Simian Silverback
@simiansilverback.bsky.social
I don't like tooting my own horn, but I am a great ape. I have written two books. The first was a novel. The second analyzed litigation challenging the 2020 election. Both were written using a pseudonym because of pervasive bias against gorillas.
You stand immediately in front of a car. The car starts moving forward. You have 2 options: (1) Step out of the way or (2) Shoot the driver.
The 2nd option does not stop forward momentum. The 1st makes the momentum irrelevant.
If you choose 2, or BOTH 1 & 2, it's not self defense.
The 2nd option does not stop forward momentum. The 1st makes the momentum irrelevant.
If you choose 2, or BOTH 1 & 2, it's not self defense.
January 11, 2026 at 7:00 AM
You stand immediately in front of a car. The car starts moving forward. You have 2 options: (1) Step out of the way or (2) Shoot the driver.
The 2nd option does not stop forward momentum. The 1st makes the momentum irrelevant.
If you choose 2, or BOTH 1 & 2, it's not self defense.
The 2nd option does not stop forward momentum. The 1st makes the momentum irrelevant.
If you choose 2, or BOTH 1 & 2, it's not self defense.
A woman shot while trying to lead a mob through a barricaded door in the Capitol, toward police, is a victim. The Trump DOJ pays $4.975 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit.
A woman trying to drive AWAY from police is a domestic terrorist who deserves death.
We live in a strange world.
A woman trying to drive AWAY from police is a domestic terrorist who deserves death.
We live in a strange world.
January 8, 2026 at 7:16 PM
A woman shot while trying to lead a mob through a barricaded door in the Capitol, toward police, is a victim. The Trump DOJ pays $4.975 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit.
A woman trying to drive AWAY from police is a domestic terrorist who deserves death.
We live in a strange world.
A woman trying to drive AWAY from police is a domestic terrorist who deserves death.
We live in a strange world.
When Trump says that we will be running Venezuela, what he means is that he will use the threat of force to compel that country's dictators to sign contracts favorable to Big Oil.
It is the Luca Brasi version of the Monroe Doctrine.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K3q...
It is the Luca Brasi version of the Monroe Doctrine.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K3q...
Godfather (1972) Luca Brasi backstory.
YouTube video by Movie Clip Microcosm - what movies mean to us.
www.youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 9:33 AM
When Trump says that we will be running Venezuela, what he means is that he will use the threat of force to compel that country's dictators to sign contracts favorable to Big Oil.
It is the Luca Brasi version of the Monroe Doctrine.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K3q...
It is the Luca Brasi version of the Monroe Doctrine.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K3q...
Remember when Republicans defended the Iraq invasion by insisting that, "The world is better off without Saddam Hussein"?
Like that was the only question that mattered.
Like that was the only question that mattered.
January 6, 2026 at 9:09 AM
Remember when Republicans defended the Iraq invasion by insisting that, "The world is better off without Saddam Hussein"?
Like that was the only question that mattered.
Like that was the only question that mattered.
Congrats to Pete Hegseth, who has found a way to keep the public debating the legality of this administration's orders, while simultaneously handing its most vocal critic a certain win.
Of course the real credit goes to Trump, who probably goaded Hegseth into this lunacy.
wapo.st/45wwUjl
Of course the real credit goes to Trump, who probably goaded Hegseth into this lunacy.
wapo.st/45wwUjl
Hegseth announces censure and potential demotion of Sen. Mark Kelly
The Trump administration has targeted the Arizona Democrat, a retired Navy officer, over a video reminding U.S. troops they can disobey illegal orders.
wapo.st
January 6, 2026 at 8:54 AM
Congrats to Pete Hegseth, who has found a way to keep the public debating the legality of this administration's orders, while simultaneously handing its most vocal critic a certain win.
Of course the real credit goes to Trump, who probably goaded Hegseth into this lunacy.
wapo.st/45wwUjl
Of course the real credit goes to Trump, who probably goaded Hegseth into this lunacy.
wapo.st/45wwUjl
As Trump people talk about taking Venezuela's oil wealth from the oligarchs and making it work for the people of that country and the US, consider the impossibility of the US structuring a fair deal.
Will Trump negotiate the best deal for the US, or for Venezuela? Their interests collide.
Will Trump negotiate the best deal for the US, or for Venezuela? Their interests collide.
Why Oil Doesn’t Corrupt Norway
YouTube video by PolyMatter
www.youtube.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:26 AM
As Trump people talk about taking Venezuela's oil wealth from the oligarchs and making it work for the people of that country and the US, consider the impossibility of the US structuring a fair deal.
Will Trump negotiate the best deal for the US, or for Venezuela? Their interests collide.
Will Trump negotiate the best deal for the US, or for Venezuela? Their interests collide.
In a glaring example of conflating power and authority, Rubio says that a court order authorizing the seizure of oil ships is the "legal authority" needed for the U.S. to run the country.
The authority to seize assets may give the US the POWER to bully Venezuela, but not the AUTHORITY.
The authority to seize assets may give the US the POWER to bully Venezuela, but not the AUTHORITY.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio with George Stephanopoulos of ABC’s This Week - United States Department of State
QUESTION: We’re joined now by the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. Mr. Secretary, thank you for joining us this morning. SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. QUESTION: President Trump was pretty clear yes...
www.state.gov
January 5, 2026 at 5:16 AM
In a glaring example of conflating power and authority, Rubio says that a court order authorizing the seizure of oil ships is the "legal authority" needed for the U.S. to run the country.
The authority to seize assets may give the US the POWER to bully Venezuela, but not the AUTHORITY.
The authority to seize assets may give the US the POWER to bully Venezuela, but not the AUTHORITY.
Liberals are complaining about the invasion of Venezuela, even though nobody is talking about Epstein. Obviously, the military operation was entirely successful.
January 4, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Liberals are complaining about the invasion of Venezuela, even though nobody is talking about Epstein. Obviously, the military operation was entirely successful.
On October 30, 2010, my wife and I attended the Rally to Restore Sanity in Washington, D.C.
It did not work as well as we hoped.
It did not work as well as we hoped.
January 4, 2026 at 5:41 AM
On October 30, 2010, my wife and I attended the Rally to Restore Sanity in Washington, D.C.
It did not work as well as we hoped.
It did not work as well as we hoped.
Read Jack Smith's testimony. In a matter where the issue is whether Trump was charged for reasons other than his actual guilt or innocence, Jim Jordan asks absolutely NO questions about the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.
He knows Trump is guilty.
He knows Trump is guilty.
judiciary.house.gov
January 2, 2026 at 10:25 AM
Read Jack Smith's testimony. In a matter where the issue is whether Trump was charged for reasons other than his actual guilt or innocence, Jim Jordan asks absolutely NO questions about the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.
He knows Trump is guilty.
He knows Trump is guilty.
At first this article seems a tad pedantic, starting as it does by explaining why Trump is less authoritarian than "patrimonial." But it ends with a brilliant call for action. Every Dem politician and pundit should read it, study it, and act on it.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
One Word Describes Trump
A century ago, a German sociologist explained precisely how the president thinks about the world.
www.theatlantic.com
January 1, 2026 at 10:18 AM
At first this article seems a tad pedantic, starting as it does by explaining why Trump is less authoritarian than "patrimonial." But it ends with a brilliant call for action. Every Dem politician and pundit should read it, study it, and act on it.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Here is an extremely short post that captures a passing moment of serenity. It has nothing to do with politics. Hence, the bliss.
letsmoseyon.com/the-rain-in-...
letsmoseyon.com/the-rain-in-...
The Rain in Spain
I recall from my youth hearing old folks talk about what was important to them. Mostly they talked about how well they slept, or the weather, or perhaps how the rheumatism was acting up. Once in a …
letsmoseyon.com
December 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Here is an extremely short post that captures a passing moment of serenity. It has nothing to do with politics. Hence, the bliss.
letsmoseyon.com/the-rain-in-...
letsmoseyon.com/the-rain-in-...
I heard a GOP talking head boast about the Trump stock market. Here is the data:
Using the S&P 500 as the metric, the market grew by 15.66% in 2025. That sounds pretty good, but in 2023 the growth was 26.29%, and in 2024 it was 21.83%.
Using the S&P 500 as the metric, the market grew by 15.66% in 2025. That sounds pretty good, but in 2023 the growth was 26.29%, and in 2024 it was 21.83%.
December 30, 2025 at 9:43 AM
I heard a GOP talking head boast about the Trump stock market. Here is the data:
Using the S&P 500 as the metric, the market grew by 15.66% in 2025. That sounds pretty good, but in 2023 the growth was 26.29%, and in 2024 it was 21.83%.
Using the S&P 500 as the metric, the market grew by 15.66% in 2025. That sounds pretty good, but in 2023 the growth was 26.29%, and in 2024 it was 21.83%.
The Rain in Spain
I recall from my youth hearing old folks talk about what was important to them. Mostly they talked about how well they slept, or the weather, or perhaps how the rheumatism was acting up. Once in a while they said the world was going to hell in a handbasket. Well, I don’t have…
I recall from my youth hearing old folks talk about what was important to them. Mostly they talked about how well they slept, or the weather, or perhaps how the rheumatism was acting up. Once in a while they said the world was going to hell in a handbasket. Well, I don’t have…
The Rain in Spain
I recall from my youth hearing old folks talk about what was important to them. Mostly they talked about how well they slept, or the weather, or perhaps how the rheumatism was acting up. Once in a while they said the world was going to hell in a handbasket. Well, I don’t have rheumatism, and of course the world IS going to hell in a handbasket, but that is such common knowledge it is hardly worth mentioning.
letsmoseyon.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:43 PM
The Rain in Spain
I recall from my youth hearing old folks talk about what was important to them. Mostly they talked about how well they slept, or the weather, or perhaps how the rheumatism was acting up. Once in a while they said the world was going to hell in a handbasket. Well, I don’t have…
I recall from my youth hearing old folks talk about what was important to them. Mostly they talked about how well they slept, or the weather, or perhaps how the rheumatism was acting up. Once in a while they said the world was going to hell in a handbasket. Well, I don’t have…
Even Trump critics often say he has done what he promised. Really? Did he promise to send immigrants to gulags? Did he promise to fire inspectors general? Did he promise to accept extravagant gifts from foreign govts? Didn't he promise to drain the swamp? Didn't he promise to lower prices?
December 29, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Even Trump critics often say he has done what he promised. Really? Did he promise to send immigrants to gulags? Did he promise to fire inspectors general? Did he promise to accept extravagant gifts from foreign govts? Didn't he promise to drain the swamp? Didn't he promise to lower prices?
Polls show that Dems disfavor the SCOTUS ruling on presidential immunity. Once it appears that a Dem may take the WH, the GOP will feel the same. A smart POTUS candidate will urge a constitutional amendment to prospectively undermine that ruling.
law.marquette.edu/poll/2025/02...
law.marquette.edu/poll/2025/02...
New Marquette Law School Poll national survey finds approval of U.S. Supreme Court above 50% for first time since March 2022 – Marquette Law School Poll
law.marquette.edu
December 29, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Polls show that Dems disfavor the SCOTUS ruling on presidential immunity. Once it appears that a Dem may take the WH, the GOP will feel the same. A smart POTUS candidate will urge a constitutional amendment to prospectively undermine that ruling.
law.marquette.edu/poll/2025/02...
law.marquette.edu/poll/2025/02...
Putin is killing Ukrainian Christians by the tens of thousands. I guess it is okay for Christians to kill Christians for their land, but (based on Trump's work in Nigeria) it is not okay for Muslims to kill Christians for their land.
The distinction is the identity of the aggressor, not the victim.
The distinction is the identity of the aggressor, not the victim.
December 29, 2025 at 5:35 AM
Putin is killing Ukrainian Christians by the tens of thousands. I guess it is okay for Christians to kill Christians for their land, but (based on Trump's work in Nigeria) it is not okay for Muslims to kill Christians for their land.
The distinction is the identity of the aggressor, not the victim.
The distinction is the identity of the aggressor, not the victim.
People have lost trust in our institutions. The next successful presidential candidate will campaign on constitutional reform. E.g., over 80% of voters dislike partisan gerrymandering. Who would dare argue against this change?
thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
Poll: 82% of Americans Want Redistricting Done by Independent Commission, Not Politicians
There may be no greater indication that voters are not being listened to in the escalating redistricting war between the Republican and Democratic Parties than a new poll from NBC News that shows 8-in...
thefulcrum.us
December 28, 2025 at 1:41 PM
People have lost trust in our institutions. The next successful presidential candidate will campaign on constitutional reform. E.g., over 80% of voters dislike partisan gerrymandering. Who would dare argue against this change?
thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
People need not be concerned about the new White House ballroom. Its design will be overseen by the same guy who decorated the Oval Office.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
‘He’s a Maximalist’: Inside Trump’s Gilded Oval Office (Gift Article)
Take a 3-D tour of the president’s office, where he covered a third of the wall space with gold.
www.nytimes.com
December 26, 2025 at 3:24 PM
People need not be concerned about the new White House ballroom. Its design will be overseen by the same guy who decorated the Oval Office.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
They say, "It's not the crime, it's the coverup."
Journalists need to keep asking Trump about his claim never to have been on Epstein's plane. Why did he deny having been on the plane? Doesn't the 2020 memo show the Biden DOJ was NOT politicized? Could it be he was prosecuted because of evidence?
Journalists need to keep asking Trump about his claim never to have been on Epstein's plane. Why did he deny having been on the plane? Doesn't the 2020 memo show the Biden DOJ was NOT politicized? Could it be he was prosecuted because of evidence?
December 26, 2025 at 6:08 AM
They say, "It's not the crime, it's the coverup."
Journalists need to keep asking Trump about his claim never to have been on Epstein's plane. Why did he deny having been on the plane? Doesn't the 2020 memo show the Biden DOJ was NOT politicized? Could it be he was prosecuted because of evidence?
Journalists need to keep asking Trump about his claim never to have been on Epstein's plane. Why did he deny having been on the plane? Doesn't the 2020 memo show the Biden DOJ was NOT politicized? Could it be he was prosecuted because of evidence?
Trump argues, if the Epstein files were credible the Biden DOJ would have used it against him. BUT, in 2024 Trump denied having been on Epstein’s plane. The DOJ KNEW this was a lie, but Harris did not use the info. So, the Epstein files show the Biden DOJ was NOT politicized.
x.com/TheJusticeDe...
x.com/TheJusticeDe...
December 26, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Trump argues, if the Epstein files were credible the Biden DOJ would have used it against him. BUT, in 2024 Trump denied having been on Epstein’s plane. The DOJ KNEW this was a lie, but Harris did not use the info. So, the Epstein files show the Biden DOJ was NOT politicized.
x.com/TheJusticeDe...
x.com/TheJusticeDe...
It is now official. The U.S. government cannot afford to buy cars made in America.
At least that is my takeaway.
www.forbes.com/sites/alison...
At least that is my takeaway.
www.forbes.com/sites/alison...
www.forbes.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:43 AM
It is now official. The U.S. government cannot afford to buy cars made in America.
At least that is my takeaway.
www.forbes.com/sites/alison...
At least that is my takeaway.
www.forbes.com/sites/alison...
Anyone who expects Bondi to follow the law and release the Epstein files without regard to who will be embarrassed has not been paying attention.
While Bondi protects Trump, anti-Trump forces attack other anti-Trump forces (see, e.g., David Brooks).
And folks wonder how Trump gets away with it.
While Bondi protects Trump, anti-Trump forces attack other anti-Trump forces (see, e.g., David Brooks).
And folks wonder how Trump gets away with it.
December 20, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Anyone who expects Bondi to follow the law and release the Epstein files without regard to who will be embarrassed has not been paying attention.
While Bondi protects Trump, anti-Trump forces attack other anti-Trump forces (see, e.g., David Brooks).
And folks wonder how Trump gets away with it.
While Bondi protects Trump, anti-Trump forces attack other anti-Trump forces (see, e.g., David Brooks).
And folks wonder how Trump gets away with it.
Anyone with a heart knows that Trump world's glorification of violence and hatred is wrong. This superb article eloquently explores the problem.
Everyone should read and share.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/o...
Everyone should read and share.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/o...
Opinion | What Trump Is Really Doing With His Boat Strikes
www.nytimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Anyone with a heart knows that Trump world's glorification of violence and hatred is wrong. This superb article eloquently explores the problem.
Everyone should read and share.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/o...
Everyone should read and share.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/o...