Mike Chitty
@mikechitty.bsky.social
Leadership, management and enchantment.
https://open.substack.com/pub/freshthinking
what if beneath all the noise
there’s still a song playing
ancient, unbroken, waiting?
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/an-introduction-to-relational-disobedience-4693683
https://open.substack.com/pub/freshthinking
what if beneath all the noise
there’s still a song playing
ancient, unbroken, waiting?
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/an-introduction-to-relational-disobedience-4693683
Pinned
Mike Chitty
@mikechitty.bsky.social
· Oct 1
An Introduction to Relational Disobedience
There are times when obedience is deadly. Relational disobedience is the choice to refuse that deadening obedience. It is the courage to respond as a living, sensing, creative human being.
www.eventbrite.com
If you would like to explore the potential of Relational Disobedience with us through story, theory and practice then please do join us.
Pay as you feel. Free is fine.
www.eventbrite.com/cc/an-introd...
Pay as you feel. Free is fine.
www.eventbrite.com/cc/an-introd...
Health is not just a biomedical state, but a communal and spiritual flourishing...
November 10, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Health is not just a biomedical state, but a communal and spiritual flourishing...
Come and Explore Relational Disobedience with us. How have we been shaped, through schooling, work, and systems of measurement, to perform rather than relate, comply rather than care?
We are taught obedience long before we understand it.
Schools reward compliance. Jobs demand performance.
We are taught obedience long before we understand it.
Schools reward compliance. Jobs demand performance.
November 3, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Come and Explore Relational Disobedience with us. How have we been shaped, through schooling, work, and systems of measurement, to perform rather than relate, comply rather than care?
We are taught obedience long before we understand it.
Schools reward compliance. Jobs demand performance.
We are taught obedience long before we understand it.
Schools reward compliance. Jobs demand performance.
Reposted by Mike Chitty
This just happened in the The Netherlands today. The centrist "D66" party, running on a platform that includes a universal basic income, won the most votes, positioning its leader to become the new PM. You heard that right, UBI is now a moderate position there and seen as a pragmatic solution to AI.
![D66's Rise on Social Liberal Platform Sparks Debate on Shifting Political Labels
The Hague - The strong performance of the Dutch political party Democrats 66 (D66) in the general election on October 29, 2025, where they tied for the most seats, has ignited a conversation about the evolution of political ideologies. Running on an explicitly social liberal platform, D66's success, which included a proposal for an "individual basic amount" akin to a Universal Basic Income (UBI), has led many to observe a notable shift in how such policies are framed – from being decried as "Socialist" just a few years ago to now being considered "pragmatic centrism."
In the recent election, D66, led by Rob Jetten, secured 26 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, a significant gain that positioned them as a major force in the coalition negotiations.[1][2] Their campaign was characterized by a positive and forward-looking message, with analysts noting that voters were drawn to their "stable, centrist coalition" appeal.[3]
A key plank of their platform was the introduction of an "individual basic amount," a policy aimed at simplifying the current complex benefits system.[4] This proposal is seen by many as a form of UBI, an idea that has been debated in the Netherlands for decades.
Historically, the concept of a basic income has seen support from various corners of the Dutch political landscape. As far back as the 1990s, figures within D66 publicly favored the idea.[4] The GreenLeft party (GroenLinks) has also previously endorsed a form of negative income tax with the long-term goal of a basic income.[4] However, mainstream parties, including the Labour Party (PvdA) and the conservative VVD, have historically been more hesitant or outright opposed, often raising concerns about the work ethic and the underlying principles of the existing social security system.[5]
The recent success of D66's proposal has prompted reflection on a potential shift in the political discourse.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:weypikbrwodr2fsanloqjx6s/bafkreienj2htkaj6ma6zf2zvgw2aaiajkppzj3k6nqprml23bn5yq3dagu@jpeg)
![D66's "Individual Basic Amount": A Closer Look at the Proposal
The social-liberal party D66 has centered its successful 2025 election campaign on a significant overhaul of the Dutch social security system, introducing a proposal for an "individual basic amount" for every adult citizen. This plan, a cornerstone of their manifesto, aims to replace the current complex web of benefits and allowances with a single, more direct form of income support.
Core Principles of the Proposal:
The fundamental idea behind the "individual basic amount" is to provide a foundational income floor for all adults in the Netherlands.[1][2] This would function in two primary ways:
For those with sufficient income: It would act as a tax credit, reducing their overall tax burden.[3][4]
For those with little to no income: It would be disbursed as a direct cash payment.[3][4]
This system is designed to simplify the current labyrinthine benefits system, which D66 argues is overly bureaucratic and often difficult for citizens to navigate.[1] The party's manifesto explicitly states the goal is to move towards a system that offers more financial security and simplicity.
Phasing Out Existing Benefits:
A key component of the proposal is the gradual elimination of several existing allowances. The health and childcare allowances are specifically targeted to be eventually scrapped and integrated into the new "individual basic amount."[5] This consolidation is intended to streamline support and reduce the administrative overhead associated with the current multi-benefit system.
Funding the Transition:
D66 plans to finance this ambitious overhaul through a broader restructuring of the tax system. One of the primary funding mechanisms outlined is the phasing out of the existing mortgage interest tax relief.[6] Additionally, the party has proposed increasing taxes on wealth and introducing a "millionaire's tax" to generate further revenue. This approach signals a shift in the tax burden...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:weypikbrwodr2fsanloqjx6s/bafkreidzwuihv4hmobifafipe7y2hts73c6o6rsx5ba6voz2tmo62no2ci@jpeg)
October 30, 2025 at 9:19 PM
This just happened in the The Netherlands today. The centrist "D66" party, running on a platform that includes a universal basic income, won the most votes, positioning its leader to become the new PM. You heard that right, UBI is now a moderate position there and seen as a pragmatic solution to AI.
Reposted by Mike Chitty
Does anyone REALLY believe that the problems of poverty, inequality, climate change etc all caused by economic growth can only be solved by more economic growth?
October 29, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Does anyone REALLY believe that the problems of poverty, inequality, climate change etc all caused by economic growth can only be solved by more economic growth?
Very excited about starting An Introduction to Relational Disobedience this afternoon with a diverse group of 40 gathered from all over!
If you would like to join us at 3pm for a 3.10 start just give me a shout.
If you would like to join us at 3pm for a 3.10 start just give me a shout.
October 30, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Very excited about starting An Introduction to Relational Disobedience this afternoon with a diverse group of 40 gathered from all over!
If you would like to join us at 3pm for a 3.10 start just give me a shout.
If you would like to join us at 3pm for a 3.10 start just give me a shout.
Reposted by Mike Chitty
Good to see Green MPs help vote down Farage's attempt to destroy our rights against
- torture
- slavery and forced labour
- discrimination
- And rights TO a fair trial
- freedom of thought, expression, conscience, and religion.
ALL enshrined by the ECHR
Proud to be part of such a principled team!
- torture
- slavery and forced labour
- discrimination
- And rights TO a fair trial
- freedom of thought, expression, conscience, and religion.
ALL enshrined by the ECHR
Proud to be part of such a principled team!
Farage's motion on leaving the European Convention on Human Rights failed: 154 votes to 96
All 4 @greenparty.org.uk MPs voted against it, because we believe international agreements on human rights are a good thing.
But only 63 out of 401 Labour MPs did:
votes.parliament.uk/votes/common...
All 4 @greenparty.org.uk MPs voted against it, because we believe international agreements on human rights are a good thing.
But only 63 out of 401 Labour MPs did:
votes.parliament.uk/votes/common...
October 29, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Good to see Green MPs help vote down Farage's attempt to destroy our rights against
- torture
- slavery and forced labour
- discrimination
- And rights TO a fair trial
- freedom of thought, expression, conscience, and religion.
ALL enshrined by the ECHR
Proud to be part of such a principled team!
- torture
- slavery and forced labour
- discrimination
- And rights TO a fair trial
- freedom of thought, expression, conscience, and religion.
ALL enshrined by the ECHR
Proud to be part of such a principled team!
Without a recovery of reverence for life itself, without remembering that the world is not a machine but a miracle, we will continue to consume what we claim to cherish.
October 29, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Without a recovery of reverence for life itself, without remembering that the world is not a machine but a miracle, we will continue to consume what we claim to cherish.
The Ember King’s Last Shadow
The final part in the Ember King Trilogy…
freshthinking.substack.com/p/the-ember-...
The final part in the Ember King Trilogy…
freshthinking.substack.com/p/the-ember-...
The Ember King’s Last Shadow
The final part in the Ember King Trilogy
freshthinking.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:23 AM
The Ember King’s Last Shadow
The final part in the Ember King Trilogy…
freshthinking.substack.com/p/the-ember-...
The final part in the Ember King Trilogy…
freshthinking.substack.com/p/the-ember-...
Does anyone REALLY believe that the problems of poverty, inequality, climate change etc all caused by economic growth can only be solved by more economic growth?
October 29, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Does anyone REALLY believe that the problems of poverty, inequality, climate change etc all caused by economic growth can only be solved by more economic growth?
Reposted by Mike Chitty
In case you missed it, here is @ledbydonkeys.org summary of 12 jobs Nigel Farage working for the people of Clacton.
Many MPs describe being overrun with work. Nigel Farage has found time for another 12 jobs.
YouTube video by Led By Donkeys
www.youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:28 PM
In case you missed it, here is @ledbydonkeys.org summary of 12 jobs Nigel Farage working for the people of Clacton.
Just done the first part of Armchair Quantum Mechanics with the Pari Center.
Mind blown….
There are no paths…
Mind blown….
There are no paths…
October 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Just done the first part of Armchair Quantum Mechanics with the Pari Center.
Mind blown….
There are no paths…
Mind blown….
There are no paths…
Reposted by Mike Chitty
@theoriginaltomjoad.bsky.social 🌷
@schultziepie.bsky.social 🌷
@liberalwarrior.bsky.social
@earthbound420plus.bsky.social 🌷
@heyudeuphus.bsky.social
@suzyqfit4u.bsky.social 🌷
@hellanbiglove96.bsky.social
@atoth99.bsky.social
@gspinell.bsky.social
@roxineking.bsky.social
@pukabear.bsky.social
@schultziepie.bsky.social 🌷
@liberalwarrior.bsky.social
@earthbound420plus.bsky.social 🌷
@heyudeuphus.bsky.social
@suzyqfit4u.bsky.social 🌷
@hellanbiglove96.bsky.social
@atoth99.bsky.social
@gspinell.bsky.social
@roxineking.bsky.social
@pukabear.bsky.social
October 28, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Reposted by Mike Chitty
Loving, despite the barriers. Creating, despite the unknowns. Laughing, despite the pain. Finding meaningful ways to be in the world right now is the ultimate form of resistance.
October 24, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Loving, despite the barriers. Creating, despite the unknowns. Laughing, despite the pain. Finding meaningful ways to be in the world right now is the ultimate form of resistance.
The Return of the Ember King
Any similarities to 2-time POTUS with a penchant for drilling and burning is purely coincidental.
open.substack.com/pub/freshthi...
Any similarities to 2-time POTUS with a penchant for drilling and burning is purely coincidental.
open.substack.com/pub/freshthi...
The Return of the Ember King
A sequel to The Tale of the Ember King and the River of Light
open.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:33 AM
The Return of the Ember King
Any similarities to 2-time POTUS with a penchant for drilling and burning is purely coincidental.
open.substack.com/pub/freshthi...
Any similarities to 2-time POTUS with a penchant for drilling and burning is purely coincidental.
open.substack.com/pub/freshthi...
Reposted by Mike Chitty
Leeds is a city of large and growing inequalities…
We too have our problems but not with migrants. With the hoarders of wealth, the investors who extract and the pedlars of hope through gambling and narcotics - helpfully sold in cling film wraps and brightly coloured vapes.
We too have our problems but not with migrants. With the hoarders of wealth, the investors who extract and the pedlars of hope through gambling and narcotics - helpfully sold in cling film wraps and brightly coloured vapes.
October 25, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Leeds is a city of large and growing inequalities…
We too have our problems but not with migrants. With the hoarders of wealth, the investors who extract and the pedlars of hope through gambling and narcotics - helpfully sold in cling film wraps and brightly coloured vapes.
We too have our problems but not with migrants. With the hoarders of wealth, the investors who extract and the pedlars of hope through gambling and narcotics - helpfully sold in cling film wraps and brightly coloured vapes.
Reposted by Mike Chitty
Yay. Priceless. The right column at the right time. And a gleefully English two fingers to the haters.
October 25, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Yay. Priceless. The right column at the right time. And a gleefully English two fingers to the haters.
The Winemaker’s Regret
A winery in a time of climate change.
A story of hope…
open.substack.com/pub/freshthi...
A winery in a time of climate change.
A story of hope…
open.substack.com/pub/freshthi...
The Winemaker’s Regret
A Vineyard in a Warming World
open.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 8:43 AM
The Winemaker’s Regret
A winery in a time of climate change.
A story of hope…
open.substack.com/pub/freshthi...
A winery in a time of climate change.
A story of hope…
open.substack.com/pub/freshthi...
"The hospital’s transformation is not achieved through policy reform but through human encounter, trust, and shared meaning. The revolution is quiet, embodied, and relational, a rediscovery of humanity within the machine."
October 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM
"The hospital’s transformation is not achieved through policy reform but through human encounter, trust, and shared meaning. The revolution is quiet, embodied, and relational, a rediscovery of humanity within the machine."
Giving all citizens a basic income means they can get on with the bloody work of citizenship - which scares the pants of those who would rather we remain exhausted subjects…
Giving all artists a basic income means they can get on with the bloody work
Diarmaid Ferriter: Giving all artists a basic income means they can get on with the bloody work
For every €1 invested in the pilot scheme, €1.39 is generated
www.irishtimes.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Giving all citizens a basic income means they can get on with the bloody work of citizenship - which scares the pants of those who would rather we remain exhausted subjects…
Reposted by Mike Chitty
Leavitt: "At this moment in time, of course, the ballroom is really the president's main priority."
October 23, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Leavitt: "At this moment in time, of course, the ballroom is really the president's main priority."
Reposted by Mike Chitty
Another day. Another clutching of pearls hit piece.
Today courtesy of the Times. I'm not sure if the Daily Mail or the Express are on the rota tomorrow?
You know what to do:
Join.greenparty.org.uk
Today courtesy of the Times. I'm not sure if the Daily Mail or the Express are on the rota tomorrow?
You know what to do:
Join.greenparty.org.uk
October 22, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Another day. Another clutching of pearls hit piece.
Today courtesy of the Times. I'm not sure if the Daily Mail or the Express are on the rota tomorrow?
You know what to do:
Join.greenparty.org.uk
Today courtesy of the Times. I'm not sure if the Daily Mail or the Express are on the rota tomorrow?
You know what to do:
Join.greenparty.org.uk
Reposted by Mike Chitty
The mirage of safety: Dubai, Reform UK, and the false promise of order
Dubai’s promise of safety and order, like that of Reform UK, rests on an illusion and comes at a cost to those without power
By Mike Chitty
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Dubai’s promise of safety and order, like that of Reform UK, rests on an illusion and comes at a cost to those without power
By Mike Chitty
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
The mirage of safety: Dubai, Reform UK, and the false promise of order
Dubai’s promise of safety and order, like that of Reform UK, rests on an illusion and comes at a cost to those without power
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
October 22, 2025 at 6:43 AM
The mirage of safety: Dubai, Reform UK, and the false promise of order
Dubai’s promise of safety and order, like that of Reform UK, rests on an illusion and comes at a cost to those without power
By Mike Chitty
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Dubai’s promise of safety and order, like that of Reform UK, rests on an illusion and comes at a cost to those without power
By Mike Chitty
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Reposted by Mike Chitty
✍️ The mirage of safety: Dubai, Reform UK, and the false promise of order
Dubai’s promise of safety and order, like that of Reform UK, rests on an illusion and comes at a cost to those without power
By Mike Chitty
@mikechitty.bsky.social
Dubai’s promise of safety and order, like that of Reform UK, rests on an illusion and comes at a cost to those without power
By Mike Chitty
@mikechitty.bsky.social
The mirage of safety: Dubai, Reform UK, and the false promise of order
Dubai’s promise of safety and order, like that of Reform UK, rests on an illusion and comes at a cost to those without power
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
October 21, 2025 at 8:08 PM
✍️ The mirage of safety: Dubai, Reform UK, and the false promise of order
Dubai’s promise of safety and order, like that of Reform UK, rests on an illusion and comes at a cost to those without power
By Mike Chitty
@mikechitty.bsky.social
Dubai’s promise of safety and order, like that of Reform UK, rests on an illusion and comes at a cost to those without power
By Mike Chitty
@mikechitty.bsky.social
Reposted by Mike Chitty
The Hare and the Tortoise - a tale of a city that forgot about its own people
freshthinking.substack.com/p/the-hare-t...
freshthinking.substack.com/p/the-hare-t...
The Hare, the Tortoise, and the City That Forgot Its Heart
If the cap fits...
freshthinking.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:53 AM
The Hare and the Tortoise - a tale of a city that forgot about its own people
freshthinking.substack.com/p/the-hare-t...
freshthinking.substack.com/p/the-hare-t...