johnraff
@johnraff.bsky.social
Nagoya layabout. Master of nothing in particular. Linux (@bunsenlabslinux.bsky.social), food (元ラッフルズ), languages, gardening, music 第8旅団 ( daihachiryodan.com ) のジョンです。Lot of politics recently...
Pinned
johnraff
@johnraff.bsky.social
· Nov 19
> A story asking whether ordinary people may keep spaces of meaning that do not belong to the state.
Of course the answer is "No, you shall worship no gods other than the Chinese Communist Party".
Of course the answer is "No, you shall worship no gods other than the Chinese Communist Party".
‘A folk temple in Hainan and a Yao ethnic clan hall in Guangxi were destroyed. This time, a protest erupted’.
Rice Against Riot Shields: Places of Worship Bulldozed in Southern China
A folk temple in Hainan and a Yao ethnic clan hall in Guangxi were destroyed. This time, a protest erupted.
bitterwinter.org
November 29, 2025 at 2:46 AM
> A story asking whether ordinary people may keep spaces of meaning that do not belong to the state.
Of course the answer is "No, you shall worship no gods other than the Chinese Communist Party".
Of course the answer is "No, you shall worship no gods other than the Chinese Communist Party".
Reposted by johnraff
The rest of Europe next unless Putin is stopped and punished rather than rewarded for his aggression.
💔 This is what the destroyed city of Kostyantynivka looks like now
November 27, 2025 at 5:42 PM
The rest of Europe next unless Putin is stopped and punished rather than rewarded for his aggression.
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you’ve seen.
The Grateful Dead
Ray Charles
Roy Harper
Karlheinz Stockhausen
Kevin Ayers and the Whole World
The Grateful Dead
Ray Charles
Roy Harper
Karlheinz Stockhausen
Kevin Ayers and the Whole World
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you’ve see .
Motörhead
The Ragga Twins
Alton Ellis
The Go-Betweens
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Motörhead
The Ragga Twins
Alton Ellis
The Go-Betweens
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you've seen.
The Fatima Mansions
Pink Floyd
Iguana Death Cult
Fugazi
Taylor Swift
The Fatima Mansions
Pink Floyd
Iguana Death Cult
Fugazi
Taylor Swift
November 29, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you’ve seen.
The Grateful Dead
Ray Charles
Roy Harper
Karlheinz Stockhausen
Kevin Ayers and the Whole World
The Grateful Dead
Ray Charles
Roy Harper
Karlheinz Stockhausen
Kevin Ayers and the Whole World
The only way the war will end is if real pressure is put on Putin, economic or military.
Russia's coy game: Why Kremlin won't commit to Trump's peace push kyivindependent.com/russias-coy-...
Russia's coy game: Why Kremlin won't commit to Trump's peace push kyivindependent.com/russias-coy-...
Russia's coy game: Why Kremlin won't commit to Trump's peace push
As U.S. President Donald Trump accelerates his push for a settlement in Moscow's war against Ukraine, analysts say Russia's ambiguous stance is clouding the process.
Even though the original peace pl...
kyivindependent.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:32 AM
The only way the war will end is if real pressure is put on Putin, economic or military.
Russia's coy game: Why Kremlin won't commit to Trump's peace push kyivindependent.com/russias-coy-...
Russia's coy game: Why Kremlin won't commit to Trump's peace push kyivindependent.com/russias-coy-...
"The cycle appears destined to repeat: Moscow floats maximalist demands, the West pushes back, Russia rejects any compromise, and the war grinds on."
Trump being played yet again 🤦🏼♂️
Instead of seeking peace, the Kremlin is trying to buy time and undermine Ukraine’s allies, analysts say. Another goal is to shift the blame to Kyiv by accusing it of rejecting Russian conditions that are effectively tantamount to capitulation.
November 29, 2025 at 2:30 AM
"The cycle appears destined to repeat: Moscow floats maximalist demands, the West pushes back, Russia rejects any compromise, and the war grinds on."
Reposted by johnraff
Kennedy v Reality.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr - Department of Health and Human Services Secretary does 180 change of course on the relation of vaccines and autism.
Interesting times indeed.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr - Department of Health and Human Services Secretary does 180 change of course on the relation of vaccines and autism.
Interesting times indeed.
CDC Rewrites Vaccine-Autism Page, Echoing Kennedy’s Anti-Science Views
Today is a tragic day for public health," one health expert said in response to the changes.
truthout.org
November 24, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Kennedy v Reality.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr - Department of Health and Human Services Secretary does 180 change of course on the relation of vaccines and autism.
Interesting times indeed.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr - Department of Health and Human Services Secretary does 180 change of course on the relation of vaccines and autism.
Interesting times indeed.
Reposted by johnraff
"More than 4 million Americans – 1.25% of the population – must make ends meet with less than $3 a day, more than three times as many as 35 years ago."
China has brought millions out of poverty. The US has not – by choice | US income inequality | The Guardian www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
China has brought millions out of poverty. The US has not – by choice | US income inequality | The Guardian www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
China has brought millions out of poverty. The US has not – by choice
Despite the US’s economic success, income inequality remains breathtaking. But this is no glitch – it’s the system
www.theguardian.com
November 29, 2025 at 1:15 AM
"More than 4 million Americans – 1.25% of the population – must make ends meet with less than $3 a day, more than three times as many as 35 years ago."
China has brought millions out of poverty. The US has not – by choice | US income inequality | The Guardian www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
China has brought millions out of poverty. The US has not – by choice | US income inequality | The Guardian www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by johnraff
Ronnie and Maggie introduced the myth of trickle-down economics, thanks to economists like Milton Friedman. Here we are after 40+ years of neo-liberalism. The US still embraces the myth as do other liberal democracies.
November 28, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Ronnie and Maggie introduced the myth of trickle-down economics, thanks to economists like Milton Friedman. Here we are after 40+ years of neo-liberalism. The US still embraces the myth as do other liberal democracies.
Reposted by johnraff
Foreign minister Radosław Sikorski of Poland is ice cold when it comes to Russia.
When a news medium reports him saying that another 100 million dollars will be donated to Ukraine, he casualty adds that it is a million dollars for every centimeter of train track Putin ordered blown up in Poland.
When a news medium reports him saying that another 100 million dollars will be donated to Ukraine, he casualty adds that it is a million dollars for every centimeter of train track Putin ordered blown up in Poland.
November 28, 2025 at 6:27 AM
Foreign minister Radosław Sikorski of Poland is ice cold when it comes to Russia.
When a news medium reports him saying that another 100 million dollars will be donated to Ukraine, he casualty adds that it is a million dollars for every centimeter of train track Putin ordered blown up in Poland.
When a news medium reports him saying that another 100 million dollars will be donated to Ukraine, he casualty adds that it is a million dollars for every centimeter of train track Putin ordered blown up in Poland.
Reposted by johnraff
J-media widely reporting WSJ story that Trump told Takaichi not to provoke China, evidently fretting that Trump and Xi Jinping will stitch up an agreement that will marginalize Japan. Trump needs Xi onside and Xi wants to drive wedge between US and Japan: www.asahi.com/articles/AST...
トランプ大統領、高市首相に「中国を刺激しないよう助言」 米紙報道：朝日新聞
米紙ウォールストリート・ジャーナルは26日（日本時間27日）、高市早苗首相とトランプ米大統領との電話協議で、台湾問題をめぐってトランプ氏が首相に対し「中国政府を刺激しないよう助言していた」と報じた。…
www.asahi.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:50 AM
J-media widely reporting WSJ story that Trump told Takaichi not to provoke China, evidently fretting that Trump and Xi Jinping will stitch up an agreement that will marginalize Japan. Trump needs Xi onside and Xi wants to drive wedge between US and Japan: www.asahi.com/articles/AST...
Reposted by johnraff
Michael Gove has dismissed the latest NBER findings showing that #Brexit has reduced GDP by 6–8%.
He may still believe that people in this country have “had enough of experts,” but the reality is that people have had enough of Brexit.
He may still believe that people in this country have “had enough of experts,” but the reality is that people have had enough of Brexit.
November 27, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Michael Gove has dismissed the latest NBER findings showing that #Brexit has reduced GDP by 6–8%.
He may still believe that people in this country have “had enough of experts,” but the reality is that people have had enough of Brexit.
He may still believe that people in this country have “had enough of experts,” but the reality is that people have had enough of Brexit.
Reposted by johnraff
While the LDP, Ishin, DPP, and Sanseito all support an anti-spy law, Komeito remains cautious. The JCP & CDP are actively opposed. One CDP veteran says supporters of an anti-spy law “have been watching too many spy films.” www.sankei.com/article/2025...
参政、国民民主…野党の「スパイ防止法」提出の動き相次ぐ 透ける議論リードの思惑
自民党と日本維新の会が来年の通常国会での審議を念頭に検討を進める「スパイ防止法制」に関し、一部野党の間で独自の法案を今国会に提出する動きが相次いでいる。国民民…
www.sankei.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:35 AM
While the LDP, Ishin, DPP, and Sanseito all support an anti-spy law, Komeito remains cautious. The JCP & CDP are actively opposed. One CDP veteran says supporters of an anti-spy law “have been watching too many spy films.” www.sankei.com/article/2025...
Reposted by johnraff
In addition to the elements necessary for a just and lasting peace and Ukraine’s sovereignty:
any agreement must include the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
We will not rest until every single one of them is reunited with their families, in their homes.
any agreement must include the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
We will not rest until every single one of them is reunited with their families, in their homes.
November 23, 2025 at 12:13 PM
In addition to the elements necessary for a just and lasting peace and Ukraine’s sovereignty:
any agreement must include the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
We will not rest until every single one of them is reunited with their families, in their homes.
any agreement must include the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
We will not rest until every single one of them is reunited with their families, in their homes.
Reposted by johnraff
Singapore manages to present a reasonably civilized image. Maybe it's by comparison with the PRC.
This 2024 essay throws some light into the shadows.
Grey, all grey - Mekong Review mekongreview.com/grey-all-grey/
This 2024 essay throws some light into the shadows.
Grey, all grey - Mekong Review mekongreview.com/grey-all-grey/
Grey, all grey - Mekong Review
Like many in Singapore, artists exist on a strange monochromatic spectrum—the lighter side provides access to opportunities and awards, the darker potentially leading to loss of employment. How should...
mekongreview.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Singapore manages to present a reasonably civilized image. Maybe it's by comparison with the PRC.
This 2024 essay throws some light into the shadows.
Grey, all grey - Mekong Review mekongreview.com/grey-all-grey/
This 2024 essay throws some light into the shadows.
Grey, all grey - Mekong Review mekongreview.com/grey-all-grey/
Reposted by johnraff
At a time when solar and wind are the cheapest forms of new energy in the world, Trump wants to open a BILLION acres of US water to oil drilling.
Why? To line the pockets of his fossil fuel billionaire friends.
The rest of the world moves forward, we get left behind.
Why? To line the pockets of his fossil fuel billionaire friends.
The rest of the world moves forward, we get left behind.
Breaking News: President Trump plans to open 1.3 billion acres of U.S. waters to drilling. It is one of Trump’s most significant steps yet to increase the production of fossil fuels, as dozens of countries have been calling for a phaseout of oil, gas and coal.
Trump Plans to Open More Than a Billion Acres of U.S. Waters to Drilling
The plan from the Interior Department is one of the president’s most significant steps yet to increase domestic fossil fuel production.
nyti.ms
November 21, 2025 at 6:29 PM
At a time when solar and wind are the cheapest forms of new energy in the world, Trump wants to open a BILLION acres of US water to oil drilling.
Why? To line the pockets of his fossil fuel billionaire friends.
The rest of the world moves forward, we get left behind.
Why? To line the pockets of his fossil fuel billionaire friends.
The rest of the world moves forward, we get left behind.
Reposted by johnraff
Is AI inherently bad? Of course not.
The question is: WHO controls it & for what purpose?
Does anyone believe that the richest people on Earth are investing hundreds of billions in AI to improve life for ordinary people, eliminate poverty & solve global warming?
I doubt it.
The question is: WHO controls it & for what purpose?
Does anyone believe that the richest people on Earth are investing hundreds of billions in AI to improve life for ordinary people, eliminate poverty & solve global warming?
I doubt it.
November 21, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Is AI inherently bad? Of course not.
The question is: WHO controls it & for what purpose?
Does anyone believe that the richest people on Earth are investing hundreds of billions in AI to improve life for ordinary people, eliminate poverty & solve global warming?
I doubt it.
The question is: WHO controls it & for what purpose?
Does anyone believe that the richest people on Earth are investing hundreds of billions in AI to improve life for ordinary people, eliminate poverty & solve global warming?
I doubt it.
Reposted by johnraff
To those of us following human rights in #Tibet, the #Uyghur regions & illegal rare earth mining in #Laos or #Myanmar the fact that #China derailed the inclusion of mining & critical minerals in the #COP30 #JustTransition program is no surprise
for @codastory.com
www.codastory.com/climate-cris...
for @codastory.com
www.codastory.com/climate-cris...
China’s green energy miracle and a conspiracy of silence - Coda Story
With Beijing indispensable to the global transition away from fossil fuels, questions are no longer being asked about the human cost
www.codastory.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:23 AM
To those of us following human rights in #Tibet, the #Uyghur regions & illegal rare earth mining in #Laos or #Myanmar the fact that #China derailed the inclusion of mining & critical minerals in the #COP30 #JustTransition program is no surprise
for @codastory.com
www.codastory.com/climate-cris...
for @codastory.com
www.codastory.com/climate-cris...
Takaichi has been brushing up her persona lately - sickly smile and all - but let's not forget when she threatened to shut down TV stations she thought were "biased".
Sanae Takaichi warns that government can shut down broadcasters it feels are biased web.archive.org/web/20160209...
Sanae Takaichi warns that government can shut down broadcasters it feels are biased web.archive.org/web/20160209...
Sanae Takaichi warns that government can shut down broadcasters it feels are biased | The Japan Times
Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Sanae Takaichi says the government can order broadcasters to suspend operations, a remark that may be perceived as repressing free speech.
web.archive.org
November 22, 2025 at 4:32 AM
Takaichi has been brushing up her persona lately - sickly smile and all - but let's not forget when she threatened to shut down TV stations she thought were "biased".
Sanae Takaichi warns that government can shut down broadcasters it feels are biased web.archive.org/web/20160209...
Sanae Takaichi warns that government can shut down broadcasters it feels are biased web.archive.org/web/20160209...
Reposted by johnraff
Trying to stay positive about the new guidelines for international engagement they will come up with but when they seem to lump all international visitors, short-term stays and permanent residents together it's hard to see any sense to it
Japan’s government will soon hold the first meeting of a new panel of experts to discuss ways to realize orderly coexistence with foreign nationals. 👉 ebx.sh/lZcSHZ
November 21, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Trying to stay positive about the new guidelines for international engagement they will come up with but when they seem to lump all international visitors, short-term stays and permanent residents together it's hard to see any sense to it
Reposted by johnraff
The U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify the swastika — an emblem of fascism & white supremacy inextricably linked to the murder of millions of Jews & the deaths of more than 400,000 U.S. troops who died fighting in WWII — as a hate symbol, according to a new policy that takes effect next month.
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:47 PM
The U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify the swastika — an emblem of fascism & white supremacy inextricably linked to the murder of millions of Jews & the deaths of more than 400,000 U.S. troops who died fighting in WWII — as a hate symbol, according to a new policy that takes effect next month.
Reposted by johnraff
As if we needed any more proof fascism has sunk it's teeth into America...
www.rawstory.com/trump-swasti...
www.rawstory.com/trump-swasti...
Military service will reportedly no longer classify 'divisive' swastika as 'hate' symbol
Trump administration insiders are furious over reporting that the U.S. Coast Guard, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, will no longer classify the swastika as a symbol of "hate."Acc...
www.rawstory.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:04 PM
As if we needed any more proof fascism has sunk it's teeth into America...
www.rawstory.com/trump-swasti...
www.rawstory.com/trump-swasti...
Reposted by johnraff
there can be no doubt at this point who currently runs the show on the global stage. there are precious few existing western world leaders who are ready to deal with reality. among the absolute stupidest blunders possible to give an adversary intent on destroying you a front row seat to your demise.
Starmer expected to approve China’s ‘mega’ embassy in London on.ft.com/47UxgSF
Starmer expected to approve China’s ‘mega’ embassy in London
PM likely to green light project despite concerns about Beijing’s efforts to spy on Britain
on.ft.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:25 AM
there can be no doubt at this point who currently runs the show on the global stage. there are precious few existing western world leaders who are ready to deal with reality. among the absolute stupidest blunders possible to give an adversary intent on destroying you a front row seat to your demise.
Recorded video about China's overseas police and more.
Sinocism Live: Beijing’s strategy to remake global security sinocism.com/p/sinocism-l...
Sinocism Live: Beijing’s strategy to remake global security sinocism.com/p/sinocism-l...
Sinocism Live: Beijing’s strategy to remake global security
Watch now | China’s Foreign Police Training: A Global Footprint Global outreach by China’s internal security agencies is expanding. As China’s Global Security Initiative externalizes a concept of secu...
sinocism.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Recorded video about China's overseas police and more.
Sinocism Live: Beijing’s strategy to remake global security sinocism.com/p/sinocism-l...
Sinocism Live: Beijing’s strategy to remake global security sinocism.com/p/sinocism-l...