#independent — Public Fediverse posts

"The album captures the infinite echoes of decades-old music, and weaves the still-resonating creativity into a wondrous, gaseous ambient odyssey."
https://www.theslowmusicmovement.org/post/vpc-ensemble-life-is-a-strange-loop-ambient

Find VPC Ensemble in the Slow Oddities Playlist:
https://www.submithub.com/link/slow-oddities

#ambient #jazz #music #alternative #independent #artist #newyork

"The album captures the infinite echoes of decades-old music, and weaves the still-resonating creativity into a wondrous, gaseous ambient odyssey."
https://www.theslowmusicmovement.org/post/vpc-ensemble-life-is-a-strange-loop-ambient

Find VPC Ensemble in the Slow Oddities Playlist:
https://www.submithub.com/link/slow-oddities

#ambient #jazz #music #alternative #independent #artist #newyork

"The album captures the infinite echoes of decades-old music, and weaves the still-resonating creativity into a wondrous, gaseous ambient odyssey."
https://www.theslowmusicmovement.org/post/vpc-ensemble-life-is-a-strange-loop-ambient

Find VPC Ensemble in the Slow Oddities Playlist:
https://www.submithub.com/link/slow-oddities

#ambient #jazz #music #alternative #independent #artist #newyork

"The album captures the infinite echoes of decades-old music, and weaves the still-resonating creativity into a wondrous, gaseous ambient odyssey."
https://www.theslowmusicmovement.org/post/vpc-ensemble-life-is-a-strange-loop-ambient

Find VPC Ensemble in the Slow Oddities Playlist:
https://www.submithub.com/link/slow-oddities

#ambient #jazz #music #alternative #independent #artist #newyork

"The album captures the infinite echoes of decades-old music, and weaves the still-resonating creativity into a wondrous, gaseous ambient odyssey."
https://www.theslowmusicmovement.org/post/vpc-ensemble-life-is-a-strange-loop-ambient

Find VPC Ensemble in the Slow Oddities Playlist:
https://www.submithub.com/link/slow-oddities

#ambient #jazz #music #alternative #independent #artist #newyork

“Fables” from Threnody, now available for Pre-Order on http://nihtgengapress.com, along with my two other volumes of poetry.

Thank you for supporting an independent poet! 🖤✨

#Poetry #Books #Independent

NOW ON VERDANT SQUARE RADIO ==

NOW PLAYING == The Ralph Nader Show 8/29/26 Episode 653 - The People's Historian - Galvanizing #LaborDayhttps://youtu.be/S2kEDJg23ng?si=_S7i2KydQISiPWqx#news #uspol #politics #consumer #RalphNader #history #corporatecrime #SteveSkrovan #DavidFeldman #HannahFeldman #independent #activism #greenparty #education #LearnSomething #radio #vsn #progressive #left #publicradio https://mastodon.social/@VerdantSquareRadio/117220732775069039

NOW ON VERDANT SQUARE RADIO ==

NOW PLAYING == The Ralph Nader Show 8/29/26 Episode 653 - The People's Historian - Galvanizing #LaborDayhttps://youtu.be/S2kEDJg23ng?si=_S7i2KydQISiPWqx#news #uspol #politics #consumer #RalphNader #history #corporatecrime #SteveSkrovan #DavidFeldman #HannahFeldman #independent #activism #greenparty #education #LearnSomething #radio #vsn #progressive #left #publicradio https://mastodon.social/@VerdantSquareRadio/117220732775069039

NOW ON VERDANT SQUARE RADIO ==

NOW PLAYING == The Ralph Nader Show 8/29/26 Episode 653 - The People's Historian - Galvanizing #LaborDayhttps://youtu.be/S2kEDJg23ng?si=_S7i2KydQISiPWqx#news #uspol #politics #consumer #RalphNader #history #corporatecrime #SteveSkrovan #DavidFeldman #HannahFeldman #independent #activism #greenparty #education #LearnSomething #radio #vsn #progressive #left #publicradio https://mastodon.social/@VerdantSquareRadio/117220732775069039

NOW ON VERDANT SQUARE RADIO ==

NOW PLAYING == The Ralph Nader Show 8/29/26 Episode 653 - The People's Historian - Galvanizing #LaborDayhttps://youtu.be/S2kEDJg23ng?si=_S7i2KydQISiPWqx#news #uspol #politics #consumer #RalphNader #history #corporatecrime #SteveSkrovan #DavidFeldman #HannahFeldman #independent #activism #greenparty #education #LearnSomething #radio #vsn #progressive #left #publicradio https://mastodon.social/@VerdantSquareRadio/117220732775069039

NOW ON VERDANT SQUARE RADIO ==

NOW PLAYING == The Ralph Nader Show 8/29/26 Episode 653 - The People's Historian - Galvanizing #LaborDayhttps://youtu.be/S2kEDJg23ng?si=_S7i2KydQISiPWqx#news #uspol #politics #consumer #RalphNader #history #corporatecrime #SteveSkrovan #DavidFeldman #HannahFeldman #independent #activism #greenparty #education #LearnSomething #radio #vsn #progressive #left #publicradio https://mastodon.social/@VerdantSquareRadio/117220732775069039

NOW PLAYING == The Ralph Nader Show 8/29/26 Episode 653 - The People's Historian - Galvanizing #LaborDay

https://youtu.be/S2kEDJg23ng?si=_S7i2KydQISiPWqx

#news #uspol #politics #consumer #RalphNader #history #corporatecrime #SteveSkrovan #DavidFeldman #HannahFeldman #independent #activism #greenparty #education #LearnSomething #radio #vsn #progressive #left #publicradio #DiverseSpectrumOfTheLeft #SupportIndependentMedia #Resist #SupportPublicMedia

NOW PLAYING == The Ralph Nader Show 8/29/26 Episode 653 - The People's Historian - Galvanizing #LaborDay

https://youtu.be/S2kEDJg23ng?si=_S7i2KydQISiPWqx

#news #uspol #politics #consumer #RalphNader #history #corporatecrime #SteveSkrovan #DavidFeldman #HannahFeldman #independent #activism #greenparty #education #LearnSomething #radio #vsn #progressive #left #publicradio #DiverseSpectrumOfTheLeft #SupportIndependentMedia #Resist #SupportPublicMedia

NOW PLAYING == The Ralph Nader Show 8/29/26 Episode 653 - The People's Historian - Galvanizing #LaborDay

https://youtu.be/S2kEDJg23ng?si=_S7i2KydQISiPWqx

#news #uspol #politics #consumer #RalphNader #history #corporatecrime #SteveSkrovan #DavidFeldman #HannahFeldman #independent #activism #greenparty #education #LearnSomething #radio #vsn #progressive #left #publicradio #DiverseSpectrumOfTheLeft #SupportIndependentMedia #Resist #SupportPublicMedia

NOW PLAYING == The Ralph Nader Show 8/29/26 Episode 653 - The People's Historian - Galvanizing #LaborDay

https://youtu.be/S2kEDJg23ng?si=_S7i2KydQISiPWqx

#news #uspol #politics #consumer #RalphNader #history #corporatecrime #SteveSkrovan #DavidFeldman #HannahFeldman #independent #activism #greenparty #education #LearnSomething #radio #vsn #progressive #left #publicradio #DiverseSpectrumOfTheLeft #SupportIndependentMedia #Resist #SupportPublicMedia

NOW PLAYING == The Ralph Nader Show 8/29/26 Episode 653 - The People's Historian - Galvanizing #LaborDay

https://youtu.be/S2kEDJg23ng?si=_S7i2KydQISiPWqx

#news #uspol #politics #consumer #RalphNader #history #corporatecrime #SteveSkrovan #DavidFeldman #HannahFeldman #independent #activism #greenparty #education #LearnSomething #radio #vsn #progressive #left #publicradio #DiverseSpectrumOfTheLeft #SupportIndependentMedia #Resist #SupportPublicMedia

RE: https://mastodon.scot/@JackTheCat/117218254151687579

And another one goes down:

And, btw @staff : why is the account of @JackTheCat hidden on mastodonsocial?

#TheCanary #fascism #left #censorhsip #journalism #independent #independentmedia

https://www.europesays.com/uk/1187831/ Burnham blames Brexit for ‘decade of low growth’ in UK #AndyBurnham #Brexit #Britain #Burnham #Commons #EU #Europe #European #EuropeanUnion #GreatBritain #independent #keir #KeirStarmer #Labour #MrBurnham #TheIndependent #UK #UnitedKingdom

"a hypnotic rhythmic pulse for the atmospheric layering to cling onto, creating a mesmerising, quietly suspenseful slice of ambient electronica that locks you in and won't let go."
https://www.theslowmusicmovement.org/post/contrasting-sounds-hayloft-ambient-electronic

Find Contrasting Sounds in the Slowtronic Playlist:
https://www.submithub.com/link/slow-world-playlist

#ambient #electronic #music #alternative #independent #artist  

Pennsylvania confirms second death of child with measles after RFK Jr. told CDC director to delete numbers

A Pennsylvania coroner has confirmed a second child measles death in the state. The measles deaths are the…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Health #cdc #HealthandHumanServices #independent #Pennsylvania #pennsylvaniadepartmentofhealth #Reuters #TheIndependent
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/836359/

Pennsylvania confirms second death of child with measles after RFK Jr. told CDC director to delete numbers

A Pennsylvania coroner has confirmed a second child measles death in the state. The measles deaths are the…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Health #cdc #HealthandHumanServices #independent #Pennsylvania #pennsylvaniadepartmentofhealth #Reuters #TheIndependent
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/836359/

SLAU - Here we are
NEW SLAU-SINGLE THIS FALL, short teaser
More Slau on Spotify. Video: EB © Slau 2026
#slau #denhaag #ICE #minneapolis #livemusic #Albumrelease #vinyl #Independent #indierockbands #indierockmusic #britpop #politics #usa #trump #Pretti #Good #antiice #noking
https://youtube.com/shorts/N6Jt2lxMCrs?si=_pi92gPTuE8WRaP2

SLAU - Here we are
NEW SLAU-SINGLE THIS FALL, SHORT TEASER
More Slau on Spotify. Video: EB © Slau 2026
#slau #denhaag #ICE #minneapolis #livemusic #Albumrelease #vinyl #Independent #indierockbands #indierockmusic #britpop #politics #usa #trump
https://youtube.com/shorts/N6Jt2lxMCrs?si=_pi92gPTuE8WRaP2

#Trump Fired the #Watchdogs. Their Replacements Have a Different Mission.

Trump is installing his allies in the offices of #InspectorGeneral, which are meant to provide #independent #government #oversight.

#GiftArticle

#law #corruption #RevengePolitics #LegalEthics #authoritarianism #autocracy #dictatorship #fascism #tyranny
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/us/politics/trump-inspector-general.html?unlocked_article_code=1.7lA.mZJ-.CdEXIhVgqg4R&smid=nytcore-ios-share

@OklaBot This ⬆️ news from #Oklahoma once again shows that #politicians, and more importantly their handlers (aka #Lobbyists ), do NOT want you to be politically #Independent.

That tells you they fear #PrimaryFromTheCenter #StrategicVoting more than anything else. So…

*Just do it!*

#MATH #USpol

"this wonderful compilation and celebration of some of the talented women to be found in ambient music studios around the world."
https://www.theslowmusicmovement.org/post/gentle-voices-vol-1-cloud-collecting-echo-blues-ambient

Playlist Companion:
https://www.submithub.com/link/slow-ambient-playlist

#ambient #womensday #music #independent #alternative #artist

Ellie Leonard: "Jeffrey Epstein and Sarah Ferguson had a long and very deep friendship that played out over several years, including her financial and relationship missteps, things she said to the tabloids, and the roller coaster of her mental health. These are their emails, written with the original typos."

https://ellieleonard.substack.com/p/the-fergie-emails-part-1 #Epstein #EpsteinFiles #Fergie #SarahFerguson #DOJ #CoverUp #investigation #independent #media #journalism

Record(s) o’ the Month – May 2025

By Angry Metal Guy

There are months when the Record(s) o’ the Month feels like a sacred duty. It is the noble, worthwhile culmination of rigorous listening and passionate discourse.1 And then there’s May. May, a month in which Dr. A.N. Grier tried to vote for a band called… SEXCAVE or some shit four or five different times using different pseudonyms (but the same IP address), and where Dolphin Whisperer almost made me rage quit by making a single comment about “sky-tearing tonalities,” which, like… what kind of pretentious fucking bullshit is that? Do you people even listen to music, or do you just sit around all day making up stupid poetic ways of saying absolutely nothing?2 But if we’re fair, he wasn’t entirely wrong. Sometimes a record arrives that doesn’t just demand attention, it seizes it like an Aztec death deity grabbing the sun.3 So for the first time in a while, the best album in May came from an unsigned band. And not just any unsigned band. It came from a band proficient in bull riding!

The beauty of the Unsigned Band Rodeö lies in its chaos. No expectations. No promo sheets. No preconceived narratives. Just music dropped into our laps like cursed artifacts.4 On Nikan Axkan, which was self-released on May 2nd, 2025 [Bandcamp], Kalaveraztekah weaponizes its vision of death metal through the lens of pre-Hispanic culture and indigenous cosmology. There’s no sense that these Hidrocálidos are some kind of novelty act. They aren’t a Mexican Eluveitie, just playing Dark Tranquillity riffs while putting a Ritual Death Flute over it for 40 seconds in every song.5 Rather, Nikan Axkan is a muscular, seething, and deeply rooted record that radiates conviction from every grinding riff. The percussion rumbles like a procession of drums echoing through stone temples, fusing to a brutal core of death metal that just fucks. There’s a Blood Incantation-like spaciness that offers a counterbalance to all this brutality and adds unexpected depth. After spending the better part of a week in what my physician has called a “ritualistic fugue state,” I managed to pull myself out of the netherworld to write that when Kalaveraztekah’s two pillars—the atmospheric otherworldly and the brutal death metal—meet, “they crash into each other like storm fronts, creating something beautiful and terrible to behold. Nikan Axkan is simultaneously brutal and thoughtful, grindy and melodic, atmospheric and immediate,” and it’s the Record o’ the Month.

Runner(s) Up:

…and Oceans // The Regeneration Itinerary [May 23rd, 2025 | Season of Mist | Bandcamp] — …and Oceans is having an Amorphisesque second act and I am here for it. They’ve always walked the line between symphonic grandiosity and black metal chaos, and with The Regeneration Itinerary, they’ve engineered their third very good platter in 5 years. The record combines sharp, Emperor-style riffing with theatrical synths, industrial flourishes, and ruthlessly precise pacing. “Demonstrating a degree of evolution in their craft” and with “exceptional [performances] across the board,” …and Oceans have once again hit that sweet balance—and ever-more unique sound in this current black metal soundscape—that makes their revitalization so welcome. But it’s not just that it’s a good continuation, I feel like they are continuing to refine and revitalize the launch with each new album they release. It’s always fun to watch bands defy Angry Metal Guy’s Law of Diminishing Recordings™, and while The Regeneration Itinerary isn’t their best record yet, 30 years after their debut, …and Oceans is still releasing vital music that’s impossible to overlook.

Jade // Mysteries of a Flowery Dream [May 9th, 2025 | Pulverised Records | Bandcamp] — Mysteries of a Flowery Dream is an atmospheric death metal record that unfolds like a guided hallucination. It’s melodic. It’s moody. It’s weirdly elegant. And it doesn’t care about my riffs-per-minute quota. It takes things slow and keeps them dreamy. Jade trades bludgeoning immediacy for textured dream-logic, and while it takes a few listens to understand what’s happening, once it clicks, it’s hard for listeners to shake. And yet, it balances out the problem that atmospheric records rarely feel heavy, because they’re too busy padding the sharp edges with “atmosphere.” But Mysteries of a Flowery Dream accomplishes its heaviness by feeling oppressive, dense, claustrophobic, and crushing—leaving the listener feeling like they’re in an experimental submarine on their way to see the Titanic.6 And while it’s not the easiest record to penetrate, Owlswald wants you to know that “those who actively immerse themselves in Jade’s expansive world will be handsomely rewarded. The excellent songwriting, replete with its cohesion, balance, and dynamism, is impressive, steadily shifting my initial apathetic impressions to genuine appreciation. So don your finest headphones, sit back, and let Jade immerse you in their dreamlike world.”

#AndOceans #2025 #AMGSUnsignedBandRodeo #Amorphis #DarkTranquillity #Eluveitie #Emperor #Independent #Jade #Kalaveraztekah #May25 #MysteriesOfAFloweryDream #NikanAxkan #RecordSOTheMonth #RecordsOfTheMonth #SelfReleases #TheRegenerationItinerary

"Whether it's her musing or perfectly judged scatting, she just digs that bit deeper and worries less what everyone else sounds like." https://www.theslowmusicmovement.org/post/eliana-glass-good-friends-call-me-e

Find Eliana Glass adding some vocal warmth to the Slow Jazz Playlist:
https://www.submithub.com/link/slow-jazz-playlist

#jazz #jazzvocal #singersongwriter #newyork #independent #artist #slow #music

#AbrahamLincoln: "#democracy is #government of the #people - by the #people - for the #people"

but #democracy is not perfect per default, it needs constant #reform to become better and better (not worse and worse how it was made by (#financial #taxavoiding #lobbyists and other #lobbyists = #corruption)

how to reform democracy? a #conversationwithai: #deepseek

<think>
Alright, I'm trying to figure out how to reform #democracy so that decisions are made faster and are more competent, while also reducing incompetence and corruption. This is a big question because democracy as it stands has a lot of #issues, but it's still considered one of the better systems out there <- read this?

First off, I know that one of the main problems with democracies is that #decisionmaking can be #slow, especially in #large #countries.

There are so many #checks and #balances that sometimes it feels like nothing gets done.

So maybe making decisions faster requires #streamlining some processes.

But how? Maybe reducing #bureaucracy or changing how legislation is passed?

Another issue is #incompetence. I've seen elected officials who don't seem to have the right skills or knowledge for their roles. <- this #AI has seen things!

How can we ensure that #leaders are actually #competent?

Perhaps through better #education #requirements, or maybe having #experts in certain fields advise them more #effectively.

#Corruption is another huge #Problem seems like #money plays a big role in #politics, which can lead to decisions that favor #donors over the people.

#Campaign #finance #reform might help here, but I'm not sure how feasible that is given current laws and court rulings, especially in places like the #US with #CitizensUnited.

#Voter #engagement is also a factor.

If more people participate, maybe there's more #accountability.

But getting people to vote when they feel their votes don't matter is tough.

Maybe changing voting systems, like ranked-choice voting, could make elections feel more representative and increase turnout.

I've heard about #sortition, where #random #citizens are #selected for #decisionmaking bodies.

That might bring in diverse perspectives and reduce corruption since the average person isn't as beholden to special interests.

But would people take it seriously? I'm not sure how effective that would be compared to elected officials.

#Technology could play a role too.

Maybe using #online #platforms for #participatory #budgeting or #policy #discussions.

It could make #government more #transparent and involve citizens more #directly.

However, there's the risk of #misinformation and #manipulation online.

#Term #limits are another idea.

They might prevent politicians from becoming too entrenched and corrupt, but they can also limit institutional knowledge and lead to a #revolvingdoor of #inexperienced #leaders.

#Anticorruption agencies seem necessary, but they need to be #independent and well #funded.

If they're controlled by the government, they won't be effective.

How do you ensure their independence?

#Media #literacy is important because if people are #better #informed, they can make #better #decisions at the #ballotbox.

But with so much #misinformation out there, improving media literacy is a big challenge.

I'm also thinking about proportional representation.

Maybe switching to a system where more parties have seats could lead to more diverse and representative governments, reducing gridlock.

But it might also make forming a government harder if no single party has a majority.

What about making voting mandatory?

It increases turnout but can also lead to people voting without being informed, which doesn't necessarily improve the quality of decisions.

Another thought is focusing on #local #governance.

If more decisions are made at the local level where people can be more involved and informed, it might lead to #better #outcomes #overall.

But not all issues can be handled locally; some require national or international coordination.

I'm also considering how #education plays into this.

Better #civic #education could make voters more informed and engaged.

It starts from a young age teaching about #government #structures, #roles, and the importance of #participation.

#Transparency is key too.

If governments are more open about their processes and decisions, trust might increase. Things like #FOIA requests in the U.S. help, but they can be slow and sometimes
incomplete.

#Incentivizing #good #governance through awards or recognition might motivate leaders to perform better, but it's not a sure fix for deeper systemic issues.

Encouraging #whistleblowers is important because they can expose #corruption before it becomes entrenched.

Protecting them legally would make others more willing to come forward.

Public-private partnerships could bring in expertise from the private sector, but there's a risk of corporate influence if not managed properly.

Inclusive decision-making ensures that all groups have a voice, which leads to more equitable policies.

It requires active efforts to involve marginalized communities.

Independent judiciaries are crucial because they can check the other branches and enforce laws against corruption.

But judicial appointments can be politicized, which undermines their independence.

Finally, cultural shifts towards valuing integrity over power might help reduce corruption. But changing a culture is slow and difficult, especially in large, diverse societies.

Putting all these thoughts together, it seems like reforming democracy requires a multi-faceted approach addressing both structural issues and cultural factors. It's not just about tweaking one part but making comprehensive changes that promote competence, transparency, and accountability while ensuring representation and reducing corruption.

</think>
Reforming democracy to enhance decision-making efficiency, competence, and reduce corruption involves a multifaceted approach that addresses both structural and cultural aspects of
governance. Here is an organized strategy based on the thought process:

### Structural Reforms
1. **Streamline Decision-Making Processes:**
- Reduce bureaucratic layers and adopt more agile legislative processes to accelerate decision-making without compromising thorough consideration.

2. **Campaign Finance Reform:**
- Implement strict regulations on campaign contributions and promote public financing of elections to diminish the influence of money in politics.

3. **Proportional Representation:**
- Introduce proportional representation systems to ensure diverse representation, which can lead to more inclusive and efficient governance.

4. **Term Limits:**
- Enact term limits for elected officials to prevent entrenchment, while ensuring mechanisms for knowledge retention and smooth transitions.

5. **Independent Anti-Corruption Agencies:**
- Establish independent bodies with strong investigative and prosecutorial powers to combat corruption effectively.

### Enhancing Competence
1. **Expert Advisory Bodies:**
- Integrate expert panels in decision-making processes to provide informed guidance on complex issues.

2. **Civic Education:**
- Improve education systems to foster informed voters through civic engagement and critical thinking skills.

3. **Sortition (Citizen Juries):**
- Experiment with sortition to involve diverse citizen perspectives, enhancing
representativeness and reducing corruption risks.

### Reducing Corruption
1. **Transparency Measures:**
- Increase government transparency through open data initiatives, accessible meetings, and robust freedom of information laws.

2. **Whistleblower Protection:**
- Strengthen legal protections for whistleblowers to encourage the exposure of corruption without fear of retribution.

3. **Judicial Independence:**
- Ensure the judiciary is independent and impartial, free from political influence, to uphold rule of law and check executive power.

### Voter Engagement and Participation
1. **Voting System Reforms:**
- Adopt ranked-choice voting and proportional representation to ensure votes count more meaningfully and increase voter satisfaction.

2. **Compulsory Voting:**
- Consider mandatory voting with incentives for informed voting, potentially reducing apathy and increasing political engagement.

3. **Participatory Budgeting:**
- Involve citizens in budget decisions through digital platforms to foster transparency and accountability.

### Technological Integration
1. **Digital Platforms:**
- Utilize technology for participatory governance, enabling real-time public input on policies and fostering informed discussions.

2. **Media Literacy Programs:**
- Launch initiatives to combat misinformation, promoting a better-informed electorate capable of discerning credible sources.

### Cultural Shifts
1. **Incentivizing Good Governance:**
- Recognize and reward ethical leadership through awards or public acknowledgment to promote integrity in governance.

2. **Cultural Values:**
- Foster societal norms that prioritize transparency, accountability, and integrity, encouraging leaders to adhere to high ethical standards.

### Conclusion
Reforming democracy requires a comprehensive approach that combines structural changes with cultural shifts. By streamlining processes, enhancing
competence through education and expertise, reducing corruption through transparency and independent oversight, and engaging citizens more
effectively, democracies can become more responsive, efficient, and just. This multifaceted strategy aims to rebuild trust in governance and ensure
decisions truly reflect the will of the people.

#AbrahamLincoln: "#democracy is #government of the #people - by the #people - for the #people"

but #democracy is not perfect per default, it needs constant #reform to become better and better (not worse and worse how it was made by (#financial #taxavoiding #lobbyists and other #lobbyists = #corruption)

how to reform democracy? a #conversationwithai: #deepseek

<think>
Alright, I'm trying to figure out how to reform #democracy so that decisions are made faster and are more competent, while also reducing incompetence and corruption. This is a big question because democracy as it stands has a lot of #issues, but it's still considered one of the better systems out there <- read this?

First off, I know that one of the main problems with democracies is that #decisionmaking can be #slow, especially in #large #countries.

There are so many #checks and #balances that sometimes it feels like nothing gets done.

So maybe making decisions faster requires #streamlining some processes.

But how? Maybe reducing #bureaucracy or changing how legislation is passed?

Another issue is #incompetence. I've seen elected officials who don't seem to have the right skills or knowledge for their roles. <- this #AI has seen things!

How can we ensure that #leaders are actually #competent?

Perhaps through better #education #requirements, or maybe having #experts in certain fields advise them more #effectively.

#Corruption is another huge #Problem seems like #money plays a big role in #politics, which can lead to decisions that favor #donors over the people.

#Campaign #finance #reform might help here, but I'm not sure how feasible that is given current laws and court rulings, especially in places like the #US with #CitizensUnited.

#Voter #engagement is also a factor.

If more people participate, maybe there's more #accountability.

But getting people to vote when they feel their votes don't matter is tough.

Maybe changing voting systems, like ranked-choice voting, could make elections feel more representative and increase turnout.

I've heard about #sortition, where #random #citizens are #selected for #decisionmaking bodies.

That might bring in diverse perspectives and reduce corruption since the average person isn't as beholden to special interests.

But would people take it seriously? I'm not sure how effective that would be compared to elected officials.

#Technology could play a role too.

Maybe using #online #platforms for #participatory #budgeting or #policy #discussions.

It could make #government more #transparent and involve citizens more #directly.

However, there's the risk of #misinformation and #manipulation online.

#Term #limits are another idea.

They might prevent politicians from becoming too entrenched and corrupt, but they can also limit institutional knowledge and lead to a #revolvingdoor of #inexperienced #leaders.

#Anticorruption agencies seem necessary, but they need to be #independent and well #funded.

If they're controlled by the government, they won't be effective.

How do you ensure their independence?

#Media #literacy is important because if people are #better #informed, they can make #better #decisions at the #ballotbox.

But with so much #misinformation out there, improving media literacy is a big challenge.

I'm also thinking about proportional representation.

Maybe switching to a system where more parties have seats could lead to more diverse and representative governments, reducing gridlock.

But it might also make forming a government harder if no single party has a majority.

What about making voting mandatory?

It increases turnout but can also lead to people voting without being informed, which doesn't necessarily improve the quality of decisions.

Another thought is focusing on #local #governance.

If more decisions are made at the local level where people can be more involved and informed, it might lead to #better #outcomes #overall.

But not all issues can be handled locally; some require national or international coordination.

I'm also considering how #education plays into this.

Better #civic #education could make voters more informed and engaged.

It starts from a young age teaching about #government #structures, #roles, and the importance of #participation.

#Transparency is key too.

If governments are more open about their processes and decisions, trust might increase. Things like #FOIA requests in the U.S. help, but they can be slow and sometimes
incomplete.

#Incentivizing #good #governance through awards or recognition might motivate leaders to perform better, but it's not a sure fix for deeper systemic issues.

Encouraging #whistleblowers is important because they can expose #corruption before it becomes entrenched.

Protecting them legally would make others more willing to come forward.

Public-private partnerships could bring in expertise from the private sector, but there's a risk of corporate influence if not managed properly.

Inclusive decision-making ensures that all groups have a voice, which leads to more equitable policies.

It requires active efforts to involve marginalized communities.

Independent judiciaries are crucial because they can check the other branches and enforce laws against corruption.

But judicial appointments can be politicized, which undermines their independence.

Finally, cultural shifts towards valuing integrity over power might help reduce corruption. But changing a culture is slow and difficult, especially in large, diverse societies.

Putting all these thoughts together, it seems like reforming democracy requires a multi-faceted approach addressing both structural issues and cultural factors. It's not just about tweaking one part but making comprehensive changes that promote competence, transparency, and accountability while ensuring representation and reducing corruption.

</think>
Reforming democracy to enhance decision-making efficiency, competence, and reduce corruption involves a multifaceted approach that addresses both structural and cultural aspects of
governance. Here is an organized strategy based on the thought process:

### Structural Reforms
1. **Streamline Decision-Making Processes:**
- Reduce bureaucratic layers and adopt more agile legislative processes to accelerate decision-making without compromising thorough consideration.

2. **Campaign Finance Reform:**
- Implement strict regulations on campaign contributions and promote public financing of elections to diminish the influence of money in politics.

3. **Proportional Representation:**
- Introduce proportional representation systems to ensure diverse representation, which can lead to more inclusive and efficient governance.

4. **Term Limits:**
- Enact term limits for elected officials to prevent entrenchment, while ensuring mechanisms for knowledge retention and smooth transitions.

5. **Independent Anti-Corruption Agencies:**
- Establish independent bodies with strong investigative and prosecutorial powers to combat corruption effectively.

### Enhancing Competence
1. **Expert Advisory Bodies:**
- Integrate expert panels in decision-making processes to provide informed guidance on complex issues.

2. **Civic Education:**
- Improve education systems to foster informed voters through civic engagement and critical thinking skills.

3. **Sortition (Citizen Juries):**
- Experiment with sortition to involve diverse citizen perspectives, enhancing
representativeness and reducing corruption risks.

### Reducing Corruption
1. **Transparency Measures:**
- Increase government transparency through open data initiatives, accessible meetings, and robust freedom of information laws.

2. **Whistleblower Protection:**
- Strengthen legal protections for whistleblowers to encourage the exposure of corruption without fear of retribution.

3. **Judicial Independence:**
- Ensure the judiciary is independent and impartial, free from political influence, to uphold rule of law and check executive power.

### Voter Engagement and Participation
1. **Voting System Reforms:**
- Adopt ranked-choice voting and proportional representation to ensure votes count more meaningfully and increase voter satisfaction.

2. **Compulsory Voting:**
- Consider mandatory voting with incentives for informed voting, potentially reducing apathy and increasing political engagement.

3. **Participatory Budgeting:**
- Involve citizens in budget decisions through digital platforms to foster transparency and accountability.

### Technological Integration
1. **Digital Platforms:**
- Utilize technology for participatory governance, enabling real-time public input on policies and fostering informed discussions.

2. **Media Literacy Programs:**
- Launch initiatives to combat misinformation, promoting a better-informed electorate capable of discerning credible sources.

### Cultural Shifts
1. **Incentivizing Good Governance:**
- Recognize and reward ethical leadership through awards or public acknowledgment to promote integrity in governance.

2. **Cultural Values:**
- Foster societal norms that prioritize transparency, accountability, and integrity, encouraging leaders to adhere to high ethical standards.

### Conclusion
Reforming democracy requires a comprehensive approach that combines structural changes with cultural shifts. By streamlining processes, enhancing
competence through education and expertise, reducing corruption through transparency and independent oversight, and engaging citizens more
effectively, democracies can become more responsive, efficient, and just. This multifaceted strategy aims to rebuild trust in governance and ensure
decisions truly reflect the will of the people.

#AbrahamLincoln: "#democracy is #government of the #people - by the #people - for the #people"

but #democracy is not perfect per default, it needs constant #reform to become better and better (not worse and worse how it was made by (#financial #taxavoiding #lobbyists and other #lobbyists = #corruption)

how to reform democracy? a #conversationwithai: #deepseek

<think>
Alright, I'm trying to figure out how to reform #democracy so that decisions are made faster and are more competent, while also reducing incompetence and corruption. This is a big question because democracy as it stands has a lot of #issues, but it's still considered one of the better systems out there <- read this?

First off, I know that one of the main problems with democracies is that #decisionmaking can be #slow, especially in #large #countries.

There are so many #checks and #balances that sometimes it feels like nothing gets done.

So maybe making decisions faster requires #streamlining some processes.

But how? Maybe reducing #bureaucracy or changing how legislation is passed?

Another issue is #incompetence. I've seen elected officials who don't seem to have the right skills or knowledge for their roles. <- this #AI has seen things!

How can we ensure that #leaders are actually #competent?

Perhaps through better #education #requirements, or maybe having #experts in certain fields advise them more #effectively.

#Corruption is another huge #Problem seems like #money plays a big role in #politics, which can lead to decisions that favor #donors over the people.

#Campaign #finance #reform might help here, but I'm not sure how feasible that is given current laws and court rulings, especially in places like the #US with #CitizensUnited.

#Voter #engagement is also a factor.

If more people participate, maybe there's more #accountability.

But getting people to vote when they feel their votes don't matter is tough.

Maybe changing voting systems, like ranked-choice voting, could make elections feel more representative and increase turnout.

I've heard about #sortition, where #random #citizens are #selected for #decisionmaking bodies.

That might bring in diverse perspectives and reduce corruption since the average person isn't as beholden to special interests.

But would people take it seriously? I'm not sure how effective that would be compared to elected officials.

#Technology could play a role too.

Maybe using #online #platforms for #participatory #budgeting or #policy #discussions.

It could make #government more #transparent and involve citizens more #directly.

However, there's the risk of #misinformation and #manipulation online.

#Term #limits are another idea.

They might prevent politicians from becoming too entrenched and corrupt, but they can also limit institutional knowledge and lead to a #revolvingdoor of #inexperienced #leaders.

#Anticorruption agencies seem necessary, but they need to be #independent and well #funded.

If they're controlled by the government, they won't be effective.

How do you ensure their independence?

#Media #literacy is important because if people are #better #informed, they can make #better #decisions at the #ballotbox.

But with so much #misinformation out there, improving media literacy is a big challenge.

I'm also thinking about proportional representation.

Maybe switching to a system where more parties have seats could lead to more diverse and representative governments, reducing gridlock.

But it might also make forming a government harder if no single party has a majority.

What about making voting mandatory?

It increases turnout but can also lead to people voting without being informed, which doesn't necessarily improve the quality of decisions.

Another thought is focusing on #local #governance.

If more decisions are made at the local level where people can be more involved and informed, it might lead to #better #outcomes #overall.

But not all issues can be handled locally; some require national or international coordination.

I'm also considering how #education plays into this.

Better #civic #education could make voters more informed and engaged.

It starts from a young age teaching about #government #structures, #roles, and the importance of #participation.

#Transparency is key too.

If governments are more open about their processes and decisions, trust might increase. Things like #FOIA requests in the U.S. help, but they can be slow and sometimes
incomplete.

#Incentivizing #good #governance through awards or recognition might motivate leaders to perform better, but it's not a sure fix for deeper systemic issues.

Encouraging #whistleblowers is important because they can expose #corruption before it becomes entrenched.

Protecting them legally would make others more willing to come forward.

Public-private partnerships could bring in expertise from the private sector, but there's a risk of corporate influence if not managed properly.

Inclusive decision-making ensures that all groups have a voice, which leads to more equitable policies.

It requires active efforts to involve marginalized communities.

Independent judiciaries are crucial because they can check the other branches and enforce laws against corruption.

But judicial appointments can be politicized, which undermines their independence.

Finally, cultural shifts towards valuing integrity over power might help reduce corruption. But changing a culture is slow and difficult, especially in large, diverse societies.

Putting all these thoughts together, it seems like reforming democracy requires a multi-faceted approach addressing both structural issues and cultural factors. It's not just about tweaking one part but making comprehensive changes that promote competence, transparency, and accountability while ensuring representation and reducing corruption.

</think>
Reforming democracy to enhance decision-making efficiency, competence, and reduce corruption involves a multifaceted approach that addresses both structural and cultural aspects of
governance. Here is an organized strategy based on the thought process:

### Structural Reforms
1. **Streamline Decision-Making Processes:**
- Reduce bureaucratic layers and adopt more agile legislative processes to accelerate decision-making without compromising thorough consideration.

2. **Campaign Finance Reform:**
- Implement strict regulations on campaign contributions and promote public financing of elections to diminish the influence of money in politics.

3. **Proportional Representation:**
- Introduce proportional representation systems to ensure diverse representation, which can lead to more inclusive and efficient governance.

4. **Term Limits:**
- Enact term limits for elected officials to prevent entrenchment, while ensuring mechanisms for knowledge retention and smooth transitions.

5. **Independent Anti-Corruption Agencies:**
- Establish independent bodies with strong investigative and prosecutorial powers to combat corruption effectively.

### Enhancing Competence
1. **Expert Advisory Bodies:**
- Integrate expert panels in decision-making processes to provide informed guidance on complex issues.

2. **Civic Education:**
- Improve education systems to foster informed voters through civic engagement and critical thinking skills.

3. **Sortition (Citizen Juries):**
- Experiment with sortition to involve diverse citizen perspectives, enhancing
representativeness and reducing corruption risks.

### Reducing Corruption
1. **Transparency Measures:**
- Increase government transparency through open data initiatives, accessible meetings, and robust freedom of information laws.

2. **Whistleblower Protection:**
- Strengthen legal protections for whistleblowers to encourage the exposure of corruption without fear of retribution.

3. **Judicial Independence:**
- Ensure the judiciary is independent and impartial, free from political influence, to uphold rule of law and check executive power.

### Voter Engagement and Participation
1. **Voting System Reforms:**
- Adopt ranked-choice voting and proportional representation to ensure votes count more meaningfully and increase voter satisfaction.

2. **Compulsory Voting:**
- Consider mandatory voting with incentives for informed voting, potentially reducing apathy and increasing political engagement.

3. **Participatory Budgeting:**
- Involve citizens in budget decisions through digital platforms to foster transparency and accountability.

### Technological Integration
1. **Digital Platforms:**
- Utilize technology for participatory governance, enabling real-time public input on policies and fostering informed discussions.

2. **Media Literacy Programs:**
- Launch initiatives to combat misinformation, promoting a better-informed electorate capable of discerning credible sources.

### Cultural Shifts
1. **Incentivizing Good Governance:**
- Recognize and reward ethical leadership through awards or public acknowledgment to promote integrity in governance.

2. **Cultural Values:**
- Foster societal norms that prioritize transparency, accountability, and integrity, encouraging leaders to adhere to high ethical standards.

### Conclusion
Reforming democracy requires a comprehensive approach that combines structural changes with cultural shifts. By streamlining processes, enhancing
competence through education and expertise, reducing corruption through transparency and independent oversight, and engaging citizens more
effectively, democracies can become more responsive, efficient, and just. This multifaceted strategy aims to rebuild trust in governance and ensure
decisions truly reflect the will of the people.

I am also unfashionably late to the party regarding this new banger from @meljoann. :blobsweats:

https://bandwagon.fm/67a5ed29f050061c8b4fb39d

#Bandwagonfm #Music #Musicians #Independent #Electronic #Musodon #Hyperjack #Electronic

WHATS ON THE SHELF, FEBRUARY 7TH – INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS
This list is based on the shipping dates from the distributors order forms. Not all comic book shops order all items. If you have questions about a specific comic, talk to your comic shop owner. PLEASE NOTE- Not all of these titles will arrive in all stores. Items with...
https://comiccrusaders.com/whats-on-the-shelf-february-7th-independent-publishers/
#awa #archie #comics #indie #independent #02072024 #ncbd #oni #papercutz #2000ad

The GOP primary is already decided. We’re just pretending it isn’t

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/trump-polls-2024-election-republicans-b2385021.html

#Independent #GOPPrimary #2024Election #TrumpPolls #Republicans #AlreadyDecided #Politics #News

#BelindaJones #independent for #Fadden https://mas.to/@[email protected]keup