This cartoon has been shared, liked, saved and commented on over on Instagram more than any other cartoon I've ever made. 1.5 million views in a week. People are angry.

If you haven’t read this article yet, then I really recommend you do. It’s the same point I’ve been making myself, but he’s far more articulate about it. https://theshot.net.au/uncategorized/on-doing-the-same-inadequate-shit-over-and-over-again-until-the-end-of-democracy/

Worth reading. Abandonment of do-little small-target politics is essential. Needs a bit of perspective though - the left isn’t entirely without some of the blame for where the world finds itself.

Finally, some academic resistance. Australian universities should be taking similar united action now, before the US takes further action against academic freedom

When laws actively repress human rights, the police are working on behalf of the government, not the people. It isn’t the role of police to decide which laws are acceptable, but when laws blatantly repress human rights they also have an obligation to protect the people.

Wow! A company with some principle. That’s a surprise, but I’m doubtful any others will follow suit. Also, they are a fossil fuel company so I guess their principles don’t extend too far into preserving the planet. Still, this decision is more than just a gesture.

This is a fair and reasonable assessment of Labor’s donations ‘reform’ legislation they negotiated with the LNP

Why isn’t he on the panel? Or in parliament? He uses too many facts for the media I guess

Dear ABC Mgmt, People read, watch & listen to ABC News bc they want intelligent, informed, nuanced reporting, interviews, commentary & analysis of world events, politics, news. Rptedly platforming & pushing the tabloid news media's narrative on a story is insulting to your audience. 😔 #journalism

We need a minority government for lots of reasons. This particular issue just exposes how the major parties first and foremost prioritize power over principle

Yet again Barry Jones says what we’re all thinking, and Labor leaders are too cowardly to hear. What an amazing man - in his 90s and just as insightful, and principled, as ever.

This seems about right. And the word ‘pathetic’ is very apropos.

I find myself increasingly drawn to the community independents. They are a real challenge to the exclusionary and undemocratic nature of party politics as they’ve become under the major parties. Check out the links to the community groups and see what’s happening in different electorates.

This looks promising - people trying to ensure social media cannot be just in the control of billionaire owners.

Personally, I think it should be legislated. If you’re contagious then no unnecessary travel, and masks for necessary travel. It’s just polite, and of course, good health practice.

While I’m not generally fond of their economic policies, climate200 independents are the best way to see LNP lose otherwise safe seats - and support sensible climate policy at the same time

We need more of this to happen. Why are other democracies so reticent about defending democracy?

Jeff Bezos never wanted this cartoon to become public. He killed it, and as a result, pulitzer prize editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes quit. Make sure everyone sees this cartoon. - @aaronparnas.bsky.social

This is worth a repost. This feels spot-on

Leichhardt Market Town in Sydney has been like this for several years. Local gvt should mandate for all new carparks

I reckon there’s some truth to this. But I also think there’s been a failure by the left to passionately articulate the anger felt by those feeling ignored or left behind. Perceptions of smug intellectual elitism also do the left no favors. Tone matters.

Definitely!

lol!

A worldview built on conspiracy theories is a terrifying recipe for leadership.

Finally, some legislative action that we can congratulate this government for - even if it is only a first step toward meaningful action.

Another excellent article about the social media ban

Always useful.

And equally, let’s hope Australian Labor politicians are taking note as well - although so far they seem not to have learnt anything.

Opinion | "The harsh lesson of this term of Parliament is that no major-party government can be trusted to take real climate action," writes @keanebernard.bsky.social. www.crikey.com.au/2024/11/28/l...

Why I’ve changed my mind about the social media bill | Andrew Wilkie

I’d forgotten the absurd panic over D&D. Forcing kids out of digital spaces will only isolate (again) the ones who ended up being isolated in the past, and limit all kids’ digital experience/capacity. Tackle the actual problem - bullying; not technology.

Yes! "The more not-shit candidates you vote to the crossbench, the more we have to listen to you, not Santos, Rupert and Gina." www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oxQ...

An interesting read. I’m personally much more in favor of minority governments because they are inevitably forced to negotiate. That makes political, and even parliamentary, debate a lot more meaningful. Which is surely good for political engagement in general?

Sarah MacDonald has been pretty good. I personally don’t expect the same of her replacement, but that’s not the point. I’m really sick of what’s been happening to management of the ABC.

A very good thread. This is what we need to protect here to ensure it doesn’t also degenerate to become an abusive cesspit

So very true! Hawke & Keating did give us leadership, but it was also often not progressive, and certainly not sustained. Since then, ALP leaders have given us occasional glimpses of leadership and too many examples of cowardice.

I have to agree, sadly with the second part (because Labor is not the party it once was) and enthusiastically with the first part (because sensible minority government tends to be good for democracy)

Excellent rebuke of both the Labor Govt and the Coalition Opposition by Independent MP Andrew Wilkie for their collusion on the Electoral Reform Bill that serves the interests of the major parties, not the people of Australia. #auspol

Very well-articulated

Some practical and far better options for election reform than what the government is attempting to rush through with LNP support

Let’s get real about this law banning social media to under 16’s. #auspol

Unity ticket. My @smh @theage cartoon.

Yes! We need to force tech companies to behave responsibly - not try to impose bans on individuals’ capacity to access resources

Democracy shouldn’t be rushed!

Wow! This really is a breath of fresh air. What a contrast to the other social media CEOs

Makes the collusion between the major parties very obvious; it’s all about protecting themselves. Honestly, David Pocock is about the only Australian politician I trust. He’d be a great PM, but sadly that’s not possible under our current 2-party system.

An interesting read. Let’s hope Bluesky can avoid being overrun by the same hateful and abusive forces that made people flee here.

+ so many more issues could go here

The extent to which the ABC has been failing at good journalistic practice, and just doing ‘bothsidesism’ is very sad

This is interesting, but unfortunately I suspect few people will be across the politics of it to be aware of the current machinations of both Labor and the LNP