Mark Olmsted

My Mamdani Fantasy There is zero downside to trying this

I would like #Zohran to try this before he actually makes the big tax proposals. There is virtually no reason not to. The potential is all upside. #Mamdani
open.substack.com/pub/markolms...

What I wonder is: How many years in the future after Trump will it have to be for a political show is to be fictional in the show's present and yet incorporate Trump in the real past and all of his historical after effects?

a few references to Russia, but the Ukraine War -- I don't think so. I haven't heard one reference to Gaza. (I remember they made up a war with Khazakhstan in the old "West Wing" to be a stand-in for the first Iraq War.)

because it would be about nothing but the chaos he's inducing in every segment of the polity if they did. But it's not totally fictional in regard to the past - they can mention Eisenhower, Clinton, even Obama. There are many references to Iraq, several about Afghanistan,

I'm enjoying the marvelously written new season of #TheDiplomat, and am fascinated by its portrayal of an alternate universe that they want to be as realistic as possible, but can't possibly mention the current President,

I wonder if we might all consider trying one small thing. Choose one day of the week where we don't post one word about him, or an article or meme that mentions him. I suggest Sunday, because it seems like the day least like to offer up a new outrage we feel we must react to. Retweet if you agree.

This is incredibly important.

If I were #JackSmith, I would quietly move to a country that wouldn't extradite him, and declare that he has no desire to be the first person brought in for questioning and immediately jailed until a kangaroo trial that results in a severe sentence.
Make no mistake, this is coming.

A Plan is Born One than can be self-sustaining whatever happens

It can't happen quite yet, but we have a long-term and feasible plan for Mahmoud's financial independence.
markolmsted.substack.com/p/a-plan-is-...

so the can enjoy wearing their beards on Halloween, as on that day they will all wear tutus for a nationwide "Dudes in Dresses" party, also fundraisers for children of active military with serious diseases.
I'd just love to watch Hegseth try to fire them all.

Declare it a major fundraising ploy to help restore cut funds for rare childhood cancers -- every participant competing to raise more more than the other generals, culminating in a mass shave off on Nov 1,

God how I wish every General in the audience yesterday would start growing facial hair. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs could declare October "Beardo Month" - in honor of our Special Forces doing undercover work in dangerous countries and forced to blend in.

Your donations means this tarp will protect the grass hut of Adbulrahman and Fada and their three kids from the coming winter rains. #gaza

YouTube video by Penguin History When Saddam Hussein held a public purge

I imagine Hegseth and Trump spent many hours highly eroticized by this video of Saddam purging the Baath party very publicly 1979. This wish they could do it. They might just try. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MohJ...

Cute Baby Alert Brace Yourself

Keeping beautiful Palestinians alive in #Gaza. Week 40.
markolmsted.substack.com/p/cute-baby-...

Hey, whatever you do, don't call these street thugs who are snatching up immigrants and violently assaulting women "Nazis" because that will hurt their poor little feelings.

YouTube video by Mark Olmsted Don't Come Crying to Me

@chrismurphyct.bsky.social Methinks you need an anthem to go with your speech. youtu.be/oh0Dx5OQyKg #SenatorChrisMurphy #Democrats

@maddow.msnbc.com Really, not one question about Gaza? Isn't it bad enough that you barely cover the ongoing slaughter?

"On 22 December 1929, Wessel's brother Werner and three other members of the Sturmabteilung and Nazi Party froze to death on a skiing trip." Foreshadowing of the Russian Front 12 years later.

YouTube video by Mark Olmsted The Cowboy Self Esteem Song

Sure you know a country music singer looking for some new material.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXLQ...

I love these kind of bleak, industrial pictures.

Survival in Gaza Snapshots from Hell-adjacent

Your donations and mine do very real things. #Gaza
open.substack.com/pub/markolms...

In Gaza right now.

Donate to Rebuilding My Life & Studio After Losing Everything in Gaza, organized by Jane Han My name is Fouad Khader, a musician and artist born and raised in… Jane Han needs your support for Rebuilding My Life & Studio After Losing Everything in Gaza

www.gofundme.com/f/rebuilding...

Fouad Flees Another friend with an injured brother

My beautiful friend Fouad is finally fleeing Gaza City. He hadn't told me that it was his disabled brother holding him back. He needed his family to tell him he had to flee, even if he can't take his brother. open.substack.com/pub/markolms...

The Gift of a Tent And some help to Maha

open.substack.com/pub/markolms...

@markwarner.bsky.social Do you realize how awful it sounds to say "I am a staunch supporter of the State of Israel" after two year of it committing genocide in #Gaza? #MSNBC

He was just a groom Death hits closer

Mahmoud's cousin murdered.
open.substack.com/pub/markolms...

This should be every baby in Gaza.