Not really an overstatement to say that the test of a free society is whether or not comedians can make fun of the country's leader on TV without repurcussions.

The thing about all these pieces complaining about Marine Le Pen's conviction is that not a single one of them bothers to explain why someone found guilty of embezzling millions of Euros from public funds should be allowed to get away with it

The former ambassador to Denmark for the United States, Rufus Gifford, posted this video on his Facebook account: Ht: @hpsc24.bsky.social

A reminder that it's not a "shouting match" when only one side is doing any shouting.

"Under weaknesses, you've put 'Accidentally stopped the fight against Ebola'?"

The DOGE firings have nothing to do with “efficiency” or “cutting waste.” They’re a direct push to weaken federal agencies perceived as liberal. This was evident from the start, and now the data confirms it: targeted agencies overwhelmingly those seen as more left-leaning. 🧵⬇️

This is what should be on every front page right now. What's happening in the US right now is an illegal power grab by a private citizen. IT'S A COUP. It's a digital coup. It's Musk who's leading it. The consequences are terrifying. And it's coming for us next. 1/ open.substack.com/pub/broligar...

This website - run by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - monitors CO2 levels, Ozone and other climate data. It's now been wiped by Trump's trolls. A government of billionaires, funded by big polluters, is scrubbing the scientific evidence of the consequences of their actions.

Because how else do you spend some time off work (aka anything to avoid Christmas shopping)? Sharing my thoughts on this week's proposals for English devolution... it will be in the execution of ambition that we find out what the real purpose of reorganisation is... ianburbidge.com/2024/12/20/o...

As local government reorganisation rears its ugly head again, and as someone deeply involved in 2007-10, it's pretty clear to me: there will be no winners. A bit niche perhaps, but it goes to the heart of democracy and local accountability. Some thoughts: ianburbidge.com/ian-burbidge...

It’s fair to say that when I was trying to deliver innovative projects in local government, or researching public entrepreneurship at the RSA, I never thought I’d end up in Bogota talking about my insights. And yet, thanks to the fab city innovation team, here I am. Can’t wait!!

Hello #BlueSky folk! Pleased to be here. Expect some stuff from me around social policy and change, the role of innovation and systems/complexity thinking. And probably some random stuff too. More about me at my website ianburbidge.com