Brandon Downey
@bdowney.bsky.social
Infosec professional, photographer, math enthusiast, occasional augmented reality warlord. Peculiar but refined tastes in triangles, cinema, and cocktails. Some skill with Azad.
Signal: bdowney.23
Opinions are my own and not those of my employer
Signal: bdowney.23
Opinions are my own and not those of my employer
Reposted by Brandon Downey
A good meme to send people who are convinced we live in a computer simulation.
May 29, 2024 at 10:55 PM
A good meme to send people who are convinced we live in a computer simulation.
My contribution.
[Ben Garrison comic about the evils of searle's chinese room argument for AI]
@damienmiller.bsky.social
[Ben Garrison comic about the evils of searle's chinese room argument for AI]
@damienmiller.bsky.social
November 30, 2025 at 9:58 PM
My contribution.
[Ben Garrison comic about the evils of searle's chinese room argument for AI]
@damienmiller.bsky.social
[Ben Garrison comic about the evils of searle's chinese room argument for AI]
@damienmiller.bsky.social
Reposted by Brandon Downey
✨ A few years back I stood outside Wells Cathedral for a full day and photographed the impact of the light on the front facade. I was amazed at the outcome - at how a single entity could morph and change under the changing light. 🌅 #thread
November 28, 2025 at 7:13 AM
✨ A few years back I stood outside Wells Cathedral for a full day and photographed the impact of the light on the front facade. I was amazed at the outcome - at how a single entity could morph and change under the changing light. 🌅 #thread
Reposted by Brandon Downey
i love my city so much. thank you to every single person who was out there.
ICE was blocked and impeded by people all the way to the Lincoln Tunnel
November 29, 2025 at 8:15 PM
i love my city so much. thank you to every single person who was out there.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
It’s good that the Epstein stuff has hurt Trump and that there are cracks in his coalition.
But I don’t know how we come back from this sort of outright mafia state behavior. Between this, the destruction of DOJ, and the makeover of DHS, it’s hard to see us regaining full democracy status soon.
But I don’t know how we come back from this sort of outright mafia state behavior. Between this, the destruction of DOJ, and the makeover of DHS, it’s hard to see us regaining full democracy status soon.
BREAKING: Northwestern University has agreed to pay the U.S. Treasury $75 million, over the course of three years as part of an agreement with the federal government to restore funding and end investigations into the university
Full statement from NU below:
Full statement from NU below:
November 29, 2025 at 3:50 AM
It’s good that the Epstein stuff has hurt Trump and that there are cracks in his coalition.
But I don’t know how we come back from this sort of outright mafia state behavior. Between this, the destruction of DOJ, and the makeover of DHS, it’s hard to see us regaining full democracy status soon.
But I don’t know how we come back from this sort of outright mafia state behavior. Between this, the destruction of DOJ, and the makeover of DHS, it’s hard to see us regaining full democracy status soon.
This is why I read and support Liberal Currents; a full throated defense of science, human rights (which include trans rights), and the courage to believe those things are worth fighting for.
The Atlantic? Busy platforming a kook anti-vaxxer under the guise of both-sides-ism.
The Atlantic? Busy platforming a kook anti-vaxxer under the guise of both-sides-ism.
Liberal Currents will never hand it to a man likely to kill untold number of children with his anti-vaccine anti-science crank activism from HHS. We will never throw trans people under the bus to score political points. Help elevate our voice to compete with The Atlantic’s gofund.me/bc470b67b
November 28, 2025 at 7:56 PM
This is why I read and support Liberal Currents; a full throated defense of science, human rights (which include trans rights), and the courage to believe those things are worth fighting for.
The Atlantic? Busy platforming a kook anti-vaxxer under the guise of both-sides-ism.
The Atlantic? Busy platforming a kook anti-vaxxer under the guise of both-sides-ism.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Charles Sumner’s father was woke too
From: Charles Sumner by Zaakir Tameez
From: Charles Sumner by Zaakir Tameez
September 22, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Charles Sumner’s father was woke too
From: Charles Sumner by Zaakir Tameez
From: Charles Sumner by Zaakir Tameez
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Ask yourself why there wasn’t this level of wall to wall coverage for this shooting wgme.com/news/local/i...
ICE agent who shot woman in Chicago drove Border Patrol vehicle back to Maine
An unnamed ICE agent, who shot and injured a woman in Chicago, is now back in Maine after driving the Border Patrol vehicle he was in 1,100 miles.
wgme.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Ask yourself why there wasn’t this level of wall to wall coverage for this shooting wgme.com/news/local/i...
Here's what I'm thankful for: so many ofy fellows are willing to fight back. Pick these up from someone also in Rapid Response this morning making a card for NorCal.
All people willing to fight back and to do the right thing
All people willing to fight back and to do the right thing
November 28, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Here's what I'm thankful for: so many ofy fellows are willing to fight back. Pick these up from someone also in Rapid Response this morning making a card for NorCal.
All people willing to fight back and to do the right thing
All people willing to fight back and to do the right thing
Reposted by Brandon Downey
I hate it when my family argues about politics at Thanksgiving. My Independent Dad is yelling at my Covenanter cousin for allying with the king while my Fifth Monarchist uncle keeps making cryptic pronouncements about the Book of Daniel, and here I am, a Leveller.
November 27, 2025 at 6:58 PM
I hate it when my family argues about politics at Thanksgiving. My Independent Dad is yelling at my Covenanter cousin for allying with the king while my Fifth Monarchist uncle keeps making cryptic pronouncements about the Book of Daniel, and here I am, a Leveller.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Happy Victory for US Arms and Down With Treasonous Slavers Day!
Uncomfortable with the First Thanksgiving Narrative? Good News, it’s Actually a Civil War Holiday
Take heart, all you who grow unsettled at the time of year where the narrative of friendly Pilgrims and American Indians is spread around to make us feel good about a brief moment in American histo…
angrystaffofficer.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Happy Victory for US Arms and Down With Treasonous Slavers Day!
Me: "We need to pick a new audio book for Thanksgiving drive."
Wife: "Well you have homework then. But I do have several new @aptshadow.bsky.social books. They're not *all* insect related."
Wife: "Well you have homework then. But I do have several new @aptshadow.bsky.social books. They're not *all* insect related."
November 27, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Me: "We need to pick a new audio book for Thanksgiving drive."
Wife: "Well you have homework then. But I do have several new @aptshadow.bsky.social books. They're not *all* insect related."
Wife: "Well you have homework then. But I do have several new @aptshadow.bsky.social books. They're not *all* insect related."
Reposted by Brandon Downey
in dune, there are a series of people who were almost kwisatz haderach. these people are strange monsters that remain in the periphery as, basically, viziers and spies.
anyway i sometimes think of certain people as this thing and it's hard to unpack the reference in conversation
anyway i sometimes think of certain people as this thing and it's hard to unpack the reference in conversation
November 27, 2025 at 4:23 AM
in dune, there are a series of people who were almost kwisatz haderach. these people are strange monsters that remain in the periphery as, basically, viziers and spies.
anyway i sometimes think of certain people as this thing and it's hard to unpack the reference in conversation
anyway i sometimes think of certain people as this thing and it's hard to unpack the reference in conversation
The Trump administration has transformed the US government into a vast right wing conspiracy to further the goals of the far right:
White supremacy, white nationalism, and demonizing non-white immigrants as the source of crime (or disease).
This blight is international now.
White supremacy, white nationalism, and demonizing non-white immigrants as the source of crime (or disease).
This blight is international now.
NEW: The New York Times got a State Dept. cable in which Rubio orders diplomats in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to press for immigration limits and cite crime. They’re also told to report on governments that are pro-immigration. Our story: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
U.S. to Press Europe and Other Allies on ‘Mass Migration,’ Document Says
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:24 AM
The Trump administration has transformed the US government into a vast right wing conspiracy to further the goals of the far right:
White supremacy, white nationalism, and demonizing non-white immigrants as the source of crime (or disease).
This blight is international now.
White supremacy, white nationalism, and demonizing non-white immigrants as the source of crime (or disease).
This blight is international now.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
As masked thugs kidnap people in broad daylight, as the military is sent into U.S. cities, as the press is under assault, the owner of the 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘠𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 proudly proclaimed: “We’re not the resistance. We are nobody’s opposition.”
Look elsewhere for opposition, then: www.gofundme.com/f/the-libera...
Look elsewhere for opposition, then: www.gofundme.com/f/the-libera...
November 26, 2025 at 3:40 AM
As masked thugs kidnap people in broad daylight, as the military is sent into U.S. cities, as the press is under assault, the owner of the 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘠𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 proudly proclaimed: “We’re not the resistance. We are nobody’s opposition.”
Look elsewhere for opposition, then: www.gofundme.com/f/the-libera...
Look elsewhere for opposition, then: www.gofundme.com/f/the-libera...
Reposted by Brandon Downey
you should support liberal currents!
November 26, 2025 at 4:02 PM
you should support liberal currents!
Reposted by Brandon Downey
The country deserves a better, more principled publication that has the place in our media industry that 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 does. 𝘓𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 could one day occupy that role, if our growth continues as it has. Help us take our first real steps down that long road: www.gofundme.com/f/the-libera...
November 24, 2025 at 11:55 PM
The country deserves a better, more principled publication that has the place in our media industry that 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 does. 𝘓𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 could one day occupy that role, if our growth continues as it has. Help us take our first real steps down that long road: www.gofundme.com/f/the-libera...
As a supporter of the open society, pluralism, liberty, and building a better world, I'm a Liberal Currents reader.
Mainstream media has failed; broken by late capitalism and the follies of radical centrism.
The Republic needs a sharp sword; so let me recommend backing Liberal Currents.
Mainstream media has failed; broken by late capitalism and the follies of radical centrism.
The Republic needs a sharp sword; so let me recommend backing Liberal Currents.
"If we are to build a new America fit for the 21st century, we must reforge our institutions."
Samantha Hancox-Li wrote those words in 𝘓𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 six months ago. This week, we are working a bit on reforging the American media. Help us fight the implementation of reactionary authoritarianism.
Samantha Hancox-Li wrote those words in 𝘓𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 six months ago. This week, we are working a bit on reforging the American media. Help us fight the implementation of reactionary authoritarianism.
Donate to The Liberal Currents Startup Fund, organized by Adam Gurri
To fight fascism we need opposition media with a backbone. Liberal Currents is that. Help… Adam Gurri needs your support for The Liberal Currents Startup Fund
www.gofundme.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:48 PM
As a supporter of the open society, pluralism, liberty, and building a better world, I'm a Liberal Currents reader.
Mainstream media has failed; broken by late capitalism and the follies of radical centrism.
The Republic needs a sharp sword; so let me recommend backing Liberal Currents.
Mainstream media has failed; broken by late capitalism and the follies of radical centrism.
The Republic needs a sharp sword; so let me recommend backing Liberal Currents.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Still reeling from the Stanford report on Brexit. Reduced GDP by up to 8% and investment by as much as 18%. The UK Treasury would have £40 billion more each year if Britain had remained in the EU. Devastating self-immolation.
The Economic Impact of Brexit
Other
siepr.stanford.edu
November 24, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Still reeling from the Stanford report on Brexit. Reduced GDP by up to 8% and investment by as much as 18%. The UK Treasury would have £40 billion more each year if Britain had remained in the EU. Devastating self-immolation.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
Comedy is legal again
Holy shit. So Elon decides it would be nice to know what region of the world people are posting from. So they add that little feature.
2 hours later they figure out that many Trump supporters with millions of followers are posting from other countries. Surprise!
That "feature" is now gone.
2 hours later they figure out that many Trump supporters with millions of followers are posting from other countries. Surprise!
That "feature" is now gone.
November 23, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Comedy is legal again
Reposted by Brandon Downey
If you still have a Twitter account, today is a great day to delete it.
If I’m understanding this correctly, X is owned by a white nationalist who pays poor people of color in developing countries to pretend to be working class white Americans to scare other white Americans into being afraid poor people of color from developing countries are going to ruin America?
November 23, 2025 at 7:40 PM
If you still have a Twitter account, today is a great day to delete it.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
"The operation has prompted reflection from residents across the political spectrum, who wonder whether the aggressive tactics were worth it...."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/u...
November 23, 2025 at 9:43 PM
"The operation has prompted reflection from residents across the political spectrum, who wonder whether the aggressive tactics were worth it...."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/u...
One of those "lived too long" moments: Facebook just recommended Orkut as a friend.
November 23, 2025 at 8:13 PM
One of those "lived too long" moments: Facebook just recommended Orkut as a friend.
In ancient times people would pay people to cheer them in parades, or mourn for them (or relatives) at their funeral.
Just the dumb, modern version of that -- and because some product manager at Twitter flipped the switch we got to see who they were before Elon realized how bad it looks.
Just the dumb, modern version of that -- and because some product manager at Twitter flipped the switch we got to see who they were before Elon realized how bad it looks.
Twitter pays people based on engagement (views, retweets, comments, etc). It appears that many MAGA accounts are based abroad and they use AI technology to generate low-effort rage bait.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
November 23, 2025 at 7:57 PM
In ancient times people would pay people to cheer them in parades, or mourn for them (or relatives) at their funeral.
Just the dumb, modern version of that -- and because some product manager at Twitter flipped the switch we got to see who they were before Elon realized how bad it looks.
Just the dumb, modern version of that -- and because some product manager at Twitter flipped the switch we got to see who they were before Elon realized how bad it looks.
Reposted by Brandon Downey
One of Twitter’s (relatively new) Head of Product’s ideas, which for the record I like, was to show where everyone is posting from which they have now turned on and it looks like a big section of MAGA is just uh… troll farms, as are a lot of accounts generally.
Interesting business decision.
Interesting business decision.
November 23, 2025 at 4:56 AM
One of Twitter’s (relatively new) Head of Product’s ideas, which for the record I like, was to show where everyone is posting from which they have now turned on and it looks like a big section of MAGA is just uh… troll farms, as are a lot of accounts generally.
Interesting business decision.
Interesting business decision.