Over on X, there has been quite a tempest over the doxxing of a writer who goes by the nom-de-plume of Cynical Publius. He writes under that name at American Greatness and also holds forth on X. He uses a pseudonym because his (now former) job and general safety required it. Short version is he is a former military officer who has seen the elephant and makes suggestions based on reality as opposed to what is being passed around DC.
Recently, he joined Pete in suggesting that the War Colleges need some review and revamping (gasp! The Cad!). This led to some interesting exchanges with Radio Free Tom, who until recently was a part of that system (and in my opinion proof positive that said system needs major and serious reform starting with the removal of all the over-credentialed idiots like Tom who are a serious part of why we haven’t won a war in decades). However, in this case, it led to a rather nasty bit of politics in which Brad Duplessis, Ryan Evans, and War on The Rocks (no, no links to them, a single white feather to every individual associated with WOTR would be far more appropriate) doxxed Cynical Publius. I find it fascinating that they seem genuinely surprised there was blowback.
And there has been some substantial blowback, including a rather detailed examination of how WOTR has been captured by the swamp, with (one assumes) the willing help of Ryan Evans. For those interested, start here with Data Republican’s detailed exam with receipts; then read this by John Konrad on X (and then read some of his other articles on the situation); and, then, while it is not directly related (then again…) this article on pointing out mistakes and why the system can’t handle honest mistake fixing. Yes, I do think it applies to the doxxing and the surprise at the blowback. While I’m thinking about it, I commend to one and all Matthew Pierce’s work on persuasibility. I doubt Brad and Ryan will appreciate it, as I strongly suspect that their thoughts on CP and why he deserved harm (doxxing is ALWAYS intended to inflict harm) is a religious issue for them per the Doctrine of Persuasibility. It is a matter of faith that they are right and proper and everyone else is wrong, and no mere facts will alter that belief.
WOTR started as something good and needed; but, it has sunk into the mire and bears no resemblance to its former glory. It went rather rapidly from an outside and fresh perspective admired and respected by the troops, to being an arm of the establishment in amazingly rapid time. It is no longer worth time and I’ve even started unfollowing people on X who follow it for any reason. It, and all those behind it, need to shunned, shamed, and deprived of engagement (and the funds that come from such). The swamp will look after its own, so I suspect the founders and even any employees will find employment elsewhere at need.
Long-time readers may know, but back under Reagan I was a small part of a very large “Kitchen Cabinet” that advised him on any number of subjects. My area involved the Soviet Union and in particular their space and related military efforts — an area where he rightly had concerns about the intel and analysis coming from official sources. I do think Reagan had the largest Kitchen Cabinet of any modern President, though I do wonder if Trump might have something similar. I will simply warn them that low profile, and pseudonyms and such, are wise, as official DC does take note.
It was amazing how fast doors slammed shut after Reagan left office, and even where lines of communications stayed open they were also dark. Probably didn’t help that someone I worked with told a sitting President to “Go Bleep Yourself” Thing is, I’ve met a number of DC power players and a lot of wanna-be power players. Most of them were not worth a bucket of warm spit and have morals to make an alley cat seem virtuous and gentle. I’ve actually been thankful more than once that I did not get swept up in that game, as I’ve kept at least a small bit of virtue, honor, and integrity as a result. Maybe not much, but at least some.
It is easy to lose yourself in DC. The Swamp, The Blob, whatever you want to call it is ravenous and dedicated entirely to protecting itself and not the Republic. It can happen amazingly quickly. Looking at what’s happened here makes me glad that very few know who I am or what I’ve done. It also further reinforces that the new path I’m on is the right one for me. I’d far rather write about history and faith than politics, and have no need to secure my computer against intrusion (and interesting additions) quite as much.
As for Mr. Cynical Publius, I don’t really know him save through his work. The doxxing was a malicious and vicious act without honor or integrity in my book. I will say that if he gets this way, I’m glad to share coffee (or something stronger) with him (or Infantry Dort for that matter) and chat a bit. I will say that if Brad or Ryan were to show up, I would be most happy to discuss the concept of repentance and such with them.
Now, it is time to get back to “work” and the seminary class. Trying to get ahead a bit before going on the pilgrimage. So, more soon. Hopefully something fun that regular readers will enjoy. We will see, as sadly this year of 2026 seems determined to be interesting.
Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!
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