@farukavdi.bsky.social
‘We cannot see light if there is nothing to reflect it.’ — I. McGilchrist.
Reposted
Despite what we are often told, this line from Mamdani’s inauguration speech is what true pragmatism actually looks like:
“Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed. But never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.”
“Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed. But never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.”
January 1, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Despite what we are often told, this line from Mamdani’s inauguration speech is what true pragmatism actually looks like:
“Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed. But never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.”
“Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed. But never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.”
Where do we find “value/s” and whether something is, on that basis, ‘right’ or ‘wrong’? Science can’t answer but can take us tantalisingly close to asking a good question. (This vid published 3 yrs ago): #community #life #decisions #philosophy #science
youtu.be/I8p1yqnuk8Y?...
youtu.be/I8p1yqnuk8Y?...
Does the Universe Create Itself?
YouTube video by PBS Space Time
youtu.be
December 30, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Where do we find “value/s” and whether something is, on that basis, ‘right’ or ‘wrong’? Science can’t answer but can take us tantalisingly close to asking a good question. (This vid published 3 yrs ago): #community #life #decisions #philosophy #science
youtu.be/I8p1yqnuk8Y?...
youtu.be/I8p1yqnuk8Y?...
Cloud infrastructure and AI algorithms used to obliterate people en masse. Will there be any kind of reckoning in US big tech “if there’s a more progressive admin. in the White House, when so many Americans believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza?” #aukus www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
‘Data is control’: what we learned from a year investigating the Israeli military’s ties to big tech
Our reporting revealed a symbiotic relationship between the IDF and Silicon Valley – with implications for the future of warfare
www.theguardian.com
December 30, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Cloud infrastructure and AI algorithms used to obliterate people en masse. Will there be any kind of reckoning in US big tech “if there’s a more progressive admin. in the White House, when so many Americans believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza?” #aukus www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
How the Ivy League led the US to this point should prompt the deepest shakeup in universities across the world: "America’s so-called “leadership class” is a sham. Most of them do not care a whit for the rest of the US. They are out for themselves." #auspol www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Americans are waking up. A grand reckoning awaits us | Robert Reich
I’d like to believe that the horrific darkness of this past year is a necessary prelude to a brighter and saner future
www.theguardian.com
December 29, 2025 at 12:43 PM
How the Ivy League led the US to this point should prompt the deepest shakeup in universities across the world: "America’s so-called “leadership class” is a sham. Most of them do not care a whit for the rest of the US. They are out for themselves." #auspol www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This petition from the Jewish Council of Australia calls for the government to act in careful and not divisive ways, to protect all and shun ethnic and religious chauvinism. #auspol
jewishcouncil.good.do/unity/jewish...
jewishcouncil.good.do/unity/jewish...
SIGN ✍️ We will not be divided after Bondi
Add your name to the Jewish Council petition today
jewishcouncil.good.do
December 22, 2025 at 4:02 AM
This petition from the Jewish Council of Australia calls for the government to act in careful and not divisive ways, to protect all and shun ethnic and religious chauvinism. #auspol
jewishcouncil.good.do/unity/jewish...
jewishcouncil.good.do/unity/jewish...
The Australian media response to the Bondi horror has been a lot of shallow, reactionary, egging on of fear and blame. In contrast, this provides an important and serious approach. Do you think your NSW chapter could have a read @australianlabor.bsky.social? #auspol www.smh.com.au/national/aft...
After Bondi, we crave certainty – but quick fixes are dangerous
We won’t make Australia safer with rapidly conceived solutions for the massacre. They could make us less safe.
www.smh.com.au
December 21, 2025 at 7:19 PM
The Australian media response to the Bondi horror has been a lot of shallow, reactionary, egging on of fear and blame. In contrast, this provides an important and serious approach. Do you think your NSW chapter could have a read @australianlabor.bsky.social? #auspol www.smh.com.au/national/aft...
“There is evil in the world: that much is sadly undeniable. But for a far greater percentage of people the instinctual reaction, in circumstances both exceptional and everyday, is one of selflessness.” #auspol www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
What’s the nicest thing a stranger has done for you? This year more than 50 people gave me their answer
While every story has been unique in loveliness, I’ve found that many share a similar pulse
www.theguardian.com
December 20, 2025 at 10:07 PM
“There is evil in the world: that much is sadly undeniable. But for a far greater percentage of people the instinctual reaction, in circumstances both exceptional and everyday, is one of selflessness.” #auspol www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
The media on this and the politicians in all directions have been too fast to comment, too quick to judge, too quick to listen to deeply reactionary (and profoundly cynical) and self-interested voices. Intemperate and irresponsible in the extreme. In the face of such a tragedy, a real shame!
Good analysis from Sarah Martin, but misses a key point:
if the Bondi massacre is being hijacked by culture warriors like Howard and the anti-immigration right, it's because that's how mainstream media chooses to frame it.
They are lazy or complicit. #auspol
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
if the Bondi massacre is being hijacked by culture warriors like Howard and the anti-immigration right, it's because that's how mainstream media chooses to frame it.
They are lazy or complicit. #auspol
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
John Howard’s dog-whistle intervention in gun debate all but dashes any hope of meaningful reform
In the absence of strong, swift action from Anthony Albanese, the former PM is shifting political debate from gun control to a divisive culture war
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:38 AM
The media on this and the politicians in all directions have been too fast to comment, too quick to judge, too quick to listen to deeply reactionary (and profoundly cynical) and self-interested voices. Intemperate and irresponsible in the extreme. In the face of such a tragedy, a real shame!
This 'editorial' is barely worth the name. Bugger all argument and no facts to support slurring assertions. Really lazy and disappointing. #auspol www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
PM’s inaction on antisemitism comes back to haunt him
Albanese’s failure to return to the scene of the crime has turned a national tragedy into a political circus.
www.smh.com.au
December 18, 2025 at 8:05 AM
This 'editorial' is barely worth the name. Bugger all argument and no facts to support slurring assertions. Really lazy and disappointing. #auspol www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
I'm not sure of the info in this but it's great to see people trying to piece together aggressive networks. How accrual of wealth and power, suffocation of democracy and perpetuation of poverty become goals for a group of people is a story we've seen throughout history. We need to understand why.
December 16, 2025 at 7:51 PM
I'm not sure of the info in this but it's great to see people trying to piece together aggressive networks. How accrual of wealth and power, suffocation of democracy and perpetuation of poverty become goals for a group of people is a story we've seen throughout history. We need to understand why.
“the foundations of modern Australia are built on the safety and acceptance of all – regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexuality or any other characteristic. We judge people based on who they are as people, rather than what group they represent.” #auspol #solidarity www.smh.com.au/national/thi...
This is not for the Jewish community to solve alone: Allegra Spender
The federal member for Wentworth writes: Every single one of us must ask – are we in our actions, in what we say, making our country safer for each other, or less safe?
www.smh.com.au
December 16, 2025 at 8:05 AM
“the foundations of modern Australia are built on the safety and acceptance of all – regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexuality or any other characteristic. We judge people based on who they are as people, rather than what group they represent.” #auspol #solidarity www.smh.com.au/national/thi...
Skynet v.1.0 quietly is born from the innovation required to protect from global bullies. It is very nimble, goes on land and through the sea. Prudent to develop this tech ourselves (and invest in a global treaty on auto-war systems). #AUKUS why? #auspol www.smh.com.au/world/europe...
Ukraine pins hope on new era of AI drones to transform the face of war
Young companies are forming across Ukraine in a bid to defeat Russian forces with faster and more powerful drones.
www.smh.com.au
December 5, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Skynet v.1.0 quietly is born from the innovation required to protect from global bullies. It is very nimble, goes on land and through the sea. Prudent to develop this tech ourselves (and invest in a global treaty on auto-war systems). #AUKUS why? #auspol www.smh.com.au/world/europe...
Part of the puzzle: “The problem with the discourse of toxic masculinity is that it doesn’t sit alongside anything affirmative. It points to genuine problems in male behaviour, but is less eager to say anything about masculine virtue.” #humans #mystery www.smh.com.au/national/las...
Last week I travelled to Mecca, shaved my head and learnt a lesson about masculinity
For those who have not made the pilgrimage to Mecca, something may surprise. The men cry. Quietly and intimately, but obviously. Some are hard men from hard lands, but they’re not ashamed to do this.
www.smh.com.au
December 4, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Part of the puzzle: “The problem with the discourse of toxic masculinity is that it doesn’t sit alongside anything affirmative. It points to genuine problems in male behaviour, but is less eager to say anything about masculine virtue.” #humans #mystery www.smh.com.au/national/las...
An Australian labour government outsourcing critical service work to cheap, exploitative and dark private companies, damaging customer and staff confidence alike - sound like what we all want? @australianlabor.bsky.social @australianunions.bsky.social #auspol
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
‘The whole thing stinks’: outsourced ATO call centre workers shocked by conditions as callers complain about inexperienced staff
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand also say the ATO’s ‘phone system just doesn’t work’
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:56 PM
An Australian labour government outsourcing critical service work to cheap, exploitative and dark private companies, damaging customer and staff confidence alike - sound like what we all want? @australianlabor.bsky.social @australianunions.bsky.social #auspol
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Silicon Valley mob said it couldn’t be done, sought to cajole, squealed; they threatened but then oh! they can do it after all…great job @australianlabor.bsky.social #auspol shorturl.at/T5BPU
Meta to kick Australian teens off social media a week early
Meta has begun giving hundreds of thousands of Australian teens a two-week warning to "download or delete" their data from Instagram, Facebook and Threads.
shorturl.at
November 19, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Silicon Valley mob said it couldn’t be done, sought to cajole, squealed; they threatened but then oh! they can do it after all…great job @australianlabor.bsky.social #auspol shorturl.at/T5BPU
“If every bloke on our side stayed in their offices, we’d still win the vote,”
The 50 Labor women would outnumber by seven the 34 Coalition men and nine Coalition women on the opposition benches. #auspol www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
The 50 Labor women would outnumber by seven the 34 Coalition men and nine Coalition women on the opposition benches. #auspol www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
Numbers to horrify all Libs: Labor can win a parliamentary vote on female MPs alone
There are 43 Coalition MPs and 50 female Labor members sitting opposite them. You do the maths.
www.smh.com.au
November 14, 2025 at 10:21 PM
“If every bloke on our side stayed in their offices, we’d still win the vote,”
The 50 Labor women would outnumber by seven the 34 Coalition men and nine Coalition women on the opposition benches. #auspol www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
The 50 Labor women would outnumber by seven the 34 Coalition men and nine Coalition women on the opposition benches. #auspol www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
The first treaty with Australia’s First Peoples, signed Nov 13, 2025 - my vote for a new date for Australia Day #auspol www.treatyvictoria.vic.gov.au/what-treaty-...
What Treaty delivers
Treaty is about making a better and fairer state for all Victorians, by ensuring First Peoples have a say over the policies that impact them and their families.
www.treatyvictoria.vic.gov.au
November 14, 2025 at 8:56 PM
The first treaty with Australia’s First Peoples, signed Nov 13, 2025 - my vote for a new date for Australia Day #auspol www.treatyvictoria.vic.gov.au/what-treaty-...
The 25 yrs after the war were America’s best in terms of social equity, yet at the same time, in the name of ‘freedom’, they conducted vicious operations around the world to topple elected govs and install puppets for profit. Still, all communities would want to believe and aspire to this from FDR.
81 years ago, FDR proposed a second Bill of Rights to guarantee every American the right to employment, healthcare, education, housing, and a living income. His words are as relevant now as they were then. Watch.
November 14, 2025 at 8:38 PM
The 25 yrs after the war were America’s best in terms of social equity, yet at the same time, in the name of ‘freedom’, they conducted vicious operations around the world to topple elected govs and install puppets for profit. Still, all communities would want to believe and aspire to this from FDR.
This is an area where we can no longer afford the old labor ways @albomp.bsky.social Native forest logging is a net loss economically and *insane* for a planet and it's ecosystems under human pressure. @australianunions.bsky.social #auspol www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Graeme Samuel calls for Labor to ditch ‘national interest’ workaround for environment laws
Former ACCC chair condemns proposed exemption allowing minister to approve projects that don’t comply with law
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:35 AM
This is an area where we can no longer afford the old labor ways @albomp.bsky.social Native forest logging is a net loss economically and *insane* for a planet and it's ecosystems under human pressure. @australianunions.bsky.social #auspol www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Young men ‘being captured captured by…’ their own good sense! “CNN exit poll showed Mamdani dominating the category, earning 65 per cent of the votes by men aged 18 to 29.“ www.smh.com.au/world/north-...
Trump made this the new political test – Mamdani just showed the left how to ace it
Two weeks before the New York election, Zohran Mamdani appeared on an edgy anti-woke podcast. His answers had the host in stitches – and drew 1.9 million views.
www.smh.com.au
November 12, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Young men ‘being captured captured by…’ their own good sense! “CNN exit poll showed Mamdani dominating the category, earning 65 per cent of the votes by men aged 18 to 29.“ www.smh.com.au/world/north-...
“I can promise you, we’re not lost. We’re just waiting for you to hear us” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I’m a teenager who was lured into the manosphere. Here’s how to reach young men like me | Josh Sargent
Masculinity is almost always presented as toxic on my feed – but we need constructive alternatives to give hope to those who feel lost, says Josh Sargent
www.theguardian.com
November 2, 2025 at 9:02 PM
“I can promise you, we’re not lost. We’re just waiting for you to hear us” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The royal commission should be into neoliberal economic policy from the 1990s onwards - how much public money has gone into private pockets, for what outcomes? Any gov funding for-profits should translate to company equity for taxpayers #auspol #education #community
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Australia's scandal-ridden childcare sector a legacy of 'golden age' of reform
The decision by past governments to push Australia's childcare industry in the direction of marketisation and corporatisation has left a lasting legacy.
www.abc.net.au
November 2, 2025 at 7:39 AM
The royal commission should be into neoliberal economic policy from the 1990s onwards - how much public money has gone into private pockets, for what outcomes? Any gov funding for-profits should translate to company equity for taxpayers #auspol #education #community
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
“The US economy is one big bet on AI…AI investments accounted for nearly 92% of the U.S. GDP growth this year…The S&P, Nasdaq, and DJIA are some of the most damaging metrics in modern history as they create the illusion of prosperity, even as depravity rages on.” www.profgalloway.com/how-does-the...
How Does the End Begin? | No Mercy / No Malice
The top 10 stocks in the S&P 500 account for 40% of the index’s market cap. Since ChatGPT launched in November 2022, AI-related stocks have registered 75% of S&P 500 returns, 80% of earnings growth, a...
www.profgalloway.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:53 PM
“The US economy is one big bet on AI…AI investments accounted for nearly 92% of the U.S. GDP growth this year…The S&P, Nasdaq, and DJIA are some of the most damaging metrics in modern history as they create the illusion of prosperity, even as depravity rages on.” www.profgalloway.com/how-does-the...
Silicon Valley moghuls like Andreesen Horowtiz fund startups developing ability to flood social media with hundreds of thousands of artificial influencers, and ‘cheat at everything’ futurism.com/artificial-i...
AI "Phone Farm" Startup Gets Funding from Marc Andreessen to Flood Social Media With Spam
Andreessen Horowitz has injected $1 million into Doublespeed, a startup meant to flood social media with gobs of for-profit spam.
futurism.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Silicon Valley moghuls like Andreesen Horowtiz fund startups developing ability to flood social media with hundreds of thousands of artificial influencers, and ‘cheat at everything’ futurism.com/artificial-i...
There’s no point having power if you can’t look after what is most precious in our world. “Every project developer is convinced their project is in the national interest. If that’s all it takes, then the laws are worthless.” @australianlabor.bsky.social #auspol www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Ken Henry warns Labor’s nature laws ‘are worthless’ unless minister tightens ‘national interest’ exemptions
Exclusive: ‘Every project developer is absolutely convinced that their project is in the national interest,’ Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation head says
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:29 PM
There’s no point having power if you can’t look after what is most precious in our world. “Every project developer is convinced their project is in the national interest. If that’s all it takes, then the laws are worthless.” @australianlabor.bsky.social #auspol www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...