percussion rinse
@mcdeconstruction.bsky.social
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As I said the first time Trump proposed tariffs: this is precisely why he likes them! It makes everyone come to him on bended knee, begging for exemptions. It makes economic survival dependent on his whim. That, not any economic theory, is the whole attraction. Mafia boss thinking.
While Sen. Katie Britt was publicly defending Trump's tariffs, she was privately seeking exemptions for 4 companies operating in Alabama that could be hurt by tariffs, according to emails between her staff & Trump's US Trade Representative, obtained via FOIA by @wsj.com. www.wsj.com/opinion/kati...
September 16, 2026 at 3:50 PM
As I said the first time Trump proposed tariffs: this is precisely why he likes them! It makes everyone come to him on bended knee, begging for exemptions. It makes economic survival dependent on his whim. That, not any economic theory, is the whole attraction. Mafia boss thinking.
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Seems obvious that JD Vance or a close aide is a key anonymous source for this NY Times story. Vance apparently wants NYT to help him create the impression he's blameless in the war.
Note that NYT does not say Vance declined comment. Surely he was contacted, considering the story is all about him.
Note that NYT does not say Vance declined comment. Surely he was contacted, considering the story is all about him.
Behind the Scenes, Vance Gathered Unvarnished Views of the Iran War (Gift Article)
Vice President JD Vance received sobering assessments about the war that did not line up with what he, President Trump and other top administration officials were saying publicly.
www.nytimes.com
September 10, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Seems obvious that JD Vance or a close aide is a key anonymous source for this NY Times story. Vance apparently wants NYT to help him create the impression he's blameless in the war.
Note that NYT does not say Vance declined comment. Surely he was contacted, considering the story is all about him.
Note that NYT does not say Vance declined comment. Surely he was contacted, considering the story is all about him.
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Trump continues to disperse disaster recovery funds based on how states vote, which for any other president or public official, in any other time, in any other country, in any other context would be a morally horrific scandal that would dominate headlines for months.
POLITICO Pro: Trump rejects disaster appeals by four Democratic governors
New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will have to pay the entire cost of recovery from a major February snowstorm.
subscriber.politicopro.com
September 4, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Trump continues to disperse disaster recovery funds based on how states vote, which for any other president or public official, in any other time, in any other country, in any other context would be a morally horrific scandal that would dominate headlines for months.
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People are falling for the DSA vs Establishment trap again. Didn’t we learn our lesson in 2016 and 2024?
It’s the establishment’s job to build a coalition that can win EVERYWHERE. In some places, that means ultra-progressive. In others, it means establishment.
The tent is big enough for all of us.
It’s the establishment’s job to build a coalition that can win EVERYWHERE. In some places, that means ultra-progressive. In others, it means establishment.
The tent is big enough for all of us.
August 30, 2026 at 12:11 AM
People are falling for the DSA vs Establishment trap again. Didn’t we learn our lesson in 2016 and 2024?
It’s the establishment’s job to build a coalition that can win EVERYWHERE. In some places, that means ultra-progressive. In others, it means establishment.
The tent is big enough for all of us.
It’s the establishment’s job to build a coalition that can win EVERYWHERE. In some places, that means ultra-progressive. In others, it means establishment.
The tent is big enough for all of us.
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This is what the fake "free speech" advocates have built: an administration that harasses critics. Produce research showing the expensive National Guard deployments didn't lower crime? Get sued by Trump's lawyers www.nytimes.com/2026/08/21/u...
Trump Threatens Defamation Suit Over National Guard Report, Aiming to Intimidate a Critic
It was the latest example of President Trump’s bid to use the legal system against those who voice unflattering facts and opinions generally protected by the First Amendment.
www.nytimes.com
August 22, 2026 at 7:11 AM
This is what the fake "free speech" advocates have built: an administration that harasses critics. Produce research showing the expensive National Guard deployments didn't lower crime? Get sued by Trump's lawyers www.nytimes.com/2026/08/21/u...
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I see we are continuing the majority's pattern of "SCOTUS nominally defers judgement in a way that, for every practical purpose, gives Trump what he wants."
Breaking News: Chief Justice John Roberts said construction of a White House ballroom could continue, for now. Follow live updates.
Trump Live Updates: Canada Tariff Deadline, White House Ballroom Construction News and More
nyti.ms
August 21, 2026 at 6:49 PM
I see we are continuing the majority's pattern of "SCOTUS nominally defers judgement in a way that, for every practical purpose, gives Trump what he wants."
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The problem with Woke 1 was its lack of proportionality. That's why everyone who tweeted about how racism is bad should be sent to the Hague.
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/o...
August 19, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The problem with Woke 1 was its lack of proportionality. That's why everyone who tweeted about how racism is bad should be sent to the Hague.
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/o...
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The U.S. president frequently threatening to bomb various countries—adversaries, partners, whatever—is bad.
The fact that they react with “sure, buddy, whatever” is bad.
Throwing away international credibility to posture for a domestic audience and assuage the president’s feelings of inadequacy.
The fact that they react with “sure, buddy, whatever” is bad.
Throwing away international credibility to posture for a domestic audience and assuage the president’s feelings of inadequacy.
August 17, 2026 at 12:39 PM
The U.S. president frequently threatening to bomb various countries—adversaries, partners, whatever—is bad.
The fact that they react with “sure, buddy, whatever” is bad.
Throwing away international credibility to posture for a domestic audience and assuage the president’s feelings of inadequacy.
The fact that they react with “sure, buddy, whatever” is bad.
Throwing away international credibility to posture for a domestic audience and assuage the president’s feelings of inadequacy.
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Immediate grounds for impeachment and removal under any previous modern president.
Six million people live in Colorado.
Six million people live in Colorado.
Another day, another impeachable offense: The White House ordered federal agencies to block resources to Colorado because it had punished an election denier.
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/u...
August 15, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Immediate grounds for impeachment and removal under any previous modern president.
Six million people live in Colorado.
Six million people live in Colorado.
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This will reduce potential sortie capacity something like 40% and put unexpected cycling strain on reactors which were not designed for it. Basically indistinguishable from literal sabotage, if you care about such things as readiness or reliability or lethality or whatever
August 13, 2026 at 9:55 PM
This will reduce potential sortie capacity something like 40% and put unexpected cycling strain on reactors which were not designed for it. Basically indistinguishable from literal sabotage, if you care about such things as readiness or reliability or lethality or whatever
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Quick reminder that the U.S. Department of Defense has failed seven financial audits.
General Dynamics received $533 million to build a Texas artillery-shell factory for Ukraine, but produced no usable shells. The Army has not publicly penalized the company or recovered the money.
Weapons Maker Was Paid $533M in Taxpayer Funds to Produce Shells. It Made None.
General Dynamics has neither been held publicly accountable nor had to repay any of the money.
truthout.org
August 13, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Quick reminder that the U.S. Department of Defense has failed seven financial audits.
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the fact that a billionaire can randomly throw $100,000,000 into a campaign against taxing the rich seems like the best argument yet they can afford it
August 11, 2026 at 6:15 PM
the fact that a billionaire can randomly throw $100,000,000 into a campaign against taxing the rich seems like the best argument yet they can afford it
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Incredible that the center-left habitually chides progressives for forgetting the "ancient wisdom" of politics and then watches as they're beaten by the most basic organizing: campaigning in public, finding volunteers, canvassing.
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/u...
The Campaign Tactics Helping Progressives Win Primaries Ahead of the 2026 Midterms
Progressives are being outspent and are receiving little support from the Democratic Party. Their tactics show a different way to succeed.
www.nytimes.com
August 10, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Incredible that the center-left habitually chides progressives for forgetting the "ancient wisdom" of politics and then watches as they're beaten by the most basic organizing: campaigning in public, finding volunteers, canvassing.
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/u...
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Not to beat up on Douthat even more, but I'll just say: it has never, in all of post-war American history, been more crystal clear exactly who your enemy should be. Never. If it's not obvious to you, you are morally & intellectually defective.
In dishonor of Ross Douthat's last NYT column, I'm breaking my self-imposed ban on reading him—smug bad faith, whiny victimization, and steadfast refusal to let evidence affect opinion—and will screenshot and comment.
This is the column if you want to read it yourself (I don't recommend it).
1/x
This is the column if you want to read it yourself (I don't recommend it).
1/x
Opinion | Who Is My Enemy? I’m No Longer Sure.
Where does the side of the angels really lie?
www.nytimes.com
August 8, 2026 at 11:12 PM
Not to beat up on Douthat even more, but I'll just say: it has never, in all of post-war American history, been more crystal clear exactly who your enemy should be. Never. If it's not obvious to you, you are morally & intellectually defective.
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Interior officials have been spotted routinely shredding documents and using disappearing Signal messages, in clear violation of the Federal Records Act. trib.al/C3ehaQv
Interior Dept. Officials Are “Terrified” of Leaving Written Record
Three staffers say they regularly witness Interior officials shredding documents and using disappearing Signal messages.
trib.al
August 7, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Interior officials have been spotted routinely shredding documents and using disappearing Signal messages, in clear violation of the Federal Records Act. trib.al/C3ehaQv
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People are criticizing me unfairly, such as for my actions and their inevitable consequences
Cassidy: "I will vote for Mr Blanche. I will be criticized for this vote. What's new?"
August 7, 2026 at 3:23 PM
People are criticizing me unfairly, such as for my actions and their inevitable consequences
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This is a batshit response to attacking candidates who are winning primaries and elections, when the other side is fascists. If you think you have more to lose from lefty candidates winning office than MAGA's continued destruction, no one should take you seriously. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/06/u...
Moderate Democrats Prepare for ‘War’ Against an Ascendant Left
One moderate group says the progressive wins are “deeply troubling” and is planning a $15 million effort against democratic socialism.
www.nytimes.com
August 6, 2026 at 3:33 PM
This is a batshit response to attacking candidates who are winning primaries and elections, when the other side is fascists. If you think you have more to lose from lefty candidates winning office than MAGA's continued destruction, no one should take you seriously. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/06/u...
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The so-called president of the United States is a massive money launderer and cut off by the bank that discovered it. Yet the story barely registers with the legacy media. What a disgrace.
August 6, 2026 at 10:08 AM
The so-called president of the United States is a massive money launderer and cut off by the bank that discovered it. Yet the story barely registers with the legacy media. What a disgrace.
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1. A new Popular Information investigation reveals that Senate Republicans have recently launched at least six fake news sites in key states.
August 6, 2026 at 1:31 PM
1. A new Popular Information investigation reveals that Senate Republicans have recently launched at least six fake news sites in key states.
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it’s pretty obvious that a lot of people remember that COVID lockdowns were unpleasant and from there just extrapolate that they were therefore bad policy
August 3, 2026 at 1:11 AM
it’s pretty obvious that a lot of people remember that COVID lockdowns were unpleasant and from there just extrapolate that they were therefore bad policy
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Let's all sit with the fact that the president wants to jail some random person who is self-evidently innocent.
It's not surprising, but it's amazing that much of the media is almost completely disinterested in this fact.
It's not surprising, but it's amazing that much of the media is almost completely disinterested in this fact.
It's funny that Jeanine Pirro brought a box of evidence to WH to persuade Trump. He wants her to consciously *throw out* exculpatory facts and *knowingly* prosecute innocent people. So facts can't persuade him by definition.
Me and @barbmcquade.bsky.social on this:
newrepublic.com/article/2139...
Me and @barbmcquade.bsky.social on this:
newrepublic.com/article/2139...
August 5, 2026 at 1:14 PM
Let's all sit with the fact that the president wants to jail some random person who is self-evidently innocent.
It's not surprising, but it's amazing that much of the media is almost completely disinterested in this fact.
It's not surprising, but it's amazing that much of the media is almost completely disinterested in this fact.
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It’s a direct attack on rule of law from the highest levels, aimed at permanently ending US Constitutional democracy and imposing a dictatorship. Always has been.
Anyone who tries treating it as something else—as if they’re dealing with mistaken impressions rather than lies—gets egg on their face.
Anyone who tries treating it as something else—as if they’re dealing with mistaken impressions rather than lies—gets egg on their face.
It's funny that Jeanine Pirro brought a box of evidence to WH to persuade Trump. He wants her to consciously *throw out* exculpatory facts and *knowingly* prosecute innocent people. So facts can't persuade him by definition.
Me and @barbmcquade.bsky.social on this:
newrepublic.com/article/2139...
Me and @barbmcquade.bsky.social on this:
newrepublic.com/article/2139...
August 5, 2026 at 1:46 PM
It’s a direct attack on rule of law from the highest levels, aimed at permanently ending US Constitutional democracy and imposing a dictatorship. Always has been.
Anyone who tries treating it as something else—as if they’re dealing with mistaken impressions rather than lies—gets egg on their face.
Anyone who tries treating it as something else—as if they’re dealing with mistaken impressions rather than lies—gets egg on their face.
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We’re starving millions of Americans so musk and bezos can get tax cuts and trump can collect bribes www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
The Coming Food-Stamp Crisis
A looming deadline may force some states to end SNAP next year.
www.theatlantic.com
July 31, 2026 at 11:40 AM
We’re starving millions of Americans so musk and bezos can get tax cuts and trump can collect bribes www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
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Running out of body bags, using forklifts to transfer corpses into makeshift morgues, a mortician conducting 200 funerals in a month when he usually does 30, crematories running at double capacity…
And these senators just want to memory-hole it all
www.nytimes.com/2020/04/30/n...
And these senators just want to memory-hole it all
www.nytimes.com/2020/04/30/n...
‘We Ran Out of Space’: Bodies Pile Up as N.Y. Struggles to Bury Its Dead (Gift Article)
The coronavirus crisis is overwhelming New York’s system for burying the dead.
www.nytimes.com
July 30, 2026 at 2:03 AM
Running out of body bags, using forklifts to transfer corpses into makeshift morgues, a mortician conducting 200 funerals in a month when he usually does 30, crematories running at double capacity…
And these senators just want to memory-hole it all
www.nytimes.com/2020/04/30/n...
And these senators just want to memory-hole it all
www.nytimes.com/2020/04/30/n...
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Bennie Moreno is making a scene so the SEOs pick this up instead of the fact he did absolutely nothing against his former son in law that burned his daughter with scalding hot water and likely broke his two year old granddaughters collarbone
July 29, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Bennie Moreno is making a scene so the SEOs pick this up instead of the fact he did absolutely nothing against his former son in law that burned his daughter with scalding hot water and likely broke his two year old granddaughters collarbone