The Laughing Wolf – Page 66 – Commentary, Punditry, and More

Russia: Some Players

In a comment to a previous post, Nichevo asks some reasonable questions. So, I’m going to try to answer them, starting with a bit of a who’s who in Russian politics. I’m not going to list all the players who potentially could take over from Vladmir, but more on those that I think have an eye on greater power. Also, keep in mind that there is not much left of open opposition to Vladimir, as several of the remaining opposition politicians have had to flee Russia to save their lives. They can’t return home, probably ever, given that.

Let’s start with the darling of the Western left, Alexei Navalny, who in many respects is both the last significant opposition figure left alive and someone who philosophically has at least some degree of being pro-Western rather than a full member of the Slavophile group. He is Russian/Ukrainian and grew up spending summers in Ukraine with his grandmother. For all that he is anti-corruption and an advocate for more honest elections, he is also a Russian (ultra) nationalist and appears to be a staunch supporter of Russkiy Mir. He had urged courting Ukraine to rejoin Russia rather than invading. He also lets his group take point on controversial issues, such as gay marriage, without officially committing to it. For all that the various charges against him, and for which he is currently in prison, are trumped up, there are questions about how far he truly wants to push anti-corruption reforms. Our so-called elites look at the surface and see an anti-Putin which makes him a de facto ally. Others who are cynical like me see someone who may be the enemy of my enemy, but realizes that such does not automatically make them our friend. Navalny is not going to open Russia, institute democracy, and end war if he takes over. The best I see is some reform; and, I also think his nationalism and opposition to immigration will prove to be salt in the mouths of Western liberals expecting sugar.

There is one more opposition politician, though I’m not sure he has a chance in the great game at this time. That is Vladimir Kara-Murza, who is currently in prison for opposing the war (among other things), and was poisoned twice. He was the protege of Boris Nemtsov, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia who was assassinated in 2015. He is also connected to oligarch-in-exile Mikhail Borisovich Khodorkovsky (aka MBK). All of which give him some “reach” in Russia and if he survives prison he could continue to rise. Right now, I don’t see him having the name recognition or the operational structures that Navalny has in place even with MBK restarting Open Russia in exile. Pity, as in some ways I see him and MBK as the better choice.

On the pro-Vladimir (sorta) side, the name in the lights these days is that of Yevgeny Prigozhin, oligarch and best known for his ownership stake in the Wagner Group. A former convict, he is a leading example of how prison mores have become a chic thing for Russian leadership. He has called for Shoigu’s son to be raped (and there may be some claim that he has called for all in prison for opposing Vladimir to be raped as well), as those who are raped become social omegas and that applies outside of prison as well. Charming fellow. As I noted before, there is a subtle dance required in Russia, where one goes for the gold but dances the dance of being discrete and only taking power because it is thrust on you. The public is aware of, and discussing surprisingly openly, his glaring ambition and that he and Vladimir appear to have had a falling out. His star is burning brightly, and the question is will it continue to do so or burn out. Or be snuffed out, as those Vladimir views as traitorous tend to die not long after.

Next up, you have Dmitry Medvedev. Short version is that in public he is more extreme that Vladimir but is also well-trained enough not to buck his master. For that reason, he “replaced” Vladimir in an election segment until Vladimir could run again, and did exactly as he was told during that time. He has a position of power, knows where bodies are buried, and is dug in like an Alabama tick in many regards. That said, I don’t see him as a lead in succession, though he is likely to be a key player in parts of it.

Sergei Shoigu would be the next logical choice. However, between the military failures in the invasion and the ongoing war between him and Prigozhin, I’m not seeing him as a top contender despite being extremely politically adept. If something happens to take Prigozhin out of the picture, he may well be the compromise candidate the various Slavophile factions could accept.

Two other names to keep in mind: Sergei Lavrov and Sergei Sobyanin. Right now, they are considered long shots, but of the two I think Sobyanin is the one on which to keep an eye. His mayorship of Moscow, Vladimir’s strong support, and other factors say he could be the dark horse in this saga.

Could someone come up who is not currently known? Stranger things, such as Vladimir and Medvedev, came out of nowhere in Russian politics before. Much is going to depend on how Vladimir is succeeded. I honestly don’t see him stepping down in 2024, but running and winning again. If he dies in office of natural causes, I expect the election to be between Medvedev, Lavrov, and Sobyanin. If Vladimir dies of non-natural causes, I think it could come down to literal fighting between Prigozhin, Shoigu, and Medvedev.

Keep in mind that Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic, could well play kingmaker. Right now, he still has (to the best of my knowledge) 1,000 troops quartered next to the Kremlin in support of Vladimir. Anyone on any side feeling frisky knows that they are there. Smart money has those with an eye to moving up establishing cordial if low-key relations with him.

As for the other name I mentioned, Aleksandr Nevzorov, he was/is an opposition leader and general pain in the ass to Vladimir. Journalist, politician, and for me a bit of a character; but, he’s a character who has survived assassination attempts and more. He is one of several politicians who had to flee Russia to save their lives because of their opposition to both Vladimir and the war. Given Russian society, they can never go home as they will be killed as they do so. Never mind the fact that he’s been found guilty of various crimes and sentenced to nine years in prison in absentia. I’ve found his videos to be interesting, both informationally and stylistically. His youtube channel is here, and this video (English captions) from Ukraine News is eerily prophetic. I hope he stays safe as I think Russia needs some of the wisdom he offers.

Hope to get to more of the questions tomorrow.

Update, Plans

Okay, quick update and a bit on what I hope to get done this week. I doubt there will be a “real” post today, as I really need to go run some errands, including those I didn’t get to do on Friday because the car died yet again.

Yes, it died on the interstate on the way down to the mechanic. Yes, another fun and large towing bill. Mechanic and I both think something else is going on as the new alternator died. It was not only under warranty, but he didn’t charge for labor since it had been on less than a week. The latest alternator isn’t really doing as it should, which makes me almost scared to drive the car. Joy.

Used car prices are still insane. Looks like another six months or so before they even start to drop. Only way to get anything close to reasonable is to buy from family or friends. I can’t do that right now, so have to keep putting money into what I have.

I’m also still waiting on my taxes, and hoping things won’t be too bad. For a number of reasons, I have to have someone experienced do them and it has been well worth the cost as they have saved me many times their fee. Just wish I knew where I stood this year.

Not sure why, but the joints have declared war on me the last few days. Weather is actually good, but wondering about the barometric pressure since my right wrist decided to go out last night when turning over in bed. Joy.

I took the good Friars of St. Anthony’s Basilica up on an offer, and submitted a prayer that I be shown what I am supposed to be doing, where I am supposed to be doing it, and that I be granted the means to do both. They are praying for me and my intentions this week, and I invite all to do so as well. Have the feeling I need to be moving soon. Will see.

My plans for “real” posts this week include looking at some of the players in Russia who are jockeying for the top spot, plus a post on some of the ICBMs and such, in response to a request in the comments. Hope to do more, and really do need to get back to work on Preparedness Pays.

More soon provided both I and the car make it through the day.

NOTE: Not sure about the car, but for a number of reasons don’t think this is a good day for me to be out, or make major decisions.

NOTE II: Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving to the SW, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Easter 2023

He is Risen! May you and yours enjoy a Happy and Blessed Easter.

John Wick 4, A Longer Take

Yesterday, I did a short and sweet review that basically said go see it. Today, I want to do a more detailed review and get into at least one area of memetics central to the series and particularly this chapter.

Let’s start with no real spoilers. The acting is superb.

Clancy Brown as the Harbinger is amazing, and while not in the film quite as much as I may have liked, his appearances are critical on several levels. So much so I would be tempted to say that this, not his role in Highlander, is the role he was born to play.

The nuanced and deep performance by Lance Reddick as Charon is fitting for his final role, and a reminder of the amazing talent lost with his death. He will be missed.

Bill Skarsgård plays the psychotic, arrogant, and slightly foppish Marquis almost too well for comfort. There is a fine line in playing such a character that keeps it from becoming either farce or failure, and it was walked with the grace of a tightrope artist. To stay away from spoilers for now, I will simply note that while there were only five or six of us in the early show, there was a distinct hissing heard when he came on screen.

Donnie Yen as Caine was outstanding casting. To combine absolute menace and deadly skill with comedic elements takes a deft touch. Yen appeared to do it with ease. His role, from action to some rather deep philosophical moments, is critical to the film. Without risking spoilers, the introduction of the blind swordsman/assassin meme to the movie was a brilliant stroke. I did, for a moment, flash to Usagi Yojimbo and am glad Yen did not have to utter the line ‘Why does everything smell of pine?’

Hiroyuki Sanada is not as well known to U.S. audiences as he should be, in my opinion. Again, another very good performance that combined excellent acting with amazing action.

The movie also introduces Shamier Anderson to a much wider audience. His character, Tracker, is both ally and enemy to John Wick at different times, and is very well played. The scene where Wick has to decide between shooting him or shooting the evil minion about to kill the dog is classic. I hope to see a lot more of Mr. Anderson in the future as he deserves a larger audience.

Also, I want to commend the performance of Rina Sawayama as Akira. While she is no stranger to the camera from her work as a singer and entertainer, this is not just her first major movie role, it appears to be her first movie role period, and she did it beautifully. Her chemistry with Reeves, Yen, and Sanada in particular is a delight. Maybe a bit more later.

Finally, we have Keanu Reeves. So as to not get into spoilers yet, I will simply say that he plays the weary, world-weary, and determined character to perfection, showcasing the many sides of the character with an excellent, even understated in parts, performance.

And while I should note the performances of Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, and others, I will simply say that if I took the time to go into all the actors/actresses who gave a good performance we’d be here quite a while. If there was a bad performance, it was lost somewhere in the hundreds of evil minions of the movie. The cinematography was it’s usual fantastic success.

Given what happened with Rust, I will note one final element I loved before moving on. The times I looked for it, I was pleased to see both trigger discipline in use (particularly by Mr. Reeves) and that the actors were indeed “cheating” their weapons. By that, I mean that while from the camera angle it looked as though they were pointing directly at another actor, they were not truly doing so. One of the many reasons I’ve enjoyed this series is the realism with weapons and tactics, and the commitment to safety.

Oh, do not leave the theatre until ALL the credits have rolled. Otherwise, you will miss out.

Spoilers Ahead

You Were Warned

Yes, John Wick is a live action comic/manga in many respects. Great action and escapism! Larger than life action and adventure.

Yet, it is also a series that takes on a number of tropes and memes cultural, literary, and even religious. It is one of the things that gives it depth for those who see and understand those memes. Some of the religious seem to be based on Orthodox theology, though traditional Catholics can hum the tune.

One element to those is crucial to the series and especially to this movie: the tale of the good man. The good man who must decide where he stands, what he stands for, and what he lives or dies for. Throughout the film, we see John Wick strive to be the good man. He left the life he had known for love, only to lose it. He is drawn back into his former life by the loss of love and hope, symbolized by the death of his wife for the first and the death of the puppy she sent him for the latter.

Throughout the films, he has been told that the killer is who he truly is, and is all he will ever be. In this film, this is almost brutally driven home in a not terribly subtle way. Both bad guy and even some “good” guys delight in telling him that this is all he is, and he should accept that. It becomes the true struggle for the character in the movie, as he sees and learns the consequences not just of his presence on those he counts as friends, but even what his mere existence can mean for those in his life. In the former, it is what happens to Shimazu and Akira because of his presence. In the latter, it is the death of family member Uncle Pyotr, who was executed for his actions earlier in the movie. The look on his face when he learns of this is telling of more than shock, but a growing realization of where he is headed.

Throughout the movie, we see John Wick grow more and more tired spiritually, even as physical damage takes its toll. We are also treated to a great deal of foreshadowing about both him and what his actions can accomplish. The Harbinger warns the Marquis of the ultimate consequences, more than once, though the second time is very explicit. If the Marquis triumphs, the current order stays. If the Marquis fails, it means the end of the High Table as John Wick will, in terms of this universe, become a saint-like figure to those under the table. As such, the High Table’s power will be broken.

In addition to that, we see some of the theological struggles at play. Wick prays for and talks to his dead wife in a Church. When asked by Caine if he thinks she hears him, he replies no; but, he could be wrong so does it anyway. This is playing out part of that meme, of the good man who has lost his way, who thinks he deserves hell but prays for his wife in heaven/to be in heaven. Who is right, him or Caine who believes there is nothing after this life?

We see this continue in the attempt to climb the stairs and the fights along the way. Allegory doesn’t begin to describe this, and the fact that non-believer Caine joins him and helps him reach the top and duel that decides all is a masterstroke. BTW, if those are the steps I think they are, I’ve been up them and they are a bear even without all the evil minions trying to kill you.

At the top of the stairs awaits the duel in front of the Basilica Sacre-Coeur of Montmartre. As an aside, it is a beautiful place and I would really like to go back and attend the full mass, as what I did get to see prior to joining the Church was a thing of beauty.

The Harbinger not only officiates the duel, he takes on the role of priest within the world of the Table. Wick must face Caine, who has been chosen to shoot for the Marquis. I don’t want to give away too much, but will say that when the Marquis gets his just desserts, the people in the theatre cheered and clapped even more loudly than they did for the death of his main minion.

Wounded and staggering, John Wick simply turns to Winston and asks him to take him home. Then, following up on previous symbolism with the sunrise, he turns into the sunrise and down the steps. As he goes, he makes his choice and discards weapons and all that go with the life of being the Baba Yaga. Sinking down, he turns and stares into the dawn, and at his wife, and simply says “Heaven” as he apparently dies.

They do keep a bit of mystery going, for all that the King and Winston are seen at his grave, where he lies next to his wife. They tease a bit with the interplay, but I hope they don’t play games with this. John Wick made a choice for the lives of others (Caine and his daughter, his family, etc.) and for his own soul. That sacrifice is key to the movies and to this particular meme within those movies. To toss that away for a cheap stunt later would be a betrayal of the story and to the audience.

There are many memes and tropes in play in the movies, and they give them a richness and depth that far surpass what one expects from a live action comic. I suspect there could be any number of academic papers, posts, and books about them. For me, this weekend particularly, the meme of the good man who has done bad if not evil, who works to make it right, and chooses to sacrifice his life to make right what he has done, who puts his faith into Grace and redemption, is particularly apt. John Wick is not the saint proclaimed, but the penitent who chose Faith.

It is a good ending for the character, and a good point of reflection for us the audience. As for the series, there are a number of opportunities. The true end scene pits Akira against Caine in his moment of true happiness as he goes to his daughter, and what the Tracker chooses to do is an open question. I look forward to that, but hope they leave John Wick to his reward.

The Short John Wick 4

It is well worth going to see. I plan to do a longer review here as soon as I can, but have some appointments today. We will see what gets done.

I have to admit the theatre experience was better than I remember. I went to the early show, reserved a recliner for $8.16 with my senior discount, and had the theatre almost to myself. Only about five or so of us there. If the place had sold adult beverages, it would have been just about the perfect movie experience. That’s the first time I’ve been in a theatre in several years I think.

Meantime, what do you think is the best libation for watching John Wick? Vodka, in celebration of his Belarusian heritage, or a good rye for that combo of smooth and barbed wire that go with the character?

If Interested

For those who might be interested:

A partial list of Anheuser-Busch/InBev brands: Budweiser, Bud variants, Michelob, Rolling Rock, Busch, Shock Top, Natural, Johnny Appleseed, Landshark, Goose Island, Blue Point, 10 Barrel, Elysian Brewing, Golden Road, Four Peaks, Breckenridge, Devil’s Backbone, Karbach, Wicked Weed, King Cobra, and Hurricane. There are others, and minority ownership in a number of companies. Remember, knowing is half the battle.

This graphic was posted on Twitter and checks out so far.

I’ll Be In The Bunker

Not sure if there will be a “real” post today or not. We’ve already had 40-60 mph wind gusts, lightning (some close), and more this morning. Thankfully, I’m not among the thousands in the area without power. They say the worst will be coming this afternoon.

Was not a good night, and while I don’t hurt as bad as I did last Friday, bad enough. Hope this means today’s weather won’t be as bad as last week.

Be careful out there today, and if like me you are in the area where things are or could be interesting, be prepared and be safe. Have your weather alerts set up for multiple devices, have a plan, and take action at need.

UPDATE I: Zero ten hundred and the sun came out like nothing had happened. It’s as if Mother Nature was saying “Come on out, trust me!” Not a chance. We know you and it’s spring time in Indiana. About 1030, a tornado watch was issued for the area, effective immediately though next wave set to hit at noon. It’s spring, do NOT trust Mother Nature.

UPDATE II: Noon front has passed, more and worse to come. That said, right now the temps have fallen and it’s actually not bad out, at least temperature wise. Decided to go ahead and cook the hamburgers I was going to do later, just to be safe. Used the stove instead of the grill for several reasons, but have things cooling and getting ready to clean up. Meantime, set as I can be for later.

Amuse Bouche For Thought

I’ve got to run errands, and on top of that storms are coming in which means I’m already starting to feel bad. So, instead of a longer post a short one with some quick thoughts and notes for future posts.

I really do need to talk about the theory being put forward by the former CIA person on a military assassination of Vladimir. Insert Firefly gif of Capt. Mal here for now. I also need to talk about the importance of prison culture in current politics.

Watching a number of other things, but Sarah is generally covering them better than I am right now. One thing I will point out is that the actions of none of the major world leaders is that of secure and stable leaders. That is true of U.S. leadership on matters domestic and international. When none of the major players is operating from such, it means interesting times.

Which means prepare. Food, water, otherwise. Keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

More soon.

Russia Update

I’ve been holding off on an update as there is a lot of smoke, which usually means a fire but in this case could just be politicians and proxies blowing it out their shorts. Russia operates very differently from the U.S., something that seems to escape about ninety percent of DC. It’s that difference that is making it hard to tell exactly what is happening.

The breathless coverage of the day is the assassination of Vladlen Tatarsky, born Maxim Yuryevich Fomin. The well-known Russian milblogger was a huge supporter of the war, but also had become a bit vocal in his criticism of how it was being waged, progressing, etc. To the point it was noted and being discussed in very careful whispers around Moscow. If you think Daria Trepova is the cold-blooded mastermind of the explosion, got a bridge for sale.

The assassination is very reminiscent of Darya Dugina (see here and here). Except this time they used a Russian patsy who provides access to a dissident group as well as the chance to tar Navalny and his party. Right now, suspecting they had hoped she would die in the blast, to make a lot of the smearing easier without anyone around to rebut.

Again, it plays to Russian tropes and drama. The man who could have caused the leadership a lot of problems is now conveniently a martyr. There’s a huge message in there too.

In Russia, the culture has two elements that shape more than many seem to realize. First, there is the idea that all people are corrupt and that therefore it is good to have Kompromat on everyone. The old KGB collected such on every member, both as a means of control at need and a means of knowing what enticed them. The concept of an honest person, one who actually obeys all laws and such, is a subject of laughter and concern. Laughter at the thought there is such a person. Terror that it could be true and of the damage someone like that could do to various systems.

There is also the mythos of the reluctant leader. Naked ambition is never a pretty thing, and in Russia such has needed to be cloaked in something a bit more palatable to the public. Stalin and pretty much every other leader have never stepped up because of ambition; rather, they had leadership thrust upon them and rose to the occasion. Noble. Even if ice axes were involved in the process.

Which brings us to Yevgeny Prigozhin. He’s been discussed a time or two here (see here for one) and so far seems to be holding his own in the current political warfare even though his Wagner group hasn’t done as well. He seems to have had a falling out with Vladimir, and Wagner is looking to refocus on Africa according to some reports. Worse, the quiet whispers extend far beyond Moscow as his ambition for higher leadership have become so obvious that it is being discussed. Discussion of such among an elite group is one thing. Discussion by the larger public is not.

Complicating this is, of course, Vladimir and his health. There are reports of body doubles, escape plans to China, and more. The idea of doubles has been around almost from the start, and I would not be surprised if such were not used. Not saying use is confirmed, just I wouldn’t be surprised if they were being used. To me, it is clear that his health woes are accelerating. Just look at all the video from Xi’s visit, much less his trip to occupied territory. The limp, the gait, and more are clearly visible. Vladimir has done all he could to hide issues before, for them to be seen openly is telling.

As a post-Vladimir world draws near, the scramble for the top seat is going to heat up. In fact, if this is true, some are already well into making plans and have violated a prime law of politics: everyone bad mouth’s the boss, but don’t get caught doing so. There are rumors of other fractures, and multiple people with ambition.

With the need to pull tanks from museums for the fight, Vladimir is increasingly left with only one option for shaking at the world: nuclear. This report indicates they are going to stop warning us of tests, which petulantly childish and foolish. Day ending in Y again.

Problem with that is, you can only push so far. RUMINT has been swirling for a while about issues in Russia’s nuclear weapons systems, including command and control. Note the push to the Yars system versus SARMAT/SATAN II, which was supposed to have replace all the SATAN I missiles several years ago. Add to it reports that an attempt to do a demo launch while Biden was in Ukraine failed. There is a lot of RUMINT out there, and I think we are on the mercy of either the twenty percent or even the ten percent.

People have noticed the rhetoric and at least a few appear to have looked at reality outside the bubbles that permeate Russian society and government. Such is not a help to Vladimir and his efforts to stay in control and start the building of the new Russkiy Mir. Politics and business are a blood sport in Russia, and I would expect to start seeing more blood in the days ahead.

Quick Aside: One reason for going for the older tanks is that they are easier to refurbish than the new. Most newer military vehicles, and not just Russian designs, require a lot of maintenance and if they’ve been in depot, even in the best of storage, they are difficult to bring back into operation. The longer they are stored, and the worse the conditions, I won’t use the word impossible but it does get very interesting. It’s something John Ringo gets into in his Black Tide Rising series.

On a more cynical note, I’m actually working on a contrarian argument in regards nuclear war. Picture Vladimir as Richard Dreyfuss’s character Alexander Dunning in the film RED, going “I’m the bad guy!” Yes, he is, and he want’s to hurt the West, not help us. Therefore, there is no way he is going to nuke DC, NYC, SF, LA, and other major cities. Right now, the politicians and bureaucrats there are doing more damage to the Republic that is the United States than Vladimir could with nukes. So, he is just going to continue to shake his head at the debauchery, and raise a toast to the damage being done.

On a more serious note, they are stepping up the nuclear rhetoric because it’s all they have right now. This was planned for three days. Funny how all the political plans for a short victorious war have rarely worked out throughout history.

There is unrest growing in Russia, which is why you are seeing stories like this, like this, like this, and like this. For all the propaganda and bluster, the word is getting out that all is NOT well. Which is making a lot of people nervous. Hence, the assassination of Vladlen Tatarsky who was a threat to share a lot of accurate information. Or to get people asking for that information.

I’m sure there will be more soon.

Some Thoughts On Twitter

No, I’m not joining the anti-Elon club, or going to moan and flounce over whatever allegedly outrageous thing he’s done this time. In fact, I will start by saying that Twitter is in many ways more fun than it has ever been from the start.

The first Twitter account I had was at the start, and once Twitter became a sewer I left. I rejoined around the last election, and between the manipulation and the still rampant CSE and other sewer elements, I left again. I rejoined when Elon started having an interest in it, and have laughed my fluffy fuzzy rump off at all that has gone on since he bought the non-profit. Unless he does turn things around, I’m going to say he got fleeced. I’m hoping he does turn it around, but some major unforced errors this week have me concerned.

Twitter has an amazing amount of untapped potential. Elon has talked about his desire to make it a true free speech platform, and a platform for citizen journalism. The problem is, either through sheer incompetence by staff, or some termites from the old regimes still being in the woodwork (embrace the healing power of and?), any trust or credibility in Twitter by independent journalists and non-corporate journalistic organizations took a heavy hit.

In short, a user posted an “interesting” graphic about the upcoming “Trans Day Of Vengeance” which also included calls for violence. This was done the afternoon/evening of the day Christian children and teachers were slaughtered by a trans person. Needless to say, the account, the graphic, and the calls for violence were quickly covered by journalists, lawmakers, and others. In a flashback to the old regime, Twitter censored and shut down the accounts of the journalists, lawmakers, and others.

The account that posted the graphic never got taken down or censored as far as I know. If it did, it’s news to me. The accounts that were shut down had to delete the offending posts that shared the graphic (mentioned?), not sure if they had to admit guilt and to be paraded through the public square like in the old days, but were warned of strikes and worse if they continued to offend. Twitter later said no strikes were issued, but right now no one truly trusts them given all the issues in the past. Twitter has massively squandered any trust and goodwill that was being built. Major unforced error.

It also demonstrated a lack of knowledge about real journalism. The graphic has to be shared as it is evidence. It is what allows people to view, consider, and then make up their own mind about it and the messages attached to it. It is even potential evidence in court. In short, it is important and to just yank it down along with all the stories covering and analyzing the situation was totalitarian censorship at its finest as well as complete ignorance of journalistic purpose.

I’m hearing that a number of independent journalists and organizations are putting plans to make more use of Twitter on hold. Some are being vocal about it, and others just read the posts from Twitter, and smile and nod nicely and politely without saying a word.

I was looking at doing some things to try to make better use of Twitter, expand my reach, and even make use of some paid features. That’s going on hiatus, because this time Twitter didn’t put a finger on the scales, they sat on it and screwed over most of the real journalists who use their service in the process.

Now, add to that a campaign against tweets that were deemed mean or insensitive to the cowards of Uvalde, which went on at the same time. Trust level, fucked.

Now, for me, there are two other issues.

First, Elon wants Twitter to be a happy, positive place where no one says mean or nasty things. If you say something someone could possibly consider mean, angry, etc., then you will get throttled. The thing is, free speech is quite often rough, vulgar, and uncouth by the standards of those who live in the clouds.

Twitter still seems to have a problem with not recognizing a real threat (‘I am going to kill you and your family’) particularly when it comes from a progressive or other protected class to a less protected class (see the JK Rowling saga for one example). If you suggest that someone should pleasure themselves with a rusty chain saw, sideways, well, they are going to be all over your ass in a nanosecond, particularly if you are not a member of a protected class. And even faster if the person to whom you make the suggestion is a member of the protected classes. One is a clear threat, the other hyperbole. Twitter still seems to be willfully and deliberately ignoring one and conflating the other.

Attempts to force “niceness” have never worked, and have historically led to massive censorship. Not the first time or place it’s been tried. It also ignores the fact that some ideas are so abhorrent or idiotic, that pure mockery (which is rarely polite) is the only response deserved. You may not like it, you may not like dark humor, you may not like mockery. Problem is, if you try to force nice and censor others, guess what you become? That very tyrant you claim to hate. You go right back to being the Twitter of yesterday.

Second, for myself and others with brain injury, traumatic brain injury, and some related conditions, many of the “improvements and upgrades” to Twitter, Tweetdeck, etc. suck. Big fat hairy warty ones even. I’ve been hearing that a number of others are not happy with the so-called improvements, but for people like me using the system has become a figurative and even literal pain.

Now, I have to say that after being hit by lightning I’m incredibly blessed as things could be a lot worse. My short term memory is fucked, though they tell me that the missing long-term memories are still there but the brain doesn’t know where the files are right now. When my brain finished healing in a few years, that may change. Who knows, but there are no guarantees.

Since being hit, I have learned about “distractions,” “attention success,” “attention lapses,” “CES,” and other joys. There are fancy and nice ways to describe what is going on, but a good analogy is that almost anything can cause my brain to go “SQUIRREL!!” and send my train of thought not only off the rails but out into the swamps. It’s why I have to live my life off flippin lists to get anything done. It’s why a story that used to take me thirty minutes to write can now take three flippin hours or more.

I loved Tweetdeck as it allowed me to arrange information into lists and columns that allowed me to reduce distractions and get the most out of my time on Twitter. New tweets? A simple graphic on the side. Want to get to the top and see the latest? You tapped home and away you went. New message? Again, simple graphic on the side.

Now? Pop-ups you can’t make go away. A useless message bar on the bottom that blocks viewing information when I already have a column for messages. Additions to my columns with suggestions, advice, and other crap I used Tweetdeck to avoid. Seems like every flippin thing is now a mouse-over and pop-up. Scroll too hard to get back to the home column, and you go backwards to a blank web page (that one may be one of the bugs being passed off by Brave as a feature, just like no longer being able to turn off mouse overs, to be fair to Twitter).

I’ve gone from a low/no-distraction environment to almost total distractions. Twitter is even worse IMO. So, I either have to spend a massive amount of time to deal with all the cognitive distractions (and the frustrations of same), or I can just spend less time on Twitter. Guess which way I’m going?

Yes, some of us did reach out and try to get this addressed. I will be polite and nice and just say we were ignored.

I really would like to see Elon get rid of the remaining termites and turn Twitter into a true bastion of free speech. Heck, I would like to see him develop it into the communications, payment, and development powerhouse it could be. That said, I’ve also lived through the destruction of the blogosphere by the walled gardens of social media that promised an easy way to put everything into one easy to manage basket.

I’m not going to put my eggs into one basket, no matter what. But, I’m also not going to put any eggs into a basket without a bottom, and right now that is Twitter. There is no trust and there are no guarantees that Twitter won’t pull the rug out from under you on a tweet, much less something larger. There are still far too many blocked accounts (Stacy McCain, cough, cough), and with more joining them because of capricious and indifferent actions by Twitter, you are eroding trust not building it. When you add in making it harder for people like me to use, there’s even less incentive to be involved.

This week was a return to old Twitter, and it will take a hell of a lot of work to build shattered trust. It can be done, and I hope it is, but I’m not going to continue to invest significant time, much less move to adopt any paid services, for now.