Steven Damron
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stevendamron.bsky.social
Steven Damron
@stevendamron.bsky.social
Author of Dear Mustafa. Order in local bookstores worldwide or from Amazon online. Writing Ghostwriter in Barcelona.

Bsky topics: Writing, AI, Barcelona, gay life, and fascism, not necessarily in that order.
As in the US, detractors of social medicine claim that private care is more efficient and has better doctors.

According to a recent report by economists, though, these problems with public health care systems are myths.

#BCN
La privada es más eficiente que la pública, hay una fuga de médicos y otros mitos de la sanidad
Un informe de Funcas firmado por prestigiosos economistas de la salud aborda los bulos y medias verdades en torno al sistema sanitario
elpais.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Reposted by Steven Damron
There's a lot of focus on Tulsi's involvement, which likely means Putin will get these ballots.

But it's also notable DD Andrew Bailey was present. He has done, AFAIK, just one thing since he was installed as a Hunger Game ploy last September, but I have suspected he was doing something like this.
“.. U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard speaks on the phone while standing inside a vehicle loaded with boxes outside the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center after the FBI executed a search warrant there.”

@reuters.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:14 AM
When law enforcement fails to follow court orders, what do we call it?

#fascism
Judge rips into ICE but backs off demand for agency head to appear in court
“ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence,” Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz wrote.
www.yahoo.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:34 AM
ICE has no idea what it's doing.

Miller says maybe it wasn't following protocol when it murdered Pretti. Seems like it's not following any protocols.

Shut down ICE.

#fascism
Ecuador condemns ICE agent's attempt to enter Minneapolis consulate
A complaint has been filed by Ecuador, whose consular staff prevented the agent from entering.
www.bbc.com
January 28, 2026 at 10:07 PM
Getting rid of Bovino won't change things. Getting rid of Noem won't change things.

Getting rid of Miller might change things.

#fascism
Kristi Noem: "Everything I've done, I've done at the direction of the president and Stephen"
January 28, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Don't worry if you missed opening night at the White House. I got a bootleg copy of the Melania premiere right here!
Charlie Kane Forces Susan Into An Opera Career (Clip) | Citizen Kane (1941) | TCM
YouTube video by Turner Classic Movies
www.youtube.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:42 PM
Reposted by Steven Damron
Notable. #$BLK
January 28, 2026 at 2:25 PM
European leaders are using the word "unpredictability" instead of insanity. PM Fico denies this report, of course, but Trump's Davo speech didn't leave much to the imagination. Parenthetically, Trump was reported not being able to remember the word Alzheimer recently. He's losing his mind.

#fascism
Slovak PM Robert Fico was left shocked by Donald Trump’s state of mind after a recent meeting with him, he told his European counterparts at a summit last week, according to five diplomats briefed on the conversation.
European leader spoke of shock at Trump’s state of mind after Mar-a-Lago meeting
The Slovak PM, a Trump ally, told leaders at last week’s EU summit he was concerned about the way the U.S. president spoke to him, European diplomats said.
www.politico.eu
January 28, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Germany counters Trump's unpredictability by positioning the euro as a possible safe haven.
Germany pushes for 'two-speed' Europe with new bloc of six leading economies
Germany will push for a "two-speed" European Union to break decision-making inertia in the 27-member bloc and galvanise its economies, calling for a core group of member states to move ahead on key po...
share.google
January 28, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Reposted by Steven Damron
Let's put names to the two Trinidadians killed by Kegsbreath's illegal boat strikes: Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo.

They were innocent passengers in a boat obliterated by the US force in the open seas.

RIP.

#fascism
Trinidadian Families File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Boat Strike by U.S. Military

The case tests the Trump administration’s argument that its extrajudicial killings of people suspected of smuggling drugs at sea have been lawful.

www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/u...
Trinidadian Families File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Boat Strike by U.S. Military
www.nytimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Reposted by Steven Damron
NEW: ICE Flight trackers warn pilots that their chained passengers (PAX) can’t reach their oxygen masks.
🤔 What's this sign all about?

Find out on Wednesday's ICECAST ⤵️
January 28, 2026 at 4:41 AM
Llafranc in Costa Brava is an easy day trip from Barcelona.

#BCN
January 28, 2026 at 8:39 AM
How does Trump's stochastic terrorism work?

He gives people permission to attack his political enemies, along the lines of "it'd be a shame if anything happened to her."

It's a way mafia bosses threaten their enemies without consequences.

#fascism
Man arrested after spraying Ilhan Omar with substance at Minneapolis town hall
The congresswoman pledged to keep speaking. People close to her said the substance smelled "terrible" and called on her to "go get checked."
www.yahoo.com
January 28, 2026 at 7:35 AM
Remember, oh, what, like a year ago when Italy would have welcomed US law enforcement with open arms?

Trump has devalued the US brand and its dollar.

#fascism
US sending ICE unit to Winter Olympics for security, prompting concern and confusion in Italy
News that a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement unit will be present at the upcoming Winter Games has sparked confusion and concern in Italy. Some in Italy are upset about the inclusion of ICE,.....
www.sfgate.com
January 28, 2026 at 7:23 AM
Spain's stance towards immigration is based on a realization that its population is shrinking.

Opposition taking points sound familiar. Right wing global conspiracy? Immigration is a powerful political tool.

#fascism
Spain approves decree to regularise half a million undocumented migrants
Move affecting those who have been in Spain five months or more runs counter to anti-migration policies across Europe
www.theguardian.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Reposted by Steven Damron
Where we are as a country
January 27, 2026 at 2:04 PM
ICE actions are flooding Minnesota courts. Adding insult to injury, ICE disobeys court rulings, compounding the problem.

The protests aren't out of control. The federal govt is.

Shut down ICE.

#fascism
Judges, inundated with immigration cases, don’t mince words on ICE tactics
Federal judges in Minnesota are overwhelmed with cases stemming from Operation Metro Surge.
share.google
January 27, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Great to see employees pressuring their company not to provide services that support #fascism.

Investors can do the same. Is there an ICE-free S&P500 ETF?
Palantir Defends Work With ICE to Staff Following Killing of Alex Pretti
“In my opinion ICE are the bad guys. I am not proud that the company I enjoy so much working for is part of this,” one worker wrote on Slack.
www.wired.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:56 PM
America First = America Alone.

The world is routing trade around the US because Trump is an unreliable partner in everything he does.

Don't believe me? Ask Jeffrey Epstein.

#fascism
India, EU finalise landmark trade deal, PM Modi says
After nearly two decades of on-off negotiations, the deal will pave the way for India to open up its vast and guarded market, the world's most populous, to free trade with the 27-nation EU, its bigges...
www.reuters.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:12 AM
No wonder it feels so crowded in the touristy parts of Barcelona. Tourism set another record last year, up nearly 5% from the previous 2024.

#BCN
Catalonia sets new historic record for travelers and hotel stays in 2025
Accomodations register more than 22 million visitors and more than 60 million nights
www.catalannews.com
January 27, 2026 at 9:52 AM
Reposted by Steven Damron
The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents border patrol officers at the National Border Patrol Council, calls on Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller to resign or be fired
January 27, 2026 at 2:07 AM
Earth to Republicans. Sending "money bags" Homan to Minneapolis won't work. Shut down ICE.

#fascism
Chris Madel didn’t just exit the Minnesota governor race, he walked away from the Republican Party itself, saying he cannot support “retribution” against the people of this state. When punishment replaces governance and fear replaces law, even party insiders bolt.

The cracks are widening🔥
January 26, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Reposted by Steven Damron
January 26, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Reposted by Steven Damron
“.. When the US Treasury starts making calls, it’s usually a sign this has moved past a normal FX story,” said Anthony Doyle, chief investment strategist at Pinnacle ..

@bloomberg.com #$DXY
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
January 26, 2026 at 12:42 AM