Nathan White 🇬🇧🇪🇺🌊
@nathanwhite.bsky.social
British Buddhist. Rawlsian liberal. Mostly harmless.
Pinned
My heart goes out to the bereaved in Russia, whose loss was just as pointless and needless as those in Ukraine, and doubtless just as painful - but without any salve of dying for a good cause, or for any better reason than to massage the ego of an old KGB goon...
I get why people bemoan the polarisation of politics. But I think we misidentify the cause.
Politics is polarised mainly because those who are on the wrong side of an issue tend to be wrong on almost *every* issue. You can cleave people pretty neatly, so the middle ground would just be a mess.
Politics is polarised mainly because those who are on the wrong side of an issue tend to be wrong on almost *every* issue. You can cleave people pretty neatly, so the middle ground would just be a mess.
May 18, 2025 at 3:21 PM
I get why people bemoan the polarisation of politics. But I think we misidentify the cause.
Politics is polarised mainly because those who are on the wrong side of an issue tend to be wrong on almost *every* issue. You can cleave people pretty neatly, so the middle ground would just be a mess.
Politics is polarised mainly because those who are on the wrong side of an issue tend to be wrong on almost *every* issue. You can cleave people pretty neatly, so the middle ground would just be a mess.
Why does it always fall to liberals to conserve things? Isn't that the whole point of conservatives?
May 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Why does it always fall to liberals to conserve things? Isn't that the whole point of conservatives?
I remember laughing at my country post-Brexit for trying to boast about FTAs because they couldn't land any actual deals, and were getting internationally ghosted.
It's certainly come to something when the President of the World's Biggest Economy is reduced to doing the same.
It's certainly come to something when the President of the World's Biggest Economy is reduced to doing the same.
May 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
I remember laughing at my country post-Brexit for trying to boast about FTAs because they couldn't land any actual deals, and were getting internationally ghosted.
It's certainly come to something when the President of the World's Biggest Economy is reduced to doing the same.
It's certainly come to something when the President of the World's Biggest Economy is reduced to doing the same.
Whenever I see Trump, or anyone who is proudly MAGA, or indeed any example of AI slop (which the right have embraced so eagerly), I am reminded that Nazism and kitsch were the closest of the allies.
Tastelessness might seem trivial, but it is the hallmark of fascism.
Tastelessness might seem trivial, but it is the hallmark of fascism.
May 6, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Whenever I see Trump, or anyone who is proudly MAGA, or indeed any example of AI slop (which the right have embraced so eagerly), I am reminded that Nazism and kitsch were the closest of the allies.
Tastelessness might seem trivial, but it is the hallmark of fascism.
Tastelessness might seem trivial, but it is the hallmark of fascism.
There is a non-zero chance that Trump is just a highly committed performance artist who has selflessly dedicated his life to viciously satirising American self-pride.
April 25, 2025 at 3:25 PM
There is a non-zero chance that Trump is just a highly committed performance artist who has selflessly dedicated his life to viciously satirising American self-pride.
My heart goes out to the bereaved in Russia, whose loss was just as pointless and needless as those in Ukraine, and doubtless just as painful - but without any salve of dying for a good cause, or for any better reason than to massage the ego of an old KGB goon...
April 25, 2025 at 2:20 PM
My heart goes out to the bereaved in Russia, whose loss was just as pointless and needless as those in Ukraine, and doubtless just as painful - but without any salve of dying for a good cause, or for any better reason than to massage the ego of an old KGB goon...
Watching JD Vance play international statesman is like watching Pee-wee Herman play Bond.
April 23, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Watching JD Vance play international statesman is like watching Pee-wee Herman play Bond.
Someone says "I'm not really a cat person", and you have to act like you're still listening while you mentally cross their existence out of your universe.
April 21, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Someone says "I'm not really a cat person", and you have to act like you're still listening while you mentally cross their existence out of your universe.
Someone should synthesise Liz Truss' self-belief and sell it as a street drug.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Liz Truss to launch ‘uncensored’ social network to counter mainstream media
Former PM says she wants to protect free speech after being ‘cut off at the knees’ by ‘the elite’ while at No 10
www.theguardian.com
April 15, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Someone should synthesise Liz Truss' self-belief and sell it as a street drug.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
I'll be honest. I feel like America always defaults to blaming liberals and progressives for everything.
"Why haven't they come to our rescue?"
I dunno, maybe because every time they tried in the past you killed them.
"Why haven't they come to our rescue?"
I dunno, maybe because every time they tried in the past you killed them.
April 15, 2025 at 2:58 PM
I'll be honest. I feel like America always defaults to blaming liberals and progressives for everything.
"Why haven't they come to our rescue?"
I dunno, maybe because every time they tried in the past you killed them.
"Why haven't they come to our rescue?"
I dunno, maybe because every time they tried in the past you killed them.
I made the mistake of stroking his sister.
April 14, 2025 at 3:13 PM
I made the mistake of stroking his sister.
Listening to Stephen Moore of the Heritage Foundation on the BBC was shocking. I am worldly-wise enough to know about US right-wing think tanks, but it was jolting nonetheless.
All I can say is: if you wanted a good predictor for the downfall of civilisations, it would be hostility to scholars.
All I can say is: if you wanted a good predictor for the downfall of civilisations, it would be hostility to scholars.
April 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Listening to Stephen Moore of the Heritage Foundation on the BBC was shocking. I am worldly-wise enough to know about US right-wing think tanks, but it was jolting nonetheless.
All I can say is: if you wanted a good predictor for the downfall of civilisations, it would be hostility to scholars.
All I can say is: if you wanted a good predictor for the downfall of civilisations, it would be hostility to scholars.
When I look at what is happening to the academic credibility of the US, I can't help thinking that Trump is the Shih Huang Ti of the 21st Century.
Except Shih Huang Ti actually succeeded in building his great wall - as well as burning all the books, and burying the scholars alive.
Except Shih Huang Ti actually succeeded in building his great wall - as well as burning all the books, and burying the scholars alive.
April 13, 2025 at 2:54 PM
When I look at what is happening to the academic credibility of the US, I can't help thinking that Trump is the Shih Huang Ti of the 21st Century.
Except Shih Huang Ti actually succeeded in building his great wall - as well as burning all the books, and burying the scholars alive.
Except Shih Huang Ti actually succeeded in building his great wall - as well as burning all the books, and burying the scholars alive.
I suppose I should wait to see the data on DOGE's activity.
But I'm pretty sure Elon's dad still doesn't love him.
But I'm pretty sure Elon's dad still doesn't love him.
April 12, 2025 at 5:16 PM
I suppose I should wait to see the data on DOGE's activity.
But I'm pretty sure Elon's dad still doesn't love him.
But I'm pretty sure Elon's dad still doesn't love him.
This. Just draw a shit stick-man with a biro and add explanatory labels; hell, shamelessly plagiarise whole chapters from published authors for all I care; just don't outsource your talentless unoriginality to a homogenising robot as if that somehow absolves you.
This. Even Dems. Even when it helps to prove your anti-maga point. Stop using AI.
Stop using AI.
Yes, even just for fun.
AI is built on STOLEN images and text.
That’s right: by using it, you’re stealing from your friends. There is NOT ethical generative AI.
Bonus bullshit: it is HORRENOUS for the environment.
(Yes, even the cutesy profile photo cartoon things.)
Yes, even just for fun.
AI is built on STOLEN images and text.
That’s right: by using it, you’re stealing from your friends. There is NOT ethical generative AI.
Bonus bullshit: it is HORRENOUS for the environment.
(Yes, even the cutesy profile photo cartoon things.)
April 12, 2025 at 5:01 PM
This. Just draw a shit stick-man with a biro and add explanatory labels; hell, shamelessly plagiarise whole chapters from published authors for all I care; just don't outsource your talentless unoriginality to a homogenising robot as if that somehow absolves you.
Trump has certainly shown us the fragility of liberal democracy, and the rules-based order, and fundamental principles like universal rights and rule of law.
But he has also shown us how precious they are; and how facile it was to sneer at them.
But he has also shown us how precious they are; and how facile it was to sneer at them.
April 12, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Trump has certainly shown us the fragility of liberal democracy, and the rules-based order, and fundamental principles like universal rights and rule of law.
But he has also shown us how precious they are; and how facile it was to sneer at them.
But he has also shown us how precious they are; and how facile it was to sneer at them.
I suppose Starmer, like Carney and Macron and so on, is a bit of a lucky general.
Trump has lowered the bar so far that we are forced to recognise that we should be glad to live in functioning liberal democratic states.
Maybe we got complacent, and America sadly shows where complacency leads.
Trump has lowered the bar so far that we are forced to recognise that we should be glad to live in functioning liberal democratic states.
Maybe we got complacent, and America sadly shows where complacency leads.
BREAKING: The Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill has passed through the Commons after just over 3 hours of debate and is now on its way to the Lords 👏
April 12, 2025 at 3:37 PM
I suppose Starmer, like Carney and Macron and so on, is a bit of a lucky general.
Trump has lowered the bar so far that we are forced to recognise that we should be glad to live in functioning liberal democratic states.
Maybe we got complacent, and America sadly shows where complacency leads.
Trump has lowered the bar so far that we are forced to recognise that we should be glad to live in functioning liberal democratic states.
Maybe we got complacent, and America sadly shows where complacency leads.
Reposted by Nathan White 🇬🇧🇪🇺🌊
NEW 🧵
The number of people travelling from Europe to the US in recent weeks has plummeted by as much as 35%, as travellers have cancelled plans in response to Trump’s policies and rhetoric, and horror stories from the border.
Story: www.ft.com/content/6dc1...
The number of people travelling from Europe to the US in recent weeks has plummeted by as much as 35%, as travellers have cancelled plans in response to Trump’s policies and rhetoric, and horror stories from the border.
Story: www.ft.com/content/6dc1...
April 11, 2025 at 7:03 PM
NEW 🧵
The number of people travelling from Europe to the US in recent weeks has plummeted by as much as 35%, as travellers have cancelled plans in response to Trump’s policies and rhetoric, and horror stories from the border.
Story: www.ft.com/content/6dc1...
The number of people travelling from Europe to the US in recent weeks has plummeted by as much as 35%, as travellers have cancelled plans in response to Trump’s policies and rhetoric, and horror stories from the border.
Story: www.ft.com/content/6dc1...
The way the EU targeted Red States with their retaliatory tariffs was smart, and in my view points the way forward.
It was always Blue States carrying the flag anyway.
Who doesn't want to do business with California?
Conversely, who gives a fuck about chlorine-bleached chicken and fake whisky?
It was always Blue States carrying the flag anyway.
Who doesn't want to do business with California?
Conversely, who gives a fuck about chlorine-bleached chicken and fake whisky?
April 11, 2025 at 4:39 PM
The way the EU targeted Red States with their retaliatory tariffs was smart, and in my view points the way forward.
It was always Blue States carrying the flag anyway.
Who doesn't want to do business with California?
Conversely, who gives a fuck about chlorine-bleached chicken and fake whisky?
It was always Blue States carrying the flag anyway.
Who doesn't want to do business with California?
Conversely, who gives a fuck about chlorine-bleached chicken and fake whisky?
Sorry to be a species traitor, but there's something about cats.
Everyone would know what you mean if you said 'he was a lion among men'.
But frankly, no one would have a clue what you mean if you said of a lion, 'he was a man among lions'.
Everyone would know what you mean if you said 'he was a lion among men'.
But frankly, no one would have a clue what you mean if you said of a lion, 'he was a man among lions'.
April 10, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Sorry to be a species traitor, but there's something about cats.
Everyone would know what you mean if you said 'he was a lion among men'.
But frankly, no one would have a clue what you mean if you said of a lion, 'he was a man among lions'.
Everyone would know what you mean if you said 'he was a lion among men'.
But frankly, no one would have a clue what you mean if you said of a lion, 'he was a man among lions'.
China may well suffer more in a trade war.
But they endured the Great Famine.
American tolerance is rather less tested.
But they endured the Great Famine.
American tolerance is rather less tested.
April 9, 2025 at 4:43 PM
China may well suffer more in a trade war.
But they endured the Great Famine.
American tolerance is rather less tested.
But they endured the Great Famine.
American tolerance is rather less tested.
As a Brit I would say this. But Sterling only stopped being the global reserve currency after Britain bankrupted herself fighting two World Wars.
And if Trump is hankering after the Gilded Age, that can easily be arranged.
Make Sterling Great Again.
And if Trump is hankering after the Gilded Age, that can easily be arranged.
Make Sterling Great Again.
April 9, 2025 at 2:35 PM
As a Brit I would say this. But Sterling only stopped being the global reserve currency after Britain bankrupted herself fighting two World Wars.
And if Trump is hankering after the Gilded Age, that can easily be arranged.
Make Sterling Great Again.
And if Trump is hankering after the Gilded Age, that can easily be arranged.
Make Sterling Great Again.
If you view all human history through the lens of "humans have always been jealous of cats like lions, and high-status humans the world over have tried to claim lion-ness", everything you see in museums suddenly makes startling sense.
April 8, 2025 at 3:34 PM
If you view all human history through the lens of "humans have always been jealous of cats like lions, and high-status humans the world over have tried to claim lion-ness", everything you see in museums suddenly makes startling sense.
Loving William James' account of that one time he got high on nitrous oxide.
He suddenly thinks he can understand Hegelian dialectics and notes down his revelatory insights.
"By George, nothing but othing!
That sounds like nonsense, but it is pure onsense!"
He suddenly thinks he can understand Hegelian dialectics and notes down his revelatory insights.
"By George, nothing but othing!
That sounds like nonsense, but it is pure onsense!"
April 8, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Loving William James' account of that one time he got high on nitrous oxide.
He suddenly thinks he can understand Hegelian dialectics and notes down his revelatory insights.
"By George, nothing but othing!
That sounds like nonsense, but it is pure onsense!"
He suddenly thinks he can understand Hegelian dialectics and notes down his revelatory insights.
"By George, nothing but othing!
That sounds like nonsense, but it is pure onsense!"
Quite surprising to see Trump himself become a never Trumper.
April 7, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Quite surprising to see Trump himself become a never Trumper.