Peter
@cloudynetwork.bsky.social
🇬🇧 in NZ 🇳🇿. Random commentary on politics and econ. Mostly econ. Used to tweet about tech in the distant past.
@yanisvaroufakis.bsky.social Good stuff but, Amazon is *symptom* of late stage neoliberalism. Not the cause. This began long ago. Capitalism as it was, perished by the mid 80s.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
How Amazon turned our capitalist era of free markets into the age of technofeudalism | Yanis Varoufakis
Amazon Web Services owns the basic infrastructure for other businesses to operate online, turning even governments into its serfs, says the leader of MeRA25, Yanis Varoufakis
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:50 AM
@yanisvaroufakis.bsky.social Good stuff but, Amazon is *symptom* of late stage neoliberalism. Not the cause. This began long ago. Capitalism as it was, perished by the mid 80s.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
400 kids across EIGHT schools. Seymour can never talk about "fiscal responsibility" again...🤦♂️
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Charter School Agency reveals enrolment numbers after telling schools to keep figures under wraps
The number of enrolments had been kept under wraps after the agency told the privately-run, state-funded schools not to reveal their numbers while still setting up.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 1, 2025 at 8:51 PM
400 kids across EIGHT schools. Seymour can never talk about "fiscal responsibility" again...🤦♂️
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
It makes no fiscal sense either. It is totally unnecessary.
They won't be the only one. This government's cruel and inhumane anti-immigration policies are already cause widespread fear, even before they are implemented. Labour needs to change course on this right now before more harm is caused.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
UK immigration status fears prompt carer to cancel benefits she is entitled to
Woman cancels all benefits including disability living allowance for daughter after policy change announcement
www.theguardian.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:19 AM
It makes no fiscal sense either. It is totally unnecessary.
This sums it up and it was recognised then. Applies *absoutely* to NZ too. NZ was subjected to one of the most agressive neoliberalisation paths in the world.
31 years ago this month, I warned that America was becoming a two-tiered society composed of a few winners and a larger group left behind, whose anger and disillusionment could be easily manipulated.
I took a lot of heat for this speech. Watch and tell me if I was wrong.
I took a lot of heat for this speech. Watch and tell me if I was wrong.
A Warning from 1994 of a Two-Tiered Society | Robert Reich
Robert Reich
youtu.be
November 29, 2025 at 11:27 PM
This sums it up and it was recognised then. Applies *absoutely* to NZ too. NZ was subjected to one of the most agressive neoliberalisation paths in the world.
Spot on Sir Chairs. It's only recently in the last few years, dawned on me that all the parties are playing within the constraints of the neoliberal game. None of them seem to realise it though.
Things that Labour will say 'yes' to:
1. We need 120,000 people unemployed (at least) to stop wages going up by too much.
2. Banks can extract $8bn a year in profits, because that's the price we should pay.
3. The market will eventually deliver affordable energy / food / rent - be patient comrades.
1. We need 120,000 people unemployed (at least) to stop wages going up by too much.
2. Banks can extract $8bn a year in profits, because that's the price we should pay.
3. The market will eventually deliver affordable energy / food / rent - be patient comrades.
November 29, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Spot on Sir Chairs. It's only recently in the last few years, dawned on me that all the parties are playing within the constraints of the neoliberal game. None of them seem to realise it though.
Job Guarantee!
I tell you what's irresponsible, leaving hundreds of thousands of kiwis wanting work or more work... There is loads of stuff that needs doing.
OPINION: Labour’s finance spokesperson set the tone for 2026 with a message of restraint and fiscal responsibility — while avoiding the details voters will eventually demand.
November 29, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Job Guarantee!
Typical. Those with disabilities are a soft target. Truly appalling.
"reduce generous taxpayer subsidies". Taxes do not pay for anything Mrs. Reeves 🤦♂️
I already feel judged for having a Motability car - the Budget didn't help share.google/FML62EL65yEf...
"reduce generous taxpayer subsidies". Taxes do not pay for anything Mrs. Reeves 🤦♂️
I already feel judged for having a Motability car - the Budget didn't help share.google/FML62EL65yEf...
I already feel judged for having a Motability car - the Budget didn't help
Rachel Reeves has removed tax breaks on insurance and advance payments for high-end Motability cars.
share.google
November 29, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Typical. Those with disabilities are a soft target. Truly appalling.
"reduce generous taxpayer subsidies". Taxes do not pay for anything Mrs. Reeves 🤦♂️
I already feel judged for having a Motability car - the Budget didn't help share.google/FML62EL65yEf...
"reduce generous taxpayer subsidies". Taxes do not pay for anything Mrs. Reeves 🤦♂️
I already feel judged for having a Motability car - the Budget didn't help share.google/FML62EL65yEf...
Sad. The Guard are used as pawns in these billionaires games and nobody deserves this. Doesn't in any way justify or vindicate any of the reasons for the Guard to be there or the BS narratives around it.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
National guard member Sarah Beckstrom has died after shooting in Washington DC, Trump announces
One other member of the guards, Andrew Wolfe, 24, is still fighting for his life, according to the president
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Sad. The Guard are used as pawns in these billionaires games and nobody deserves this. Doesn't in any way justify or vindicate any of the reasons for the Guard to be there or the BS narratives around it.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
“once Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy.”
You can't negotiate with somrbody living in a fantasy world. You cannot OCCUPY your own land Putin, and you know that. Nobody is falling for this.
edition.cnn.com/2025/11/27/e...
You can't negotiate with somrbody living in a fantasy world. You cannot OCCUPY your own land Putin, and you know that. Nobody is falling for this.
edition.cnn.com/2025/11/27/e...
Putin says US plan could be ‘basis’ of a Ukraine deal but threatens to take land by force if Kyiv doesn’t withdraw | CNN
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that a US plan to end the war in Ukraine could “form the basis for future agreements” but renewed threats to seize more territory by force unless Kyiv withdraws.
edition.cnn.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:41 AM
“once Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy.”
You can't negotiate with somrbody living in a fantasy world. You cannot OCCUPY your own land Putin, and you know that. Nobody is falling for this.
edition.cnn.com/2025/11/27/e...
You can't negotiate with somrbody living in a fantasy world. You cannot OCCUPY your own land Putin, and you know that. Nobody is falling for this.
edition.cnn.com/2025/11/27/e...
Sadly all they probably need is a little uptick on the economy and the spin machine will convince the middle classes. That coupled with the relentless attack on the CGT may be enough. Alarming that such a poor track record would leave a party with any hope of reelection.
November 27, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Sadly all they probably need is a little uptick on the economy and the spin machine will convince the middle classes. That coupled with the relentless attack on the CGT may be enough. Alarming that such a poor track record would leave a party with any hope of reelection.
Reposted by Peter
Whenever NZers have an option to say publicly that they don't believe in what this government is doing to Māori, there are more on the side of right than the side of wrong
- more people voted for Māori wards than against them
- more schools decided to give effect to Te Tiriti than did not
#nzpol
- more people voted for Māori wards than against them
- more schools decided to give effect to Te Tiriti than did not
#nzpol
November 27, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Whenever NZers have an option to say publicly that they don't believe in what this government is doing to Māori, there are more on the side of right than the side of wrong
- more people voted for Māori wards than against them
- more schools decided to give effect to Te Tiriti than did not
#nzpol
- more people voted for Māori wards than against them
- more schools decided to give effect to Te Tiriti than did not
#nzpol
Of all the tiny little pathetic people, Hegseth is the worst. It must be his dream come true for such an insecure little ego maniac to find himself in a role like this.
edition.cnn.com/2025/11/26/p...
edition.cnn.com/2025/11/26/p...
Hegseth focuses on potential punishments for Sen. Kelly in confrontation over ‘illegal orders’ video | CNN Politics
Publicly, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been highly critical of the six Democratic lawmakers who released a video last week urging military service members to disobey illegal orders, calling t...
edition.cnn.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Of all the tiny little pathetic people, Hegseth is the worst. It must be his dream come true for such an insecure little ego maniac to find himself in a role like this.
edition.cnn.com/2025/11/26/p...
edition.cnn.com/2025/11/26/p...
He's truly a pathetic little man.
What does he want? The Hitler Youth or something?
www.npr.org/2025/11/25/n...
What does he want? The Hitler Youth or something?
www.npr.org/2025/11/25/n...
U.S. ready to cut support to Scouts, accusing them of attacking 'boy-friendly spaces'
Documents show the U.S. military is planning to sever all ties with the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts.
www.npr.org
November 26, 2025 at 4:48 AM
He's truly a pathetic little man.
What does he want? The Hitler Youth or something?
www.npr.org/2025/11/25/n...
What does he want? The Hitler Youth or something?
www.npr.org/2025/11/25/n...
Running a clown car over there.
Moronic and a sign of what a piss poor negotiator Luxon is.
November 26, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Running a clown car over there.
Just making sure this is out there . I doubt the Coalition of Chaos will make any mention of it after they "solved ram raids".
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Police investigating 90 minute string of ramraids in Christchurch
Multiple burglaries were reported to police at a number of commercial properties across the city.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 25, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Just making sure this is out there . I doubt the Coalition of Chaos will make any mention of it after they "solved ram raids".
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Surely just letting parents manage their kids access is better? Especially since the banned sites are seemingly fairly arbitrary. 🤦♂️
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Labor has brushed aside concerns over the social media ban. But what if it doesn’t work as promised?
If Meta, the world’s biggest social media company, expects problems after a year of preparation, then what should the rest of us be expecting?
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Surely just letting parents manage their kids access is better? Especially since the banned sites are seemingly fairly arbitrary. 🤦♂️
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Sigh. NZ Car centric thinking. As long as there is room for cars to pass??? What about pedestrians....
An Auckland driver says he was fined for blocking his own driveway. These are the rules | Stuff share.google/XAwJblSQI0iI...
An Auckland driver says he was fined for blocking his own driveway. These are the rules | Stuff share.google/XAwJblSQI0iI...
An Auckland driver says he was fined for blocking his own driveway. These are the rules
An Auckland man says has received a parking fine for blocking his own driveway with his car.
share.google
November 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Sigh. NZ Car centric thinking. As long as there is room for cars to pass??? What about pedestrians....
An Auckland driver says he was fined for blocking his own driveway. These are the rules | Stuff share.google/XAwJblSQI0iI...
An Auckland driver says he was fined for blocking his own driveway. These are the rules | Stuff share.google/XAwJblSQI0iI...
Need to stop calling it a Peace Plan. It's Russia own "Hand Us Victory Plan".
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Ukraine makes significant changes to US ‘peace plan’, sources say
Some of Russia’s maximalist demands have been removed from original 28-point proposal, it is understood
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Need to stop calling it a Peace Plan. It's Russia own "Hand Us Victory Plan".
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Ohh I see. If Ukraine doesn't accept a "peace deal" then Trump fails. He can't be seen to fail.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Trump says US plan to end Ukraine war not 'final offer' for Kyiv
US President Donald Trump says the plan is not his "final offer" for Kyiv, and security officials are set to meet in Geneva on Sunday.
www.bbc.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Ohh I see. If Ukraine doesn't accept a "peace deal" then Trump fails. He can't be seen to fail.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
"And how does it reconcile engaging those on one side"?
Easy. Teach real Christian values of tolerance and helping all people.
Why Tommy Robinson supporters are turning to Christianity share.google/YYq0RSwgWOHd...
Easy. Teach real Christian values of tolerance and helping all people.
Why Tommy Robinson supporters are turning to Christianity share.google/YYq0RSwgWOHd...
Why Tommy Robinson supporters are turning to Christianity
The Church of England is grappling with what to do about followers of the far-right figure embracing faith.
share.google
November 23, 2025 at 10:58 PM
"And how does it reconcile engaging those on one side"?
Easy. Teach real Christian values of tolerance and helping all people.
Why Tommy Robinson supporters are turning to Christianity share.google/YYq0RSwgWOHd...
Easy. Teach real Christian values of tolerance and helping all people.
Why Tommy Robinson supporters are turning to Christianity share.google/YYq0RSwgWOHd...
Ah his type. Groundswell opposition to his (Atlas) agenda is "weaponization". Of course he'd say that. Of course his laws don't meet his own "standards". The RSB is to knock down things that don't fit his ideology, nothing more.
www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/23/s...
www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/23/s...
Seymour questioned whether his record meets Regulatory Standards Act
The deputy PM dismissed the volume of submissions opposed to the Regulatory Standards Bill as a "red herring".
www.1news.co.nz
November 23, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Ah his type. Groundswell opposition to his (Atlas) agenda is "weaponization". Of course he'd say that. Of course his laws don't meet his own "standards". The RSB is to knock down things that don't fit his ideology, nothing more.
www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/23/s...
www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/23/s...
Great. 🤦♂️. I don't suppose it's worth pointing out to these people the sharp decline in mortality of mother and child during birth in the last 100 years is it. So sad that people are taking this type of advice.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
‘Ignorant and life-threatening’: experts condemn Free Birth Society misinformation
Professionals say claims about birth, including excessive bleeding, blue babies and placenta care, are dangerous
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Great. 🤦♂️. I don't suppose it's worth pointing out to these people the sharp decline in mortality of mother and child during birth in the last 100 years is it. So sad that people are taking this type of advice.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...