Flackarparn
@flackarp.bsky.social
Counting down to retirement. Male, married to my best friend.🏳️🌈
Formerly politically active, now relaxing & recovering.
Flackarp ≈ origin, not my name.
Ambivalent on benefits of social media. Less present than I used to be.
Ambition: Trans-allies unite!
Formerly politically active, now relaxing & recovering.
Flackarp ≈ origin, not my name.
Ambivalent on benefits of social media. Less present than I used to be.
Ambition: Trans-allies unite!
Pinned
Flackarparn
@flackarp.bsky.social
· Jun 18
Mission statement
Two weeks into my Bsky experience, I’m beginning to see the contours of what may be achievable here.
Being in my 60s, without own kids, means that I've a far too limited understanding of what people in their 30s and 20s think (and teenagers!).
So I'll try to follow such people.
Two weeks into my Bsky experience, I’m beginning to see the contours of what may be achievable here.
Being in my 60s, without own kids, means that I've a far too limited understanding of what people in their 30s and 20s think (and teenagers!).
So I'll try to follow such people.
Reposted by Flackarparn
So Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives, who have repeatedly pledged to fight for "free speech" and a free press have just banned me and Byline Times from attending their conference.
Has never happened before under any previous leader
bylinetimes.com/2025/09/04/k...
Has never happened before under any previous leader
bylinetimes.com/2025/09/04/k...
Kemi Badenoch's 'Free Speech' Conservatives Ban Byline Times From Party Conference
The ban on covering the party's annual gathering came despite Badenoch's repeated commitment to "fight" for free speech and a free press
bylinetimes.com
September 4, 2025 at 10:26 AM
So Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives, who have repeatedly pledged to fight for "free speech" and a free press have just banned me and Byline Times from attending their conference.
Has never happened before under any previous leader
bylinetimes.com/2025/09/04/k...
Has never happened before under any previous leader
bylinetimes.com/2025/09/04/k...
Reposted by Flackarparn
This is the biggest rollback of LGBT rights in the history of the UK. I'm ashamed to even live here.
BREAKING 🚨
The updated EHRC Code of Practice has now been sent to the Government. The Code is just as bad as we feared.
It would mean a mandatory trans bathroom ban, and trans people's exclusion from public life. The impact would be devastating.
But politicians still have time to stop this.
The updated EHRC Code of Practice has now been sent to the Government. The Code is just as bad as we feared.
It would mean a mandatory trans bathroom ban, and trans people's exclusion from public life. The impact would be devastating.
But politicians still have time to stop this.
September 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM
This is the biggest rollback of LGBT rights in the history of the UK. I'm ashamed to even live here.
Reposted by Flackarparn
If they'd had the chance, the Quincy Institute folks would've criticized the Munich Agreement for being too lenient on Czechoslovakia.
Three peace terms that Responsible Statecraft wants:
1. NATO pledges no further enlargement, and the United States pledges to veto any proposed new candidates.
2. The U.S. pledges not to provide Ukraine with missiles, main battle tanks, or fighter aircraft.
responsiblestatecraft.org/nato-summit/
1. NATO pledges no further enlargement, and the United States pledges to veto any proposed new candidates.
2. The U.S. pledges not to provide Ukraine with missiles, main battle tanks, or fighter aircraft.
responsiblestatecraft.org/nato-summit/
The 17 Ukraine war peace terms the US must put before NATO
Threats must be imposed if either side or both reject these demands. The time is now.
responsiblestatecraft.org
August 20, 2025 at 7:36 PM
If they'd had the chance, the Quincy Institute folks would've criticized the Munich Agreement for being too lenient on Czechoslovakia.
Reposted by Flackarparn
This is the latest spin from ‘gender critical’ transphobes attacking trans people seeking recognition of their human rights from the ECtHR
Apparently, if they win they’ll somehow be responsible for Farage getting into power.
No, if that happens it’ll be because Labour are shit!
👉🏻 archive.ph/Gxwvc
Apparently, if they win they’ll somehow be responsible for Farage getting into power.
No, if that happens it’ll be because Labour are shit!
👉🏻 archive.ph/Gxwvc
August 21, 2025 at 9:58 PM
This is the latest spin from ‘gender critical’ transphobes attacking trans people seeking recognition of their human rights from the ECtHR
Apparently, if they win they’ll somehow be responsible for Farage getting into power.
No, if that happens it’ll be because Labour are shit!
👉🏻 archive.ph/Gxwvc
Apparently, if they win they’ll somehow be responsible for Farage getting into power.
No, if that happens it’ll be because Labour are shit!
👉🏻 archive.ph/Gxwvc
Reposted by Flackarparn
Exactly. Trump and @jd-vance-1.bsky.social don't understand what the Russians are fighting for, and thus their attempts to find a compromise are doomed to fail. But at least it has started a much needed conversation in the West about what the war is about.
Sergei Markov is horrible, but he's basically right here that Trump and Vance don't understand that for Russia "regime change in Ukraine," and not seizing this or that piece of territory, is the main condition for "peace."
August 21, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Exactly. Trump and @jd-vance-1.bsky.social don't understand what the Russians are fighting for, and thus their attempts to find a compromise are doomed to fail. But at least it has started a much needed conversation in the West about what the war is about.
Reposted by Flackarparn
Carbon colonialism and removal roulette: @kevinclimate.bsky.social and colleagues blast the Climate Change Committee for prioritising "near-term political convenience over scientific integrity and climate stability".
The UK’s year of climate U-turns exposes a deeper failure
Breaking free of the dangerous pretence that current efforts suffice demands a fundamental rethink of the UK’s climate policy consensus.
theconversation.com
August 22, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Carbon colonialism and removal roulette: @kevinclimate.bsky.social and colleagues blast the Climate Change Committee for prioritising "near-term political convenience over scientific integrity and climate stability".
Reposted by Flackarparn
This article gives a good idea on the types of subtle attacks which Russia are constantly carrying out on other countries in the area. Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Norway have all experienced Russian interference, causing shutdowns and delays of various services. #NAFO
Sabotage Shows How Russia’s Hostility Toward Europe Goes Beyond Ukraine
www.nytimes.com
August 20, 2025 at 1:05 PM
This article gives a good idea on the types of subtle attacks which Russia are constantly carrying out on other countries in the area. Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Norway have all experienced Russian interference, causing shutdowns and delays of various services. #NAFO
Reposted by Flackarparn
Reminder that Putin has never said he wants a trilateral meeting, had never said he would respect Ukrainian sovereignty, and has never said he wants to end the war. Not to be a downer, but the discussion of security guarantees is premature.
August 19, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Reminder that Putin has never said he wants a trilateral meeting, had never said he would respect Ukrainian sovereignty, and has never said he wants to end the war. Not to be a downer, but the discussion of security guarantees is premature.
Reposted by Flackarparn
Incredible that there is still politicians in small nations in Europe that can and will come up with excuses for making sanctions against fascist 🇷🇺
Just 1️⃣ regarding the 🇷🇺n fishing fleet.
This is on the Feroese Island 🇫🇴 that relies on 🇩🇰 military protection if the orcs set their eyes on them 🤡.
Just 1️⃣ regarding the 🇷🇺n fishing fleet.
This is on the Feroese Island 🇫🇴 that relies on 🇩🇰 military protection if the orcs set their eyes on them 🤡.
August 19, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Incredible that there is still politicians in small nations in Europe that can and will come up with excuses for making sanctions against fascist 🇷🇺
Just 1️⃣ regarding the 🇷🇺n fishing fleet.
This is on the Feroese Island 🇫🇴 that relies on 🇩🇰 military protection if the orcs set their eyes on them 🤡.
Just 1️⃣ regarding the 🇷🇺n fishing fleet.
This is on the Feroese Island 🇫🇴 that relies on 🇩🇰 military protection if the orcs set their eyes on them 🤡.
Reposted by Flackarparn
🧵 One of the big revolutions in the West, which has crept in almost unnoticed, is the decline in the stigma of identifying as LGBTQ. Year, after year the % of ppl who identify as LGBTQ increases. It is now a significant group. Ppl in their 40s, & above, are probably unaware of how much. [1]
August 19, 2025 at 10:55 AM
🧵 One of the big revolutions in the West, which has crept in almost unnoticed, is the decline in the stigma of identifying as LGBTQ. Year, after year the % of ppl who identify as LGBTQ increases. It is now a significant group. Ppl in their 40s, & above, are probably unaware of how much. [1]
Reposted by Flackarparn
I'm afraid of people who ignore their emotional needs.
August 2, 2025 at 5:16 PM
I'm afraid of people who ignore their emotional needs.
Reposted by Flackarparn
The European view is that Ukraine should not give up areas of its own country to appease Putin. The Baltic States & Finland are also, in Putin’s warped view, part of Russia. The Europeans could not allow them to be at risk from the fascist regime in Moscow by doing this.
August 18, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The European view is that Ukraine should not give up areas of its own country to appease Putin. The Baltic States & Finland are also, in Putin’s warped view, part of Russia. The Europeans could not allow them to be at risk from the fascist regime in Moscow by doing this.
Reposted by Flackarparn
It isn’t that Trump has no cards
He deliberately chooses not to play the cards that are available that COULD give him leverage over Putin.
The wonder is why he CHOOSES to make that decision….preferring, instead, for himself & 🇺🇸 to be humiliated by going to a gun fight bearing a limp lettuce leaf
He deliberately chooses not to play the cards that are available that COULD give him leverage over Putin.
The wonder is why he CHOOSES to make that decision….preferring, instead, for himself & 🇺🇸 to be humiliated by going to a gun fight bearing a limp lettuce leaf
August 16, 2025 at 8:35 PM
It isn’t that Trump has no cards
He deliberately chooses not to play the cards that are available that COULD give him leverage over Putin.
The wonder is why he CHOOSES to make that decision….preferring, instead, for himself & 🇺🇸 to be humiliated by going to a gun fight bearing a limp lettuce leaf
He deliberately chooses not to play the cards that are available that COULD give him leverage over Putin.
The wonder is why he CHOOSES to make that decision….preferring, instead, for himself & 🇺🇸 to be humiliated by going to a gun fight bearing a limp lettuce leaf
A kiss behind the parasol, unseen and unknown — to all but the happy sun. 🌞
An artist well worth a follow: @les-illus-d-alex.bsky.social
An artist well worth a follow: @les-illus-d-alex.bsky.social
August 16, 2025 at 7:36 AM
A kiss behind the parasol, unseen and unknown — to all but the happy sun. 🌞
An artist well worth a follow: @les-illus-d-alex.bsky.social
An artist well worth a follow: @les-illus-d-alex.bsky.social
Reposted by Flackarparn
Still, two positive moments did emerge in Anchorage. First, Rachel Scott, ABC’s Senior Political Correspondent, asked the pointed question: “Mr Putin, will you commit to not killing any more civilians?” 2/5
August 16, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Still, two positive moments did emerge in Anchorage. First, Rachel Scott, ABC’s Senior Political Correspondent, asked the pointed question: “Mr Putin, will you commit to not killing any more civilians?” 2/5
Reposted by Flackarparn
Second, the streets of Anchorage turned blue and yellow, thanks to the people who stood in solidarity. Thank you, good people of America!
3/5
3/5
August 16, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Second, the streets of Anchorage turned blue and yellow, thanks to the people who stood in solidarity. Thank you, good people of America!
3/5
3/5
Reposted by Flackarparn
No one in their right mind expected anything good was going to come out of this meeting, and, also Putin probably told Trump that he doesn’t want Zelenskyy to be at the meeting and Trump obliged.
August 16, 2025 at 4:22 AM
No one in their right mind expected anything good was going to come out of this meeting, and, also Putin probably told Trump that he doesn’t want Zelenskyy to be at the meeting and Trump obliged.
Reposted by Flackarparn
Compare the 2 meetings ..... Trump literally giving Putin the red carpet - almost state visit treatment - and Zelenskyy set up and humiliated on the world stage by Trump and his fellow goons . Just grim
August 16, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Compare the 2 meetings ..... Trump literally giving Putin the red carpet - almost state visit treatment - and Zelenskyy set up and humiliated on the world stage by Trump and his fellow goons . Just grim
Reposted by Flackarparn
Waiting like a teenager for his prom date & clapping his teeny little hands for the bloody dictator...
Is this the most humiliating spectacle ever created by a US president?
__ Yes
__ Hell yes
Bonus:
If you lived through the Cold War, does this image make your head spin?
__ Yes
__ Kill me now
Is this the most humiliating spectacle ever created by a US president?
__ Yes
__ Hell yes
Bonus:
If you lived through the Cold War, does this image make your head spin?
__ Yes
__ Kill me now
August 15, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Waiting like a teenager for his prom date & clapping his teeny little hands for the bloody dictator...
Is this the most humiliating spectacle ever created by a US president?
__ Yes
__ Hell yes
Bonus:
If you lived through the Cold War, does this image make your head spin?
__ Yes
__ Kill me now
Is this the most humiliating spectacle ever created by a US president?
__ Yes
__ Hell yes
Bonus:
If you lived through the Cold War, does this image make your head spin?
__ Yes
__ Kill me now
Reposted by Flackarparn
Putin got legitimacy and gave up none of his demands. Trump, and the U.S., came out looking even more like Russia's bitch. As predicted the summit brought nothing but humiliation.
Trump walked away with a grand, never seen before, nothing-burger. The war criminal putin, meanwhile, secured diplomatic legitimisation and yet another licence to continue his killings. No punitive tariffs are to follow, and the so-called “persuasion for peace” yielded nothing of substance.
1/5
1/5
August 16, 2025 at 4:04 AM
Putin got legitimacy and gave up none of his demands. Trump, and the U.S., came out looking even more like Russia's bitch. As predicted the summit brought nothing but humiliation.
Reposted by Flackarparn
Some political pundits are already sharing this image as an example of how Putin should be dealt with. Unfortunately, it’s a terrible example. Ukraine was repeatedly warned not to escalate or use weapons while Russia occupied Crimea. At that time, we didn’t receive military aid, sanctions were weak
August 16, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Some political pundits are already sharing this image as an example of how Putin should be dealt with. Unfortunately, it’s a terrible example. Ukraine was repeatedly warned not to escalate or use weapons while Russia occupied Crimea. At that time, we didn’t receive military aid, sanctions were weak
Reposted by Flackarparn
Peter Alexander: "What struck me was the looks on the faces of a lot of the American, delegation here. Caroline Leavitt, Steve Witkoff, who came into the room, then left quickly. Leavitt appeared to be a bit stressed out, anxious. Their eyes were wide, almost ashen at times."
August 16, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Peter Alexander: "What struck me was the looks on the faces of a lot of the American, delegation here. Caroline Leavitt, Steve Witkoff, who came into the room, then left quickly. Leavitt appeared to be a bit stressed out, anxious. Their eyes were wide, almost ashen at times."
Reposted by Flackarparn
US President Donald Trump said he will hold off on raising tariffs on Chinese goods over the country’s purchases of Russian oil, citing progress he said was made with Vladimir Putin toward ending the war in Ukraine
Trump to Hold Off Hiking China Tariffs Over Russia Oil Purchases
US President Donald Trump said he will hold off on raising tariffs on Chinese goods over the country’s purchases of Russian oil, citing progress he said was made with Vladimir Putin toward ending the war in Ukraine.
bloom.bg
August 16, 2025 at 3:00 AM
US President Donald Trump said he will hold off on raising tariffs on Chinese goods over the country’s purchases of Russian oil, citing progress he said was made with Vladimir Putin toward ending the war in Ukraine
Reposted by Flackarparn
Imagine a German politician coming to negotiations wearing a "Third Reich" sweater. That's what Russia did.
August 15, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Imagine a German politician coming to negotiations wearing a "Third Reich" sweater. That's what Russia did.
Reposted by Flackarparn
3 years ago reminding people that Russia was immensely homophobic and transphobic was a fun and easy gotcha to people push “Russia is important for a multipolar world” thing. Now the UK is rather embarrassingly heading that way.
July 25, 2025 at 1:55 PM
3 years ago reminding people that Russia was immensely homophobic and transphobic was a fun and easy gotcha to people push “Russia is important for a multipolar world” thing. Now the UK is rather embarrassingly heading that way.