REPORT from Neil Rasmussen and @chuck77.bsky.social:
REPORT from Neil Rasmussen and @chuck77.bsky.social:
Barriers to Implementing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Massachusetts
Sustainable Aviation Fuels aren’t a realistic way to reduce aviation emissions in the Bay State.
ips-dc.org
October 14, 2025 at 5:48 PM
NEW: Massachusetts is one of a few states considering subsidizing Sustainable Aviation Fuels, or SAFs. In reality, SAFs won't help reduce greenhouse gas emissions — instead, the best solution is simply to reduce flying and increase other transit.
REPORT from Neil Rasmussen and @chuck77.bsky.social:
REPORT from Neil Rasmussen and @chuck77.bsky.social:
It is important that we do not separate politics from economics.
Extreme wealth disparities undermine our democracy, increase political inequality & makes us vulnerable to the arbitrary power of oligarchs.
Here are a couple of graphs illustrating the extreme concentration of material resources 👇🏻
Extreme wealth disparities undermine our democracy, increase political inequality & makes us vulnerable to the arbitrary power of oligarchs.
Here are a couple of graphs illustrating the extreme concentration of material resources 👇🏻
September 30, 2025 at 4:48 PM
It is important that we do not separate politics from economics.
Extreme wealth disparities undermine our democracy, increase political inequality & makes us vulnerable to the arbitrary power of oligarchs.
Here are a couple of graphs illustrating the extreme concentration of material resources 👇🏻
Extreme wealth disparities undermine our democracy, increase political inequality & makes us vulnerable to the arbitrary power of oligarchs.
Here are a couple of graphs illustrating the extreme concentration of material resources 👇🏻