Chris Allen
@smugchristophe.bsky.social
Black. Atheist. Cranky left-liberal Democrat. 37.
Don’t call me a Texan.
https://smugchristophe.substack.com
Don’t call me a Texan.
https://smugchristophe.substack.com
Pinned
Chris Allen
@smugchristophe.bsky.social
· Jan 18
On January 20, 2025 at 12:00pm ET, this becomes a non-stop MAGA-hating account.
Reposted by Chris Allen
This is the kind of stuff that really radicalizes me and should infuriate any decent person: Big Pharma’s abuse of the patent system.
I know this sounds naive, but something has got to change… there’s no constituency for Big Pharma!
And no one, except for the lobbyists, wants higher drug prices.
I know this sounds naive, but something has got to change… there’s no constituency for Big Pharma!
And no one, except for the lobbyists, wants higher drug prices.
Big Pharma Can Tweak Drugs to Keep Generics Off the Market
Taking advantage of a broken patent system, Big Pharma is making minor tweaks to medications just to keep affordable generics off the market, a new report suggests. They’ve made billions of dollars in...
bit.ly
November 25, 2025 at 3:12 AM
This is the kind of stuff that really radicalizes me and should infuriate any decent person: Big Pharma’s abuse of the patent system.
I know this sounds naive, but something has got to change… there’s no constituency for Big Pharma!
And no one, except for the lobbyists, wants higher drug prices.
I know this sounds naive, but something has got to change… there’s no constituency for Big Pharma!
And no one, except for the lobbyists, wants higher drug prices.
Reposted by Chris Allen
The thing is, we can disagree about all kinds of policies, and still fundamentally agree on some basic principles of government. I think many of us have rediscovered that, which is one good thing that comes out of all this.
What's wild is that I'm not only just as solidly progressive and left leaning as ever, I'm in fact more left leaning and progressive as I've ever been *at the same time as* I haven't disagreed with anything that David Frum and Tom Nichols have said or written in the last decade. Thanks, Atlantic.
November 24, 2025 at 3:00 AM
The thing is, we can disagree about all kinds of policies, and still fundamentally agree on some basic principles of government. I think many of us have rediscovered that, which is one good thing that comes out of all this.
Reposted by Chris Allen
I have a favor to ask for my birthday, and it involves wildlife…of course.
It would mean the world to me if you would click below to go to my IG post for my birthday request.
And I would be so grateful if you would like and repost this so it gets maximum reach.
Click Here: bit.ly/47YD9y5
It would mean the world to me if you would click below to go to my IG post for my birthday request.
And I would be so grateful if you would like and repost this so it gets maximum reach.
Click Here: bit.ly/47YD9y5
November 24, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I have a favor to ask for my birthday, and it involves wildlife…of course.
It would mean the world to me if you would click below to go to my IG post for my birthday request.
And I would be so grateful if you would like and repost this so it gets maximum reach.
Click Here: bit.ly/47YD9y5
It would mean the world to me if you would click below to go to my IG post for my birthday request.
And I would be so grateful if you would like and repost this so it gets maximum reach.
Click Here: bit.ly/47YD9y5
Reposted by Chris Allen
“it is bonkers, frankly, when you see [what is happening in Charlotte] yourself.”
November 19, 2025 at 3:55 PM
“it is bonkers, frankly, when you see [what is happening in Charlotte] yourself.”
Reposted by Chris Allen
While Bouie notes that Vance is pretty useless compared to recent vice presidents, I'd add that all changed after this month's elections. With Trump a shamed duck, Vance is now the leader of the party.
And that makes his welcoming stance towards the Groypers all the more sick and dangerous.
And that makes his welcoming stance towards the Groypers all the more sick and dangerous.
November 16, 2025 at 7:31 PM
While Bouie notes that Vance is pretty useless compared to recent vice presidents, I'd add that all changed after this month's elections. With Trump a shamed duck, Vance is now the leader of the party.
And that makes his welcoming stance towards the Groypers all the more sick and dangerous.
And that makes his welcoming stance towards the Groypers all the more sick and dangerous.
Just straight out of the Marine Le Pen playbook.
(Compare this to when Le Pen tried to clean up the image of the National Front/Rally after years of racism, Islamophobia, & anti-Semitism from her father, Jean Le Pen.)
(Compare this to when Le Pen tried to clean up the image of the National Front/Rally after years of racism, Islamophobia, & anti-Semitism from her father, Jean Le Pen.)
BASH: We have seen these attacks from the president at other people. It's not new. And I haven't heard you speak out about it until it was directed at you.
MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE: I think that's fair criticism. And I would like to say, humbly, I'm sorry for taking part in the toxic politics.
MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE: I think that's fair criticism. And I would like to say, humbly, I'm sorry for taking part in the toxic politics.
November 16, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Just straight out of the Marine Le Pen playbook.
(Compare this to when Le Pen tried to clean up the image of the National Front/Rally after years of racism, Islamophobia, & anti-Semitism from her father, Jean Le Pen.)
(Compare this to when Le Pen tried to clean up the image of the National Front/Rally after years of racism, Islamophobia, & anti-Semitism from her father, Jean Le Pen.)
Reposted by Chris Allen
Trump's people want a lot of bad things that will make America an authoritarian regime. But they haven't succeeded and it would take a while for them even to end democracy, much less build fascism.
So act as if you live in a democracy - because you do.
The End.
/20x
So act as if you live in a democracy - because you do.
The End.
/20x
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Trump's people want a lot of bad things that will make America an authoritarian regime. But they haven't succeeded and it would take a while for them even to end democracy, much less build fascism.
So act as if you live in a democracy - because you do.
The End.
/20x
So act as if you live in a democracy - because you do.
The End.
/20x
Reposted by Chris Allen
A regime of avaricious, cruel goons isn't the same thing as a "fascist state," and the fact that they have to go to court, fight it out in state elections and legislatures, cower from being filmed (instead of filming *you*) means everything.
Recognize this. Don't surrender to your fears.
/19
Recognize this. Don't surrender to your fears.
/19
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
A regime of avaricious, cruel goons isn't the same thing as a "fascist state," and the fact that they have to go to court, fight it out in state elections and legislatures, cower from being filmed (instead of filming *you*) means everything.
Recognize this. Don't surrender to your fears.
/19
Recognize this. Don't surrender to your fears.
/19
Reposted by Chris Allen
But remember that most of Trump's people aren't deep thinkers. They want you to think they are, but they're mostly just tap dancing as fast as they can while raiding the treasury and inflicting their cruelty on others. They're living in fear of all this ending soon - and rightly so./18
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
But remember that most of Trump's people aren't deep thinkers. They want you to think they are, but they're mostly just tap dancing as fast as they can while raiding the treasury and inflicting their cruelty on others. They're living in fear of all this ending soon - and rightly so./18
Reposted by Chris Allen
Many of you will read this and resort to "Yeah, but that's what Trump WANTS and it's gonna happen!"
I think Trump doesn't give a flying fuck about most of this, including building THE STATE as a thing. Nor do most of his cronies. But sure, they have plans, and they're awful.
/17
I think Trump doesn't give a flying fuck about most of this, including building THE STATE as a thing. Nor do most of his cronies. But sure, they have plans, and they're awful.
/17
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Many of you will read this and resort to "Yeah, but that's what Trump WANTS and it's gonna happen!"
I think Trump doesn't give a flying fuck about most of this, including building THE STATE as a thing. Nor do most of his cronies. But sure, they have plans, and they're awful.
/17
I think Trump doesn't give a flying fuck about most of this, including building THE STATE as a thing. Nor do most of his cronies. But sure, they have plans, and they're awful.
/17
Reposted by Chris Allen
So, fine, you don't care what the definition of "fascism" is. But please, think through how differently your strategies would be if America were a fascist state right now.
It's not.
You have all the powers of a democracy. Use them. Don't buy into the "fascism is now" drama.
/16
It's not.
You have all the powers of a democracy. Use them. Don't buy into the "fascism is now" drama.
/16
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
So, fine, you don't care what the definition of "fascism" is. But please, think through how differently your strategies would be if America were a fascist state right now.
It's not.
You have all the powers of a democracy. Use them. Don't buy into the "fascism is now" drama.
/16
It's not.
You have all the powers of a democracy. Use them. Don't buy into the "fascism is now" drama.
/16
Reposted by Chris Allen
I could list even more stuff - about the media, the churches, etc - but my point is that fascism is a lot more than "violent racism" or "repressive police action." What we're seeing now is hideous, but it isn't in the same ballpark.
/15
/15
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
I could list even more stuff - about the media, the churches, etc - but my point is that fascism is a lot more than "violent racism" or "repressive police action." What we're seeing now is hideous, but it isn't in the same ballpark.
/15
/15
Reposted by Chris Allen
Basically, if America were a fascist regime *right now*, you'd have to hope either for a civil war or a foreign invasion. All other avenues would have been snuffed out.
In *authoritarianism*, control is a lot more tenuous and pluralist alternatives still exist - even if the regime are thugs.
/14
In *authoritarianism*, control is a lot more tenuous and pluralist alternatives still exist - even if the regime are thugs.
/14
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Basically, if America were a fascist regime *right now*, you'd have to hope either for a civil war or a foreign invasion. All other avenues would have been snuffed out.
In *authoritarianism*, control is a lot more tenuous and pluralist alternatives still exist - even if the regime are thugs.
/14
In *authoritarianism*, control is a lot more tenuous and pluralist alternatives still exist - even if the regime are thugs.
/14
Reposted by Chris Allen
5. And most important, you wouldn't bother to vote. Why do something so stupid? Showing up and casting any vote but the right one would be basically signing your own arrest warrant, or worse, sooner or later. Nothing will matter; even if the opposition wins, they'll lose.
/13
/13
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
5. And most important, you wouldn't bother to vote. Why do something so stupid? Showing up and casting any vote but the right one would be basically signing your own arrest warrant, or worse, sooner or later. Nothing will matter; even if the opposition wins, they'll lose.
/13
/13
Reposted by Chris Allen
You DEFINITELY wouldn't be out on the street, yelling at cops, or pleading with them to be honorable, or demanding to see their ID.
You just...Would Not.
(Throwing food at a cop? Under fascism, you'd be better off just jumping into the river instead of the beating - or bullet - you'd get.)
/12
You just...Would Not.
(Throwing food at a cop? Under fascism, you'd be better off just jumping into the river instead of the beating - or bullet - you'd get.)
/12
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
You DEFINITELY wouldn't be out on the street, yelling at cops, or pleading with them to be honorable, or demanding to see their ID.
You just...Would Not.
(Throwing food at a cop? Under fascism, you'd be better off just jumping into the river instead of the beating - or bullet - you'd get.)
/12
You just...Would Not.
(Throwing food at a cop? Under fascism, you'd be better off just jumping into the river instead of the beating - or bullet - you'd get.)
/12
Reposted by Chris Allen
You certainly wouldn't trust your local cops or state police or local officials in ANY way, because they wouldn't be YOURS. And if they abuse you, you'd best shut up and take it. (See the part about "Courts"). You'd fear that every interaction would be an interaction with The State, the Regime.
/11
/11
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
You certainly wouldn't trust your local cops or state police or local officials in ANY way, because they wouldn't be YOURS. And if they abuse you, you'd best shut up and take it. (See the part about "Courts"). You'd fear that every interaction would be an interaction with The State, the Regime.
/11
/11
Reposted by Chris Allen
Federalism is a powerful obstacle to fascism, and if fascism were *already here*, federalism would not be around. Gavin Newsom would be spoken of in whispers as "that guy who did a funny thing once making fun of the Leader and then no one saw again."
/10
/10
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Federalism is a powerful obstacle to fascism, and if fascism were *already here*, federalism would not be around. Gavin Newsom would be spoken of in whispers as "that guy who did a funny thing once making fun of the Leader and then no one saw again."
/10
/10
Reposted by Chris Allen
4. In a fascist regime, you wouldn't bother with federalism. Fascists worship the centralized STATE. One of the first things the Nazis did was dismantle Weimar federalism. You wouldn't give a damn if Mikie Sherrill became a governor- and you'd assume she's not long for this world if she did.
/9
/9
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
4. In a fascist regime, you wouldn't bother with federalism. Fascists worship the centralized STATE. One of the first things the Nazis did was dismantle Weimar federalism. You wouldn't give a damn if Mikie Sherrill became a governor- and you'd assume she's not long for this world if she did.
/9
/9
Reposted by Chris Allen
You would not be a member of an opposition party or even a remotely suspicious dinner club, FFS. This is what "mass mobilization" means. It doesn't mean "mobs yelling YAY RACISM," it means all citizen action is re-channeled into the State and its Leader - especially in schools.
/8
/8
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
You would not be a member of an opposition party or even a remotely suspicious dinner club, FFS. This is what "mass mobilization" means. It doesn't mean "mobs yelling YAY RACISM," it means all citizen action is re-channeled into the State and its Leader - especially in schools.
/8
/8
Reposted by Chris Allen
3. In a fascist regime, you join the State's activities or you *stay the hell out of the public square.*
Fascist regimes stomp out all *horizontal* social attachments among ppl - clubs, organizations, etc - and replace them with verticalized relationships binding the individual to the STATE.
/7
Fascist regimes stomp out all *horizontal* social attachments among ppl - clubs, organizations, etc - and replace them with verticalized relationships binding the individual to the STATE.
/7
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
3. In a fascist regime, you join the State's activities or you *stay the hell out of the public square.*
Fascist regimes stomp out all *horizontal* social attachments among ppl - clubs, organizations, etc - and replace them with verticalized relationships binding the individual to the STATE.
/7
Fascist regimes stomp out all *horizontal* social attachments among ppl - clubs, organizations, etc - and replace them with verticalized relationships binding the individual to the STATE.
/7
Reposted by Chris Allen
(A digression: If you don't believe this, you have no idea how much paperwork the Nazis - and their cousins, the Stalinists - kept. They wrote EVERYTHING down. It helped to hang them later. The movie Schindler's List actually captures this well.)
/6a
/6a
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
(A digression: If you don't believe this, you have no idea how much paperwork the Nazis - and their cousins, the Stalinists - kept. They wrote EVERYTHING down. It helped to hang them later. The movie Schindler's List actually captures this well.)
/6a
/6a
Reposted by Chris Allen
Under fascism, judges already know their decisions won't matter. They might rule for you or against you, but they'll hate you for putting them in the spotlight and you'll lose, eventually, one way or another.
Fascist courts don't matter. The State's bureaucracies do. You'd have to use them. /6
Fascist courts don't matter. The State's bureaucracies do. You'd have to use them. /6
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Under fascism, judges already know their decisions won't matter. They might rule for you or against you, but they'll hate you for putting them in the spotlight and you'll lose, eventually, one way or another.
Fascist courts don't matter. The State's bureaucracies do. You'd have to use them. /6
Fascist courts don't matter. The State's bureaucracies do. You'd have to use them. /6
Reposted by Chris Allen
2. You would not take your political grievances to court.
Fascist regimes are bureaucratic regimes. You want to fight them, you do so very carefully at the level of paperwork. Seriously. (@gvozdism.bsky.social has said many smart things about this.)
You don't go to court. /5
Fascist regimes are bureaucratic regimes. You want to fight them, you do so very carefully at the level of paperwork. Seriously. (@gvozdism.bsky.social has said many smart things about this.)
You don't go to court. /5
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
2. You would not take your political grievances to court.
Fascist regimes are bureaucratic regimes. You want to fight them, you do so very carefully at the level of paperwork. Seriously. (@gvozdism.bsky.social has said many smart things about this.)
You don't go to court. /5
Fascist regimes are bureaucratic regimes. You want to fight them, you do so very carefully at the level of paperwork. Seriously. (@gvozdism.bsky.social has said many smart things about this.)
You don't go to court. /5
Reposted by Chris Allen
Fascist regimes are paranoid regimes, so you'd want to make the regime's opponents *harder* to identify, not easier. Lack of trust and shitty infomation flow is a characteristic of autocracies in general; you'd want to encourage that, not wear "I AM THE OPPOSITION" tee-shirts. /4
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Fascist regimes are paranoid regimes, so you'd want to make the regime's opponents *harder* to identify, not easier. Lack of trust and shitty infomation flow is a characteristic of autocracies in general; you'd want to encourage that, not wear "I AM THE OPPOSITION" tee-shirts. /4
Reposted by Chris Allen
Why? Because trying to incite popular resistance in a fascist society is bonkers. It's just a way to bring the State - its cops, courts, mobs, etc - down on your head. Fascist states don't fall to revolution.
Under fascism, you want opponents to be hard to find, not parading around in frog suits./3
Under fascism, you want opponents to be hard to find, not parading around in frog suits./3
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Why? Because trying to incite popular resistance in a fascist society is bonkers. It's just a way to bring the State - its cops, courts, mobs, etc - down on your head. Fascist states don't fall to revolution.
Under fascism, you want opponents to be hard to find, not parading around in frog suits./3
Under fascism, you want opponents to be hard to find, not parading around in frog suits./3