dburx.bsky.social

@dburx.bsky.social

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A theory tried out by many when they are 4 years old, but in most cases rebuked by good parents

What a great thread. Blue sky, and twitter in the old days, could really allow all sorts of insights into different jobs and be far removed from politics

Since absolutely no one asked about morgue trailers, I'm going to talk about morgue trailers. This is what's known as a DPMU, a disaster portable morgue unit. I was in the process of moving it from a funeral home in Roswell to a hospital in Rio Rancho when I took this photo.

Reply to

Emily Gorcenski

Yes please. I think high follower accounts have almost a duty to block these abusive groups to keep it sane for everyone. On twitter some encouraged it sadly.

Reply to

John Bull

Yes, the high follower accounts need responsibility or rules to clamp down on pure ad hominin abusive replies. Unfortunately some, or on twitter lots, encourage it.

Reply to

Mark Chadbourn

"being a team player and working hard isn't enough", meaning you're got to be good too, so, wow, yes impressive.

Ha. Also: if you want humourous unrelated to reality takes on the French election, pick up any Anglo newspaper.

Reply to

David Ho

Also: the UK would never have the problem of a geriatric PM; he'd be immediately be disposed of by his own MPs.

Reply to

Mark Chadbourn

What's really fun (and possible?) is if the Tories split with say 50 joining Reform, leaving Ed Davey as LOTO?

Reply to

Daniel

Yes, and low turnout affected Tories more of course, but also Labour, as fewer supporters turn out in uncompetitive races. So Kier got less votes than Corbyn doesn't carry so much weight with me; if it was a closer election, they'd turn out.

It was said motivation from Corbyn's leadership led to huge turnouts - this is true - among horrified Tory voters to stop him!

Economy is weak but not bad; it continues to be attractive and pulls in workers. Wages are not rising much and company investment is low. Record levels of immigration is a fact you have been invited to show contrary evidence to, but can't.

I didn't say they did. I said immigrants arrive given a strong economy. The economy pulls in the immigrants, not the other way around. If wages are kept low (by employers / gov't) then the benefits don't go to workers, they go to capital.

Reply to

Dustin Du Cane

No, my prior is that a strong economy that supresses wage inflation will attract immigrants by virtue of demand for cheap labour with the benefits going to capital.

Reply to

Mark Chadbourn

Well, not for 5 years. But FPTP systems show extraordinary volatility in seats based on small vote % changes from the distribution. If Reform/Con united again, or even if the LibDem/Lab tactical voting reduced in efficiency, then complete change at the next election is perfectly plausible.

This is not about whether immigration brings benefits or not; it is about whether it is possible politically to increase immigration from its current historic highs, which the Tories achieved (and why a lot of their vote went to Reform)

All, right then, show me the statistics of when it was higher?

Reply to

Kristian van der Vliet

That is your view, but Kier on the eve of the election said differently, and I judge his view of the politics there is correct. Again, I said increasing immigration further from its current historic highs is politically unwise.

Reply to

Max Howard-Evans

I didn't say otherwise. I said increasing net immigration from its already historic highs is politically impossible, and let me add that Kier has said he won't do this, on the eve of the election.

Reply to

Sam-I-Am (they/any)

migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br... 14% of total population? Clearly enough to cause social stress.

www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula... 672,000? Enough to split Reform form the Tories.

Long-term international migration, provisional - Office for National Statisticswww.ons.gov.uk Official statistics (in development) of UK international migration, year ending (YE) June 2012 to YE June 2023; estimates from YE December 2022 and YE June 2023 are provisional and will be updated whe...

Reply to

Kristian van der Vliet

www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula... 672,000 is nothing?

Yes, we have a lot of immigration now; increasing the numbers would be unwise politically; hence my comment on "better" does not mean increase the numbers. It does mean act competently, professionally, legally, etc.

Yes, Labour can ditch the "hostile environment" for a "professional, competent & welcoming one"; but as for increasing net immigration, I think given the levels under the Tories that would be suicide politically if carried on

Reply to

John Bull

On ULEZ, Kier was timid; on Gaza too; we will have to see if there is change. Main profile issues are also: Sewage & Water, Build Quality Housing but don't destroy the Environment (Tricky) Agree DELIVERY and COMPETENCE generally is the key

Reply to

John Bull

If by "better" is meant efficient processing of Refugee claims, then yes; but increasing immigration is impossible, surely? And Kier has said so. Tories let it rise; a significant factor in their loss to Reform. I think you will see lower immigration overall.

Reply to

Mark Chadbourn

First Con hold preserves Mark Francois for the nation. The overall quality of remaining Tories may be an issue for them.

Reply to

Ben Alpers

Surely the requirement to think for oneself is the baseline for having a democracy? Convention delegates ought to be able to do so and choose a nominee. Those that fear an open convention, of course the optics, yes, lets not have an unseemly panic, but let them think - it's not too scary!

Reply to

Melissa Ryan

But we can't keep lying that Bidens ok, or that having a geriatric as prez is good. The honourable thing is for him and his advisors to resign. Harris too, unless she and they think she can win. Having convention goers think for themselves should not be scary!

Reply to

Osita Nwanevu

Yes, she would have to slightly surprise on the upside as a campaigner. But there is a chance the GOP overreach on the racial front, offending people, and she gets a witty put-down line that resonates. A debate could favour her, especially if Trump meltsdown under female taunts.

If Harris can possibly win, then there shouldn't be any hesitation to go with her. Better some chance than none. I can imagine a debate where Trump makes monkey noises, or over reaches somehow, and she crushes him.