Sign in

Mike Stanton

@convivir.bsky.social
2.7K followers 775 following 120 posts

Lifelong socialist and writer - poetry, polemics and stories for children. For more socialism, poetry and creative writing - penumbrage.com I don't take umbrage. I take up my pen.

PostsRepliesMedia
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Under the Radar with Rosa Luxemburg More terrible tales of the evils of capitalism along with acts of resistance like Gavin Bazunu boycotting the Ireland Israel match and Asquith Xavier standing up to racism.
penumbrage.com
Under the Radar with Rosa Luxemburg
More terrible tales of the evils of capitalism along with acts of resistance like Gavin Bazunu boycotting the Ireland Israel match and Asquith Xavier standing up to racism.
010
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Owen Jones @owenjones.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
No, this is not a joke. UK Lawyers for Israel are trying to proscribe *Médecins Sans Frontières*. That’d mean they’d be treated as terrorists. On the same legal footing as ISIS. Membership would mean 14 years in prison. This is what we’re dealing with
48889518
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
It's on. I'm running to be the next Green MP for Holborn & St Pancras. donatetothe.greenparty.org.uk
1071754427
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Owen Jones @owenjones.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
British diplomats are briefing that sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements are "largely symbolic". Britain has £6bn worth of annual trade with Israel. The sanctions are a tiny proportion. It's a state committing genocide which needs to be hit with direct sweeping sanctions
27603214
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Natalie Bennett @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Powerful and important letter about artificial so-called intelligence from Sheila Hayman from Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy, University of Cambridge, in the FT today
Margaret McGirr’s letter (“AI can lend a hand, but it will struggle to replace one”, July 21) and Chine McDonald’s guest column (“This retro revival is more than a longing for the past”, Opinion, August 7) both touch (sic) on something that should be obvious, but is carefully ignored by almost everyone in the tech world. Namely that our intelligence is embodied, evolved and biological, and inseparable from our bodies.
The brain’s job is to control the body in the world; it is the last organ to develop.
Every square centimetre of our hands (and of the rest of our skin) contains about a 170 touch sensors or nerve endings, sensitive to different kinds of touch: a slap, a burn, a caress, a hug — each of which travels to different parts of the midbrain, prompting the appropriate response. Quickly to the autonomic nervous system for something dangerous; more slowly via a different channel for something carrying meaning.
In addition to the hand’s limitless versatility, it is self-repairing, regulates its own temperature, knows without being programmed how much pressure to exert on an egg, a tennis ball or a day-old chick, and can fuse neurologically to whatever it holds.
So when we put a glass down on the table or slide a knife through an apple, we feel the table, or the apple, not the glass or handle in our hand (try it!).
Finally, and most urgently, the entire human body — including the hands — does everything on 25 or so watts of completely renewable energy: a tiny fraction of what a humanoid robot, even one of the current primitive iteration of robots, needs.
The “retro revival” is thus not cultural nostalgia.
It’s millions of years of evolution crying out to be heard, before we suppress it totally in the service of an automated — and dead — planet.
Sheila Hayman
Member of the Advisory Board, Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy, University of Cambridge, London NW1, UK
14487264
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Jason Arday – The long shadow of racism and class The tragic death of Jason Arday reveals truths about privilege, class, disability and conformity, and the racist underbelly of our society.
penumbrage.com
Jason Arday – The long shadow of racism and class
The tragic death of Jason Arday reveals truths about privilege, class, disability and conformity, and the racist underbelly of our society.
010
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
The Nakba march and the consequences for one man Musa was arrested on the London march on 16 May, held to draw people's attention to the anniversary of the 1948 catastrophe, the Nakba.
penumbrage.com
The Nakba march and the consequences for one man
Musa was arrested on the London march on 16 May, held to draw people's attention to the anniversary of the 1948 catastrophe, the Nakba.
001
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
One from the archives. How the colour bar on Bristol buses was overturned
penumbrage.com
Looking back in time – The 1963 Bristol bus boycott
In the 1950s about 1,000 African Caribbean migrants lived in Bristol, and by 1962 this number had grown to about3,000. There was a backlash from some of the white British population, alarmed by what they saw as growing numbers,and fuelled by the Nottingham and Notting Hill race riots of 1958. There were demands for immigration to be controlled,
000
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Owen Jones @owenjones.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Jason Arday has been found dead. The obsessive media focus on this one man - as if it was one of the biggest scandals in history - was disproportionate beyond belief. Push notifications, top headlines, constant investigations. And now he is dead.
50895184
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Never again – Hiroshima, Nagasaki Children are far more vulnerable to radiation than adults. About 38,000 children were killed in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
penumbrage.com
Never again – Hiroshima, Nagasaki
Children are far more vulnerable to radiation than adults. About 38,000 children were killed in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
011
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
An indefinite strike at Goldsmiths – and the crisis nobody is talking about Restructuring, redundancies and industrial action at Goldsmiths is an extreme manifestation of a crisis spreading through higher education.
penumbrage.com
An indefinite strike at Goldsmiths – and the crisis nobody is talking about
Restructuring, redundancies and industrial action at Goldsmiths is an extreme manifestation of a crisis spreading through higher education.
021
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Calaveritas Literarias - Poetry for the Mexican Day of the Dead - a workshop with free Mexican food and drink. Thanks to BarrowFull, Carriola Deli and Ale Bravo for a great evening mike241.substack.com/p/calaverita...
mike241.substack.com
Calaveritas Literarias
Mexican Poems for the Day of the Dead
000
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Under the Radar with stories of Plastic, Pesticides, Palestine and profiting from genocide and the climate emergency. Everyday tales of capitalism and resistance. Compiled by Jo Buchanan @transient337.bsky.social for @creatingsocialism.bsky.social
penumbrage.com
Under the Radar
Under the Radar: Plastic, Pesticides, Palestine and profits from genocide and the climate crisis. Everyday tales of capital resistance.
033
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Jo Buchanan @transient337.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Our authoritarian government is silencing dissenters and activists, demonising their lawyers and restricting jury trials. @creatingsocialism.bsky.social @markytyz.bsky.social @convivir.bsky.social @zackpolanski.bsky.social @defendourjuries.bsky.social penumbrage.com/2026/07/21/p...
penumbrage.com
Peaceful protest under threat - Penumbrage
Our authoritarian government and other governments are silencing dissenters and activists, demonising lawyers and restricting jury trials.
022
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Stuart G @avidinquirer.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Really annoying to hear Michael Walker lean into “the left are to blame for the right not caring about climate change” nonsense. The left care about climate change & have leftist solutions to it. The right have not cared & it’s not the left’s job to devise rightist solutions to it
131
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Stuart G @avidinquirer.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Especially when the leftist solutions would actually work
021
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Jo Buchanan @transient337.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
High time the Church spoke out for Palestine @markytyz.bsky.social @convivir.bsky.social @creatingsocialism.bsky.social penumbrage.com/2026/07/19/c...
penumbrage.com
The Church in solidarity with Palestine - Penumbrage
There needs to be a robust response from the Church to all the atrocities that the Palestinian people suffer on a daily basis
042
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
I am beginning to get the hang of Substack and am using it to promote my poetry. All my posts are free so give us a follow. "In Grandma's House" is a poem about childhood that reflects on the old workhouse system and my grandfather dying. mike241.substack.com/p/in-grandma...
mike241.substack.com
In Grandma's House
Image from the Grimsby Local History Library Facebook Page
000
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Peaceful protest under threat Our authoritarian government and other governments are silencing dissenters and activists, demonising lawyers and restricting jury trials.
penumbrage.com
Peaceful protest under threat
Our authoritarian government and other governments are silencing dissenters and activists, demonising lawyers and restricting jury trials.
011
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Owen Jones @owenjones.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Good. Riddance.
314041
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
The Church in solidarity with Palestine There needs to be a robust response from the Church to all the atrocities that the Palestinian people suffer on a daily basis
penumbrage.com
The Church in solidarity with Palestine
There needs to be a robust response from the Church to all the atrocities that the Palestinian people suffer on a daily basis
031
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
England's World Cup squad celebrates diversity. Leading players like Kane, Bellingham, Saka have a migrant heritage. Marilyn Tyzack writes about nationalism and football for @creatingsocialism.bsky.social @rebel1000.bsky.social penumbrage.com/2026/07/14/f...
penumbrage.com
When Football becomes Nationalism - Penumbrage
Football can unite millions, but when sporting success becomes proof of national superiority, where does healthy pride end and nationalism begin?
012
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
England's World Cup squad celebrates diversity. Leading players like Kane, Bellingham, Saka have a migrant heritage. Marilyn Tyzack writes about nationalism and football for @creatingsocialism.bsky.social @transient337.bsky.social penumbrage.com/2026/07/14/f...
penumbrage.com
When Football becomes Nationalism - Penumbrage
Football can unite millions, but when sporting success becomes proof of national superiority, where does healthy pride end and nationalism begin?
011
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
My latest article on Substack. If you interested in reading and writing poetry follow the link to Shaw and Moore in the article. All content is free but paid subscribers get access to workshops, readings and open mics. mike241.substack.com
mike241.substack.com
Penumbrage | Mike Stanton | Substack
Instead of taking umbrage I take up my pen. Click to read Penumbrage, by Mike Stanton, a Substack publication. Launched 8 months ago.
000
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Jo Buchanan @transient377.bsky.social tackles the heatwave for @creatingsocialism.bsky.social penumbrage.com/2026/07/10/heatwave
penumbrage.com
No more hot air
Climate change is hitting harder and more cruelly if you live in the Global South or if you are living on the streets or in poverty.
132
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Owen Jones @owenjones.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
This is infuriating crap. He says: “There's increasing evidence that war crimes appear to have been committed.” He knows Israel has committed war crimes on an industrial scale. He’s refusing to say so because it would impose legal obligations on him to actually act.
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham apologises for Labour’s stance on Gaza and says it ‘didn’t get it right’
Exclusive: PM-in-waiting says party must ‘do better’ in approach to Middle East and he will put more pressure on Israel
32462146
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Our biggest threats are not from Russia. Look no further than Trump or the war hungry MPs in the Labour Government using the law to stifle dissent.
penumbrage.com
How Real is the Russian Threat?
The Russian threat is being used to browbeat us into accepting more attacks on our liberties and make sacrifices to fund a massive growth in arms spending.
000
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Starmer was awful, but so were his backers in Labour Together. Now they have dumped him for Burnham. Will the new boss be the same as the old boss but with better PR?
penumbrage.com
Burnham substitutes for Starmer
Good riddance to Starmer but will Burnham be any better? From PFI to LFI he was a loyal member of Blair's government. But where are his loyalties today? Will it be warfare or welfare?
100
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Gem&Molly ⓥ @gemandmoll.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
I see a @theguardian.com article, 1 month old, comparing the coup against Starmer with that against Corbyn. No mention that one of the glaring differences is that the paper joined in heartily against Corbyn. The bloody nerve. Thinks we've forgotten.
2168
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Words have consequences, especially for the victims of racist riots. But not for those who incite the riots like Farage and Yaxley-Lennon.
penumbrage.com
Words have Consequences
Words have consequences, especially for the victims of racist riots. But apparently not for those who incite the riots like Farage and Yaxley-Lennon. The rise in racist violence didn’t happen in a vacuum. Words, stories and those who spread them carry responsibility.
000
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Creating Socialism @creatingsocialism.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The Filton 4, convicted of criminal damage, were given harsh prison sentences because the judge maintained there was a “terrorist connection”. At Creating Socialism we are outraged by this sentence and stand in solidarity with all who are denied justice. penumbrage.com/2026/06/14/u...
penumbrage.com
Under the radar - Penumbrage
A travesty of justice in court. The Filton 4 were given harsh prison sentences related to terrorism, yet they were not convicted of terrorism
023
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
A travesty of justice in court. The Filton 4 were given harsh prison sentences related to terrorism, yet they were not convicted of terrorism.
penumbrage.com
Under the radar
A travesty of justice in court. The Filton 4 were given harsh prison sentences related to terrorism, yet they were not convicted of terrorism.
010
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
AI is being weaponised against us. Can we turn it into an ally? Artist Felicity Hammond suggests some intriguing possibilities in Reactor.
penumbrage.com
Reactor
AI is being weaponised against us. Can we turn it into an ally? Artist Felicity Hammond suggests some intriguing possibilities in Reactor.
000
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Owen Jones @owenjones.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Hatred of migrants will destroy this country - unless it’s stopped. An honour to write my first column for the newly launched @zeteonews.co.uk 👇 zeteonews.co.uk/p/belfast-ri...
zeteonews.co.uk
The Belfast Riots Are an Anti-Migrant Pogrom - and the British Media Has Serious Questions to Answer
In his first column for Zeteo UK, acclaimed journalist and author Owen Jones looks at how the lie about immigrants pushed by British media and political elites is fueling the violence we see today.
14530165
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Below the radar Many of those with power have children and grandchildren yet are too obsessed with short-term gain to take vital urgent action on the climate.
penumbrage.com
Below the radar
Many of those with power have children and grandchildren yet are too obsessed with short-term gain to take vital urgent action on the climate.
000
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Owen Jones @owenjones.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
This is Sam Fahd Abu Haikal. A 7-month-old Palestinian baby killed by Israel. If this were an Israeli baby or a Western baby, his face would be splashed across front pages. Western leaders would condemn the perpetrator's evil. Here? Silence.
31675361
Reposted by Mike Stanton
🌘Mel🌒 @moonwoke.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
🚨 Fire every 5 hours. Cheap goods from online marketplaces are causing deadly UK fires, but tech bosses are making a killing due to a loophole that lets them dodge our safety laws. Act now to protect our homes! 🧵👇 you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Exposed: Big Tech behind UK’s deadly fires
A battery fire hits the UK every 5 hours. Amazon, TikTok, Alibaba are exploiting a loophole to import dangerous goods. But now we have a rare chance to stop them.
011
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Theo Arman @theoarman.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
I’m sorry but if you call yourself Israeli and are a Zionist - you lose your right to be called human. You are despicable. #auspol
theguardian.com
Palestinian baby shot dead by Israeli troops in occupied West Bank
The seven-month-old, Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, was in his mother’s arms when soldiers fired on family in Hebron
083
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Independent Media Australia. @indymediaaus.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 06/06/2026
Israel’s treatment of Palestinian prisoners violates basic humanitarian law pearlsandirritations.com/e/daily/20… #Auspol
pearlsandirritations.com
Israel’s treatment of Palestinian prisoners violates basic humanitarian law
The imprisonment of Palestinian health workers without charge and new death penalty laws targeting Palestinians expose a detention system that disregards humanitarian law, due process and equality before the law.
0137
Reposted by Mike Stanton
🌘Mel🌒 @moonwoke.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
I am judged as antisemitic because I think the Barbaric Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in Palestine is wrong... THE SHAME LIES WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT FOR THINKING MASS MURDER COULD BE EVER RIGHT #FREEPALESTINE #BOYCOTTISRAEL #ANTI-FASCIST
011
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Owen Jones @owenjones.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Why isn’t this splashed all over the newspaper front pages, leading news bulletins, provoking condemnations by Western politicians?
822393
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Reclusive Marxist - ANTIFA TO THE CORE @michael-1957.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Peter Theil left the US and bought a $12M mansion in Buenos Ares due to concerns about U.S. political instability, potential catastrophes, and a proposed wealth tax targeting billionaires. Thanks for all your help, asshole. Get the fuck out and stay the fuck out.
031
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
I've just signed my name calling for the government to investigate Brits who have returned from serving in the IDF - you should too! @DeclassifiedUK.org secure.declassifieduk.org/page/189081/...
secure.declassifieduk.org
Nobody wants to live next to a war criminal
I've just signed my name calling for the government to investigate Brits who have returned from serving in the IDF - you should too!
000
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
I just signed this to say no to Palantir having access to our NHS data. notopalantir.goodlawproject.org/email-to-tar...
notopalantir.goodlawproject.org
Say no to Palantir in the NHS
NHS England is rolling out software to run our health records from Palantir - fight back
000
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Michael Rosen @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
At last! A paperback edition of all the poems from The Hypnotiser - the poems that kicked off our YouTube channel ‘Kids’ Poems and Stories with Michael Rosen’ . Watch the vids: read the poems!
05913
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Jo Buchanan @transient337.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Can we maintain a sense of purpose, hope and sanity in our troubled world? There are groups who strive to create a better world and show the value of community and cooperation. @createsocialism.bsky.social @convivir.bsky.social @markytyz.bsky.social penumbrage.com/2026/05/19/s...
penumbrage.com
The search for sanity - Penumbrage
We believe in a different society where people can work together in communities to bring about change and hope.
0106
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
How I came to poetry, albeit a little late in life. open.substack.com/pub/mike241/...
open.substack.com
My Poetic Roots
A guide to beginning poetry
000
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Gem&Molly ⓥ @gemandmoll.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
The flotilla was not bringing in weapons. It was captured in international waters. The aid activists (I stress aid) have been treated appallingly. Israel is a rogue state. All countries should STOP weapons sales to Israel. Close all their embassies. Treat them as the pariah they are.
0107
Mike Stanton @convivir.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
The search for sanity We believe in a different society where people can work together in communities to bring about change and hope.
penumbrage.com
The search for sanity
We believe in a different society where people can work together in communities to bring about change and hope.
000
Reposted by Mike Stanton
Jo Buchanan @transient337.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Can any of these manoeuvering politicians save us from a Reform government? But none of them offer anything even approaching Socialism @convivir.bsky.social @markytyz.bsky.social @creatingsocialism.bsky.social penumbrage.com/2026/05/17/n...
penumbrage.com
Labour’s Crisis and the Search for Hope - Penumbrage
Although not perfect, Andy Burnham may be Labour and the country's only hope to prevent the nightmare of a Reform government.
033