Bob Estes
@onscrn.bsky.social
Texas roots but more than half my life in Boston area. PhD in Physics, UC Berkeley; US-Italian Space Shuttle missions; 50-odd poems published: Louisville Review, Gargoyle, Cola Literary Review, The Moth, Masque & Spectacle, The Madrigal…
Reposted by Bob Estes
Wow.
"It gives me no pleasure to say what I’m about to say because I worked with Pete Hegseth for seven or eight years at Fox News. This is an act of a war crime .... There’s absolutely no legal basis for it.”
- Newsmax's Judge Napolitano
"It gives me no pleasure to say what I’m about to say because I worked with Pete Hegseth for seven or eight years at Fox News. This is an act of a war crime .... There’s absolutely no legal basis for it.”
- Newsmax's Judge Napolitano
Woah. Newsmax’s legal analyst just said Pete Hegseth and everyone involved in the illegal boat strike should be “prosecuted for a war crime.”
They’ve even lost Newsmax on this one.
They’ve even lost Newsmax on this one.
December 3, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Wow.
"It gives me no pleasure to say what I’m about to say because I worked with Pete Hegseth for seven or eight years at Fox News. This is an act of a war crime .... There’s absolutely no legal basis for it.”
- Newsmax's Judge Napolitano
"It gives me no pleasure to say what I’m about to say because I worked with Pete Hegseth for seven or eight years at Fox News. This is an act of a war crime .... There’s absolutely no legal basis for it.”
- Newsmax's Judge Napolitano
Always wish things were even better, but it's encouraging that independents aren't buying Trump now.
NEW Economist/YouGov Nov 28-Dec 1: Illegal orders
% of U.S. adult citizens who approve | disapprove of...
Six Democrats telling soldiers to refuse unlawful orders 46% | 39%
Trump accusing the Democrats of sedition, which he said is "punishable by death" 26% | 59%
today.yougov.com/politics/art...
% of U.S. adult citizens who approve | disapprove of...
Six Democrats telling soldiers to refuse unlawful orders 46% | 39%
Trump accusing the Democrats of sedition, which he said is "punishable by death" 26% | 59%
today.yougov.com/politics/art...
![A chart of YouGov polling data with the headline: "More Americans approve of Democrats telling troops to refuse unlawful orders than approve of Trump calling this message sedition."
The chart's sub-headline is: "Last week, six Democratic members of Congress released a video message telling members of the military that they have a legal duty to refuse to carry out unlawful orders. President Trump accused the six Democrats of sedition, which he said is 'punishable by death.' Do you approve or disapprove of [the message put out by Democratic members of Congress / President Trump's response to their message]? (%)."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ke6f766al4swdugyvmvyipuo/bafkreiftwgmaqw77kjmenj5pv7gpqtvg6jjnlnpzdgf4c75r55u63ed4um@jpeg)
December 2, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Always wish things were even better, but it's encouraging that independents aren't buying Trump now.
This is the state of our government. I can't see Trump lasting much longer. I wonder how Miller, Vance, et al will try to handle it. Without nuclear war I pray.
Trump is tired after acing the cogntive test.
Trump dozes while Marco Rubio speaks to him directly next to him. Just insane optics.
December 2, 2025 at 10:52 PM
This is the state of our government. I can't see Trump lasting much longer. I wonder how Miller, Vance, et al will try to handle it. Without nuclear war I pray.
Reposted by Bob Estes
There's also this. The consternation inside the chain of command must be really intense.
bsky.app/profile/josh...
bsky.app/profile/josh...
"The requirement to refuse to comply with orders to commit law of war violations applies to orders to perform conduct that is clearly illegal or orders that the subordinate knows...are illegal. For example, 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥."
-DoD Law of War manual
-DoD Law of War manual
December 2, 2025 at 1:33 PM
There's also this. The consternation inside the chain of command must be really intense.
bsky.app/profile/josh...
bsky.app/profile/josh...
The Wheel Revolves by Kenneth Rexroth
open.substack.com/pub/onlypoem...
open.substack.com/pub/onlypoem...
The Wheel Revolves by Kenneth Rexroth
The manifold voices of falling water Talk all night.
open.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:37 PM
The Wheel Revolves by Kenneth Rexroth
open.substack.com/pub/onlypoem...
open.substack.com/pub/onlypoem...
Reposted by Bob Estes
Former US military lawyers speak out:
"The Former JAGs Working Group unanimously considers both the giving and the execution of these orders, if true, to constitute war crimes, murder, or both."
Statement on Media Reports of Pentagon “No Quarter” Orders in Caribbean Boat Strikes
1/2
"The Former JAGs Working Group unanimously considers both the giving and the execution of these orders, if true, to constitute war crimes, murder, or both."
Statement on Media Reports of Pentagon “No Quarter” Orders in Caribbean Boat Strikes
1/2
November 29, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Former US military lawyers speak out:
"The Former JAGs Working Group unanimously considers both the giving and the execution of these orders, if true, to constitute war crimes, murder, or both."
Statement on Media Reports of Pentagon “No Quarter” Orders in Caribbean Boat Strikes
1/2
"The Former JAGs Working Group unanimously considers both the giving and the execution of these orders, if true, to constitute war crimes, murder, or both."
Statement on Media Reports of Pentagon “No Quarter” Orders in Caribbean Boat Strikes
1/2
Reposted by Bob Estes
Indeed, it's a confession and admission of guilt to heinous crimes.
November 30, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Indeed, it's a confession and admission of guilt to heinous crimes.
Reposted by Bob Estes
“Ah, just one more thing, sir. You’re blowing up those boats, saying they’re filled with drugs headed for the US. But then you go and pardon the guy who brought in 400 tons of cocaine. That’s billions of doses. Help me understand that.”
November 30, 2025 at 3:25 AM
“Ah, just one more thing, sir. You’re blowing up those boats, saying they’re filled with drugs headed for the US. But then you go and pardon the guy who brought in 400 tons of cocaine. That’s billions of doses. Help me understand that.”
Reposted by Bob Estes
Two significant takeaways from this:
- done in broad daylight
- done out of range and relative safety of Russian Navy & air power
To compensate Russia would need to devote security teams to every tanker – which even then is no magic cure – at a time when they have manpower issues.
Smart tactics.
- done in broad daylight
- done out of range and relative safety of Russian Navy & air power
To compensate Russia would need to devote security teams to every tanker – which even then is no magic cure – at a time when they have manpower issues.
Smart tactics.
💥🚢 Sea Baby naval drones strike two sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” tankers in the Black Sea.
Sea Baby naval drones operated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU) have struck two sanctioned tankers of Russia’s shadow fleet — KAIRO and VIRAT — in the Black Sea.
Sea Baby naval drones operated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU) have struck two sanctioned tankers of Russia’s shadow fleet — KAIRO and VIRAT — in the Black Sea.
November 29, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Two significant takeaways from this:
- done in broad daylight
- done out of range and relative safety of Russian Navy & air power
To compensate Russia would need to devote security teams to every tanker – which even then is no magic cure – at a time when they have manpower issues.
Smart tactics.
- done in broad daylight
- done out of range and relative safety of Russian Navy & air power
To compensate Russia would need to devote security teams to every tanker – which even then is no magic cure – at a time when they have manpower issues.
Smart tactics.
I like the trend.
Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group , which operates the president’s Truth Social platform, have tumbled 75% since Trump’s inauguration. Digital “meme coins” named for Trump and first lady Melania Trump are down 86% and 99% since Inauguration Day… etc.
www.wsj.com/finance/stoc...
www.wsj.com/finance/stoc...
Since Trump’s Return, Bets on His Brand Have Soured
Stocks and cryptocurrencies tied to the president and his family have tumbled amid a broader rout of riskier assets.
www.wsj.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:12 PM
I like the trend.
Reposted by Bob Estes
It’s cool how there’s a whole genre of articles that exist to repeat ai company hype nonstop.
Anthropic Researchers Startled When an AI Model Turned Evil and Told a User to Drink Bleach
Anthropic researchers published a paper detailing how an AI model started engaging in bad behavior like saying bleach is safe to drink.
futurism.com
November 29, 2025 at 6:19 PM
It’s cool how there’s a whole genre of articles that exist to repeat ai company hype nonstop.
Reposted by Bob Estes
The Overpass Brigade gathered today as every Saturday despite the biting chill and the wind. Today’s message:
WE STAND WITH UKRAINE
Overpass Brigade
South County Resistance
Rhode Island, 11/29/2025
WE STAND WITH UKRAINE
Overpass Brigade
South County Resistance
Rhode Island, 11/29/2025
November 29, 2025 at 6:50 PM
The Overpass Brigade gathered today as every Saturday despite the biting chill and the wind. Today’s message:
WE STAND WITH UKRAINE
Overpass Brigade
South County Resistance
Rhode Island, 11/29/2025
WE STAND WITH UKRAINE
Overpass Brigade
South County Resistance
Rhode Island, 11/29/2025
I’ve seen several studies associating coffee drinking with longevity. One possible reason here.
November 29, 2025 at 7:33 PM
I’ve seen several studies associating coffee drinking with longevity. One possible reason here.
very thankful people haven't given up.
Over the last year, you could have given into anger and despair.
Instead, you’ve organized in the largest numbers this country has ever seen to reclaim the power of the pro-democracy majority.
We could not be more thankful for you and everything you’re doing to defy Trump’s agenda.
Instead, you’ve organized in the largest numbers this country has ever seen to reclaim the power of the pro-democracy majority.
We could not be more thankful for you and everything you’re doing to defy Trump’s agenda.
November 28, 2025 at 2:19 AM
very thankful people haven't given up.
I fooled around on getting Covid booster vax until Hil and I could get at the same time. Must've waited a week too many. I've got it. We had to cancel travel plans to family gathering. Just hoping she doesn't get it too.
November 27, 2025 at 7:30 PM
I fooled around on getting Covid booster vax until Hil and I could get at the same time. Must've waited a week too many. I've got it. We had to cancel travel plans to family gathering. Just hoping she doesn't get it too.
Reposted by Bob Estes
You'll go your way, I'll go your way too.
— Leonard Cohen, Book of Longing
— Leonard Cohen, Book of Longing
November 27, 2025 at 6:02 PM
You'll go your way, I'll go your way too.
— Leonard Cohen, Book of Longing
— Leonard Cohen, Book of Longing
The idea of setting aside certain days to give thanks to God is very old. First national day in America was proclaimed by Washington in 1789. Lincoln established a yearly national observance in 1863. There was no reference to Plymouth Pilgrims and Native Americans.
November 27, 2025 at 7:09 PM
The idea of setting aside certain days to give thanks to God is very old. First national day in America was proclaimed by Washington in 1789. Lincoln established a yearly national observance in 1863. There was no reference to Plymouth Pilgrims and Native Americans.
Reposted by Bob Estes
ICE lifted a $180 million cap on a proposed immigrant-tracking program while guaranteeing multimillion-dollar payouts for private surveillance firms, according to new contracting records reviewed by WIRED.
ICE Offers Up to $280 Million to Immigrant-Tracking ‘Bounty Hunter’ Firms
Immigration and Customs Enforcement lifted a $180 million cap on a proposed immigrant-tracking program while guaranteeing multimillion-dollar payouts for private surveillance firms.
wired.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:47 PM
ICE lifted a $180 million cap on a proposed immigrant-tracking program while guaranteeing multimillion-dollar payouts for private surveillance firms, according to new contracting records reviewed by WIRED.
Reposted by Bob Estes
Joint Statement from Goodlander, Slotkin, Kelly, Crow, Deluzio, and Houlahan
November 20, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Joint Statement from Goodlander, Slotkin, Kelly, Crow, Deluzio, and Houlahan
Reposted by Bob Estes
Why would Jeffrey Epstein kill himself in jail if he had this much leverage of the one person who could give him a full pardon?
November 17, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Why would Jeffrey Epstein kill himself in jail if he had this much leverage of the one person who could give him a full pardon?
Reposted by Bob Estes
Epstein survivors just demanded the release of the files in this new PSA. Watch it here.
November 17, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Epstein survivors just demanded the release of the files in this new PSA. Watch it here.
Just from the first installment, I learned so much about the history I thought I knew pretty well. Really good, which is, of course, not surprising.
"I think understanding the origin story, and understanding what the intention was, of the creation of the United States as it morphed, and as it changed as it went along, helps us today understand not only where we are, but where we could be going," Ken Burns said. https://to.pbs.org/4p6Y47H
Ken Burns' 'The American Revolution' explores the beginnings of the nation's democracy
"The American Revolution," the latest work from filmmaker Ken Burns, begins this Sunday on PBS. The six-part, 12-hour history of the war of independence from Britain and the beginnings of the American...
to.pbs.org
November 17, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Just from the first installment, I learned so much about the history I thought I knew pretty well. Really good, which is, of course, not surprising.
Reposted by Bob Estes
Reposted by Bob Estes
Alan Dershowitz is one of those claiming Epstein was not a pedophile because he pleaded guilty to one count of having sex for money with a 17-year-and-10-month-old person. "That’s not a pedophile." See this important response from Julia Brown, the brave reporter who broke the news on this
November 15, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Alan Dershowitz is one of those claiming Epstein was not a pedophile because he pleaded guilty to one count of having sex for money with a 17-year-and-10-month-old person. "That’s not a pedophile." See this important response from Julia Brown, the brave reporter who broke the news on this
Would Trump have been re-elected if the Epstein files had been released during Biden’s 4 years? So why weren’t they? My prediction: it’ll be obvious why, once they’re public, if they ever are.
November 13, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Would Trump have been re-elected if the Epstein files had been released during Biden’s 4 years? So why weren’t they? My prediction: it’ll be obvious why, once they’re public, if they ever are.