Samuel Karlin
@samuelkarlin.bsky.social
Physicist, software developer, keen on photos of gorgeous landscapes, space and nature. 🏠 Oxford. 🌹 Leftie. He/him. Here for pretty pictures and a political conversation hopefully more civilised than Musk's Twitter.
This article is beautiful, and a much-needed dose of optimism in a dark time.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
"MAGA assumption is that the left is insincere […] White liberals might put a sign […] saying IMMIGRANTS WELCOME, but they will abandon those immigrants at the first […] pressure."
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
"MAGA assumption is that the left is insincere […] White liberals might put a sign […] saying IMMIGRANTS WELCOME, but they will abandon those immigrants at the first […] pressure."
Minnesota Proved MAGA Wrong
The pushback against ICE exposed a series of mistaken assumptions.
www.theatlantic.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:31 PM
This article is beautiful, and a much-needed dose of optimism in a dark time.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
"MAGA assumption is that the left is insincere […] White liberals might put a sign […] saying IMMIGRANTS WELCOME, but they will abandon those immigrants at the first […] pressure."
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
"MAGA assumption is that the left is insincere […] White liberals might put a sign […] saying IMMIGRANTS WELCOME, but they will abandon those immigrants at the first […] pressure."
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
River Thames this morning
January 28, 2026 at 9:20 AM
River Thames this morning
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
"Anti Imperialism is a commitment to confronting empire" is an incredible thing to say after basically proposing that Britain's reaction to American and Russian expansionism should be to do nothing
The answer is “no”.
Every pound spent on bombs & tanks is money stolen from schools & hospitals.
Anti-imperialism isn’t vibes, it’s a commitment to confronting empire.
If you recognise NATO as an imperialist war machine we should leave immediately, join Your Party: in.yourparty.uk/users/sign_up
Every pound spent on bombs & tanks is money stolen from schools & hospitals.
Anti-imperialism isn’t vibes, it’s a commitment to confronting empire.
If you recognise NATO as an imperialist war machine we should leave immediately, join Your Party: in.yourparty.uk/users/sign_up
January 27, 2026 at 5:36 PM
"Anti Imperialism is a commitment to confronting empire" is an incredible thing to say after basically proposing that Britain's reaction to American and Russian expansionism should be to do nothing
Lol. Typical Reform liar.
Matt Goodwin makes a living out of railing against university educated elites & his whole schtick is "he was the first person in his family to go to university", which is a bit weird given that his Dad, now being heavily invoked for his Manchester connection, appears to have a string of degrees.
January 27, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Lol. Typical Reform liar.
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
As public opinion turns, reports from within Mount Doom suggest Orc Lieutenant Gothmog is to be relieved of command and withdrawn from Gondor back to Minas Morgul where he is expected to soon retire.
Sauron hopes this ends the matter and the Fellowship will now go home and stop blowing whistles.
Sauron hopes this ends the matter and the Fellowship will now go home and stop blowing whistles.
January 27, 2026 at 9:54 AM
As public opinion turns, reports from within Mount Doom suggest Orc Lieutenant Gothmog is to be relieved of command and withdrawn from Gondor back to Minas Morgul where he is expected to soon retire.
Sauron hopes this ends the matter and the Fellowship will now go home and stop blowing whistles.
Sauron hopes this ends the matter and the Fellowship will now go home and stop blowing whistles.
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
The UK is backing a vast new fleet of offshore wind projects in the North Sea with 9 other European countries including Norway,Germany and the Netherlands.The government says the deal will strengthen energy security,offering an escape from the fossil fuel rollercoaster. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK to join major wind farm project with eight European countries
For the first time, the new wind farms will be connected to more than one country through undersea cables.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 4:50 PM
The UK is backing a vast new fleet of offshore wind projects in the North Sea with 9 other European countries including Norway,Germany and the Netherlands.The government says the deal will strengthen energy security,offering an escape from the fossil fuel rollercoaster. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
I know I keep writing about this,but the level of delusion is staggering. How do so many people think Reform will 'save the country' when it’s led by defected Tories from the worst cabinet in UK history?It’s not change, just same failures,new logo,and people cheering like it’s a revival,not a rerun.
January 26, 2026 at 11:25 PM
I know I keep writing about this,but the level of delusion is staggering. How do so many people think Reform will 'save the country' when it’s led by defected Tories from the worst cabinet in UK history?It’s not change, just same failures,new logo,and people cheering like it’s a revival,not a rerun.
Genuinely good news!
Thank you Labour. 🙂
Thank you Labour. 🙂
The UK will cap ground rents paid to freeholders on existing properties in a victory for leaseholders that Sir Keir Starmer hopes will increase affordability in the housing market
www.ft.com/content/81e9...
www.ft.com/content/81e9...
UK caps ground rents paid to freeholders
Limit will be set at £250 a year after Sir Keir Starmer overrules Rachel Reeves to push through manifesto promise
www.ft.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Genuinely good news!
Thank you Labour. 🙂
Thank you Labour. 🙂
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
What Rutte does not seem to get is that the USA will not defend Europe anyway. Doesnt matter what Europe wants.
And of course Europe can defend itself.
And of course Europe can defend itself.
Europe must stop ‘dreaming’ about defence without US, Rutte warns ft.trib.al/8bMMtTf
Europe must stop ‘dreaming’ about defence without US, Rutte warns
Nato chief says continent cannot afford to replace American security umbrella
ft.trib.al
January 27, 2026 at 10:59 AM
What Rutte does not seem to get is that the USA will not defend Europe anyway. Doesnt matter what Europe wants.
And of course Europe can defend itself.
And of course Europe can defend itself.
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
A reminder to the news media: “conflicting accounts” is what you say BEFORE the incontrovertible video evidence appears. After that, your job is to ask why one side is lying, not to repeat the lie and pretend no one knows the truth.
January 25, 2026 at 12:28 PM
A reminder to the news media: “conflicting accounts” is what you say BEFORE the incontrovertible video evidence appears. After that, your job is to ask why one side is lying, not to repeat the lie and pretend no one knows the truth.
Marr is right. Turning back to Europhilia is, quite frankly, the ONLY viable foreign policy path for the UK.
And (this should be far less important) it makes political sense too.
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
And (this should be far less important) it makes political sense too.
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
The turn to Europe is inevitable
Starmer should seize the opportunity in this crisis
www.newstatesman.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Marr is right. Turning back to Europhilia is, quite frankly, the ONLY viable foreign policy path for the UK.
And (this should be far less important) it makes political sense too.
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
And (this should be far less important) it makes political sense too.
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
More members of Liz Truss's cabinet are in Reform than in Badenoch's shadow cabinet...
January 26, 2026 at 1:12 PM
More members of Liz Truss's cabinet are in Reform than in Badenoch's shadow cabinet...
Brutally written, uncompromising truth.
Talk of investigations is a waste of time. Everyone can see what happened. It's on video. This is a criminal, tyrannical regime which thinks it has a right to murder its people, and will fight for its right to do that.
www.newstatesman.com/world/americ...
Talk of investigations is a waste of time. Everyone can see what happened. It's on video. This is a criminal, tyrannical regime which thinks it has a right to murder its people, and will fight for its right to do that.
www.newstatesman.com/world/americ...
The ICE killers are Donald Trump's secret police
America is being terrorised into submission
www.newstatesman.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Brutally written, uncompromising truth.
Talk of investigations is a waste of time. Everyone can see what happened. It's on video. This is a criminal, tyrannical regime which thinks it has a right to murder its people, and will fight for its right to do that.
www.newstatesman.com/world/americ...
Talk of investigations is a waste of time. Everyone can see what happened. It's on video. This is a criminal, tyrannical regime which thinks it has a right to murder its people, and will fight for its right to do that.
www.newstatesman.com/world/americ...
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
Bluesky idea: if people who didn't agree with you change their opinions so that they do agree with you, why not be happy that you are making progress - rather than complaining that they are "only just catching up"?
January 26, 2026 at 10:08 AM
Bluesky idea: if people who didn't agree with you change their opinions so that they do agree with you, why not be happy that you are making progress - rather than complaining that they are "only just catching up"?
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
BREAKING: Exclusive poll: Let Burnham stand, voters say
Over half of voters in Manchester think Labour is wrong to block him
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Over half of voters in Manchester think Labour is wrong to block him
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Exclusive poll: Let Burnham stand, voters say
Over half of voters in Manchester think Labour is wrong to block him
www.newstatesman.com
January 25, 2026 at 4:44 PM
BREAKING: Exclusive poll: Let Burnham stand, voters say
Over half of voters in Manchester think Labour is wrong to block him
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Over half of voters in Manchester think Labour is wrong to block him
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
It hardly suggests you have a strong argument or a strong political position if no senior figure will put their name to the decision you apparently want to make. Whereas critics of the leadership - and relative neutrals - clearly see an advantage in putting “I wanted Andy to run” on the record.
January 25, 2026 at 10:45 AM
It hardly suggests you have a strong argument or a strong political position if no senior figure will put their name to the decision you apparently want to make. Whereas critics of the leadership - and relative neutrals - clearly see an advantage in putting “I wanted Andy to run” on the record.
Starmer is scared of being replaced.
The reason why he is scared is that he knows he's doing a bad job.
The reason why he is scared is that he knows he's doing a bad job.
NEW: Andy Burnham blocked for standing in the Denton by-election.
8-1 against.
Lucy Powell only vote in favour.
8-1 against.
Lucy Powell only vote in favour.
January 25, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Starmer is scared of being replaced.
The reason why he is scared is that he knows he's doing a bad job.
The reason why he is scared is that he knows he's doing a bad job.
See Trump's ICE thugs gunning down innocent people in the streets?
They want that to happen here.
They want that to happen here.
"Our new Removals Force, modelled on US ICE."
That's Kemi Badenoch, speaking three months ago.
As far as I can see, this remains Conservative Party policy.
Appalling.
www.itv.com/news/2025-10...
That's Kemi Badenoch, speaking three months ago.
As far as I can see, this remains Conservative Party policy.
Appalling.
www.itv.com/news/2025-10...
January 24, 2026 at 10:14 PM
See Trump's ICE thugs gunning down innocent people in the streets?
They want that to happen here.
They want that to happen here.
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
that Farage and Badenoch want ICE-style action in the UK should be enough to end them
January 24, 2026 at 6:14 PM
that Farage and Badenoch want ICE-style action in the UK should be enough to end them
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
Tim Walz: “This federal occupation of Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It's a campaign of organised brutality against the people of our state…today, that campaign claimed another life ... It's sickening."
January 24, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Tim Walz: “This federal occupation of Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It's a campaign of organised brutality against the people of our state…today, that campaign claimed another life ... It's sickening."
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
The Nazi SA - Sturmabteilung, or Storm Troopers - were often recruited from the dregs of society: barely literate failures incapable of holding down a job and only fit for murder and terror. The scum of Germany. Hitler gave them free rein to vent their rage on their betters. Sound familiar, America?
January 24, 2026 at 5:42 PM
The Nazi SA - Sturmabteilung, or Storm Troopers - were often recruited from the dregs of society: barely literate failures incapable of holding down a job and only fit for murder and terror. The scum of Germany. Hitler gave them free rein to vent their rage on their betters. Sound familiar, America?
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
Difficult to read here but the statement includes the following par:
“There is a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other."
Swap out GM for UK and you have the pitch to the country...
“There is a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other."
Swap out GM for UK and you have the pitch to the country...
January 24, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Difficult to read here but the statement includes the following par:
“There is a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other."
Swap out GM for UK and you have the pitch to the country...
“There is a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other."
Swap out GM for UK and you have the pitch to the country...
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
everyone involved in this effort should be expelled not only from the department of justice but from polite society entirely
!!!!
"Aides to Todd Blanche directed the U.S. Atty’s office and FBI agents based in MN to shut down a civil rights investigation into an officer’s fatal shooting of Renee Good and instead alter it to probe Good for possible criminal liability, according to three people briefed on the discussions."
"Aides to Todd Blanche directed the U.S. Atty’s office and FBI agents based in MN to shut down a civil rights investigation into an officer’s fatal shooting of Renee Good and instead alter it to probe Good for possible criminal liability, according to three people briefed on the discussions."
January 24, 2026 at 3:06 AM
everyone involved in this effort should be expelled not only from the department of justice but from polite society entirely
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
On patrol with Ice-spotters in Minneapolis
Lewis Goodall in the diary
Lewis Goodall in the diary
On patrol with Ice-spotters in Minneapolis
There is no end in sight to American carnage
www.newstatesman.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:37 PM
On patrol with Ice-spotters in Minneapolis
Lewis Goodall in the diary
Lewis Goodall in the diary
Reposted by Samuel Karlin
I was in Helmand with UK troops. Draft dodging Trump's words are a gut punch to those killed
I was in Helmand with UK troops. Draft dodging Trump's words are a gut punch to those killed
After the damage done by the American president in Davos - and make no mistake, it was significant, with alliances further ruptured - he has now managed to amplify it with comments that are as disrespectful as they are false.
news.sky.com
January 23, 2026 at 5:45 AM
I was in Helmand with UK troops. Draft dodging Trump's words are a gut punch to those killed