Jim Obey
@jimob1.bsky.social
All opinions are other people's passed off as my own.
Reposted by Jim Obey
‘You boy! How do I unsubscribe from all these Black Friday emails?’
December 1, 2025 at 7:42 AM
‘You boy! How do I unsubscribe from all these Black Friday emails?’
Yep, balancing budgets by moving resources from here to there is all very well in theory, but...
Ruth Curtice: "The next Spending Review...will be a series of painful choices. ...even more painful after this week’s decision to give departmental budgets a squeeze in 2028-29. The horrors of local government finance may have become too gory to conceal in the depths of the forecast tables".
This Budget’s tax decisions will haunt the government
The buffer Reeves built into her plans is admirable, but no guarantee of avoiding the nasty dilemmas to come
on.ft.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Yep, balancing budgets by moving resources from here to there is all very well in theory, but...
So reduce 'red tape' (how many rules do you eat?), 'create a stable economic environment' (oblivion is stable) and 'job done' step aside to let the magic happen.
Einstein. Madness is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Einstein. Madness is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
There are those on the left and right who offer only grievance: Labour is getting on with the job of economic renewal | Keir Starmer
Judge last week’s budget in the light of our bold plans to sweep away red tape, tackle inactivity among young people and pursue a closer trading relationship with the EU, says prime minister Keir Star...
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:17 AM
So reduce 'red tape' (how many rules do you eat?), 'create a stable economic environment' (oblivion is stable) and 'job done' step aside to let the magic happen.
Einstein. Madness is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Einstein. Madness is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
In straitened times zero sum politics is unavoidable. If one side of the seesaw is to go up the other side must come down.
The New Deal wasn’t built on a promise that there would be “no ceiling” for the richest Americans.
Quite the opposite, in fact. FDR knew its politics could only work if he singled out the rich as villains and knew that its policies could only work if the rich paid their fair share in taxes.
Quite the opposite, in fact. FDR knew its politics could only work if he singled out the rich as villains and knew that its policies could only work if the rich paid their fair share in taxes.
November 30, 2025 at 7:18 PM
In straitened times zero sum politics is unavoidable. If one side of the seesaw is to go up the other side must come down.
If your whole game plan is to keep voters onside so as to get re-elected, the wisdom of invoking the 'if one looks at the fine print, then strictly speaking...' defence?
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Rachel Reeves denies lying to public in run-up to budget
Chancellor accused of misleading public about reasons for tax rises, with opposition politicians calling for her resignation
www.theguardian.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:34 PM
If your whole game plan is to keep voters onside so as to get re-elected, the wisdom of invoking the 'if one looks at the fine print, then strictly speaking...' defence?
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Jim Obey
November 29, 2025 at 7:28 PM
This👇. Unthinking decision making by technique spurns discretion and choices for iron clad rules (we 'can't' afford beneficial policy X) that lack end goals. Where do abstract fiscal rules get us? What do sunny uplands look like?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Why Starmer’s desire to govern as ‘Mr Rules’ is bound to fail | Andy Beckett
In the face of multiple crises, disruptive technology and populism, making Britain orderly again is an impossible goal, says Guardian columnist Andy Beckett
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:15 AM
This👇. Unthinking decision making by technique spurns discretion and choices for iron clad rules (we 'can't' afford beneficial policy X) that lack end goals. Where do abstract fiscal rules get us? What do sunny uplands look like?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Another example is last year the BoE *needlessly* spent £13bn through bond sales (QT). If you're a technocrat, at least make sure you f'ing count. We really are ludicrous.
- A 100,000 drop in net migration costs us £7bn
- Scrapping the two-child benefit cap costs us £3bn
What gets more attention?
James O’Brien says 'we have become a ludicrous country'.
- Scrapping the two-child benefit cap costs us £3bn
What gets more attention?
James O’Brien says 'we have become a ludicrous country'.
November 27, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Another example is last year the BoE *needlessly* spent £13bn through bond sales (QT). If you're a technocrat, at least make sure you f'ing count. We really are ludicrous.
Unless you get a kick out of pulling wings off flies, don't cross your heart to balance budgets and not raise taxes?
But regardless, the problem remains that the whole project appears rudderless. What's the end game?
www.ft.com/content/4737...
But regardless, the problem remains that the whole project appears rudderless. What's the end game?
www.ft.com/content/4737...
Rachel Reeves’ case of risky risk aversion
It is depressing that a government with such a huge majority dares do so little to transform economic prospects
www.ft.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Unless you get a kick out of pulling wings off flies, don't cross your heart to balance budgets and not raise taxes?
But regardless, the problem remains that the whole project appears rudderless. What's the end game?
www.ft.com/content/4737...
But regardless, the problem remains that the whole project appears rudderless. What's the end game?
www.ft.com/content/4737...
Reposted by Jim Obey
We learned ~nothing from the Global Financial Crisis
The US is deregulating banks. Will the rest of the world follow?
New rules will boost lending and profits and entrench American dominance. But critics say they could lead to another crash
on.ft.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:44 AM
We learned ~nothing from the Global Financial Crisis
Reposted by Jim Obey
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
November 26, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
Reposted by Jim Obey
the budget was a mess, but this is all downstream of brexit - it's cost us:
❌️ 2-3 times the tax shortfall reeves is trying to cover
❌️ 6-8% of gdp
❌️ £3,700 per person
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
❌️ 2-3 times the tax shortfall reeves is trying to cover
❌️ 6-8% of gdp
❌️ £3,700 per person
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Brexit costing UK up to £90bn in lost tax revenue , new analysis shows
Exclusive: Britons also up to £3,700 worse off, leading to calls for the Labour government to improve relations with the EU
www.independent.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 12:46 PM
the budget was a mess, but this is all downstream of brexit - it's cost us:
❌️ 2-3 times the tax shortfall reeves is trying to cover
❌️ 6-8% of gdp
❌️ £3,700 per person
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
❌️ 2-3 times the tax shortfall reeves is trying to cover
❌️ 6-8% of gdp
❌️ £3,700 per person
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Reposted by Jim Obey
Why the two-child limit has to go, in a chart.
November 25, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Why the two-child limit has to go, in a chart.
Reposted by Jim Obey
Dude who just got the SV Bank bailout two years ago is back banging the cup. It’s a tell.
November 24, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Dude who just got the SV Bank bailout two years ago is back banging the cup. It’s a tell.
Staggering that masters of the universe's insights largely amounted to, 'we want the government to protect our investments and would rather good stuff than bad stuff.' Thanks chaps.
www.ft.com/content/e01f...
www.ft.com/content/e01f...
What big bond investors want from the UK Budget
Gilt market players call on government to cut spending and steer clear of inflationary tax rises
www.ft.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Staggering that masters of the universe's insights largely amounted to, 'we want the government to protect our investments and would rather good stuff than bad stuff.' Thanks chaps.
www.ft.com/content/e01f...
www.ft.com/content/e01f...
"If our young people are anxious and depressed, might that be because there is a lot to be anxious and depressed about? And if their apparent fear and withdrawal sooner or later turns into uncontrollable fury, who will be surprised?" The never had it so good crew
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
With a million young people locked out of work, the UK’s hidden jobs crisis is only growing | John Harris
Held back by Covid and then phased out by AI, Britain’s so-called Neets are desperately seeking a secure future. Who will offer them hope? asks Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:08 AM
"If our young people are anxious and depressed, might that be because there is a lot to be anxious and depressed about? And if their apparent fear and withdrawal sooner or later turns into uncontrollable fury, who will be surprised?" The never had it so good crew
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
"The 9,000 vanished vehicles weren’t displaced elsewhere... They were replaced by alternatives that were more efficient in the new system."
"TfL predicted economic contraction. The opposite occurred."
"Reduced pollution likely increased dwell time.."
nickmaini.substack.com/p/hammersmit...
"TfL predicted economic contraction. The opposite occurred."
"Reduced pollution likely increased dwell time.."
nickmaini.substack.com/p/hammersmit...
Hammersmith Bridge
Where did 25,000 vehicles go?
nickmaini.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 1:03 PM
"The 9,000 vanished vehicles weren’t displaced elsewhere... They were replaced by alternatives that were more efficient in the new system."
"TfL predicted economic contraction. The opposite occurred."
"Reduced pollution likely increased dwell time.."
nickmaini.substack.com/p/hammersmit...
"TfL predicted economic contraction. The opposite occurred."
"Reduced pollution likely increased dwell time.."
nickmaini.substack.com/p/hammersmit...
"And in breaking news, FT experts suspect Trump may not be decent cove after all."
www.ft.com/content/8ccf...
www.ft.com/content/8ccf...
Trump’s world view: cynical, self-interested and money-grabbing
Latest Ukraine peace plan presented by the US would be a capitulation to Moscow
www.ft.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:31 AM
"And in breaking news, FT experts suspect Trump may not be decent cove after all."
www.ft.com/content/8ccf...
www.ft.com/content/8ccf...
Reposted by Jim Obey
My latest post: Time for British politicians to take up the responsibility of power.
In awe of both technocrats & monetary policy they have dodged responsibility & delegated great political power to unelected technocrats at the BoE.
open.substack.com/pub/annpetti...
In awe of both technocrats & monetary policy they have dodged responsibility & delegated great political power to unelected technocrats at the BoE.
open.substack.com/pub/annpetti...
Central Banks and Government Budgets - As If Democracy Matters
In Britain Tax austerity threatens to follow monetary and fiscal austerity
open.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:09 AM
My latest post: Time for British politicians to take up the responsibility of power.
In awe of both technocrats & monetary policy they have dodged responsibility & delegated great political power to unelected technocrats at the BoE.
open.substack.com/pub/annpetti...
In awe of both technocrats & monetary policy they have dodged responsibility & delegated great political power to unelected technocrats at the BoE.
open.substack.com/pub/annpetti...
Many ridiculously talented Irish Indie bands do seem to have a knack for seeing through the bs of the current moment.
Blessed to have CMAT performing at the local park next year.
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
Blessed to have CMAT performing at the local park next year.
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
‘We’ve got to release the dead hand of the past’: how Ireland created the world’s best alternative music scene
Irish indie acts used to be ignored, even on Irish radio. But songs confronting the Troubles, poverty and oppression are now going global – and changing how Ireland sees itself
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Many ridiculously talented Irish Indie bands do seem to have a knack for seeing through the bs of the current moment.
Blessed to have CMAT performing at the local park next year.
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
Blessed to have CMAT performing at the local park next year.
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
Reposted by Jim Obey
Shabana Mahmood's Indefinite Leave To Remain Culture War
3 years - if you're earning £125k+
15 years - if you're e.g. a nurse, or a teacher
Labour's two tier system which rewards high earners and insults those who work just as hard but don't earn as much - really sad to see Labour fall
3 years - if you're earning £125k+
15 years - if you're e.g. a nurse, or a teacher
Labour's two tier system which rewards high earners and insults those who work just as hard but don't earn as much - really sad to see Labour fall
November 20, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Shabana Mahmood's Indefinite Leave To Remain Culture War
3 years - if you're earning £125k+
15 years - if you're e.g. a nurse, or a teacher
Labour's two tier system which rewards high earners and insults those who work just as hard but don't earn as much - really sad to see Labour fall
3 years - if you're earning £125k+
15 years - if you're e.g. a nurse, or a teacher
Labour's two tier system which rewards high earners and insults those who work just as hard but don't earn as much - really sad to see Labour fall
Reposted by Jim Obey
I prefer Camus: “il faut imaginer Sisyphus heureux”—one must imagine Sisyphus happy. It is clear to me that the “il faut” is along the lines of “the order of the universe requires” while “imaginer” means picture, conceive, or envisage, with no connotation that what one “imaginer” is in fact... 1/
November 19, 2025 at 2:27 PM
I prefer Camus: “il faut imaginer Sisyphus heureux”—one must imagine Sisyphus happy. It is clear to me that the “il faut” is along the lines of “the order of the universe requires” while “imaginer” means picture, conceive, or envisage, with no connotation that what one “imaginer” is in fact... 1/
We learnt nothing from Osborne's bogus maths logic? 🤦
Ann Pettifor, "The consequence for the government budget of cutting the nation’s income was predictable: As a percentage of economic output, the budget deficit rose - as night follows day. In 2024/25 it was 5.3%, up from 4.8% in 2023/24."
Ann Pettifor, "The consequence for the government budget of cutting the nation’s income was predictable: As a percentage of economic output, the budget deficit rose - as night follows day. In 2024/25 it was 5.3%, up from 4.8% in 2023/24."
November 20, 2025 at 5:18 PM
We learnt nothing from Osborne's bogus maths logic? 🤦
Ann Pettifor, "The consequence for the government budget of cutting the nation’s income was predictable: As a percentage of economic output, the budget deficit rose - as night follows day. In 2024/25 it was 5.3%, up from 4.8% in 2023/24."
Ann Pettifor, "The consequence for the government budget of cutting the nation’s income was predictable: As a percentage of economic output, the budget deficit rose - as night follows day. In 2024/25 it was 5.3%, up from 4.8% in 2023/24."
Starmer should take heed, you can't "policy your way out of culture war stuff"
I think this prediction is holding up pretty well, and maybe I should have noted the failure of the Turn Charlie Kirk Into A Martyr moment might have been the pinnacle of the phenomenon. In some deep way I think the New Right Loser Men fail to understand what state power can and can't do for them.
November 20, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Starmer should take heed, you can't "policy your way out of culture war stuff"
Reposted by Jim Obey
Jesus, Mary, & the Wee Donkey - #LineofDuty is returning for a seventh series
November 18, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Jesus, Mary, & the Wee Donkey - #LineofDuty is returning for a seventh series