Nostr notes by TC Won't Give In To Lies

Absolutely true. Here's yet another example of American ...

2026-06-01T09:21:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…aylv
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Absolutely true.

Here's yet another example of American corporate welfare - $40 billion taken from government revenue and given straight to corporate profits.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/29/business/economy/offshore-tax-havens-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.mlA._Qxf.Oqlh6e7-t2zo&smid=nytcore-android-share

Interesting point. Millions are obsessed with personal "tax ...

2026-05-26T12:30:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…gezq
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Interesting point. Millions are obsessed with personal "tax planning" and we've lost almost all focus on planning for an effective social safety net.

We wouldn't all need a personal money hoard right up to the moment of death if we could trust the safety net.

As long as we have #LateStageCapitalism , there will be ...

2026-05-26T07:40:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…rary
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As long as we have #LateStageCapitalism , there will be phenomenal pressure on politicians of every party to undermine proper taxation.

An equal priority *should* be to add a strong, legal duty of care to corporations for their employees/suppliers, customers and the environment/community. (I can dream)

Bad tax policy reflects a broken political system which results from the corrosive power of excessive money.

Unfortunately, the thread is broken and I cannot see the original ...

2026-05-24T15:04:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…lrxn
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Unfortunately, the thread is broken and I cannot see the original post you replied to.

It may well make the same point.

I disagree The point scoring, outrage and spectacle are what the ...

2026-05-24T11:14:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…s4um
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I disagree

The point scoring, outrage and spectacle are what the public is being fed to keep us distracted from the oligarchy and to manufacture a reality that benefits the oligarchy.

The problem with politics is oligarchy capture of all the pillars of social control. Political point scoring is just one part of the content gen pillar.

NB: This is a worldwide problem, not only UK. It's why democracy is fading everywhere.

Thank you for highlighting the Nerve They are doing great ...

2026-05-23T09:07:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…0zgm
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Thank you for highlighting the Nerve

They are doing great investigative work into the finances of Farage/Reform and into the deep penetration of Palantir into every facet of the state.

Well worth subscribing (even at free level).
https://www.thenerve.news/membership

Even with the dramatic swings in the 2026 local election, LibDems ...

2026-05-22T10:54:20Z

In reply to nevent1q…j54v
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Even with the dramatic swings in the 2026 local election, LibDems won more seats than the Greens, Labour won roughly 2x the Greens - and Reform won roughly 3x the Greens.

I see no evidence that the Greens, or any other party are the dominant anti-right party. It's gotta be Labour for now.

The sooner the UK embraces a coalition approach, led by Labour with serious compromises by all, the better.

At least until genuine electoral reform.

I remember when he said #Iran 's nuclear programme was ...

2026-05-22T09:06:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…zh44
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I remember when he said #Iran 's nuclear programme was totally obliterated.

That was less than a year ago.

Simply amazing that the US Gov cannot indict or prosecute a ...

2026-05-20T11:12:13Z

Simply amazing that the US Gov cannot indict or prosecute a sitting POTUS, but it's perfectly fine for a sitting POTUS to sue and negotiate a settlement with the US Gov he leads.

#ThisIsAmericaNow
#AlwaysAGriftWithTrump

With Trump’s Settlement, a Possible $100 Million I.R.S. Penalty Melts Away https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/us/politics/trump-settlement-irs.html

Surely, the next leader of the #Labour party will need to get out ...

2026-05-17T08:56:12Z

In reply to nevent1q…f26d
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Surely, the next leader of the #Labour party will need to get out of this self-dug hole.

It's as simple as dropping the appeal of the Court decision.

I don't believe this data point particularly shows an issue ...

2026-05-17T08:45:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…ah6w
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I don't believe this data point particularly shows an issue with UK management.

To me, this assessment indicates a far stronger correlation to the type of business the owning company is.

That is ...Private equity focus on profit maximisation, not service provision (or even legal compliance). Whereas, infrastructure companies focus on provision and maintenance of the service.

Also, the two favourable comparators are both Asian, which could be a factor.

100%, he will It is a widely accepted fact that Trump is ...

2026-05-13T05:41:50Z

In reply to nevent1q…5nmz
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100%, he will

It is a widely accepted fact that Trump is transactional. So, the only question is who will reward Trump more:
- Taiwan, to defend itself or
- China, to betray Taiwan

#AlwaysAGriftWithTrump

And people voted Reform just days after the revelation that ...

2026-05-08T09:58:24Z

In reply to nevent1q…9d2q
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And people voted Reform just days after the revelation that Farage accepted a £5m "gift" from a billionaire - and months after another senior Reformer was jailed for taking Russian bribes.

I understand people are angry, but MSM is utterly failing to tell people what they are voting for.
#VoteReformGetATrump

Yet another example that Trumpism kills... Failing to pay for ...

2026-05-04T12:53:28Z

Yet another example that Trumpism kills...

Failing to pay for healthcare to #ICE detainees, dramatically increasing deaths.
#ThisIsAmericaNow

ICE has not paid for detainee medical care for 7 months
https://popular.info/p/ice-has-not-paid-for-detainee-medical

C'mon now If Britain must appease the fragile ego of Trump, ...

2026-04-26T08:41:19Z

In reply to nevent1q…3l4j
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C'mon now

If Britain must appease the fragile ego of Trump, then let's do it condemning violence and supporting a free press.

I would expect the same message from a Tory PM if it were Biden or Obama

Correct. Corey Doctorow has written about the decades of US trade ...

2026-04-24T08:26:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…2x2d
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Correct. Corey Doctorow has written about the decades of US trade policy that pushes US tech dominance.

But Trump has made it clear to every nation that relying on America (for anything) is doomed to fail.

Why are governments embracing AI? Because they value corporate ...

2026-04-24T08:12:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…n5ew
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Why are governments embracing AI?

Because they value corporate profits over the wellbeing of their citizenry (IMO). They fear a massive financial drain if they aren't competitive with the US in encouraging AI replacement of human workers.

Also, they fear even greater dependence on US-based technology dependence.

But what will society be with mass unemployment and hallucinating machines making most decisions?

True, but perhaps your first point should be rewritten as: A ...

2026-04-21T10:32:42Z

In reply to nevent1q…e4nh
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True, but perhaps your first point should be rewritten as:

A public, fed by extensive corporate media, who want to cherrypick the benefits without fully contributing because... well, dammit, Britain is special and the EU should want us bad enough to do it.

(Note, while I said Britain, perhaps Scotland should be excluded)

Exactly. Hence my point about education and media. Until we pry ...

2026-04-20T12:36:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…90yq
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Exactly. Hence my point about education and media. Until we pry that out of the hands of corporate (often offshore) hands to reshape the discussion?

I've resigned myself to the need to rebuild a new, truthful media. That's why I actively support Byline Times, The Nerve and other independent journalism.

But I wanted to challenge my assumptions to see if there was something more critical needed.

Con't ...powers more broadly. (See "Against ...

2026-04-20T09:26:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…8q9v
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Con't

...powers more broadly. (See "Against Elections" by Reybrouck for a lot more). Citizens Assemblies are one of my fav tools.

But even under such a system, how do you ensure the wealthy don't corrupt that system to its own ends? That leads to education, media and written constitutions.

And of course, those are all tools that have been wielded by the wealthy to shape societies.

That's the point where I've come back full circle. It seems eternal vigilence is the answer
/n

Belated reply: Absolutely agree we need a much better regulatory ...

2026-04-20T09:20:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…navj
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Belated reply:

Absolutely agree we need a much better regulatory state, which we are denied due to embedded wealthy players. The question is ...How?

Broadly, the wealthy always control every government. That is only challenged when other groups organise in a way to demand power - labour unions, revolutionary movements.

Inevitably, they seem to be corrupted over time too.

So, how to build a resilient system? I've written before about sortition and distributing gov...
1/

The US case, as always, is complicated by race. Yes, FDR and ...

2026-04-20T09:02:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…8hyg
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The US case, as always, is complicated by race.

Yes, FDR and Truman did build some form of social welfare state ...mostly for white people. Redlining, excluding domestic and agriculture workers from Social Security and the GI bill vastly preferences whites. Many reasons, incl that Dem support relied very heavily on Jim Crow southern voters.

Not to say minorities did not see some benefits from the New Deal. But over time demands for more, fed the backlash you noted.

1/2

👍 One quick response on the Wikipedia page. Of course, ...

2026-04-19T11:44:44Z

In reply to nevent1q…ve7f
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👍

One quick response on the Wikipedia page.

Of course, "capitalism is a regulatory institution".

That is only logical as private property, markets and corporations are all legal (ie, regulatory) constructs - just such old constructs, we forget that and buy into the notion these are natural forces.

Thanks. I value your perspective. I'll let this germinate for ...

2026-04-19T11:09:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…navj
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Thanks. I value your perspective.

I'll let this germinate for a while rather than jump straight into responding.

Clearly, you have a well-informed and developed viewpoint on ...

2026-04-19T10:29:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…hqst
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Clearly, you have a well-informed and developed viewpoint on this.

What do you believe are the most important changes that would make for a better Britain?

George Monbiot makes a useful distinction between laissez faire ...

2026-04-19T09:10:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…tp07
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George Monbiot makes a useful distinction between laissez faire capitalism and "housebroken" capitalism.

Housebroken capitalism was most visible in the 1950 when most businesses balanced profits with worker rights; understood the need for regulation and fair play; and supported govt provision of essential services.

We had nice things until Chicago and Austrian economists shifted all focus to profits. That's the ideology that has got to go.

Yes (Normally, I'm much more long winded. But you nailed it)

2026-04-17T09:50:31Z

In reply to nevent1q…6muy
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Yes

(Normally, I'm much more long winded. But you nailed it)

It's not "stupid". It's a deliberate attempt to ...

2026-04-14T11:05:53Z

In reply to nevent1q…t6ux
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It's not "stupid". It's a deliberate attempt to move the entire world into oligarchy. Each country led by an oligarch (or their agent).

Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, knows better and goes along. There's a special place in hell for this type of appeasement. Stephen Miller will be there too
#ThisIsAmericaNow

Better to pay £55m to stop #WindPower than allow the people in ...

2026-04-12T13:47:53Z

In reply to nevent1q…xz5z
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Better to pay £55m to stop #WindPower than allow the people in the North to have cheaper power.

Patriarchy predates capitalism, so that's not the root cause. ...

2026-04-12T08:48:43Z

In reply to nevent1q…arrh
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Patriarchy predates capitalism, so that's not the root cause.

There will always be a huge audience looking for easy answers to "what success means & how to get there" - when that answer advantages them.

This is an eternal battle that plays on human nature. It's what got us patriarchy, nationalism, colonialism and religious warfare.

The answer a society gives to that question is typically what holds the society together. The #manosphere is an effort to change our society.

If we're all focused on chasing "benefit cheats" for ...

2026-04-11T10:27:11Z

In reply to nevent1q…7w8f
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If we're all focused on chasing "benefit cheats" for pennies, we'll never get organised enough to tax the trillions of pounds hidden overseas.

#TaxTheRich

Well, one option is to follow the American route - destroy the ...

2026-04-05T09:03:54Z

In reply to nevent1q…qp5r
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Well, one option is to follow the American route - destroy the social safety net while piling on debt.

That's one way to get those slackers to work for crumbs.

I fear that is more likely that raising the quality and pay for work.

Not just British management that views employees as a cost to be ...

2026-04-05T08:49:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…k0xh
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Not just British management that views employees as a cost to be reduced.

At long last, Trump starting to push out some of his inept ...

2026-04-02T17:18:55Z

At long last, Trump starting to push out some of his inept appointees.

- Norm - gone
- Bondi - out
- Gabbard - he's asking for feedback

But why only the women? Why not Hegseth and RFK Jr?

#ThisIsAmericaNow

It is absurd that the Met is enforcing a law found to to be ...

2026-03-28T19:03:08Z

In reply to nevent1q…eks7
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It is absurd that the Met is enforcing a law found to to be unconstitutional.

Sure it's under appeal, but then the arrests can wait until after the appeal.

There is no reason, the Met couldn't issue a caution and leave them.

In today's #NotSanewashedNews "S&P500 Down Nearly 9%, ...

2026-03-28T00:25:56Z

In today's #NotSanewashedNews

"S&P500 Down Nearly 9%, Dow Down 10% As Aimless Iran War Damages World Economy"

Stocks Slide to 5th Weekly Loss as Investors Lose Patience With Iran War https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/27/business/iran-war-stock-market-investors.html

I really like the work you do, but keep posting articles about ...

2026-03-15T09:20:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…r8w3
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I really like the work you do, but keep posting articles about "Trump says..." and I'm going to unfollow.

We have over a decade of proof that Trump (and his cultists) says whatever lie advances the fiction he is spinning. Such stories only help him.

Report on what he does and what is verified.

Until the papers and 1/3rd of the nation stop flying into a rage ...

2026-03-15T09:05:52Z

In reply to nevent1q…cctv
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Until the papers and 1/3rd of the nation stop flying into a rage at mention of the #EU , any government can only "cherrypick"

The UK needs a massive education campaign before it can cooperate more fully with the EU.

Sadly, the UK seems to have never been able to do that. And I don't expect it to start now. The people behind Brexit are more powerful now.

#BrexitReality

But, that doesn't mean Trump is going to "lose" his ...

2026-03-14T10:52:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…elpz
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But, that doesn't mean Trump is going to "lose" his war with #Iran

Altho never (consistently) defined, the goals of this war are quite clear:
- Dominance of the headlines in America as a "strong man"
- Raising oil prices to benefit the fossil fuel oligarchs, esp Putin
- Further consolidation of Trump's imperial control of US institutions
- Massive grifts (see Kushner's latest ME shakedown)

By those measures, the war is a smashing success.

2/2

This Iran war shows an utter disregard for the lessons of 50 ...

2026-03-14T10:47:42Z

In reply to nevent1q…y2ss
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This Iran war shows an utter disregard for the lessons of 50 years of anti-American guerilla warware.

Of course, Iran was not going to have a conventional shooting war against US aircraft and ships. Instead, attacking the Strait and neighbours was the obvious response.

Similarly, the definition of "success" for #Iran is simple regime survival. They will outlast Trump's attention span - and use the devastation he caused as a recruitment tool.

1/n

Oh, he's done more that that. Trump destroyed the homes, air ...

2026-03-12T15:26:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…0pef
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Oh, he's done more that that.

Trump destroyed the homes, air and economy for millions of everyday Iranians - reminding them why the regime has claimed America is the enemy for 47 years.

If he walks, talks and acts like a fascist, he is a fascist. ...

2026-03-01T10:26:52Z

In reply to nevent1q…x7py
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If he walks, talks and acts like a fascist, he is a fascist.

Disregarding the co-equal branches that define the US gov, using masked paramilitaries on US citizens/residents, constant propaganda of division and lies, aggressively expansionist. How is this even a question?

#ThisIsAmericaNow
#AmericanClownEmperor

Thank you! You're one of my favourite posters. Always thought ...

2026-02-24T11:48:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…fk4q
_________________________

Thank you!

You're one of my favourite posters. Always thought provoking and a delight.

Excellent piece! Imagine, running government for the long-term ...

2026-02-24T10:20:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…q86v
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Excellent piece!

Imagine, running government for the long-term benefit of the people - not short term profit of the well-connected 🤔

What you did not foresee was the rise of bad faith algorithms ...

2026-02-22T10:56:48Z

In reply to nevent1q…253s
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What you did not foresee was the rise of bad faith algorithms pushing misinformation to enrich/empower a few techbros

... That and the total abdication of MSM and the FCC from challenging corporate power

The result is that the rich have broken the rational, fact-based world on which democracy depends.

In a world where AI porn (or other bad things) can be created and ...

2026-02-19T08:05:24Z

In reply to nevent1q…rpze
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In a world where AI porn (or other bad things) can be created and posted in minutes...

Where algorithms boost it to thousands (or millions) or people...

Who can then repost and share in a click...

Across a half-dozen major tech platforms...

Who really thinks that 48 hour takedown (after user report) is a solution?

Imagine that safety approach to cars or meds.
#RegulateTech

No one becomes a billionaire by luck. It requires active ...

2026-02-19T07:28:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…l90v
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No one becomes a billionaire by luck.

It requires active collusion, breaking/ignoring laws, ongoing political corruption and doing a lot of "favours" with unsavory people.

Isn't that clear from the #EpsteinFiles

Sure, but requiring users to monitor the entire internet to ...

2026-02-19T07:11:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…04du
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Sure, but requiring users to monitor the entire internet to report crimes is still a horrifically bad approach to online safety.

The platforms themselves must bear the burden of monitoring (and acting).
#RegulateTech

Absolutely spot on. What is the point of a National Health ...

2026-02-17T08:44:07Z

In reply to nevent1q…a6da
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Absolutely spot on. What is the point of a National Health Service, if it's just buying the service from for-profit companies?

What a grotesque way to funnel tax dollars to private businesses. This is the wrong direction to save the #NHS

#SaveOurNHS

And which English-Scots-Irish culture is that? The one made up of ...

2026-02-16T10:48:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…r4ua
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And which English-Scots-Irish culture is that?

The one made up of Celtic, Roman, Viking, Saxon and French cultures?

You only need look at the English language to know it is not some pure monoculture.

But these people don't deal in facts. they sell a mythology to hide their quest for power.

Thank you privatisation #RoyalMail BBC News - Royal Mail staff ...

2026-02-16T09:49:50Z

Thank you privatisation
#RoyalMail

BBC News - Royal Mail staff tell BBC letters sit undelivered as firm prioritises parcels - BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39wlryn20vo

I have faith that marketing will adapt. They have a century ...

2026-02-14T10:04:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…gtv6
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I have faith that marketing will adapt. They have a century headstart over these drugs in overwhelming the brain/instincts.

Continued But mainly #Europe must build its own security without ...

2026-02-14T09:30:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…3c9r
_________________________

Continued

But mainly #Europe must build its own security without the USA because...

- America is wrong (at best) or lying: blaming energy and migration policies for leaving "people impoverished". As if the trillions of $ are with the climate scientists and migrants, not the oil/gas companies and oligarchs. And for blaming the UN for not fixing the world.

It is time to build a new #NATO without the US.

#Europe should take very small consolation from #Rubio 's ...

2026-02-14T09:26:28Z

#Europe should take very small consolation from #Rubio 's comments in #Munich . It's all gas lighting and Europe must build security without the USA.

- America is consistent: look at the wild variance in the last 3 conferences
- America is hostile: look at its National Security Strategy
- America has a major powers strategy: dismissing "weak" allies

1/2
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cnv6j9j190rt
Munich Security conference live: Rubio says US and Europe 'belong together' but attacks migration policies and UN

To me, sure, support Greens at local level. Build a power base. ...

2026-02-13T13:46:59Z

In reply to nevent1q…2u4p
_________________________

To me, sure, support Greens at local level. Build a power base. Get a few MPs

But it is a decades long project to get national power...Farage has proven

It is wildly optimistic to think it can swing in one or two cycles.

I hear that. But I fear that abandoning either of the major ...

2026-02-13T13:02:20Z

In reply to nevent1q…3cr7
_________________________

I hear that.

But I fear that abandoning either of the major parties ignores the massive institutional power they have.

Trump could only win because he took over the Republicans. Abandoning Labour leaves it wide open for corporate power to further corrupt it.

To me, the only solution for Labour or the US Democrats is to take over the party and pull it left. They must remain a big tent, so it will never be truly progressive. But 3rd parties won't get power. IMO

With just over three years until the next GE, #Labour would be ...

2026-02-13T11:09:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…8dlh
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With just over three years until the next GE, #Labour would be very wise to start right now

Hopefully, this purge of Blairites will being in some new thinking. Starmer would be wise to reach out to the Burnham and Rayner wings of the party.

I just don't understand why #Labour isn't using the ...

2026-02-12T09:39:15Z

In reply to nevent1q…pj7l
_________________________

I just don't understand why #Labour isn't using the current situation to drive more public investments.

Climate change, war in Ukraine, reducing dependencies on politicised American firms... Take your pick. Any of these would be a solid basis for major gov action.

Yes, deeply worrying. But let's not forget which party was in ...

2026-02-10T12:07:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…d5v0
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Yes, deeply worrying. But let's not forget which party was in power for 10 of the 11 years where this corruption grew.

It is amazing how many women in high places supported ...

2026-02-07T10:14:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…2cyu
_________________________

It is amazing how many women in high places supported Epstein's blackmail/trafficking operation.

More amazing how many knew - and still choose not to speak out.

Yes, Epstein ran a "boys club" of mutual favours and advancement. Everyone's silence is what made/makes it work.

In Today's #NotSanewashedNews Headline: "Under Israeli ...

2026-02-02T09:52:12Z

In Today's #NotSanewashedNews

Headline: "Under Israeli control, Gaza crossing to Egypt is barely opened"

It's crazy to give this generous headline about reopening and advancing the ceasefire, only to read NINE paragraphs in that just 50 people can cross a day - completely under Israeli military control.

These autocrats love how easy it is to control headlines
#MediaMustDoBetter

Gaza Crossing to Egypt Reopens in Step Forward for Fragile Cease-Fire https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/world/middleeast/gaza-rafah-border-crossing.html?unlocked_article_code=1.JFA.nNRm.i4YHHwEUBslC&smid=nytcore-android-share

Yes, power never yields willingly. That's why organisation is ...

2026-01-31T11:50:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…h53z
_________________________

Yes, power never yields willingly.

That's why organisation is essential.

I'm certainly not arguing for fully centralised economic ...

2026-01-31T11:37:42Z

In reply to nevent1q…na7w
_________________________

I'm certainly not arguing for fully centralised economic planning (eg Soviet style).

Instead, I think the central gov needs to perform a key role in enabling, direction setting and protecting against monopoly/oligarchy power. That will allow local economies to flourish.

But I resist the libertarian model (not that you proposed it) of a weak centre, which leaves weak localities at the mercy of destructive corporate and overseas powers.

Corollary: lest my support for local #GreenTransition appear ...

2026-01-31T11:30:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…4mg5
_________________________

Corollary: lest my support for local #GreenTransition appear contradictory, let me explain.

The oil/gas oligarchy is one of the most powerful exploitative/extractive out there. To break it's power, we need distributed power generation - not only big "national" projects.

Gov plays a key role in funding this and building transmission lines. But we must break the hold of these power companies - who are key to the autocratic rise and destruction of the environment.

I agree on the #GreenTransition but disagree on the larger point. ...

2026-01-31T11:26:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…dskd
_________________________

I agree on the #GreenTransition but disagree on the larger point.

The model is broken, not because it is top-down, rather because it is an exploitative/extractive model designed to consolidate wealth in the hands of untaxed oligarchs.

The post-war world shows the tremendous potential of top down economics, when focused on growing the middle class and raising those in poverty.

We should focus on rebuilding that, rather than delegate decisions to even weaker "local" bodies.

Sure. But do you think Reform voters care about any if this? Or ...

2026-01-30T11:30:44Z

In reply to nevent1q…3xme
_________________________

Sure. But do you think Reform voters care about any if this? Or will even see it?

I expect they are firmly focused on the latest Farage antics, supported by a media enthusiastic about his clickbait.

...his grievance party. They will never be held accountable, so ...

2026-01-27T12:32:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…fcy4
_________________________

...his grievance party. They will never be held accountable, so long as they advance the culture war front. Worse, their individual actions are now irrelevant as they are sycophants supporting the Farage cult of personality.

Just think of Trump. Cruz, Rubio DeSantis and Vance were all major challengers who were broken by, and then chose to support, the Trumpist cult. Now, all still hold power because they are willing extensions of Trump's personality.

Same with Reform
/end

This is not a problem for ReformUK. It is a party of culture ...

2026-01-27T12:27:48Z

In reply to nevent1q…rcwk
_________________________

This is not a problem for ReformUK. It is a party of culture warriors, very adept at dodging the (few) accountability questions - knowing media will give them free rein to spout their grievances as if offered in good faith.

And that's what these Tory defectors have done. They chose to leave normal politics, with manifestos, policy and accountability behind. They are choosing the easy route - wrapping themselves in the Union Jack and joining Team Farage and...

1/

Investigate? It is past time to suspend Twitter's right to ...

2026-01-26T13:40:13Z

Investigate?

It is past time to suspend Twitter's right to operate in the EU, pending this investigation.

Musk has repeatedly shown to be a bad faith actor. And fines are irrelevant to the world's richest person.

#TwitterIsNotSafe
#BanTwitter

#TeslaTakedown

BBC News - EU investigates Elon Musk's X over Grok AI sexual deepfakes - BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clye99wg0y8o

I found your framing confused by the "corrected by democratic ...

2026-01-25T11:45:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…qqxw
_________________________

I found your framing confused by the "corrected by democratic means" bit.

Is your question about the nature of the American electorate (eg, Trumpism as aberration vs the norm)?

If so, Trump's brand of white male patriarchy has obviously been the norm from the start. And his populist approach is a quite traditional reactionary response every time America takes a step toward pluralism.

What is unusual is their effectiveness in destroying the democratic process.

Or, perhaps that they ARE the law. And building a new ...

2026-01-25T11:08:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…e89x
_________________________

Or, perhaps that they ARE the law. And building a new kleptocratic world order around themselves.

Months ago, as the invasion of US cities started, I said it ...

2026-01-25T11:06:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…yer4
_________________________

Months ago, as the invasion of US cities started, I said it wouldn't be long before the federal troops were shooting people dead in the streets (ala Kent State).

This is all so very easily foreseeable.

The "rule of Trump" is the latest in a four decade ...

2026-01-25T10:35:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…t2cz
_________________________

The "rule of Trump" is the latest in a four decade project to destroy "democratic means" itself

He can only exist bc decades of GOP obstruction broke Congress & a long Federalist project packed the courts (esp the SCOTUS). All this enables an imperial presidency - by a transactional conman committed to America's age old power centre (rich, white men w exploitative businesses)

So, I think your framing is wrong. This can only be "corrected" by rebuilding democracy itself.

Exactly right. Trump's model (in so many ways) is the mob ...

2026-01-22T12:41:08Z

In reply to nevent1q…h7ll
_________________________

Exactly right.

Trump's model (in so many ways) is the mob boss. They don't create or run the grifts. Under bosses come to them with ideas and the mob boss gives permission and cover, for a piece of the profits.

That's what the US is now. A mob racket, heavily focused on shakedowns and con jobs.

That's assuming they ever realise it's a scam. IMO, the ...

2026-01-19T12:50:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…rrrx
_________________________

That's assuming they ever realise it's a scam.

IMO, the last decade has proven this voting bloc is looking for easy answers and will swallow any con, if there's enough push behind it.

While they nay tire of Farage and move on, I believe it will just be a move to the next con.

Corollary to above. The same process is happening on the British ...

2026-01-19T10:31:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…gd34
_________________________

Corollary to above.

The same process is happening on the British right.

After the Tory voters chose Truss over the obviously preferred candidate, the party leaders reasserted themselves and replaced her w Sunak and "normal policies". Tory votes fled in droves in the GE.

Now Tory voters are moving to Reform where they will have absolutely zero say in party policy. (But Farage is an effective conman who call sell them on whatever snake oil he offers)

Maybe I didn't explain myself well. Of course, political ...

2026-01-19T10:20:12Z

In reply to nevent1q…5ev0
_________________________

Maybe I didn't explain myself well.

Of course, political responsiveness is good. But that's not my point.

Rather, political parties introducing policies based on donor demand - not party consultation and thinking thru - have been the norm for decades. Both big parties do it (think Iraq)

What I'm saying is... this approach is breaking down. Of course party leaders will resist the change. But we should welcome the break down.

Yes, but I am heartened by all Labour's u-turns. It shows ...

2026-01-18T18:30:12Z

In reply to nevent1q…hzd8
_________________________

Yes, but I am heartened by all Labour's u-turns.

It shows public pressure and democratic representation is working.

Compare to the Tories or American Republicans. "Firm control" of the party means the leaders do whatever their donors want regardless of party (or public) support.

We've grown so used to unaccountable political leaders that we think this type of policy responsiveness is a problem (not a benefit and key feature) of democracy.

Agreed Dems made promising starts in 2021, but didn't grasp ...

2026-01-18T13:53:05Z

In reply to nevent1q…yfw2
_________________________

Agreed

Dems made promising starts in 2021, but didn't grasp the existential nature of the threat and didn't move aggressively or quickly enough.

But the Democrats are the only avenue to power in the near term. We must drive a more progressive party, while keeping a big enough tent to wield power.

Not a high certainty of success, but other options are much worse.

Of course, there will be American elections. Even Russia has ...

2026-01-18T12:43:50Z

In reply to nevent1q…wren
_________________________

Of course, there will be American elections. Even Russia has elections.

The questions are who can vote and who counts? Republicans have been rigging all three for years.

Even if the House of Representative flips (likely), Trump has made Congress irrelevant. It won't matter. We are now in a monarchy.

Dems MUST flip the Senate too, and stop his horrific appointments, to even start towards a "self-correction".

I disagree on the guns. The Americans with more than a single ...

2026-01-18T12:35:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…gewq
_________________________

I disagree on the guns.

The Americans with more than a single dusty gun in a closet/drawer are loving this MAGA power trip. They're the ones getting the $50k ICE signing bonuses. And they're absolutely silent about Renee Good (like they're always silent about women and minorities under American fascism).

No, the ongoing civil war won't be violent when the other side has tanks and planes. As always, it will be disobedience - let the #GeneralStrike begin!

@npub1w8n…kn70 provides serious reporting on the American ...

2026-01-17T11:23:06Z

MeidasTouch :verified: (npub1w8n…kn70) provides serious reporting on the American regime.

They've untangled the #Venezuela events and summarised:

"Trump has agreed to let the Maduro regime remain in power without Maduro, in exchange for a massive amount of oil, then a Trump mega donor is selling that oil on the international market to whoever, then the proceeds of that are being deposited in a Qatari bank account, then Trump decides how he wants to spend that money, and Congress is not involved in any of it"

Similarly, it is past time that Europe (and Canada) build up a ...

2026-01-14T22:14:51Z

In reply to nevent1q…gke2
_________________________

Similarly, it is past time that Europe (and Canada) build up a military alliance in parallel to #NATO (ie, without America and maybe Hungary too)

They should start by providing air defense to Ukraine behind the front lines. It must include "boots on the ground" to get Putin to stop. It will also help Britain, France, Germany, etc to get practical experience in today's drone warfare.

Thanks for clarifying. I thought your "incentivising" was ...

2026-01-14T22:11:06Z

In reply to nevent1q…r03g
_________________________

Thanks for clarifying.

I thought your "incentivising" was giving him something to drop this sham. Hence why I said it was appeasement.

While I prefer raising the cost to Trump, the reality is most "costs" are borne by the American people (or soldiers) and utterly irrelevant to him. That's why he has such a high threshold for the pain he creates.

My strongest preference is to break his shakedown racket by acting without America's help.

No more appeasing Trump's shakedown rackets (that's what ...

2026-01-14T21:36:44Z

In reply to nevent1q…grxp
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No more appeasing Trump's shakedown rackets (that's what "incentivising" is)

Denmark and other #NATO nations need to increase their military presence "...in response to Trump's speculative claims of a Russian or Chinese threat".

Then, they should MOCK him. Something like "We are not afraid that our alliance can protect Greenland with or without America. NATO has worked for 80 years. The only thing new is Mr Trump's willingness to undermine the alliance."

I don't think that the answer is pay and work conditions. ...

2026-01-07T19:33:51Z

In reply to nevent1q…jjke
_________________________

I don't think that the answer is pay and work conditions. Plenty of great people go into low paying professions because they feel a calling.

No, IMO, the problem is that politics draws those seeking power, or worse those amoral people willing to use power as their donors direct.

To me, we need more democracy - spreading power more broadly - more roles through sortition - and a hard stop on money in politics. That's my dream.

It seems pretty well corroborated that the "Hunter ...

2026-01-02T18:09:08Z

In reply to nevent1q…p75g
_________________________

It seems pretty well corroborated that the "Hunter laptop" drama was a Russian disinfo campaign. (Summarised 👆)

Why has this never received prominent reporting by the mainstream media?

#MediaMustDoBetter

One more reason: - Many metrics are aggregates that can be skewed ...

2025-12-29T19:36:43Z

In reply to nevent1q…rqgn
_________________________

One more reason:

- Many metrics are aggregates that can be skewed by massive spending in key, large industries like military or healthcare.

But we already see unemployment going up, lifespan decreasing, food bank explosion and homelessness increases. These are the signs of a society in decline.

AI decision-making, tsunamis of disinformation and slop, constant ...

2025-12-26T09:47:31Z

In reply to nevent1q…sc4p
_________________________

AI decision-making, tsunamis of disinformation and slop, constant focus on proven liars, un-real "reality TV" ...all of this is leading to a collapse of the Age of Reason and a return to the Dark Ages.

Exactly! Why didn't the government drive home the message ...

2025-12-23T17:54:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…uzuf
_________________________

Exactly!

Why didn't the government drive home the message that farmers would have paid HALF the Inheritance Tax rate of non-farmers?

As if saving the climate for humanity wasn't enough, we ...

2025-12-17T08:58:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…qa87
_________________________

As if saving the climate for humanity wasn't enough, we should all move to #GreenEnergy because oil and gas are so deeply corrosive to democratic governance.

Not to disagree about the nature of capitalism, but you are ...

2025-12-14T10:23:05Z

In reply to nevent1q…6ft4
_________________________

Not to disagree about the nature of capitalism, but you are absolutely wrong in saying it doesn't impact party policy.

The "horrors" I mentioned are absolutely Republican policy - for many years

Democrats have other policies, like expanding healthcare, green energy and antitrust. Policies that were actually expanded under the Biden years (and Obama, etc) - so it's not just empty promises.

As a reality, the differences between the party policies (and therefore impact) is huge.

call BS. Saying "both sides the same" about America's ...

2025-12-14T10:14:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…0zxy
_________________________

call BS.

Saying "both sides the same" about America's two main parties is how Americans lost the right to abortion, now have masked agents grabbing brown people off the streets and are murdering people in boats off the coast of Venezuela.

Sure, both parties support capitalism - but under first-past-the-post that's always going to be the result.

So, use primaries to push the Dems leftward. But always, ALWAYS, vote for the lesser of two evils ...to get less evil

Maybe critical thinking skills - and not just for farmers. Too ...

2025-12-14T10:04:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…0qeg
_________________________

Maybe critical thinking skills - and not just for farmers.

Too many fall for these simplistic cure-alls when there is no substance (or commitment, funding, etc) to the promised "sunny uplands" of the future.

And far, far too little attention is paid to why systems are built the way they are.

Yeah, sure Just like the supporters started peeling away from ...

2025-12-10T23:07:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…mvs0
_________________________

Yeah, sure

Just like the supporters started peeling away from Hitler ...or Stalin ...or Mao, etc

Not only "took businesses at their word" They opened an ...

2025-12-07T22:33:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…jmeh
_________________________

Not only "took businesses at their word"

They opened an express fraud lane for those referred by those connected to the party in power.

No bid. No checking. Just here's your cash.

The true figure is probably worse than £11 B

Likewise, I only see disastrous outcomes over the next few years.

2025-12-07T19:49:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…5lg4
_________________________

Likewise, I only see disastrous outcomes over the next few years.

👀 Cory Doctorow: sometimes AI is just people ...

2025-12-07T18:26:32Z

👀

Cory Doctorow: sometimes AI is just people
https://youtube.com/shorts/19PbHCwb8ZU?si=BzDNzBTuFpyDKfpt

I'm old enough to remember when a #UN commission declaring ...

2025-11-29T12:47:51Z

In reply to nevent1q…jucj
_________________________

I'm old enough to remember when a #UN commission declaring Israel is engaged in systemic torture - and therefore a war crime - would have provoked international condemnation.

Now, it's just "one side says" and we all just move on.

Yes, the world could benefit from some vocal Keynesians.

2025-11-29T12:41:05Z

In reply to nevent1q…sv66
_________________________

Yes, the world could benefit from some vocal Keynesians.