*What I mean is that some people don’t really want to know what they could do, because then they might have to do it. Let’s use this thread to eliminate that excuse. Thanks - ThreadSky

georgemonbiot.bsky.social • 7 days ago

*What I mean is that some people don’t really want to know what they could do, because then they might have to do it.
Let’s use this thread to eliminate that excuse. Thanks

Comments

the0point.bsky.social•7 days ago

Everyone buy an expensive tractor and hit Westminster...

the0point.bsky.social•7 days ago

Keep bumping up action groups for protest to make it easier to know when and where to target pressure. The Tesla protests in the USA around a good start. More boycott, divest and sanctions action, on our own governments?

the0point.bsky.social•7 days ago

Collective title for those who refuse this new order? Whatever happened to Antifa?

the0point.bsky.social•7 days ago

Sorry for another post. There needs continual and renewed direction of the journalists that have most direct reach to our leaders to help them ask right questions and ensure answers are provided rather than news cycle moving on in the face of overwhelming nonsense. Here better than X obviously.

the0point.bsky.social•6 days ago

https://bsky.app/profile/valise25.bsky.social/post/3liezrwl32224

the0point.bsky.social•6 days ago

Promote more targeted primary campaigns by left profile celebrities. There's obviously a reluctance of those who don't want power to go into office, but it's one of the main reasons the left doesn't ascend. Very few individuals have the profit motive for electioneering. Think George Galloway. Sorry.

retnalb.bsky.social•6 days ago

Musk derives power from wealth. Most of wealth is Tesla & Subsidiaries, X, and SpaceX. Tesla is vulnerable to protests at dealers. Pressure here will devalue stock. X is vulnerable wrt advertisers. SpaceX to an adverse media campaign focusing on faults maybe suppliers. FB & Instagram-advertisers.

retnalb.bsky.social•6 days ago

Pressure the move to Bluesky from X. Obviously boycotting Amazon as much as possible. What does the global .1% think about this potential destabilization of the Western Bloc? Could they be encouraged to put strategic pressure in their best interests? All money flows through Switzerland.

retnalb.bsky.social•6 days ago

Unless of course they are benefiting. Just saw arms stocks jump.

ali60.bsky.social•7 days ago

Starmer to admit in parliament that Brexit was and is an act of war. Open an enquiry to prosecute those who willingly accepted Russian rubles. Rejoin EU. Go full attack on Farage, Reform, Tufton St. Call out anyone and everyone who spouts the Trump/Putin propaganda and bs. Then begin healing.

climateguardian.bsky.social•6 days ago

Scrap all existing taxes and replace with a single Natural Resources Tax collected at source and based on the Eco Damage caused by their use and consumption plus UBI and a Wealth Tax.

acarpen.bsky.social•6 days ago

Latest arrivals to read through then donate to local/neighbourhood charity shops that don’t normally stock such things.

colsilver.bsky.social•6 days ago

Everybody should be encouraged to take an interest in their local community, to help clean it up (literally), to grow food for it (or buy it from local producers) and contribute what skills they have to the betterment of it.

bryank1.bsky.social•6 days ago

Yes, it has to start local. Shouting at the world about international affairs won't change anything, but locally there is a real chance to make a difference.

carltiivas.bsky.social•6 days ago

https://christinapagel.substack.com/p/how-to-fight-back-charting-opposition

This is a good start from Prof. Chrsitine Pagel

marushka-t.bsky.social•5 days ago

Spend more time training youth to be citizens instead of consumers. Or anyone of any age for that matter.

metaphorqu.bsky.social•6 days ago

Try to recognise the new government is not the enemy. There may be things they are doing that you don't like, but try not to believe all the negative headlines. Make the most of having Labour or Lib Dem MPs and raise issues with them , but also thank them where and when you can. And quit whinging.

edpoole1975.bsky.social•6 days ago

Labour absolutely is the enemy. They are racist, transphobic, neo liberal establishment shills. We need to dispense with the idea that they are "doing their best" as quickly as possible and build a fight back.

timlagor.bsky.social•6 days ago

That's just wrong.

Labour absolutely are the enemy. If you think otherwise you have failed to see who they are and fallen for their lies instead.

houndpig.bsky.social•6 days ago

Who would you have had us vote for at the last General Election to remove 14 years of Tory corruption and incompetence?

timlagor.bsky.social•6 days ago

Green Party (and some Independents)

There's a case for tactically voting LD in some places since they promise electoral reform.

There was no case at all for voting Labour. That was just a vote to make things worse (possibly even worse than Conservatives since so many pretend Lab are Left)

timlagor.bsky.social•6 days ago

Yes the UK political situation is extremely grim. That's not being solved by making it even worse.

metaphorqu.bsky.social•6 days ago

How would you suggest we respond to Trump/Putin carving up Ukraine?

timlagor.bsky.social•6 days ago

https://bsky.app/profile/edpoole1975.bsky.social/post/3liha7q4lv22r

brexitrage.bsky.social•6 days ago

Learned helplessness is an English condition.

jennicargillstrong.bsky.social•6 days ago

Or a neoliberal late stage disaster capitalism condition

el-rebollo.bsky.social•6 days ago

If we can't muster enough military troops for the peace keeping in Ukraine, why don't we do what we always do.......... Allow migrants/asylum Seekers to boost the numbers, we seem to have a surplus of them compared to patriotic 🇬🇧shaggers.....!

perrywong.bsky.social•6 days ago

Be the change that you want to see in the world.

judemills.bsky.social•6 days ago

EDUCATION. Those of us who know things, or how to do things, or who have lots of experience must share what we know and keep sharing widely. For me that means being loud all the time and not shutting up (although to be fair this is normal for me)

judemills.bsky.social•6 days ago

Always. ALWAYS stand up for people with less power than you.

Stop giving your money to oligarchs. Deactivate/cancel Facebook, Instagram, X, Amazon...

Support advocacy organisations or community groups either financially, or with your time, energy or expertise.

judyw.bsky.social•6 days ago

It's the blank refusal by so many to make even minor lifestyle changes that upsets me. Isn't saving life on Earth worth a bit of inconvenience? Most popular excuse in my experience is "but what about China?"

mysteryhour.bsky.social•7 days ago

Less talk, more action! Get a job that doesn’t revolve around writing smart words on a laptop at home. Any job.

the0point.bsky.social•7 days ago

You can try for smart words next time.

elhopkins.bsky.social•7 days ago

We need more to sign petitions and write on mass to MPs about key issues. I have found one of the biggest problems is getting anyone to sign things in any number on COVID issues. Start a rights movement because climate change is going to impact everyone. Take this petition for example.

elhopkins.bsky.social•7 days ago

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700304

elhopkins.bsky.social•7 days ago

More educational resources online to make people realise that that many issues are interconnected, so we become more reunited on core issues. They want to divide us.

elhopkins.bsky.social•7 days ago

e.g. 7 million a year die from pollution, millions get long covid, more regular spillover events, all related to climate change and solution is supporting clean air which United Nations has said is a human right.

sitebadger.bsky.social•6 days ago

Network, build numbers. Plan, organise have an agenda. Personally I’d start with desired outcomes then work back to determine actions, resources & input required. Information, away from standard media, a ‘why we are where we are’, safe spaces for cohesive working.

ec-d.bsky.social•6 days ago

Learn about MMT – modern monetary theory – and finally put a stake through the heart of the neoliberal lie that the government is funded by taxpayers and lenders.

mrconnolly.bsky.social•7 days ago

Collect all the responses here and publish them in a book or pamphlet. Make it available to everybody & anybody for the cost of printing & distribution.

the0point.bsky.social•6 days ago

More organisation and direction under a collective movement would be good. Greta hasn't moved over here yet.

robin-debowler.bsky.social•6 days ago

George, you are a sound mind a respected journalist, person and straight talker. You make a living from the expose and expand of the very ethics and morals we are discussing. I would dearly love to hear a considered and informed opinion and any opportunities you feel are worthy.

lil-chewy.bsky.social•6 days ago

I've also thought about the need for a youtube channel that explains the daily happenings and legislation of the Aus parliament. Too many people who claim to be political let alone the uninterested wouldn't be able to name one piece of legislation that has passed in the last two months.

lil-chewy.bsky.social•6 days ago

I guess I should stop thinking about that and try do it. Even if no one watched such a service should exist imo. I find it surprising how little focus there is on the actual laws that get passed. Like my country is silently getting destroyed. But people focus on everything peripheral to this.

peggysanders.bsky.social•6 days ago

Like that idea.

yogi2.bsky.social•6 days ago

being really old I remember when we got this info via a relatively competent and somewhat more honest media. people were also more inclined to read more from multiple sources rather than rely on the 30 second gotcha moments that are dished up

lil-chewy.bsky.social•6 days ago

hmm yeah that sounds very true. I also feel like we're drowning in opinions as well. The whole podcast thing for example is really just about hot takes. but there's not enough informativeness.

yogi2.bsky.social•6 days ago

very true IMO the decline started with the instant news era once internet and social media took hold people believe whatever is thrown up without question I like your ytube idea I watch you tube a fair bit some really good indept. news and podcasts from all over the world a good alternative

lil-chewy.bsky.social•6 days ago

If I wasn't broke or had the means I'd try and do some civil disobedience like trying to disrupt the logging of the Daintree or something.

spoquey.bsky.social•6 days ago

What a malicious taunt, from you who helped create this horror show. You are cowardly by not laying out what YOU think we should do. You shouldn't be asking us for the solution. You thought you were so smart then, so tell us what you think George.

kismetmariam.bsky.social•3 days ago

Grassroots activism.

- Verbalize implicit priorities.
- Seek working consensus on areas of conflict.
- Leadership workshops, cultural events, letter-writing events, dinner parties, etc.
- Follow events as close to the source as possible.
- Openly support leaders who show integrity and courage.

warzoid.bsky.social•6 days ago

Boycotts. Sabotage.

Petitions & electoral democracy have completely failed, as has NVDA. Apart from shifting the Overton in 2018/9, all NVDA has achieved is to get a lot of good people banged up. Far better to damage the mechanisms of atrocity & bankrupt the offenders #DefundEcocide #DefundFascism

georgemonbiot.bsky.social•6 days ago

Lots of great suggestions in this thread. Thanks everyone. This is building a useful resource.

rafaelmelchor.bsky.social•6 days ago

https://bsky.app/profile/georgemonbiot.bsky.social/post/3lhipyyfpjk2d
Just seen this🙏🏻
I’m currently stuck between
(your N°6 below⬇️) & a non naked mole-rat social skill set - which(humour asside)is a pity since I’ve also a particular set of skills - natural, ‘out of the box thinking, hyperfocus, passionate; driven by justice - I could go on😇1/2

rafaelmelchor.bsky.social•6 days ago

…No need to respond directly(I know you’ll read this plus i’ll be embarrassed - the truth is; since your post on the 12th I was wondering if you knew(I’m certain you must)of any good, like minded people that I could connect with in the manchester area to build such a network you’ve described 🌱🕊️

2/2

rafaelmelchor.bsky.social•6 days ago

*Correction* your post *12days* ago - on the *6th of feb 2025*

ellyblom.bsky.social•6 days ago

Collective action & forming cohesive communities of like minded progressive individuals seems the best way forward.
Extreme competitive individualism has served a handful of those meaning to do us harm rather well. It's allowed them to enrich themselves at the expense of so much that's valuable.

rebeccasjc.bsky.social•6 days ago

And let’s make those communities accessible for all, disabled people are so often excluded even in progressive circles.
We all know that disabled people are always the first to be left behind.

ellyblom.bsky.social•6 days ago

Couldn't agree more.

ellyblom.bsky.social•6 days ago

And vote of course.

marushka-t.bsky.social•6 days ago

No graduation from highschool without passing civics courses. Electoral reform and the abolition of first-past-the-post in countries where it still exists, like 🇨🇦 and 🇺🇸. Community-based barter economies. Better science communication in popular media. Dump X and Meta.

ecomindful.bsky.social•6 days ago

📌

stevebasnett.bsky.social•6 days ago

In George's main thread were calls to reject Musk/Zuck/Bez etc... owned brands. 3 local area US start points:

@cooperatives.bsky.social
https://go.bsky.app/UsAcPoV
App: Food Co-op Finder

I use a global app TooGoodToGo which points to 'surplus' food, but it's dependent on your local retailers playing fair.

cgrose.bsky.social•7 days ago

Contact your MP and councillors about your concerns. (?)

the0point.bsky.social•7 days ago

Demand they have an account on Bluesky, especially if they had one on X. Curate lists of those that made it here to make it easier to get updates on item type item requiring action...?

blackstar1976.bsky.social•6 days ago

I would say nope to that one. Democracy has been completely co-opted by the wealthy. We've wasted enough decades waiting for parliamentary politics to save us.

the0point.bsky.social•6 days ago

So your proposition is...?

blackstar1976.bsky.social•6 days ago

See my comment in main thread

old-crusty.bsky.social•7 days ago

Like they care!

the0point.bsky.social•6 days ago

I think they do when they have constituents picket their offices, or barrage their comms.

old-crusty.bsky.social•6 days ago

Doubt it, a certain ex North West MP delighted in it.

the0point.bsky.social•6 days ago

Who? Galloway?

old-crusty.bsky.social•6 days ago

Nah!

cgrose.bsky.social•6 days ago

My proposition, since some ask, is that your MP is as good a place to start as any other. It's easy. And, sometimes, one action, leads to others. Moreover, perhaps, a consistent approach, contacting more than once, responding to the response, is more likely to have some effect, even if small.

lil-chewy.bsky.social•6 days ago

But how does that help if they don't care and are just corrupt and beholden to interests other than the constituents they pretend to represent?

phillipwatson.bsky.social•6 days ago

Then you write to the Speaker outlining how your MP has not responded or helped. The Speaker can then order your MP to help or he will discipline the MP for not carrying out his duty.

phillipwatson.bsky.social•6 days ago

Anytime you think your MP is not doing his job the Speaker is the person to contact.

houndpig.bsky.social•6 days ago

The Speaker? Hoyle? That blustering buffoon? Do me a favour.

lil-chewy.bsky.social•6 days ago

That is interesting. I'll check if it's the same in Australia. Although I actually do happen to have one of the few good members of parliament representing my district tbh.

phillipwatson.bsky.social•6 days ago

My MP worked hard for me to help deal with a problem we were having. He knew I did not vote for him (or would do in the future) but he was professional and I told him how I appreciated his attempts to help us. There are many good hard-working MPs but they all get tarred with the same brush

sushipink.bsky.social•6 days ago

I didn't know this, thank you

cgrose.bsky.social•6 days ago

I feel your pain, but it is always possible to shift things for that MP, it might discourage them from running again, it might influence someone on their staff, it might make you think about next steps,....

lil-chewy.bsky.social•6 days ago

Yeah that's fair. And probably if everybody took your advice then it would actually influence them.

pgnx.bsky.social•6 days ago

In the UK, "the 'correct' way to contact another MP is to send your message to your own MP, and ask them to pass it on to the MP you wish to contact. This they are duty bound to do, even if they don't agree with your views."

Food for thought...

jakegumbleton.bsky.social•6 days ago

Join your local green party and start volunteering your time to help them get elected.

It's a great way to find the other active people in your area and either help them build or start something yourself.

We are about a year in locally and it's been brilliant so far.

vanfanel.bsky.social•6 days ago

We should start to protest every single COP - governments refuse to be legally bound by the agreements its just another delaying tactic while they kick the can down the road

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