Ruthi Brandt
@ruthibrandt.bsky.social
Nature, community, science and social justice. Urban nature and Green politics; Israel-Palestine, as an Israeli living abroad. Just a few of my current interests. Board member for CAG Oxfordshire. She/her.
Based next to Oxford, UK.
Based next to Oxford, UK.
Pinned
Ruthi Brandt
@ruthibrandt.bsky.social
· Jun 8
In the interest of tempering my doom-scrolling and feelings of righteous indignation at the world, I'm going to try posting daily something positive, on a personal level (ie - no campaign wins or political progress, as important as they are to celebrate).
So to kick it off -
#positivity
So to kick it off -
#positivity
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
agree with this (hah) but also think a particular mistake the left made for a long time online, and still makes to an extent, is failing to understand that the person whose mind you may actually change is the one reading the argument you're having, not the one you're arguing with
The secret to engaging in social media debate is knowing you will never win anyone over. The best you can hope for is to have people who already agree with tell you you're awesome. You might great a dopamine thrill from the righteousness of your anger! Fine benefits, all. But you will never win.
February 16, 2026 at 11:33 PM
agree with this (hah) but also think a particular mistake the left made for a long time online, and still makes to an extent, is failing to understand that the person whose mind you may actually change is the one reading the argument you're having, not the one you're arguing with
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Writing is thinking.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
It’s easy to think writing is mainly the transcription of ideas you already have—that is, until you try to write something worthwhile, and you find what you thought were saying transform into something far more interesting in the process. This skips that last step, and that is *not* an improvement.
“We plan to hire an AI rewrite specialist to ingest the reporting by Hannah and others and use AI to convert it into stories.”
The editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer said it will use AI to ‘write’ its articles.
www.cleveland.com/news/2025/10...
The editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer said it will use AI to ‘write’ its articles.
www.cleveland.com/news/2025/10...
February 16, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Writing is thinking.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
This is familiar from other implicated diasporas. My sense, however, is that the term Zionist collapses the difference between diaspora and Palestine/Israel and flattens the hugely divergent levels of complicity into a yes/no, in a manner that "pro-Israel" e.g. does not
February 16, 2026 at 12:08 PM
This is familiar from other implicated diasporas. My sense, however, is that the term Zionist collapses the difference between diaspora and Palestine/Israel and flattens the hugely divergent levels of complicity into a yes/no, in a manner that "pro-Israel" e.g. does not
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
I find this article persuasive. I know from my own anti-fascist organising that many left-wing Jews - including many who have been extremely vocal against Israel's actions in Gaza, turning up at protests week after week, having many difficult conversations - have a complex relationship with Zionism.
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Why Jewish Greens are urging party members to vote against MOTION A105: ZIONISM IS RACISM - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens oppose motion at party conference unintentionally antisemitic
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
February 16, 2026 at 12:16 PM
I find this article persuasive. I know from my own anti-fascist organising that many left-wing Jews - including many who have been extremely vocal against Israel's actions in Gaza, turning up at protests week after week, having many difficult conversations - have a complex relationship with Zionism.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
February 15, 2026 at 9:40 AM
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
This first response to this tweet 🔥
🚨 PICTURED: Liz Truss meets with Donald Trump at his golf course in Palm Beach
February 15, 2026 at 5:32 PM
This first response to this tweet 🔥
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
“I’m really worried for my friends and neighbours who are immigrants, or the children of immigrants, who’ve kept our city region moving.”
Our candidate for Gorton and Denton, Hannah Spencer, says the threat of adopting ICE-style tactics would put hardworking communities in the firing line.
Our candidate for Gorton and Denton, Hannah Spencer, says the threat of adopting ICE-style tactics would put hardworking communities in the firing line.
February 15, 2026 at 1:01 PM
“I’m really worried for my friends and neighbours who are immigrants, or the children of immigrants, who’ve kept our city region moving.”
Our candidate for Gorton and Denton, Hannah Spencer, says the threat of adopting ICE-style tactics would put hardworking communities in the firing line.
Our candidate for Gorton and Denton, Hannah Spencer, says the threat of adopting ICE-style tactics would put hardworking communities in the firing line.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Prof Rob Ford makes a point here that #NetMigration reaching zero would assuage ppl's concern about #immigration (which would allow politics to move on from talking abt it). But debate so far hasn't really been based on facts and stats, has it? I don't see how that will change just cause *net*=zero
UK migration could be negative this year – how will that hit the economy?
UK migration could be negative this year – how will that hit the economy?
Universities, builders and health trusts are feeling the squeeze, as thinktank says effect of zero net migration could be similar to Brexit
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:32 AM
Prof Rob Ford makes a point here that #NetMigration reaching zero would assuage ppl's concern about #immigration (which would allow politics to move on from talking abt it). But debate so far hasn't really been based on facts and stats, has it? I don't see how that will change just cause *net*=zero
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
"The collision of a multiparty electorate with a voting system designed for two parties is creating new risks for Britain".
I signed this letter. It's not about blocking Reform;it's about the danger to democracy of a system that can't cope with multiparty voting
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
I signed this letter. It's not about blocking Reform;it's about the danger to democracy of a system that can't cope with multiparty voting
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Over 50 Academics Warn That Voting System Is Not Fit For Multi-Party Politics
Dozens of academics have written to the government to warn that the current voting system risks producing distorted results on an 'unprecedented' s...
www.politicshome.com
February 14, 2026 at 8:27 PM
"The collision of a multiparty electorate with a voting system designed for two parties is creating new risks for Britain".
I signed this letter. It's not about blocking Reform;it's about the danger to democracy of a system that can't cope with multiparty voting
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
I signed this letter. It's not about blocking Reform;it's about the danger to democracy of a system that can't cope with multiparty voting
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
The grim tragedy of inclusive communities of WI women disbanded due to the destructive power of transphobia promoted so widely and unquestioningly by broadcast and print media.
Organisations like the WI have been undermined and attacked under a banner of divisive hate directed at trans people.
Organisations like the WI have been undermined and attacked under a banner of divisive hate directed at trans people.
This is a powerful story for me. Several branches of the Women's Institute are closing across the UK in protest at the new trans-exclusionary ban against trans women. It cuts through the lie by the media and GC groups about speaking on behalf of women. Solidarity.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
‘Carnage of concern and upset’: Women’s Institute groups close after transgender ban
Members warn NFWI decision has opened up toxic culture that deters younger women from joining
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:57 AM
The grim tragedy of inclusive communities of WI women disbanded due to the destructive power of transphobia promoted so widely and unquestioningly by broadcast and print media.
Organisations like the WI have been undermined and attacked under a banner of divisive hate directed at trans people.
Organisations like the WI have been undermined and attacked under a banner of divisive hate directed at trans people.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Before replacing fences, paving or decking, think about whether gaps, edges or rough areas could be left to help animals move through your garden. 🦔 Leave space under fences (hedgehogs just need a 13cm × 13cm gap) or allow a strip of long grass to help wildlife travel, feed and shelter.
🎞️E Malone
🎞️E Malone
February 15, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Before replacing fences, paving or decking, think about whether gaps, edges or rough areas could be left to help animals move through your garden. 🦔 Leave space under fences (hedgehogs just need a 13cm × 13cm gap) or allow a strip of long grass to help wildlife travel, feed and shelter.
🎞️E Malone
🎞️E Malone
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Jewish Greens have come out opposing Zionism is racism.
Since 2018 I have worked with Jewish Green to keen Green members safe and ensure the party cannot to be falsely accused of antisemitism.
This jeopardises all these efforts.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Since 2018 I have worked with Jewish Green to keen Green members safe and ensure the party cannot to be falsely accused of antisemitism.
This jeopardises all these efforts.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Why Jewish Greens are urging party members to vote against MOTION A105: ZIONISM IS RACISM - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens oppose motion at party conference unintentionally antisemitic
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
February 14, 2026 at 10:22 PM
Jewish Greens have come out opposing Zionism is racism.
Since 2018 I have worked with Jewish Green to keen Green members safe and ensure the party cannot to be falsely accused of antisemitism.
This jeopardises all these efforts.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Since 2018 I have worked with Jewish Green to keen Green members safe and ensure the party cannot to be falsely accused of antisemitism.
This jeopardises all these efforts.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Prof Rob Ford makes a point here that #NetMigration reaching zero would assuage ppl's concern about #immigration (which would allow politics to move on from talking abt it). But debate so far hasn't really been based on facts and stats, has it? I don't see how that will change just cause *net*=zero
UK migration could be negative this year – how will that hit the economy?
UK migration could be negative this year – how will that hit the economy?
Universities, builders and health trusts are feeling the squeeze, as thinktank says effect of zero net migration could be similar to Brexit
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:32 AM
Prof Rob Ford makes a point here that #NetMigration reaching zero would assuage ppl's concern about #immigration (which would allow politics to move on from talking abt it). But debate so far hasn't really been based on facts and stats, has it? I don't see how that will change just cause *net*=zero
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
For some people, shouting "we don't want no Zionists here" is like "we don't want no fascists here". I can see their argument - terrible things were done in the name of Zionism.
But almost all Jews would hear "we don't want no Jews here". And they have good reason to fear this is the subtext.
But almost all Jews would hear "we don't want no Jews here". And they have good reason to fear this is the subtext.
February 14, 2026 at 4:18 PM
For some people, shouting "we don't want no Zionists here" is like "we don't want no fascists here". I can see their argument - terrible things were done in the name of Zionism.
But almost all Jews would hear "we don't want no Jews here". And they have good reason to fear this is the subtext.
But almost all Jews would hear "we don't want no Jews here". And they have good reason to fear this is the subtext.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
For me this is very simple.
There is widespread, longstanding practice of using "Zionists" as coded slur for Jews, or "Jews I don't like" (regardless how they define themselves).
That is sufficient reason to refrain from broad-brush language such as "Zionism=Racism" or "Zionists not welcome".
There is widespread, longstanding practice of using "Zionists" as coded slur for Jews, or "Jews I don't like" (regardless how they define themselves).
That is sufficient reason to refrain from broad-brush language such as "Zionism=Racism" or "Zionists not welcome".
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Why Jewish Greens are urging party members to vote against MOTION A105: ZIONISM IS RACISM - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens oppose motion at party conference unintentionally antisemitic
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
February 14, 2026 at 3:57 PM
For me this is very simple.
There is widespread, longstanding practice of using "Zionists" as coded slur for Jews, or "Jews I don't like" (regardless how they define themselves).
That is sufficient reason to refrain from broad-brush language such as "Zionism=Racism" or "Zionists not welcome".
There is widespread, longstanding practice of using "Zionists" as coded slur for Jews, or "Jews I don't like" (regardless how they define themselves).
That is sufficient reason to refrain from broad-brush language such as "Zionism=Racism" or "Zionists not welcome".
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Can someone remind me who is the majority party? WaPo seems to need help here.
I thought it was the GOP, who despite what the WaPo wants you to think, actually have some agency. Lots, really, tho you’d never get that idea from the media.
I thought it was the GOP, who despite what the WaPo wants you to think, actually have some agency. Lots, really, tho you’d never get that idea from the media.
Note the framing here:
It’s “Democrats have refused to fund” DHS and not “Republicans refused to prohibit face masks” or “the two parties could not agree on how to reform the agency.”
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
It’s “Democrats have refused to fund” DHS and not “Republicans refused to prohibit face masks” or “the two parties could not agree on how to reform the agency.”
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
February 14, 2026 at 3:00 AM
Can someone remind me who is the majority party? WaPo seems to need help here.
I thought it was the GOP, who despite what the WaPo wants you to think, actually have some agency. Lots, really, tho you’d never get that idea from the media.
I thought it was the GOP, who despite what the WaPo wants you to think, actually have some agency. Lots, really, tho you’d never get that idea from the media.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Only 37% of American Jews say they identify as Zionists. Seven percent call themselves anti-Zionist, 8% non-Zionist and 18% aren’t sure. Another 30% say none of the labels offered describe them.
www.jta.org/2026/02/11/i...
www.jta.org/2026/02/11/i...
It’s not just the kids: Only a third of US Jews 75+ call themselves ‘Zionists’ - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
A new JFNA survey finds strong support for Israel but widespread discomfort with the “Zionist” label among the youngest and oldest Jews.
www.jta.org
February 14, 2026 at 2:25 PM
Only 37% of American Jews say they identify as Zionists. Seven percent call themselves anti-Zionist, 8% non-Zionist and 18% aren’t sure. Another 30% say none of the labels offered describe them.
www.jta.org/2026/02/11/i...
www.jta.org/2026/02/11/i...
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
While we strongly believe this is not the intention of the proposers, this motion would cause disciplinary action to be taken by the party against Jews because they are Jewish. It can't become party policy.
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Why Jewish Greens are urging party members to vote against MOTION A105: ZIONISM IS RACISM - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens oppose motion at party conference unintentionally antisemitic
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
February 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM
While we strongly believe this is not the intention of the proposers, this motion would cause disciplinary action to be taken by the party against Jews because they are Jewish. It can't become party policy.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Why Jewish Greens are urging party members to vote against MOTION A105: ZIONISM IS RACISM - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens oppose motion at party conference unintentionally antisemitic
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
February 13, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
They all talk like this now. Like villains from some 1960s live action Saturday morning TV show where the bad guys are all comedic Nazi figures
US won’t be ‘caretakers’ of West’s ‘managed decline’, Rubio warns in Munich speech - latest
US won’t be ‘caretakers’ of West’s ‘managed decline’, Rubio warns in Munich: Live
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told security summit that the US wants ‘allies who can defend themselves’
www.independent.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM
They all talk like this now. Like villains from some 1960s live action Saturday morning TV show where the bad guys are all comedic Nazi figures
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
AOC: "Extreme level of wealth inequality leads to social instability and drives authoritarianism, right-wing populism, and really dangerous domestic internal politics. That is a direct outcome of the failure of democracies over decades to deliver."
February 13, 2026 at 5:50 PM
AOC: "Extreme level of wealth inequality leads to social instability and drives authoritarianism, right-wing populism, and really dangerous domestic internal politics. That is a direct outcome of the failure of democracies over decades to deliver."
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Why Jewish Greens are urging party members to vote against MOTION A105: ZIONISM IS RACISM - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens oppose motion at party conference unintentionally antisemitic
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
February 13, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Always a good read, but the pictures (and their captions) are especially delightful in this issue ☺️
Friday 13th or Valentine’s Day? We choose love for the Clarion Weekend newsletter. Featuring:
❤️ Oxford loves Swindon
🌟 Michelin-starred restaurants
💰 Budget Day for Oxfordshire
🧀 Say it with cheese
💃 No, it's not a “big organised party”
Read online or by email: oxfordclarion.uk/clarion-week...
❤️ Oxford loves Swindon
🌟 Michelin-starred restaurants
💰 Budget Day for Oxfordshire
🧀 Say it with cheese
💃 No, it's not a “big organised party”
Read online or by email: oxfordclarion.uk/clarion-week...
Clarion Weekend, 13 February 2026
It might be Friday 13th today, but tomorrow is Valentine's Day. We could have gone with horror or love; we choose love. So here’s our roundup of Valentine’s events complete with heart-shaped cheese – ...
oxfordclarion.uk
February 13, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Always a good read, but the pictures (and their captions) are especially delightful in this issue ☺️
This is such a positive, and encouraging move!
#Regenaration
#Regenaration
A farmer-led initiative has been launched to restore the landscape of the Evenlode valley, which runs through West Oxfordshire from Kingham to Charlbury and Eynsham. Participating farms are committing up to 15% of their less productive land to the project, to restore and improve riverside habitats.
February 13, 2026 at 5:13 PM
This is such a positive, and encouraging move!
#Regenaration
#Regenaration