Steve Saideman
@smsaideman.bsky.social
#CivMil relations; Director, @CdsnRcds; saideman.blogspot.com; Co-host, Battle Rhythm podcast cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm, International Relations professor. Used to study nationalism/ethnic conflict.
Looking forward to reading this later. Wake Up Dead Man was, alas, disappointing.
Watched "Wake Up Dead Man" last night. Then read @donmoyn.bsky.social 's brilliant essay on the Knives Out Universe this morning. Well worth your time (after you've watched). donmoynihan.substack.com/p/exploring-...
Exploring the Knives Out Universe
Are they just entertaining murder mysteries or something more?
donmoynihan.substack.com
December 27, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Looking forward to reading this later. Wake Up Dead Man was, alas, disappointing.
Reposted by Steve Saideman
"Protecting" Nigerian Christians was a nakedly political move. If he wanted to save lives he could save 600,000 by reinstating USAID without firing a shot. This was not a Christian act, this was a play for Christian votes in the face of massive moral and ethical failure.
December 27, 2025 at 4:53 AM
"Protecting" Nigerian Christians was a nakedly political move. If he wanted to save lives he could save 600,000 by reinstating USAID without firing a shot. This was not a Christian act, this was a play for Christian votes in the face of massive moral and ethical failure.
Danes lost the most per capita in America's war in Afghanistan. Canada lost the second most per capita (if we discount the tiny Baltics).
Allies bled for the US after 9/11, and this is the thanks they get.
Allies bled for the US after 9/11, and this is the thanks they get.
Again, it is utterly shameful & demonstrates the total failure of all of our political institutions that threatening our closest NATO allies with territorial conquest has not immediately ended this presidency.
Denmark lost more troops per capita in the post 9/11 war on Afghanistan. Saying they “are not a good ally” because they won’t surrender their territories to the US is lunacy. We are betraying our allies to satisfy the whims of a would-be Emperor for whom the US is not enough.
December 27, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Danes lost the most per capita in America's war in Afghanistan. Canada lost the second most per capita (if we discount the tiny Baltics).
Allies bled for the US after 9/11, and this is the thanks they get.
Allies bled for the US after 9/11, and this is the thanks they get.
Reposted by Steve Saideman
Again, it is utterly shameful & demonstrates the total failure of all of our political institutions that threatening our closest NATO allies with territorial conquest has not immediately ended this presidency.
Denmark lost more troops per capita in the post 9/11 war on Afghanistan. Saying they “are not a good ally” because they won’t surrender their territories to the US is lunacy. We are betraying our allies to satisfy the whims of a would-be Emperor for whom the US is not enough.
They’re again advocating against Denmark when it comes to Greenland
December 27, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Again, it is utterly shameful & demonstrates the total failure of all of our political institutions that threatening our closest NATO allies with territorial conquest has not immediately ended this presidency.
Reposted by Steve Saideman
Democrats actually do well in portions of the rural South, but that would require Politico to see rural Black Americans, which they don't.
Democrats spy rare opening in rural America
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Democrats spy rare opening in rural America
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Democrats spy rare opening in rural America
President Donald Trump's unpopular tariff and health care decisions have created an opportunity for the Democratic Party to court a GOP-loyal bloc.
www.politico.com
December 27, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Democrats actually do well in portions of the rural South, but that would require Politico to see rural Black Americans, which they don't.
Democrats spy rare opening in rural America
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Democrats spy rare opening in rural America
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Steve Saideman
It’s interesting how the risk awareness that dependence on US systems - be it in digital services, defence, or payment methods - has been internalised fairly quickly in Europe.
National Bank of Sweden chief says Sweden is too dependent on MasterCard and Visa and needs non-American alternatives
National Bank of Sweden chief says Sweden is too dependent on MasterCard and Visa and needs non-American alternatives
Riksbankschef Erik Thedéen: Sverige för beroende av amerikanska kreditkortsföretag - Ekot
Riksbankschef Erik Thedéen anser att Sveriges betalsystem är för beroende av amerikanska kreditkortsföretag som Mastercard och Visa.I nuläget tycker Erik ...
www.sverigesradio.se
December 27, 2025 at 4:01 PM
It’s interesting how the risk awareness that dependence on US systems - be it in digital services, defence, or payment methods - has been internalised fairly quickly in Europe.
National Bank of Sweden chief says Sweden is too dependent on MasterCard and Visa and needs non-American alternatives
National Bank of Sweden chief says Sweden is too dependent on MasterCard and Visa and needs non-American alternatives
Reposted by Steve Saideman
more confirmation that lurking clearly behind this idea of the “heritage american” is a straightforward contempt for the actual history and tradition of this country, such that vermeule has to hallucinate a framework to justify his desire to jettison the clear meaning of the 14th amendment
I had missed this latest delirium by Adrian Vermeule on birthright citizenship
'Common law?! NAH, it's the Roman law of adoption that should govern the interpretation of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution!'
thenewdigest.substack.com/p/immigratio...
'Common law?! NAH, it's the Roman law of adoption that should govern the interpretation of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution!'
thenewdigest.substack.com/p/immigratio...
December 27, 2025 at 12:01 AM
more confirmation that lurking clearly behind this idea of the “heritage american” is a straightforward contempt for the actual history and tradition of this country, such that vermeule has to hallucinate a framework to justify his desire to jettison the clear meaning of the 14th amendment
Reposted by Steve Saideman
1. Bend to our will and we won't pay nuthin and endlessly fund assaults on the democratic system and we commit ourselves to destroying you, using the extra cash you gave us.
vs.
2. Or else we move to Texas.
This is one of them threatening me with a good time things.
vs.
2. Or else we move to Texas.
This is one of them threatening me with a good time things.
December 27, 2025 at 12:15 AM
1. Bend to our will and we won't pay nuthin and endlessly fund assaults on the democratic system and we commit ourselves to destroying you, using the extra cash you gave us.
vs.
2. Or else we move to Texas.
This is one of them threatening me with a good time things.
vs.
2. Or else we move to Texas.
This is one of them threatening me with a good time things.
Reposted by Steve Saideman
some will leave, some won't, but their very fake anxiety shows how un-civic-minded, how selfish they really are, as if the unimaginable wealth they have isn't already enough.
the flight of the billionaires www.nytimes.com/2025/12/26/t...
A Wealth Tax Floated in California Has Billionaires Thinking of Leaving
www.nytimes.com
December 27, 2025 at 12:05 AM
some will leave, some won't, but their very fake anxiety shows how un-civic-minded, how selfish they really are, as if the unimaginable wealth they have isn't already enough.
Reposted by Steve Saideman
JD Vance's career was financed by Peter Thiel, an immigrant, and one of Trump's biggest fundraisers was his AI czar, David Sacks, also an immigrant. Trump's Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-Deremer is the daughter of an immigrant, and his Secretary of State Rubio is also the son of immigrants.
December 27, 2025 at 12:16 AM
JD Vance's career was financed by Peter Thiel, an immigrant, and one of Trump's biggest fundraisers was his AI czar, David Sacks, also an immigrant. Trump's Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-Deremer is the daughter of an immigrant, and his Secretary of State Rubio is also the son of immigrants.
Reposted by Steve Saideman
It’s pretty wild that the most rabidly anti-immigrant administration in recent memory is comprised of a President married to an immigrant, a VP married to the daughter of immigrants, an assistant AG in charge of Civil Rights who’s an immigrant (Dhillon), & it was all funded by an immigrant (Musk).
December 27, 2025 at 12:12 AM
It’s pretty wild that the most rabidly anti-immigrant administration in recent memory is comprised of a President married to an immigrant, a VP married to the daughter of immigrants, an assistant AG in charge of Civil Rights who’s an immigrant (Dhillon), & it was all funded by an immigrant (Musk).
These movies don't have memorable characters or dialogue, but they are pretty.... and super long.
So, nope.
So, nope.
Random thought: The fact the Avatar movies just come out every X years and look rad as hell, without constantly teasing what the next branch in the extended multimedia Avatar universe will be every quarter, is actually a strength?
a man in a suit and tie talking to a woman with the words it 's just a theory ..
Alt: a man in a suit and tie talking to a woman with the words it 's just a theory ..
media.tenor.com
December 26, 2025 at 7:52 PM
These movies don't have memorable characters or dialogue, but they are pretty.... and super long.
So, nope.
So, nope.
Reposted by Steve Saideman
US bombed Nigeria in what Trump says was an effort to protect Christians.
Violence in Nigeria is widespread, not anti-Christian specifically, and the US strikes won't accomplish anything lasting. But it appeals to his evangelical base even as he persecutes other Christians.
New from me in @ms.now:
Violence in Nigeria is widespread, not anti-Christian specifically, and the US strikes won't accomplish anything lasting. But it appeals to his evangelical base even as he persecutes other Christians.
New from me in @ms.now:
Opinion | The logic isn't apparent in Trump's strikes in Nigeria
Nicholas Grossman: Add Nigeria to the list of countries Trump has bombed this year
www.ms.now
December 26, 2025 at 7:47 PM
US bombed Nigeria in what Trump says was an effort to protect Christians.
Violence in Nigeria is widespread, not anti-Christian specifically, and the US strikes won't accomplish anything lasting. But it appeals to his evangelical base even as he persecutes other Christians.
New from me in @ms.now:
Violence in Nigeria is widespread, not anti-Christian specifically, and the US strikes won't accomplish anything lasting. But it appeals to his evangelical base even as he persecutes other Christians.
New from me in @ms.now:
Reposted by Steve Saideman
Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti, son of Italian immigrant Gaetano Crocetti
Frank Sinatra, son of Italian immigrants Antonino Sinatra and Natalina Garavanta
Merry Christmas to everyone except Stephen Miller and his enablers and handlers
Frank Sinatra, son of Italian immigrants Antonino Sinatra and Natalina Garavanta
Merry Christmas to everyone except Stephen Miller and his enablers and handlers
December 26, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti, son of Italian immigrant Gaetano Crocetti
Frank Sinatra, son of Italian immigrants Antonino Sinatra and Natalina Garavanta
Merry Christmas to everyone except Stephen Miller and his enablers and handlers
Frank Sinatra, son of Italian immigrants Antonino Sinatra and Natalina Garavanta
Merry Christmas to everyone except Stephen Miller and his enablers and handlers
Reposted by Steve Saideman
I dunno, I think something about our news media isn’t working quite right
December 26, 2025 at 3:45 PM
I dunno, I think something about our news media isn’t working quite right
Reposted by Steve Saideman
It’s going to be some bullshit respectability from the center and some bullshit bleating about identity politics from the left and some bullshit religious forgiveness from the right.
I’m just going to expire from unrequited rage.
I’m just going to expire from unrequited rage.
It’s very very frustrating to know that there isn’t much chance of any accountability for this behavior after Trump
ICE detain father shopping on Christmas Eve—then steal his family's groceries.
Then 3 agents divvy up his paid for food—taking what they want for themselves.
"Can I just get the wife's number to call and let her know?" woman asks.
"No, guess he should've complied," agent says.
Yakima, Washington
Then 3 agents divvy up his paid for food—taking what they want for themselves.
"Can I just get the wife's number to call and let her know?" woman asks.
"No, guess he should've complied," agent says.
Yakima, Washington
December 26, 2025 at 2:49 PM
It’s going to be some bullshit respectability from the center and some bullshit bleating about identity politics from the left and some bullshit religious forgiveness from the right.
I’m just going to expire from unrequited rage.
I’m just going to expire from unrequited rage.
Reposted by Steve Saideman
Texas Universities are now like police departments who would prefer to pay out the inevitable lawsuits rather than stop breaking the law
Texas A&M University will not reinstate a lecturer who was fired after a video of her teaching about gender identity in a children’s literature class went viral, despite a faculty appeals panel unanimously concluding that her dismissal was not justified.
Texas A&M won’t reinstate fired lecturer despite findings
A vice chancellor upheld the firing of Melissa McCoul, seen in a viral video being confronted by a student on her gender identity teachings, saying the termination was done with “good cause.”
www.texastribune.org
December 26, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Texas Universities are now like police departments who would prefer to pay out the inevitable lawsuits rather than stop breaking the law
Reposted by Steve Saideman
Conservative political correctness is out of control.
Texas A&M University will not reinstate a lecturer who was fired after a video of her teaching about gender identity in a children’s literature class went viral, despite a faculty appeals panel unanimously concluding that her dismissal was not justified.
Texas A&M won’t reinstate fired lecturer despite findings
A vice chancellor upheld the firing of Melissa McCoul, seen in a viral video being confronted by a student on her gender identity teachings, saying the termination was done with “good cause.”
www.texastribune.org
December 26, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Conservative political correctness is out of control.
Reposted by Steve Saideman
😆 no one needs to put any effort into making American media look silly. They're eminently capable of doing that on their own.
The @theatlantic.com claims that Canadians will use "treachery" to make America and its media look "silly".
No, we are a democratic people who hate thugs and their pusillanimous enablers.
Deal with it.
No, we are a democratic people who hate thugs and their pusillanimous enablers.
Deal with it.
December 26, 2025 at 3:48 PM
😆 no one needs to put any effort into making American media look silly. They're eminently capable of doing that on their own.
Reposted by Steve Saideman
lmfao "Soboto"
AFRICOM posting from Germany about airstrikes in Africa while misspelling the name of the place they bombed is *chef's kiss*
AFRICOM posting from Germany about airstrikes in Africa while misspelling the name of the place they bombed is *chef's kiss*
December 26, 2025 at 12:02 AM
lmfao "Soboto"
AFRICOM posting from Germany about airstrikes in Africa while misspelling the name of the place they bombed is *chef's kiss*
AFRICOM posting from Germany about airstrikes in Africa while misspelling the name of the place they bombed is *chef's kiss*
Reposted by Steve Saideman
I don't want to linger on this but it is important... while the sex trafficking and abuse allegations against Epstein are by far the most serious elements of the (metaphorical) indictment, it's also necessary to remember that he was a thief and a fraud. canadiandimension.com/articles/vie...
Chomsky, Epstein, and the responsibility of intellectuals
Burning down houses and raping their female inhabitants is the kind of imperialist standard operating procedure that Chomsky spent his life condemning in East Timor, in Iraq, in El Salvador. But when ...
canadiandimension.com
December 26, 2025 at 1:14 PM
I don't want to linger on this but it is important... while the sex trafficking and abuse allegations against Epstein are by far the most serious elements of the (metaphorical) indictment, it's also necessary to remember that he was a thief and a fraud. canadiandimension.com/articles/vie...
Reposted by Steve Saideman
No.... you chose the equivalent of driving a German car in 1930s America
Fжck you and the South African apartheid emerald mine heir you worship
Fжck you and the South African apartheid emerald mine heir you worship
“We were the targets.” WIRED spoke to seven Tesla Cybertruck owners about their most controversial purchase and why they’re proud to drive it.
Spit On, Sworn At, and Undeterred: What It’s Like to Own a Cybertruck
“We were the targets.” WIRED spoke to seven Tesla Cybertruck owners about their most controversial purchase and why they’re proud to drive it.
wrd.cm
December 26, 2025 at 2:25 PM
No.... you chose the equivalent of driving a German car in 1930s America
Fжck you and the South African apartheid emerald mine heir you worship
Fжck you and the South African apartheid emerald mine heir you worship
Reposted by Steve Saideman
A frequent reminder Bari Weiss is just the most inept and obvious character in the deep rot that infects our corporate media
December 26, 2025 at 2:28 PM
A frequent reminder Bari Weiss is just the most inept and obvious character in the deep rot that infects our corporate media
Reposted by Steve Saideman
If we are running military operations based on bribery, then our hegemonic suicide is complete 🤷♀️
December 26, 2025 at 3:14 PM
If we are running military operations based on bribery, then our hegemonic suicide is complete 🤷♀️
Reposted by Steve Saideman
“Went viral” is an old stock phrase in journalism that really does not capture the dynamic of how X dot Com has been tuned to give people like the one specific legislator here the power to intentionally cause this kind of outcome
Texas A&M University will not reinstate a lecturer who was fired after a video of her teaching about gender identity in a children’s literature class went viral, despite a faculty appeals panel unanimously concluding that her dismissal was not justified.
Texas A&M won’t reinstate fired lecturer despite findings
A vice chancellor upheld the firing of Melissa McCoul, seen in a viral video being confronted by a student on her gender identity teachings, saying the termination was done with “good cause.”
www.texastribune.org
December 26, 2025 at 2:11 PM
“Went viral” is an old stock phrase in journalism that really does not capture the dynamic of how X dot Com has been tuned to give people like the one specific legislator here the power to intentionally cause this kind of outcome