Garrett Prestage
@gprestage.bsky.social
Retired academic. Animal lover. Left-progressive politics, but I think I’m rational about it. All religion is superstitious nonsense: doing what’s right requires only that you be a decent kind person - no ever-watchful sky-fairy is needed.
Reposted by Garrett Prestage
This cartoon has been shared, liked, saved and commented on over on Instagram more than any other cartoon I've ever made. 1.5 million views in a week. People are angry.
Like enforcement.
My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
My cartoon in today's @theageaustralia.bsky.social and @sydmorningherald.bsky.social
July 27, 2025 at 2:25 AM
This cartoon has been shared, liked, saved and commented on over on Instagram more than any other cartoon I've ever made. 1.5 million views in a week. People are angry.
If you haven’t read this article yet, then I really recommend you do. It’s the same point I’ve been making myself, but he’s far more articulate about it.
https://theshot.net.au/uncategorized/on-doing-the-same-inadequate-shit-over-and-over-again-until-the-end-of-democracy/
https://theshot.net.au/uncategorized/on-doing-the-same-inadequate-shit-over-and-over-again-until-the-end-of-democracy/
April 23, 2025 at 1:10 PM
If you haven’t read this article yet, then I really recommend you do. It’s the same point I’ve been making myself, but he’s far more articulate about it.
https://theshot.net.au/uncategorized/on-doing-the-same-inadequate-shit-over-and-over-again-until-the-end-of-democracy/
https://theshot.net.au/uncategorized/on-doing-the-same-inadequate-shit-over-and-over-again-until-the-end-of-democracy/
Worth reading. Abandonment of do-little small-target politics is essential. Needs a bit of perspective though - the left isn’t entirely without some of the blame for where the world finds itself.
Here's me. 'On doing the same inadequate shit over and over again until the end of democracy'
On doing the same inadequate shit over and over again until the end of democracy - The Shot
The consequence of not good enough, as evidenced in the United States right now, is that you inevitably get much, much worse.
theshot.net.au
April 11, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Worth reading. Abandonment of do-little small-target politics is essential. Needs a bit of perspective though - the left isn’t entirely without some of the blame for where the world finds itself.
Finally, some academic resistance. Australian universities should be taking similar united action now, before the US takes further action against academic freedom
#AcademicSky As reported by a UCLA prof: the faculty senate at Rutgers took up the attached mutual defense resolution. Their unions (full time faculty, grad workers, post docs + adjunct faculty) voted to endorse it. Michigan & Northwestern looking into it too.
senate.rutgers.edu/wp-content/u...
senate.rutgers.edu/wp-content/u...
senate.rutgers.edu
April 3, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Finally, some academic resistance. Australian universities should be taking similar united action now, before the US takes further action against academic freedom
When laws actively repress human rights, the police are working on behalf of the government, not the people. It isn’t the role of police to decide which laws are acceptable, but when laws blatantly repress human rights they also have an obligation to protect the people.
💥🪧Happening right now in Budapest:
🇭🇺 Anti-government protesters have occupied four bridges, opposing Viktor Orbán’s crackdown on freedom of assembly under the guise of “child protection.”
🗣️ Though aimed at the Pride march, Orbán’s law threatens banning any kind of protests or rally.
🇭🇺 Anti-government protesters have occupied four bridges, opposing Viktor Orbán’s crackdown on freedom of assembly under the guise of “child protection.”
🗣️ Though aimed at the Pride march, Orbán’s law threatens banning any kind of protests or rally.
April 1, 2025 at 9:11 PM
When laws actively repress human rights, the police are working on behalf of the government, not the people. It isn’t the role of police to decide which laws are acceptable, but when laws blatantly repress human rights they also have an obligation to protect the people.
Wow! A company with some principle. That’s a surprise, but I’m doubtful any others will follow suit. Also, they are a fossil fuel company so I guess their principles don’t extend too far into preserving the planet. Still, this decision is more than just a gesture.
One of Norway's largest fuel companies just announced that they will no longer refuel US Navy vessels after Trump’s treatment of Zelenskyy.
“It made us sick... We encourage all Norwegians and Europeans to follow our example.”
“It made us sick... We encourage all Norwegians and Europeans to follow our example.”
March 1, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Wow! A company with some principle. That’s a surprise, but I’m doubtful any others will follow suit. Also, they are a fossil fuel company so I guess their principles don’t extend too far into preserving the planet. Still, this decision is more than just a gesture.
This is a fair and reasonable assessment of Labor’s donations ‘reform’ legislation they negotiated with the LNP
The ALP & LNP think they’ve stitched-up our democracy to keep their snouts in the trough. But it doesn’t have to be so if you use your power to vote for independents. You can vote for better politics or you can have more of the same. It’s up to you. #auspol
Don Farrell’s donations stitch-up
Don Farrell is a political animal. By some counts, he controls the preselection of every seat in South Australia. He’s a right-winger, a product of the conservative shoppies union. In 2012 he beat Pen...
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au
February 14, 2025 at 9:20 PM
This is a fair and reasonable assessment of Labor’s donations ‘reform’ legislation they negotiated with the LNP
Why isn’t he on the panel? Or in parliament? He uses too many facts for the media I guess
February 14, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Why isn’t he on the panel? Or in parliament? He uses too many facts for the media I guess
Reposted by Garrett Prestage
Dear ABC Mgmt,
People read, watch & listen to ABC News bc they want intelligent, informed, nuanced reporting, interviews, commentary & analysis of world events, politics, news. Rptedly platforming & pushing the tabloid news media's narrative on a story is insulting to your audience. 😔 #journalism
People read, watch & listen to ABC News bc they want intelligent, informed, nuanced reporting, interviews, commentary & analysis of world events, politics, news. Rptedly platforming & pushing the tabloid news media's narrative on a story is insulting to your audience. 😔 #journalism
February 13, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Dear ABC Mgmt,
People read, watch & listen to ABC News bc they want intelligent, informed, nuanced reporting, interviews, commentary & analysis of world events, politics, news. Rptedly platforming & pushing the tabloid news media's narrative on a story is insulting to your audience. 😔 #journalism
People read, watch & listen to ABC News bc they want intelligent, informed, nuanced reporting, interviews, commentary & analysis of world events, politics, news. Rptedly platforming & pushing the tabloid news media's narrative on a story is insulting to your audience. 😔 #journalism
We need a minority government for lots of reasons. This particular issue just exposes how the major parties first and foremost prioritize power over principle
Opinion | Labor's grubby deal with the Coalition on political funding proves Australia needs minority government. As @keanebernard.bsky.social writes, the major parties won't govern in the public interest.
Labor's grubby broken donations promise proves urgent need for minority government
www.crikey.com.au
February 13, 2025 at 3:00 AM
We need a minority government for lots of reasons. This particular issue just exposes how the major parties first and foremost prioritize power over principle
Yet again Barry Jones says what we’re all thinking, and Labor leaders are too cowardly to hear. What an amazing man - in his 90s and just as insightful, and principled, as ever.
The case for bravery and frankness in politics www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topi... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
The case for bravery and frankness in politics
“Your affections are a sick man’s appetite ... a strange [petition] to break the heart of generosity.” – Coriolanus, Act I, by William Shakespeare Australia is one of a handful of nations where the ...
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au
February 2, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Yet again Barry Jones says what we’re all thinking, and Labor leaders are too cowardly to hear. What an amazing man - in his 90s and just as insightful, and principled, as ever.
This seems about right. And the word ‘pathetic’ is very apropos.
Yup, @jamellebouie.net has this exactly right. What these guys are celebrating/pursuing/yearning for is not masculine energy, it's *adolescent* energy. Drinking Red Bull, crushing Call of Duty, refusing to clean your room. It is indescribably pathetic. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/18/o...
January 19, 2025 at 12:00 AM
This seems about right. And the word ‘pathetic’ is very apropos.
I find myself increasingly drawn to the community independents. They are a real challenge to the exclusionary and undemocratic nature of party politics as they’ve become under the major parties.
Check out the links to the community groups and see what’s happening in different electorates.
Check out the links to the community groups and see what’s happening in different electorates.
The Community Independents movement offers hope for a better way of doing politics and better outcomes for the local community and the country.
Cathy McGowan discusses why people in communities are jumping onboard👇 www.communityindependentsproject.org/cip-resource... #Auspol
Cathy McGowan discusses why people in communities are jumping onboard👇 www.communityindependentsproject.org/cip-resource... #Auspol
January 13, 2025 at 10:08 PM
I find myself increasingly drawn to the community independents. They are a real challenge to the exclusionary and undemocratic nature of party politics as they’ve become under the major parties.
Check out the links to the community groups and see what’s happening in different electorates.
Check out the links to the community groups and see what’s happening in different electorates.
This looks promising - people trying to ensure social media cannot be just in the control of billionaire owners.
"As Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg continue to reshape the social media space, a group of international tech entrepreneurs and advocates has launched a campaign to protect social media from the control and influence of billionaires."
techcrunch.com/2025/01/13/a...
techcrunch.com/2025/01/13/a...
A new campaign aims to safeguard social media from billionaires using Bluesky's underlying tech | TechCrunch
The initiative, Free Our Feeds, aims to protect Bluesky’s underlying technology, the AT Protocol, and leverage it to create an open social media ecosystem that can’t be controlled by a single company ...
techcrunch.com
January 13, 2025 at 9:17 PM
This looks promising - people trying to ensure social media cannot be just in the control of billionaire owners.
Personally, I think it should be legislated. If you’re contagious then no unnecessary travel, and masks for necessary travel. It’s just polite, and of course, good health practice.
THIS. If you’re sick, stay at home. Rest. Recuperate. Don’t infect other people. Don’t go to work. It’s your excuse to couch rot.
at the dentist and there’s someone else waiting here, CLEARLY ILL, hacking up a lung, spitting up phlegm into a cup and not wearing a mask. FUCKING STAY HOME AND STOP SPREADING YOUR ILLNESS(ES). i just got over being sick, I don’t need your ickies. nobody needs your ickies. ugh 😩
January 11, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Personally, I think it should be legislated. If you’re contagious then no unnecessary travel, and masks for necessary travel. It’s just polite, and of course, good health practice.
While I’m not generally fond of their economic policies, climate200 independents are the best way to see LNP lose otherwise safe seats - and support sensible climate policy at the same time
Australian Big Coal is funding billboards to smear community independents. Please donate what you can afford toward counter advertising efforts www.climate200.com.au/campaign/fig... NB: Please click share on this to get it wider & wider
We’ve got their backs. | Climate 200
www.climate200.com.au
January 11, 2025 at 3:43 AM
While I’m not generally fond of their economic policies, climate200 independents are the best way to see LNP lose otherwise safe seats - and support sensible climate policy at the same time
We need more of this to happen. Why are other democracies so reticent about defending democracy?
NEW: Over 60 German & Austrian universities have announced today they are quitting X/Twitter.
The backlash against Musk is growing after he endorsed Germany’s Far Right.
Germany’s Feberal Court of Justice has also quit the platform, as well as top German football clubs & labour unions.
The backlash against Musk is growing after he endorsed Germany’s Far Right.
Germany’s Feberal Court of Justice has also quit the platform, as well as top German football clubs & labour unions.
Dozens Of German Universities Turn Back On X Accounts
Dozens of German universities said on Friday they would no longer use social network X -- owned by the world's richest man, Elon Musk -- citing ethical concerns.
www.barrons.com
January 10, 2025 at 8:28 PM
We need more of this to happen. Why are other democracies so reticent about defending democracy?
Reposted by Garrett Prestage
Jeff Bezos never wanted this cartoon to become public.
He killed it, and as a result, pulitzer prize editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes quit.
Make sure everyone sees this cartoon. - @aaronparnas.bsky.social
He killed it, and as a result, pulitzer prize editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes quit.
Make sure everyone sees this cartoon. - @aaronparnas.bsky.social
January 5, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Jeff Bezos never wanted this cartoon to become public.
He killed it, and as a result, pulitzer prize editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes quit.
Make sure everyone sees this cartoon. - @aaronparnas.bsky.social
He killed it, and as a result, pulitzer prize editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes quit.
Make sure everyone sees this cartoon. - @aaronparnas.bsky.social
This is worth a repost. This feels spot-on
December 30, 2024 at 9:31 PM
This is worth a repost. This feels spot-on
Reposted by Garrett Prestage
Leichhardt Market Town in Sydney has been like this for several years. Local gvt should mandate for all new carparks
December 25, 2024 at 10:38 PM
Leichhardt Market Town in Sydney has been like this for several years. Local gvt should mandate for all new carparks
I reckon there’s some truth to this. But I also think there’s been a failure by the left to passionately articulate the anger felt by those feeling ignored or left behind. Perceptions of smug intellectual elitism also do the left no favors. Tone matters.
Why are victims of economic insecurity voting for ethno-nationalists like Trump instead of for traditional centre-left parties? Because the latter are making their pitch to an outdated vision of the ‘working class’. Perceptive from @drodrik.bsky.social www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/d...
Why Bidenomics Did Not Deliver at the Polls | by Dani Rodrik - Project Syndicate
Dani Rodrik thinks the Democrats were right to embrace economic populism, but neglected to update it for this century.
www.project-syndicate.org
December 8, 2024 at 7:24 PM
I reckon there’s some truth to this. But I also think there’s been a failure by the left to passionately articulate the anger felt by those feeling ignored or left behind. Perceptions of smug intellectual elitism also do the left no favors. Tone matters.
Definitely!
May not agree with Jackie on most things but she is spot on with big foreign owned businesses not paying tax whilst running businesses in Australia.
@australianlabor.bsky.social pull your finger out.
@australianlabor.bsky.social pull your finger out.
December 6, 2024 at 2:54 AM
Definitely!
lol!
Not sure “our voters are are stupid and can be tricked by a surname” is a winning argument *or* deals with the coalition’s manifest issues, but keep it up, Paul. theage.com.au/politics/feder…
December 2, 2024 at 8:44 PM
lol!
Reposted by Garrett Prestage
A worldview built on conspiracy theories is a terrifying recipe for leadership.
December 2, 2024 at 8:22 PM
A worldview built on conspiracy theories is a terrifying recipe for leadership.
Finally, some legislative action that we can congratulate this government for - even if it is only a first step toward meaningful action.
Fantastic new law introduced by the Albanese government to compel multinationals to report profits and tax paid in tax havens. An important step in regulating out of control companies & shoring up democracy.
November 30, 2024 at 12:12 AM
Finally, some legislative action that we can congratulate this government for - even if it is only a first step toward meaningful action.