Irving Wanders
@irvingwanders.bsky.social
Reposted by Irving Wanders
The story of Farage and Putin, told by British-Ukrainian soldier Shaun Pinner on a destroyed apartment block in Kyiv.
December 19, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The story of Farage and Putin, told by British-Ukrainian soldier Shaun Pinner on a destroyed apartment block in Kyiv.
Reposted by Irving Wanders
i made a template you can use to think about what "frame/negation/kirby" looks like for other issues.
For example:
Frame: DOGE is a govt efficiency project to save $
Negation: Actually it made things less efficient and cost $
Kirby: DOGE was a project to break and privatize federal bureaucracy
For example:
Frame: DOGE is a govt efficiency project to save $
Negation: Actually it made things less efficient and cost $
Kirby: DOGE was a project to break and privatize federal bureaucracy
September 25, 2025 at 8:23 PM
i made a template you can use to think about what "frame/negation/kirby" looks like for other issues.
For example:
Frame: DOGE is a govt efficiency project to save $
Negation: Actually it made things less efficient and cost $
Kirby: DOGE was a project to break and privatize federal bureaucracy
For example:
Frame: DOGE is a govt efficiency project to save $
Negation: Actually it made things less efficient and cost $
Kirby: DOGE was a project to break and privatize federal bureaucracy
Crazy to me, how little coverage this story has had, especially from the BBC.
Nigel Farage told to ‘come out of hiding’ over alleged election overspending
Nigel Farage told to ‘come out of hiding’ over alleged election overspending
Labour chair calls on Electoral Commission to investigate claims Reform leader broke spending rules on Clacton campaign
Nigel Farage is facing a possible second investigation into allegations he overspent on his Claction election battle by £9,000 after the watchdog said it was assessing the claims.
The Electoral Commission was asked by Labour to look into Reform UK’s election expenses after a whistleblower told the Daily Telegraph that it failed to declare spending on leaflets, banners, utility bills and refurbishment of a bar in its Clacton campaign office. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Crazy to me, how little coverage this story has had, especially from the BBC.
Reposted by Irving Wanders
I am desperately worried for 20 yr old Qesser Zuhrah who is dangerously ill at HMP Bronzefield. It remains very unclear how soon she will be transferred to hospital.
Qesser is on day 46 of hunger strike. It should not take this long to get the help she needs.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Qesser is on day 46 of hunger strike. It should not take this long to get the help she needs.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Palestine Action-linked hunger strikers ‘may die without Lammy’s intervention’
Justice secretary criticised for refusing to meet lawyers who say health of their jailed clients is ‘rapidly deteriorating’
www.theguardian.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:16 PM
I am desperately worried for 20 yr old Qesser Zuhrah who is dangerously ill at HMP Bronzefield. It remains very unclear how soon she will be transferred to hospital.
Qesser is on day 46 of hunger strike. It should not take this long to get the help she needs.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Qesser is on day 46 of hunger strike. It should not take this long to get the help she needs.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Irving Wanders
Reports from @amnestyuk.bsky.social clearly show that UK-made components have been found in weapons in the awful conflict in Sudan. But this government refuses to act. Once again, the minister refused to acknowledge the reality of the situation when I confronted him yesterday.
December 16, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Reports from @amnestyuk.bsky.social clearly show that UK-made components have been found in weapons in the awful conflict in Sudan. But this government refuses to act. Once again, the minister refused to acknowledge the reality of the situation when I confronted him yesterday.
I also don't think you can win a contest of ideas on a platform where the algorithms are rigged against you. It's a gamified conversation and the board is rigged. Like trying to beat the house in roulette at a casino, the longer you play the more you lose, the more they win.
December 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
I also don't think you can win a contest of ideas on a platform where the algorithms are rigged against you. It's a gamified conversation and the board is rigged. Like trying to beat the house in roulette at a casino, the longer you play the more you lose, the more they win.
1/6 The whole what can social media actually achieve debate feels like people are talking past each other a bit. Like it seems like there's at least 4 things happening (or not) 1) distributing existing ideas, 2) developing new ideas, 3) organising real world activism, 4) processing events.
December 16, 2025 at 2:48 AM
1/6 The whole what can social media actually achieve debate feels like people are talking past each other a bit. Like it seems like there's at least 4 things happening (or not) 1) distributing existing ideas, 2) developing new ideas, 3) organising real world activism, 4) processing events.
This is a great thread.
As you may know, I have stopped using Twitter, and have decided to reproduce some of my more memorable threads here for posterity. Here’s one I hold wrote after a particularly engaging swordfighting lesson.
Buckle up, swordfighting fans, because I *have* studied my Agrippa!
[BIG ASS THREAD]
Buckle up, swordfighting fans, because I *have* studied my Agrippa!
[BIG ASS THREAD]
a man reading a book to a young boy
Alt: a man reading a book to a young boy
media.tenor.com
December 15, 2025 at 7:32 PM
This is a great thread.
Reposted by Irving Wanders
🚨 The UK government just published a breakdown of the responses to its consultation on AI & copyright:
- 95% of respondents want AI companies to pay for their training data (made up of 88% saying strengthen copyright law, & 7% saying leave it as is)
🧵 1/2
- 95% of respondents want AI companies to pay for their training data (made up of 88% saying strengthen copyright law, & 7% saying leave it as is)
🧵 1/2
December 15, 2025 at 11:22 AM
🚨 The UK government just published a breakdown of the responses to its consultation on AI & copyright:
- 95% of respondents want AI companies to pay for their training data (made up of 88% saying strengthen copyright law, & 7% saying leave it as is)
🧵 1/2
- 95% of respondents want AI companies to pay for their training data (made up of 88% saying strengthen copyright law, & 7% saying leave it as is)
🧵 1/2
Reposted by Irving Wanders
Terrifying that Wes Streeting continues to try and pressurise hospitals into giving patient data to Palantir.
Take action here: goodlawproject.org/campaign/sto...
Take action here: goodlawproject.org/campaign/sto...
December 15, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Terrifying that Wes Streeting continues to try and pressurise hospitals into giving patient data to Palantir.
Take action here: goodlawproject.org/campaign/sto...
Take action here: goodlawproject.org/campaign/sto...
Reposted by Irving Wanders
Wealth taxes aren't some wild, untested idea.
In fact, they already have them in 🇫🇷 France to 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇪🇸 Spain, and 🇨🇭Switzerland.
Here's what we can learn from them.
In fact, they already have them in 🇫🇷 France to 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇪🇸 Spain, and 🇨🇭Switzerland.
Here's what we can learn from them.
December 15, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Wealth taxes aren't some wild, untested idea.
In fact, they already have them in 🇫🇷 France to 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇪🇸 Spain, and 🇨🇭Switzerland.
Here's what we can learn from them.
In fact, they already have them in 🇫🇷 France to 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇪🇸 Spain, and 🇨🇭Switzerland.
Here's what we can learn from them.
Reposted by Irving Wanders
btw i don't agree with folks who say posting here doesn't matter because every time i help organize an event, people show up in real life & tell me they heard about it here on bluesky
it absolutely matters if you make a habit of organizing & sharing practical suggestions of stuff to actually do
❤️
it absolutely matters if you make a habit of organizing & sharing practical suggestions of stuff to actually do
❤️
December 15, 2025 at 1:33 AM
btw i don't agree with folks who say posting here doesn't matter because every time i help organize an event, people show up in real life & tell me they heard about it here on bluesky
it absolutely matters if you make a habit of organizing & sharing practical suggestions of stuff to actually do
❤️
it absolutely matters if you make a habit of organizing & sharing practical suggestions of stuff to actually do
❤️
There does seem too much untested faith in the idea that simply putting your argument out there increases people's belief in it. More important perhaps is the signals with which people associate your point. Needs consideration of if an algorithm makes anything progressive ratio'd/dog piled. 1/3
The credulity that some MPs - and some journalists - display in engaging on X is most worrying
Most think they’re ‘not vacating the public square’
In reality their brains are being fired and their idea of what ‘the public thinks’ completely manipulated - which has massive potential consequences
Most think they’re ‘not vacating the public square’
In reality their brains are being fired and their idea of what ‘the public thinks’ completely manipulated - which has massive potential consequences
There are MPs still interacting with the far right on X. A platform designed and run to undermine the UK and to shatter its values with hatred and violence. They're talking to people who want to deport them and who despise every word they say - and let's face it, don't believe they have any rights.
December 14, 2025 at 4:38 PM
There does seem too much untested faith in the idea that simply putting your argument out there increases people's belief in it. More important perhaps is the signals with which people associate your point. Needs consideration of if an algorithm makes anything progressive ratio'd/dog piled. 1/3
Reposted by Irving Wanders
So, Laura Kuenssberg's introduction to her interview with Mary-Ann Stephenson is just hideous.
Let me count the ways. 🧵
Let me count the ways. 🧵
December 14, 2025 at 11:35 AM
So, Laura Kuenssberg's introduction to her interview with Mary-Ann Stephenson is just hideous.
Let me count the ways. 🧵
Let me count the ways. 🧵
Reposted by Irving Wanders
I'm on my way to a Chanukah event. It should be a celebration but instead our community is once again mourning.
I will be thinking of everyone in Australia and those around the world in the Jewish Community who know this fear and loss.
We stand with you.
I will be thinking of everyone in Australia and those around the world in the Jewish Community who know this fear and loss.
We stand with you.
December 14, 2025 at 12:10 PM
I'm on my way to a Chanukah event. It should be a celebration but instead our community is once again mourning.
I will be thinking of everyone in Australia and those around the world in the Jewish Community who know this fear and loss.
We stand with you.
I will be thinking of everyone in Australia and those around the world in the Jewish Community who know this fear and loss.
We stand with you.
Reposted by Irving Wanders
Why is Keir Starmer so hellbent on digital ID? Two words: Tony Blair.
At @thenerve_news we’ve tracked Blair’s influence - & his billionaire backer Larry Ellison - behind a policy that nobody asked for & almost nobody wants.
1/
At @thenerve_news we’ve tracked Blair’s influence - & his billionaire backer Larry Ellison - behind a policy that nobody asked for & almost nobody wants.
1/
December 13, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Why is Keir Starmer so hellbent on digital ID? Two words: Tony Blair.
At @thenerve_news we’ve tracked Blair’s influence - & his billionaire backer Larry Ellison - behind a policy that nobody asked for & almost nobody wants.
1/
At @thenerve_news we’ve tracked Blair’s influence - & his billionaire backer Larry Ellison - behind a policy that nobody asked for & almost nobody wants.
1/
And UK MP's are so naive they still want this company running our public infrastructure, and to pay them insane amounts of money to do it.
If people are telling them the risks can be contained then they need to ask more difficult questions.
If people are telling them the risks can be contained then they need to ask more difficult questions.
And then there’s the story about Alex Karp’s not-at-all-weird interview (for lack of a better word) with Oswald Mosley’s grandson for a senior position at Palantir.
December 13, 2025 at 7:38 PM
And UK MP's are so naive they still want this company running our public infrastructure, and to pay them insane amounts of money to do it.
If people are telling them the risks can be contained then they need to ask more difficult questions.
If people are telling them the risks can be contained then they need to ask more difficult questions.
While I'm not unhappy to see Labour losing support given current policies, I do wonder if this continued decline in members makes a Streeting victory in a leader contest more likely. Seems probable its more progressive members leaving Labour. Perhaps they should wait a little to elect a better PM.
On what basis? Greens are already near 200k and Labour has fallen from 330k to 250k in the last year.
December 13, 2025 at 7:16 PM
While I'm not unhappy to see Labour losing support given current policies, I do wonder if this continued decline in members makes a Streeting victory in a leader contest more likely. Seems probable its more progressive members leaving Labour. Perhaps they should wait a little to elect a better PM.
Reposted by Irving Wanders
It has become received wisdom in Brussels and Washington that there is a new “euro-sclerosis”: that the EU economy is lagging the US
This view is wrong
A little primer on the measurement of productivity – and why reports of the economic death of Europe are greatly exaggerated🧵
This view is wrong
A little primer on the measurement of productivity – and why reports of the economic death of Europe are greatly exaggerated🧵
December 12, 2025 at 12:32 PM
It has become received wisdom in Brussels and Washington that there is a new “euro-sclerosis”: that the EU economy is lagging the US
This view is wrong
A little primer on the measurement of productivity – and why reports of the economic death of Europe are greatly exaggerated🧵
This view is wrong
A little primer on the measurement of productivity – and why reports of the economic death of Europe are greatly exaggerated🧵
Reposted by Irving Wanders
A must-read for anyone who cares about inequality, economies, or the state of the world. The 2026 World Inequality Report from World Inequality Lab.
Today, we are publishing our World Inequality Report, which reviews the most recent #inequalitydata and exposes the magnitude of #inequality across time, space and all its dimensions.
👇Share this thread, share the report!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R67u...
👇Share this thread, share the report!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R67u...
World Inequality Report 2026
YouTube video by World Inequality Lab
www.youtube.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:42 PM
A must-read for anyone who cares about inequality, economies, or the state of the world. The 2026 World Inequality Report from World Inequality Lab.
Reposted by Irving Wanders
The affordability crisis is an inequality crisis. When prices spike in key sectors, it's not just inflation—it's a massive redistribution shock that hits poor households hardest.
In our **new working paper**, we identify the sectors that matter most. A thread 🧵
scholarworks.umass.edu/entities/pub...
In our **new working paper**, we identify the sectors that matter most. A thread 🧵
scholarworks.umass.edu/entities/pub...
December 8, 2025 at 8:42 PM
The affordability crisis is an inequality crisis. When prices spike in key sectors, it's not just inflation—it's a massive redistribution shock that hits poor households hardest.
In our **new working paper**, we identify the sectors that matter most. A thread 🧵
scholarworks.umass.edu/entities/pub...
In our **new working paper**, we identify the sectors that matter most. A thread 🧵
scholarworks.umass.edu/entities/pub...
Reposted by Irving Wanders
Cannot imagine what would be so attractive about technology made in an era before everything was so aggressively abusive and predatory and pre-broken to people who have never known anything else
Why do Gen Z have a growing appetite for retro tech?
Why do Gen Z have a growing appetite for retro tech?
Gen Z are going retro, with studies showing a resurgence in people buying tech in the modern age that can be dated back decades.
www.bbc.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Cannot imagine what would be so attractive about technology made in an era before everything was so aggressively abusive and predatory and pre-broken to people who have never known anything else
Reposted by Irving Wanders
The NHS is under pressure to adopt Palantir software. Its founder openly despises the NHS.
You can push back: use our tool to see if your local trust is using the software, then send an email to say no to Palantir
https://goodlaw.social/658abc
You can push back: use our tool to see if your local trust is using the software, then send an email to say no to Palantir
https://goodlaw.social/658abc
December 8, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The NHS is under pressure to adopt Palantir software. Its founder openly despises the NHS.
You can push back: use our tool to see if your local trust is using the software, then send an email to say no to Palantir
https://goodlaw.social/658abc
You can push back: use our tool to see if your local trust is using the software, then send an email to say no to Palantir
https://goodlaw.social/658abc
Feel like a move by the end of January is underpriced here (albeit a May challenge more likely)
These betting odds would imply suggests a close to 50-50 chance of a change of PM in 2026: slightly odds-on, but not by much. But it may be that such markets slightly underprice inertia?
December 8, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Feel like a move by the end of January is underpriced here (albeit a May challenge more likely)
Reposted by Irving Wanders
Stop a Surveillance State before it's built!
MPs are due to debate the petition against plans to introduce Digital ID.
Nearly 3 million people have spoken. It's time that MPs listen.
Use our tool to tell your MP to attend the debate on 8 December ⬇️
action.openrightsgroup.org/tell-your-mp...
MPs are due to debate the petition against plans to introduce Digital ID.
Nearly 3 million people have spoken. It's time that MPs listen.
Use our tool to tell your MP to attend the debate on 8 December ⬇️
action.openrightsgroup.org/tell-your-mp...
Tell your MP to attend the debate on digital IDs
Nearly three million people signed the petition 'Do not introduce Digital ID cards' . The government, however, is pushing ahead regardless of public concern.
action.openrightsgroup.org
December 6, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Stop a Surveillance State before it's built!
MPs are due to debate the petition against plans to introduce Digital ID.
Nearly 3 million people have spoken. It's time that MPs listen.
Use our tool to tell your MP to attend the debate on 8 December ⬇️
action.openrightsgroup.org/tell-your-mp...
MPs are due to debate the petition against plans to introduce Digital ID.
Nearly 3 million people have spoken. It's time that MPs listen.
Use our tool to tell your MP to attend the debate on 8 December ⬇️
action.openrightsgroup.org/tell-your-mp...