#political change

[ivygorgon]

Seeing a lot of Harris Walz signs and demonstrations in my red state. Love to see it!

[tmarshconnors]

Labour Party Triumphs 2024 General Election

The United Kingdom has witnessed a seismic shift in its political landscape as the Labour Party achieved a landslide victory in the 2024 general election. With an impressive 412 seats, Labour has secured a majority of 174, marking a significant transformation in British politics.

A Devastating Blow for the Conservatives

The results are nothing short of catastrophic for the Conservative Party, which has seen its worst performance in terms of seats in history. Reduced to just 121 seats, this dramatic fall from grace highlights a significant disconnect between the party and the electorate. The decline is stark when compared to their 2019 landslide victory under Boris Johnson. Many argue that under the leadership of Rishi Sunak, the party has lost its Conservative identity and, consequently, its voter base.

The Liberal Democrats' Resurgence

The Liberal Democrats have emerged as significant players, capturing 72 seats—their highest tally since 1923. This resurgence indicates a growing appetite among voters for a centrist alternative, possibly reflecting disenchantment with both Labour and Conservative policies.

Other Parties and Their Gains

SNP: Holding steady with nine seats, the Scottish National Party continues to be a force in Scotland.

Reform UK: As a supporter of Reform UK, I'm pleased to see them securing five seats. This marks a breakthrough and suggests potential for future growth.

Plaid Cymru and the Green Party: Both parties have made modest gains, with four seats each, indicating a continued presence in the political arena.

Reflecting on the Conservative Collapse

As someone who voted for Reform UK, it's frustrating to see the Conservatives squandering their opportunity. Under Rishi Sunak, the party seemed to drift away from traditional conservative values. Instead of capitalising on the momentum built in 2019, there was a sense of complacency and lack of clear direction. It's almost as if they were resigned to losing, a sentiment shared by many former Conservative voters.

The Road Ahead for Labour

With Sir Keir Starmer at the helm, Labour now faces the daunting task of governing with such a commanding majority. While many of their supporters celebrate, the true test lies ahead. Can Labour deliver on their promises and address the myriad challenges facing the UK? Only time will tell.

Reform UK's Promising Future

In my honest opinion, the results for Reform UK are just the beginning. With a foothold in Parliament, they have the potential to grow significantly over the next few years. I predict that within 12 months, Labour's honeymoon period will end, and the realities of governance will set in. Disillusionment is likely, and when it happens, Reform UK will be poised to capitalise on the shift.

A Time of Change

The 2024 general election has undeniably set the stage for a period of significant change in the UK. The political landscape has been reshaped, and the next few years will be crucial in determining the country's direction. Whether Labour can maintain their support, or if other parties, including Reform UK, rise to the occasion, remains to be seen. One thing is certain: change is coming. Mark my words!

[urbanthreads]

Fashioning Consciousness: How Hip-Hop Influences Political Thought

Introduction:

Welcome to our blog, where we explore the intersection of fashion, culture, and social consciousness. In this post, we delve into the captivating relationship between hip-hop and political thought. Hip-hop, as a powerful form of artistic expression, has long served as a platform for artists to voice their political views, shed light on social issues, and challenge the status quo. Join us as we embark on a journey to understand how hip-hop influences political thoughts, shaping conversations, and inspiring change through its influential presence in the fashion world.

A Catalyst for Social Commentary:

Hip-hop has consistently pushed boundaries and sparked conversations about political and social issues. From its early origins in marginalized communities, hip-hop artists have used their platform to shed light on racial inequality, police brutality, economic disparities, and other pressing concerns. Through their lyrics, fashion choices, and overall style, they challenge the status quo and offer a unique perspective on the world.

Artistic Expression as Political Resistance:

Hip-hop culture embodies a spirit of resistance against systemic oppression. Artists often use their music, fashion, and visual imagery to critique existing power structures and advocate for change. Fashion within the hip-hop community becomes a tool for self-expression, allowing individuals to challenge stereotypes, assert their identity, and make powerful political statements.

Hip-Hop Fashion: A Visual Language of Protest:

Hip-hop fashion is not just about style; it is a visual language that communicates political and social messages. From bold graphic tees to statement accessories, hip-hop clothing often incorporates symbols, slogans, and imagery that reflect resistance and activism. Artists and individuals within the hip-hop community use fashion as a means to visually express their political beliefs and ignite conversations.

Influence on Voter Engagement:

Hip-hop's influence extends beyond fashion and music; it has a profound impact on voter engagement and political activism. Artists have used their platforms to encourage voter registration, promote civic participation, and advocate for social justice causes. Hip-hop's connection to political thought has motivated young people, who are often the primary consumers of hip-hop culture, to become more politically aware and active.

The Power of Narratives and Storytelling:

Hip-hop has a unique ability to convey personal narratives and amplify marginalized voices. Artists use storytelling to share their experiences and shed light on the socio-political issues affecting their communities. By humanizing these stories, hip-hop challenges stereotypes and fosters empathy, creating a deeper understanding of the political struggles faced by marginalized populations.

Building Community and Social Movements:

Hip-hop has played a pivotal role in community building and the formation of social movements. Through collaborations, events, and grassroots initiatives, artists and fashion brands within the hip-hop sphere have united communities, amplified voices, and initiated positive change. Hip-hop fashion becomes a symbol of unity, solidarity, and collective action.

Conclusion:

Hip-hop's influence on political thought is undeniable. Through fashion, music, and cultural expression, hip-hop artists have become powerful advocates for social and political change. By embracing their platform, they challenge systemic inequalities, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire individuals to question and engage with political issues. Hip-hop fashion serves as a visual medium for political resistance and self-expression, allowing individuals to make bold statements and contribute to the broader conversation surrounding social justice. So, as you explore hip-hop clothing and embrace its unique style, remember the deep-rooted political legacy that accompanies it, and let your fashion choices become a symbol of conscious awareness and a catalyst for positive transformation.

[azeutreciathewicked]

This is very important to read.

In the end, we need results. That means that we need people to be persuaded. Frustrating? Yeah, it sucks to be in a democracy where everyone gets to vote, because that means we need to use persuasion as our tool of political action. And that means that simply hammering on someone to feel like we've met our obligations to "be a good person by calling out 'bad people'" is insufficient, even counterproductive. We can't just wall off some people and write them off as "permanently bad people" (how very Calvinist of you) and wait for them to die. Because that's basically what is happening when we do that. We have to try to persuade them, and we can start with people in our lives who are not raging assholes, but who say stuff like the person above.

It takes judgement. It takes reading someone and having a feel for the relationship you have. And it also takes time. Science has shown time and time again that people don't change their minds when getting smashed with facts, and people need time to think about things before they change their minds.

Also, we really need to do some self-reflection on how we respond to different types of criticism and pushback. I know of nobody who reacts well to being berated and slammed with "You're wrong and you're a terrible person." No one I know says, "Oh, you're right. I shall now stop being a terrible person because you yelled at me" and then proceeds to become a great ally. We all bristle when yelled at. And if someone does a "mic drop" "pwn", that's even worse.

What has worked to change your mind in the past? Probably someone speaking directly or indirectly about something that bothers them, having a conversation with you, listening to you as you explain yourself and vent, and then coming back to pick it up again later after you've gotten over your initial negative reaction. Maybe it took days, weeks, or even years to come around on something. And some people with patience and focus can make that happen. We all need to be better and do better if we want real results. That means that we can't just kneejerk and bash someone (even if we want to). And the lasting persuasive work probably doesn't get clicks on social media or praise from peers. But it makes a difference in the long run.

Recommend reading: The Persuaders by Anand Giridharadas

And wear the hardhat and other PPE.

It is possible to interact with people whom share opposing views and no this is not about pineapple on pizza. In fact, it is imperative that you learn how to be civil with some people who you may find difficult to agree with.

At work, Youngin would often tell me that the guy that trained him (Ginger) was a misogynist. I had never met Ginger, and I had very little to say on this matter. But I would ask Youngin some questions about him because I like to know the other seasonal workers a little. I ask about Ginger- first words from Youngin's mouth 'he's a misogynist.'

I asked him why he thought that. (There are many misogynists at this location, as someone that is woman-shaped I see it often, I am comparing notes.)

"We were on our way to a location and a driver was going really slowly. When he got around her he said 'fucking women drivers.' Like he was going out of his way to prove that the driver was a woman."

The last month or so, Youngin worked exclusively with me because I knew that it was a matter of time before he said something that pissed off one of the guys. He was not going to get along with people here, it just wasn't happening.

When he left, everyone wanted to know what he was like to work with. And I finally got to have a conversation with Ginger.

"I'd like to ask you something a little strange- he said that on his first day there was an issue with a driver going slowly. Can you tell me about that?"

"Oh yeah! She was going super slow and when I got around her I said 'yup- little old lady driving.' And he was like 'what's that supposed to mean?' And I just kind of dropped it, but I hear he was saying I was a misogynist over it?"

So I give Youngin some grace because he's young, he's got a social bubble that's very liberal, he has not met very many people that weren't part of that kind of scene. But he often talked about how every person here has said something that pissed him off and he seemed really surprised that I (woman-shaped queer liberal) would be okay working with all these sexist homophobes.

And I give grace to Ginger because he had no reason to think that his words would be interpreted like that. What he was saying was normal to him. This is... somewhat the culture of landscaping jobs. And its not even close to the worst thing I've heard out of these dudes mouths. (Literally had one of the dudes comment that he would like to 'motorboat' one of the pedestrians.)

It was weird for Youngin to carry that with him for the whole two months that he worked here, over a very... small comment.

Every single person I've worked with here has said something that has given me pause and I tuck it away to rant about later and then I let it go. If it gets out of hand, I talk to one of the bosses about it. I know how to contact HR. I came into this place knowing that I was going to disagree politically with most of the people that I work with because I'm coming in to a culture that is fundamentally different from my own.

If I am being frank, I find the overt bigotry somewhat better than the corporate bullshit of 'we value your contributions, but won't be granting your accommodations request out of fairness to other workers' or the glass cliff or literally being fired for my sexual orientation but phrased with 'oh you just weren't a good fit for the culture here.' I at least know what I'm getting into when I come to work. I know what not to talk about. Last time I thought I was safe to talk about something queer with my boss she blindsided me with some transphobic garbage.

Its admirable to stick up for the marginalized people in your life, but part of changing minds is knowing the time and the place to comment. I think I've changed more minds at this warehouse by being a visibly out lesbian at work than I have by making carefully crafted speeches.

That is fine. It is fine to disagree. Sometimes you have to work with racists, homophobes, and assholes. That is part of being an adult. You talk about things like... sports or TV or weather or some cool bug you saw. Finding common ground with people who are different from you in many ways is an important part of socialization and it sucks to think you have anything in common with a jackass but look- you're spending 7-ish hours with these people and at some point some of them are going to say stupid shit. You are going to say stupid shit also. I have said my fair share of stupid shit. Deal with the fact that you're all stupid shits.

And for fuck's sake, wear your hardhat.

[normal-thoughts-official]

Please stop seeing politics as an identity and start seeing it as a collective means for change

[trendynewsnow]

The Impact of Trump's Election on Climate Change Initiatives

The Impact of Political Change on Climate Action The recent election of Donald J. Trump has dealt a significant blow to the ongoing battle against climate change. Trump, who has labeled global warming a “scam,” has made pledges to dismantle federal initiatives aimed at reducing the pollution that is driving global temperatures higher. His administration’s approach poses a stark contrast to the…

[quillsword]

Vote! Vote! VOTE!!!

In case that title is too subtle for you, get off your duff and go VOTE! I don’t want to hear the usual stupid excuses. My vote doesn’t count! Really? How do they know to count all those other votes and not yours? The only way to win is to have the most votes. That the other guy got votes too doesn’t negate the votes cast for the winner. Sure, the extra votes received are what puts the candidate…

[townpostin]

Gunjan Yadav Welcomes Former CM Champai Soren’s Induction into BJP

Gunjan Yadav praises Champai Soren’s move, cites a wave of change in Jharkhand politics. Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren, known as the "Kolhan Tiger," joined BJP in a significant event held in Ranchi. JAMSHEDPUR – Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Champai Soren, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday during a program held at Dhurwa, Ranchi. The event was attended by top…

[aanews69]

Nous livrons des histoires. Nous vous donnons également des guides, des conseils et des astuces pour créer le vôtre.Cette chaîne est dédiée aux choses aléato...

[tmarshconnors]

The Winds of Change

The political landscapes of the United States and the United Kingdom are experiencing a notable shift. In the U.S., Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has emerged as a significant figure in the upcoming presidential election, while across the Atlantic, Nigel Farage is making waves in British politics once again. Both figures represent a call for change, challenging the status quo and energising their supporters with promises of a different path forward.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: A Voice for Reform in America

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of the storied Kennedy family, has long been known for his work as an environmental attorney and activist. Now, as he steps into the political arena, he brings with him a message of reform and renewal. Kennedy's campaign is characterized by a call to address deep-seated issues within the American political and economic systems. His focus on environmental sustainability, corporate accountability, and healthcare reform resonates with many who feel disillusioned by the current state of affairs.

Kennedy’s platform is built on several key pillars:

Environmental Protection: Leveraging his extensive background in environmental law, Kennedy advocates for robust policies to combat climate change and protect natural resources. He emphasizes the need for a green economy that can provide jobs while safeguarding the planet.

Healthcare Reform: Kennedy is a vocal critic of the current healthcare system in the U.S., pushing for changes that would increase accessibility and affordability. His proposals aim to reduce the influence of pharmaceutical companies and ensure that healthcare serves the public good.

Corporate Accountability: In a time when corporate influence on politics is a hot-button issue, Kennedy's stance on reducing corporate power and increasing transparency resonates with voters seeking greater integrity in governance.

Nigel Farage: The Outsider's Return

Nigel Farage, the controversial and charismatic leader known for his role in the Brexit movement, is once again making headlines in the UK. Farage's ability to galvanize support around populist and nationalist themes has not waned, and he is positioning himself as a champion of the ordinary citizen against the political establishment.

Farage’s political agenda centers on several core themes:

National Sovereignty: Farage continues to emphasize the importance of British independence and sovereignty, a message that played a crucial role in the Brexit campaign. He argues that the UK must prioritize its own laws and interests over those of international bodies.

Immigration Control: A key issue for Farage and his supporters is the control of immigration. He advocates for stricter immigration policies to ensure national security and protect British jobs.

Economic Reform: Farage's economic policies focus on reducing taxation and regulation to spur business growth and create a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs. He aims to dismantle what he sees as unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.

The Appeal of Change

What unites the movements behind Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Nigel Farage is a widespread desire for change. Both figures tap into a sense of dissatisfaction with traditional political elites and offer an alternative vision that promises to address the grievances of their supporters.

In the U.S., Kennedy's emphasis on environmental and healthcare reform appeals to progressives and independents who are looking for bold solutions to systemic problems. His candidacy represents a blend of established political legacy and fresh, reformist zeal.

In the UK, Farage's message of sovereignty and economic freedom strikes a chord with those who feel left behind by globalization and disenfranchised by the political class. His return to the political stage suggests a continuing appetite for the type of change he advocates.

The political movements surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Nigel Farage highlight a broader trend of dissatisfaction with the status quo and a hunger for new approaches to governance. While their platforms differ significantly, both figures embody a spirit of challenge to established norms and a call for significant change. As the elections in both countries approach, it will be fascinating to see how these movements evolve and what impact they will have on the future political landscape.

[batboyblog]

Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #39

October 18-25 2024.

President Biden issued the first presidential apology on behalf of the federal government to America's Native American population for the Indian boarding school policy. For 150 years the federal government operated a system of schools which aimed to destroy Native culture through the forced assimilation of native children. At these schools students faced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and close to 1,000 died. The Biden-Harris Administration has been historic for Native and Tribal rights. From the appointment of the first ever Native American cabinet member, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, to the investment of $46 billion dollars on tribal land, to 200 new co-stewardship agreements. The last 4 years have seen a historic investment in and expansion of tribal rights.

The Biden-Harris Administration proposed a new rule which would make contraceptive medication (the pill) free over the counter with most Insurance. The new rule would ban cost sharing for contraception products, including the pill, condoms, and emergency contraception. On top of over the counter medications, the new rule will also strength protections for prescribed contraception without cost sharing as well.

The EPA announced its finalized rule strengthening standards for lead paint dust in pre-1978 housing and child care facilities. There is no safe level of exposure to lead particularly for children who can suffer long term developmental consequences from lead exposure. The new standards set the lowest level of lead particle that can be identified by a lab as the standard for lead abatement. It's estimated 31 million homes built before the ban on lead paint in 1978 have lead paint and 3.8 million of those have one or more children under the age of 6. The new rule will mean 1.2 million fewer people, including over 300,000 children will not be exposed to lead particles every year. This comes after the Biden-Harris Administration announced its goal to remove and replace all lead pipes in America by the end of the decade.

The Department of Transportation announced a $50 million dollar fine against American Airlines for its treatment of disabled passengers and their wheelchairs. The fine stems from a number of incidences of humiliating and unfair treatment of passages between 2019 and 2023, as well as video documented evidence of mishandling wheelchairs and damaging them. Half the fine will go to replacing such damaged wheelchairs. The Biden administration has leveled a historic number of fines against the airlines ($225 million) for their failures. It also published a Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, passed a new rule accessible lavatories on aircraft, and is working on a rule to require airlines to replace lost or damaged wheelchairs with equal equipment at once.

The Department of Energy announced $430 million dollars to help boost domestic clean energy manufacturing in former coal communities. This invests in projects in 15 different communities, in places like Texas, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Michigan. The plan will bring about 1,900 new jobs in communities struggling with the loss of coal. Projects include making insulation out of recycled cardboard, low carbon cement production, and industrial fiber hemp processing.

The Department of Transportation announced $4.2 billion in new infrastructure investment. The money will go to 44 projects across the country. For example the MBTA will get $400 million to replace the 92 year old Draw 1 bridge and renovate North Station.

The Department of Transportation announced nearly $200 million to replace aging natural gas pipes. Leaking gas lines represent a serious public health risk and also cost costumers. Planned replacements in Georgia and North Carolina for example will save the average costumer there over $900 on their gas bill a year. Replacing leaking lines will also remove 1,000 metric tons of methane pollution, annually.

The Department of the Interior announced $244 million to address legacy pollution in Pennsylvania coal country. This comes on top of $400 million invested earlier this year. This investment will help close dangerous mine shafts, reclaim unstable slopes, improve water quality by treating acid mine drainage, and restore water supplies damaged by mining.

Data shows that President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (passed with Vice-President Harris' tie breaking vote) has saved seniors $1 billion dollars on out-of-pocket drug costs. Seniors with certain high priced drugs saw their yearly out of pocket costs capped at $3,500 for 2024. In 2024 all seniors using Medicare Part D will see their out of pocket costs capped at $2,000 for the year. It's estimated if the $2,000 cap had been in effect this year 4.6 million seniors would have hit it by June and not have had to pay any more for medication for the rest of the year.

The Department of Education announced a new proposed rule to bring student debt relief for 8 million struggling borrowers. The Biden-Harris Administration has managed despite road blocks from Republicans in Congress, the courts and law suits from Republican states to bring student loan forgiveness to 5 million Americans so far through different programs. This latest rule would take into account many financial hardships faced by people to determine if they qualify to have their student loans forgiven. The final rule cannot be finalized before 2025 meaning its fate will be decided at the election.

The Department of Agriculture announced $1.5 billion in 92 partner-driven conservation projects. These projects aim at making farming more susceptible and environmental friendly, 16 projects are about water conservation in the West, 6 support use of innovative technologies to reduce enteric methane emissions in livestock. $100 million has been earmarked for Tribal-led projects.

[sniperct]

NOAA “should be dismantled and many of its functions eliminated, sent to other agencies, privatized, or placed under the control of states and territories,” Project 2025 reads. The proposals roughly amount to two main avenues of attack. First, it suggests that the NWS should eliminate its public-facing forecasts, focus on data gathering, and otherwise “fully commercialize its forecasting operations,” which the authors of the plan imply will improve, not limit, forecasts for all Americans. Then, NOAA’s scientific-research arm, which studies things such as Arctic-ice dynamics and how greenhouse gases behave (and which the document calls “the source of much of NOAA’s climate alarmism”), should be aggressively shrunk. “The preponderance of its climate-change research should be disbanded,” the document says. It further notes that scientific agencies such as NOAA are “vulnerable to obstructionism of an Administration’s aims,” so appointees should be screened to ensure that their views are “wholly in sync” with the president’s.

Climate change is the single most important issue in the entirety of human history. One party wants to fight it. The other party wants to let the earth burn; in fact, they want to accelerate the fire.

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

Of the 19 hijackers who carried out the Sept 11 attacks:

15 were from Saudi Arabia (a powerful/oil-rich country the U.S. works hard to maintain diplomatic relations with)

2 were from the United Arab Emirates (also a powerful/oil-rich country the U.S. works hard to maintain diplomatic relations with)

1 was from Egypt, 1 from Lebanon.

None of the hijackers were from Iraq.

None of the Sept 11 hijackers were Iraqi.

None of the 9/11 hijackers were from Iraq.

[odinsblog]

Nothing to see here, just fire + floods + climate change

[hope-for-the-planet]

Under what legal experts called a “historic” settlement, announced on Thursday, Hawaii officials will release a roadmap “to fully decarbonize the state’s transportation systems, taking all actions necessary to achieve zero emissions no later than 2045 for ground transportation, sea and inter-island air transportation”, Andrea Rodgers, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs in the case, said at a press conference with the governor.

[reasonsforhope]

Literally begging anyone who can vote in US elections to vote, and to vote against Trump. Which means voting for Harris, not abstaining or voting third party.

My family actually did move here from an authoritarian country, where voting literally didn't matter, they literally did throw out your vote, and they literally did assassinate citizens who spoke out against them.

We would all very much like to keep living in a country where those things are not the case!

You know, the same things that Trump and his stooges have openly said they want to do. And two of the main propaganda lines for why people in the US shouldn't vote, which is a lie.

Voting matters. The parties are not the same.

And make sure to vote in down-ballot races!!!

And like. The fact that voting matters in the US is a very real reason for hope. It is something you should genuinely appreciate. We can make a difference.

And a lot of people risked their lives or even died to earn that right, and it's a right not everyone has.