The Frito Bandito
@thefritobanditoo
Pro science, education, the rule of law, Ukraine, institutions, liberalism, Pax Americana, defense & natsec, social services, liberty, justice, infrastructure, progressive taxation, single-payer healthcare, reindustrialization, carbon-neutral. Democrat. 🇺🇸
The effects of this municipal ponzi scheme have become acute recently due to the history of development and the schedule of depreciation. The post-war boom of infrastructure spending started about 80 years ago. Today, those water mains and old streets are crumbling beyond repair.
The tax revenues from these new developments go toward maintaining old infrastructure elsewhere in the municipality. But problematically, these developments do not produce enough tax revenue to pay for the infrastructure that enables the development and will always be required. (Marohn p.78)
As Charles Marohn shows in Strong Towns p.139, a single mixed-use highrise in a downtown area can produce 100x the tax revenue per acre as a rural/suburban Walmart. Yet due to its size and location, the Walmart requires far more public infrastructure than the highrise does.
On this day in 2009, Specialist Sergeant Mevlüt Baydur of the Turkish Army was killed in Afghanistan, leaving behind a wife and two children. Although his funeral was attended by hundreds, photos of Mevlüt (as above) are nearly nonexistent on the internet.
On this day in 2011, Lieutenant Thomas Gauvin of the French Army was killed in Afghanistan in a suicide bombing alongside four other French soldiers. Considered exceptional among his peers, he was scheduled for a promotion soon. Lt. Gauvin was survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Anaïs.
On this day in 2008, EOD expert Krisztián Nemes—posthumously Major—of the Hungarian Army was killed in Afghanistan while attempting to disarm a roadside bomb. He left behind a wife and three small children. The day prior, he had phoned his mother in Hungary to wish her a happy birthday.
On this day in 2011, Brigadier Clément Kovac of the French Army was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire. A decorated soldier and well-regarded by his peers, he became the 64th French soldier to die in America's war in Afghanistan.
On this day in 2011, Constable Alexander Biune became the 41st soldier of the Danish Army to lose their life in Afghanistan. His funeral in Copenhagen was attended by hundreds, including American and British officers.
On this day in 2009, Private John Brackpool of the British Army was killed in Afghanistan by enemy fire. He had a "waterproof smile that kept morale going when things got tough," according to his group commander. Private Brackpool left behind his parents, his partner, and a young son.
Yeah, you didn't realize that Platner was a OnCe In a GeNeRatIOn TaLEnT??
On this day in 2014, Sergeant Ivo Klusák of the Czech Army was killed by a suicide bomber alongside four other Czech soldiers. This was the deadliest day for the Czech Army in Afghanistan. Their funeral with honors was attended by hundreds.
Has Platner denied the allegations? If I were accused of rape, the first thing I'd do is deny it vociferously, since I've never committed rape. But maybe that's just me.
On this day in 2009, Trooper Christopher 'Norm' Whiteside of British Army was killed by an IED in Afghanistan. "You were a brilliant friend to loads of us and everyone in The Legion will miss you and remember you for ever," said his squadmates. "Rest in peace, my good friend."
@sarahlongwell25.bsky.social whenever you're ready, we'll be here :)
"Shout out to the people of Bluesky... the Bluesky resist libs never liked Platner." Aw, thanks @timmiller.bsky.social "Come back to Twitter" @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social or MAYBE y'all could come over here :)
On this day in 2010, Staff Sgt. Laurent Mosic of the French Army was killed in Afghanistan by an IED he was attempting to secure. He was posthumously awarded the Cross for Military Valor with Bronze Palm.
On this day in 2007, Captain Jefferson Clifford Francis of the Canadian army died in Afghanistan to an IED attack, leaving behind a wife and son. Article V of the NATO treaty has been invoked only once: to support the United States after 9/11. Happy America 250.
On this day in 2009, Corporal Nicholas Bulger of the Canadian Army was killed by an IED in Afghanistan. He was hopeful for Afghanistan's future: "All you see is the war... but then when you see those kids running through the streets without a care in the world… being here makes a huge difference."
A chart of unique daily posters on Bluesky. There was a big bump of joiners after the US election on November 5th 2024, followed by a steady decline of daily posters that has plateaued.
On this day in 2006, Lieutenant Colonel Carlo Liguori of the Italian Army died in Herat, Afghanistan when he experienced a heart attack. Tenente Colonnello Liguori was in Afghanistan to conduct humanitarian aid projects.
On this day in 2012, Guardsman Craig Andrew Roderick of the British Army was killed in Afghanistan alongside two other British soldiers. "Words cannot describe how the loss of our precious Craig has affected us all," said his family. Guardsman Roderick was 22 years old.
On this day in 2007, Captain Sean Dolan of the British Army was killed in Afghanistan by Taliban mortar fire. Captain Dolan was a decorated officer who left behind a wife and son. "This is simply the biggest blow that I have suffered in 23 years service," said his commanding officer.
On this day in 2008, Lance Corporal James Johnson of the British Army was killed in Afghanistan by an anti-personnel mine. "A quiet man in his day to day life with a heart of gold, nothing was ever too much trouble if you needed help," said his Platoon Sergeant and friend.
On this day in 2010, Simen Tokle of the Royal Norwegian Navy was killed by an IED in Afghanistan alongside three other Norwegians. “We have lost four of our best soldiers,” Defense Minister Grete Faremo said when announcing their deaths. “Norway is a small country. We have no one to lose.”
On this day in 2011, Private Niyireth Pineda Marín of the Spanish Army was killed by an IED in Afghanistan, dying instantly alongside another Spanish soldier. She was posthumously awarded the Cross of Military Merit in the red division, and was survived by her son.
On this day in 2011, Private First Class Cyrille Hugodot of the French Army was killed during a firefight in Afghanistan. PFC Hugodot was decorated with the Bronze Medal of National Defense with Airborne Troops Clasp and left behind a four-year-old daughter.
