Steve Butterfield
@stevebutterfield.bsky.social
Grateful to live in this time & place to defend American values: democracy, equality, freedom, rule of law, human rights.
DC born,USAID kid,married 48 years
QuakerHS NewCollege UMD Wharton
DOE Navy SEC WH Y2K IC FBI CMS
Do your best-Don’t worry-Be happy
DC born,USAID kid,married 48 years
QuakerHS NewCollege UMD Wharton
DOE Navy SEC WH Y2K IC FBI CMS
Do your best-Don’t worry-Be happy
A post from my friend--poet and novelist--Rachel Dacus. I had not known the history of her publishing adventures and I'm so glad things her books and poetry are now so available.
@racheldacusauthor.bsky.social
See also her poetry!
bit.ly/482Rz%E2%80%A6
@racheldacusauthor.bsky.social
See also her poetry!
bit.ly/482Rz%E2%80%A6
November 18, 2025 at 9:00 PM
A post from my friend--poet and novelist--Rachel Dacus. I had not known the history of her publishing adventures and I'm so glad things her books and poetry are now so available.
@racheldacusauthor.bsky.social
See also her poetry!
bit.ly/482Rz%E2%80%A6
@racheldacusauthor.bsky.social
See also her poetry!
bit.ly/482Rz%E2%80%A6
Another damaging visual showing Trump's narcissism and decline.
November 6, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Another damaging visual showing Trump's narcissism and decline.
This may be the most unifying act Trump ever does.
Picture of the East Wing demolition of the White House taken on my flight out of DCA.
October 23, 2025 at 8:07 PM
This may be the most unifying act Trump ever does.
CDR Bobby Jones knows ADM
Holsey and has thoughts on his courage and integrity.
We don't know much about why he resigned--but it is likely that he has sacrificed his career: to honor his oath, protect those he commanded; and to defend the nation.
BZ ADM Holsey
open.substack.com/pub/navshad/...
Holsey and has thoughts on his courage and integrity.
We don't know much about why he resigned--but it is likely that he has sacrificed his career: to honor his oath, protect those he commanded; and to defend the nation.
BZ ADM Holsey
open.substack.com/pub/navshad/...
Live with Bobby Jones
A recording from Bobby Jones's live video
open.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 11:38 PM
CDR Bobby Jones knows ADM
Holsey and has thoughts on his courage and integrity.
We don't know much about why he resigned--but it is likely that he has sacrificed his career: to honor his oath, protect those he commanded; and to defend the nation.
BZ ADM Holsey
open.substack.com/pub/navshad/...
Holsey and has thoughts on his courage and integrity.
We don't know much about why he resigned--but it is likely that he has sacrificed his career: to honor his oath, protect those he commanded; and to defend the nation.
BZ ADM Holsey
open.substack.com/pub/navshad/...
Nicely done. What an embarrassment Hegseth is. And how helpful Trump is being by making his intentions and threats so explicit.
And all of it televised to the world!
Growing up overseas, I had a case of American exceptionalism arrogance. Trump has helped cure me.
open.substack.com/pub/hollyber...
And all of it televised to the world!
Growing up overseas, I had a case of American exceptionalism arrogance. Trump has helped cure me.
open.substack.com/pub/hollyber...
Fascist Eye for the Patriot Guy
(Satire)
open.substack.com
October 2, 2025 at 3:49 AM
Nicely done. What an embarrassment Hegseth is. And how helpful Trump is being by making his intentions and threats so explicit.
And all of it televised to the world!
Growing up overseas, I had a case of American exceptionalism arrogance. Trump has helped cure me.
open.substack.com/pub/hollyber...
And all of it televised to the world!
Growing up overseas, I had a case of American exceptionalism arrogance. Trump has helped cure me.
open.substack.com/pub/hollyber...
I am a fan of Stuart Stevens who wrote a terrific book summing up his political career: titled--and concluding--"It Was All A Lie."
In an alternate timeline, he has had a very positive career as an author, film-maker and scriptwriter for such shows as "Northern Exposure." And he had an great Dad!
In an alternate timeline, he has had a very positive career as an author, film-maker and scriptwriter for such shows as "Northern Exposure." And he had an great Dad!
October 1, 2025 at 2:50 AM
I am a fan of Stuart Stevens who wrote a terrific book summing up his political career: titled--and concluding--"It Was All A Lie."
In an alternate timeline, he has had a very positive career as an author, film-maker and scriptwriter for such shows as "Northern Exposure." And he had an great Dad!
In an alternate timeline, he has had a very positive career as an author, film-maker and scriptwriter for such shows as "Northern Exposure." And he had an great Dad!
Reposted by Steve Butterfield
Daniel Barkhuff points out the benefits of giving Flag and General Officers a chance to see that both they and their fellow FOGOs remain loyal to American values--and their oaths.
This may be a turning point in dashing authoritarian hopes.
open.substack.com/pub/dbarkhuf...
This may be a turning point in dashing authoritarian hopes.
open.substack.com/pub/dbarkhuf...
Everyone Take A Chill Pill
Enough Generals Are Enough Good
open.substack.com
September 28, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Daniel Barkhuff points out the benefits of giving Flag and General Officers a chance to see that both they and their fellow FOGOs remain loyal to American values--and their oaths.
This may be a turning point in dashing authoritarian hopes.
open.substack.com/pub/dbarkhuf...
This may be a turning point in dashing authoritarian hopes.
open.substack.com/pub/dbarkhuf...
The Tide Turned This Week | Explainer
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
www.youtube.com
September 25, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Trump (and maybe Hegseth) doesn't know that during and before WW2 the War Department was what is now the Department of the Army which included the Army Air Corps/Force.
This move insults the men and women of the Navy and the Marines--then and now the Department of the Navy.
What an idiot!
This move insults the men and women of the Navy and the Marines--then and now the Department of the Navy.
What an idiot!
September 5, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Trump (and maybe Hegseth) doesn't know that during and before WW2 the War Department was what is now the Department of the Army which included the Army Air Corps/Force.
This move insults the men and women of the Navy and the Marines--then and now the Department of the Navy.
What an idiot!
This move insults the men and women of the Navy and the Marines--then and now the Department of the Navy.
What an idiot!
Very moving readings from Robert Reich. Thank you very much. And bless your father. And your mother.
(And we may as well bless you while we're at it. Thank you for your many contributions.)
open.substack.com/pub/robertre...
(And we may as well bless you while we're at it. Thank you for your many contributions.)
open.substack.com/pub/robertre...
What My Father Taught Me About Bullies
Friends,
open.substack.com
September 1, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Very moving readings from Robert Reich. Thank you very much. And bless your father. And your mother.
(And we may as well bless you while we're at it. Thank you for your many contributions.)
open.substack.com/pub/robertre...
(And we may as well bless you while we're at it. Thank you for your many contributions.)
open.substack.com/pub/robertre...
We are possibly at a turning point for this administration.
Graff does a good job acknowledging recent concerning hypotheses concerning Trump's health--as well as describing why it is internationally as well as domestically important.
Major media fails to cover any of it.
We will know more soon.
Graff does a good job acknowledging recent concerning hypotheses concerning Trump's health--as well as describing why it is internationally as well as domestically important.
Major media fails to cover any of it.
We will know more soon.
Washington's speculation about Trump's health is at a fever pitch. We've seen multiple reasons this summer to ask questions — and the media doesn't seem to care. What's really going on? www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/it-s-time-...
It’s time to have a serious conversation about Trump’s health
Six questions worth digging into more.
www.doomsdayscenario.co
September 1, 2025 at 7:30 PM
We are possibly at a turning point for this administration.
Graff does a good job acknowledging recent concerning hypotheses concerning Trump's health--as well as describing why it is internationally as well as domestically important.
Major media fails to cover any of it.
We will know more soon.
Graff does a good job acknowledging recent concerning hypotheses concerning Trump's health--as well as describing why it is internationally as well as domestically important.
Major media fails to cover any of it.
We will know more soon.
Daniel Barkhuff explains how labor unions may be the critical actors in defending American democracy. They are not our "only" hope--but may prove to be the most consequential.
substack.com/@dbarkhuff/n...
substack.com/@dbarkhuff/n...
Labor
As Obi-Wan Kenobi
substack.com
August 31, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Daniel Barkhuff explains how labor unions may be the critical actors in defending American democracy. They are not our "only" hope--but may prove to be the most consequential.
substack.com/@dbarkhuff/n...
substack.com/@dbarkhuff/n...
I have so appreciated Scott MacFarlane's reporting over the years. He is an outstanding journalist in a time when the fourth estate has been profoundly failing the American people.
Thank you Scott!
@macfarlanenews.bsky.social
#FBI
Thank you Scott!
@macfarlanenews.bsky.social
#FBI
"There is a despicable purge underway of senior FBI officials, all of whom have risen in their careers as nonpartisan, and who have been targeted for vindictive, political purposes," said Mark Zaid, a whistleblower attorney who represents a number of federal workers
www.cbsnews.com/news/politic...
www.cbsnews.com/news/politic...
Politics may have spurred August purge of 5 veteran FBI agents
Details are emerging about the possible motivation behind the firing of five senior FBI agents.
www.cbsnews.com
August 20, 2025 at 1:57 PM
I have so appreciated Scott MacFarlane's reporting over the years. He is an outstanding journalist in a time when the fourth estate has been profoundly failing the American people.
Thank you Scott!
@macfarlanenews.bsky.social
#FBI
Thank you Scott!
@macfarlanenews.bsky.social
#FBI
Thank you Daniel Barkhuff. Israel’s actions in Gaza are heart-breaking on many levels.
open.substack.com/pub/dbarkhuf...
open.substack.com/pub/dbarkhuf...
I Should Be Ride Or Die Israel
But I can't anymore
open.substack.com
August 20, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Thank you Daniel Barkhuff. Israel’s actions in Gaza are heart-breaking on many levels.
open.substack.com/pub/dbarkhuf...
open.substack.com/pub/dbarkhuf...
I believe immigrants often make the best Americans.
They have been attracted by our values, ideals, our opportunity and openess. And by our traditional optimism and friendliness.
My Norwegian and Cuban maternal grandparents along with paternal ancestors from colonial Massachussetts--all Americans!
They have been attracted by our values, ideals, our opportunity and openess. And by our traditional optimism and friendliness.
My Norwegian and Cuban maternal grandparents along with paternal ancestors from colonial Massachussetts--all Americans!
August 20, 2025 at 12:42 AM
I believe immigrants often make the best Americans.
They have been attracted by our values, ideals, our opportunity and openess. And by our traditional optimism and friendliness.
My Norwegian and Cuban maternal grandparents along with paternal ancestors from colonial Massachussetts--all Americans!
They have been attracted by our values, ideals, our opportunity and openess. And by our traditional optimism and friendliness.
My Norwegian and Cuban maternal grandparents along with paternal ancestors from colonial Massachussetts--all Americans!
Stuart Stevens on the Alaska meeting. Stuart's history makes it especially painful.
I felt the meeting yielded a best case outcome--given the possibilities. Trump must be angry. So perhaps Ukraine will benefit at least a little.
@stuartpstevens.bsky.social
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/stuart-ste...
I felt the meeting yielded a best case outcome--given the possibilities. Trump must be angry. So perhaps Ukraine will benefit at least a little.
@stuartpstevens.bsky.social
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/stuart-ste...
Stuart Stevens on the Disaster in Alaska
Trump rolls out the red carpet for a butcher.
www.lincolnsquare.media
August 16, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Stuart Stevens on the Alaska meeting. Stuart's history makes it especially painful.
I felt the meeting yielded a best case outcome--given the possibilities. Trump must be angry. So perhaps Ukraine will benefit at least a little.
@stuartpstevens.bsky.social
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/stuart-ste...
I felt the meeting yielded a best case outcome--given the possibilities. Trump must be angry. So perhaps Ukraine will benefit at least a little.
@stuartpstevens.bsky.social
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/stuart-ste...
Reposted by Steve Butterfield
Newsom is most definitely NOT my first choice. I know we gotta get thru 2026, but providing we do, and the Dem primary results in Newsom, he'll have my vote.
And I'm going to block far leftists who preach purity. We're dealing with fascists. Politics is a zero-sum game. We win or we lose.
And I'm going to block far leftists who preach purity. We're dealing with fascists. Politics is a zero-sum game. We win or we lose.
August 13, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Newsom is most definitely NOT my first choice. I know we gotta get thru 2026, but providing we do, and the Dem primary results in Newsom, he'll have my vote.
And I'm going to block far leftists who preach purity. We're dealing with fascists. Politics is a zero-sum game. We win or we lose.
And I'm going to block far leftists who preach purity. We're dealing with fascists. Politics is a zero-sum game. We win or we lose.
I am increasingly coming around to this perspective.
We are close to the end-stage of Schumpeter's 'creative destruction of capitalism' where society will not tolerate the costs.
Let's start by completing the New Deal agenda of universal health care and economic reform.
We are close to the end-stage of Schumpeter's 'creative destruction of capitalism' where society will not tolerate the costs.
Let's start by completing the New Deal agenda of universal health care and economic reform.
You know four years ago I was actually fine with there being billionaires
Now I see how dangerous that is for any civilized society
No human is wise enough to avoid damaging people en masse on their way to becoming a billionaire, and the billionaires we have now are just silly and pointless people
Now I see how dangerous that is for any civilized society
No human is wise enough to avoid damaging people en masse on their way to becoming a billionaire, and the billionaires we have now are just silly and pointless people
August 13, 2025 at 3:06 PM
I am increasingly coming around to this perspective.
We are close to the end-stage of Schumpeter's 'creative destruction of capitalism' where society will not tolerate the costs.
Let's start by completing the New Deal agenda of universal health care and economic reform.
We are close to the end-stage of Schumpeter's 'creative destruction of capitalism' where society will not tolerate the costs.
Let's start by completing the New Deal agenda of universal health care and economic reform.
Trump will fail in his attempt to become dictator.
But House & Senate republicans and a majority of the Supreme Court have allowed him to do far too much damage to the American people, our values & institutions, our allies and the world's economies.
@sethabramson.bsky.social contributes even more!
But House & Senate republicans and a majority of the Supreme Court have allowed him to do far too much damage to the American people, our values & institutions, our allies and the world's economies.
@sethabramson.bsky.social contributes even more!
In preparation for what is going to happen at 10AM tomorrow in DC, Hounds has released this song.
It’ll be on streaming services on Tuesday.
So... this is the loudest, hardest-driving, most unforgiving Hounds song ever released. And it’s extremely NSFW.
But the situation calls for such an anthem.
It’ll be on streaming services on Tuesday.
So... this is the loudest, hardest-driving, most unforgiving Hounds song ever released. And it’s extremely NSFW.
But the situation calls for such an anthem.
Hounds, “Hands Off DC”
YouTube video by Seth Abramson
www.youtube.com
August 10, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Trump will fail in his attempt to become dictator.
But House & Senate republicans and a majority of the Supreme Court have allowed him to do far too much damage to the American people, our values & institutions, our allies and the world's economies.
@sethabramson.bsky.social contributes even more!
But House & Senate republicans and a majority of the Supreme Court have allowed him to do far too much damage to the American people, our values & institutions, our allies and the world's economies.
@sethabramson.bsky.social contributes even more!
Steven Cash doesn't sugarcoat our situation and the task before us.
open.substack.com/pub/steadyst...
open.substack.com/pub/steadyst...
We Are Still On The Beaches...
The Steady State | Steven A. Cash
open.substack.com
August 6, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Steven Cash doesn't sugarcoat our situation and the task before us.
open.substack.com/pub/steadyst...
open.substack.com/pub/steadyst...
These tariffs are insane...and unconstitutional!
I'm not a Reagan fan but I (and most of the world) agree about tariffs.
I also liked his expressions of support for immigrants and for American identity based on shared values and aspirations.
I'm not a Reagan fan but I (and most of the world) agree about tariffs.
I also liked his expressions of support for immigrants and for American identity based on shared values and aspirations.
August 1, 2025 at 3:18 PM
These tariffs are insane...and unconstitutional!
I'm not a Reagan fan but I (and most of the world) agree about tariffs.
I also liked his expressions of support for immigrants and for American identity based on shared values and aspirations.
I'm not a Reagan fan but I (and most of the world) agree about tariffs.
I also liked his expressions of support for immigrants and for American identity based on shared values and aspirations.
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America's favorite public service!
What a great agency! What a remarkable history!
Though hobbled by those wishing to cripple and then privatize it, it is the best in the world by most measures.
www.usps.com/250/
What a great agency! What a remarkable history!
Though hobbled by those wishing to cripple and then privatize it, it is the best in the world by most measures.
www.usps.com/250/
USPS 250th Anniversary
Celebrate 250 years of USPS's service to the American people with postal history highlights, celebration events, commemorative stamps, merch, and more.
www.usps.com
July 26, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America's favorite public service!
What a great agency! What a remarkable history!
Though hobbled by those wishing to cripple and then privatize it, it is the best in the world by most measures.
www.usps.com/250/
What a great agency! What a remarkable history!
Though hobbled by those wishing to cripple and then privatize it, it is the best in the world by most measures.
www.usps.com/250/
Good inteview with Luntz.
"Freedom to, but also freedom from. Freedom from fear, freedom from poverty, freedom from despair. It has to be both. One of them is basically conservative. The other one’s basically progressive. And a commitment against corruption.."
www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/arc...
"Freedom to, but also freedom from. Freedom from fear, freedom from poverty, freedom from despair. It has to be both. One of them is basically conservative. The other one’s basically progressive. And a commitment against corruption.."
www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/arc...
The Pollster Who Sensed Democracy Was Faltering
What does the road map to restore American democracy look like?
www.theatlantic.com
July 18, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Good inteview with Luntz.
"Freedom to, but also freedom from. Freedom from fear, freedom from poverty, freedom from despair. It has to be both. One of them is basically conservative. The other one’s basically progressive. And a commitment against corruption.."
www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/arc...
"Freedom to, but also freedom from. Freedom from fear, freedom from poverty, freedom from despair. It has to be both. One of them is basically conservative. The other one’s basically progressive. And a commitment against corruption.."
www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/arc...