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Joe McFarland

@joemcfarland.bsky.social
277 followers 129 following 320 posts

Dad. Husband. Storyteller. Podcaster. Game-day host. Sports, news and music junkie. Interested in a "mission to civilize."

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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 21h
☑️ Step one: complete. ⏭️ Step two: underway. Thanks to everyone who cast a ballot in the first stage of this. But now we gotta turn up the volume. Keep those votes coming for Top Host and get me into round three! 🔗: tophost.org/2026/joe-mcf... 🎙️
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 16/10/2026
Hey Alberta… Remember the Buffalo Declaration? As much as I’ve given a lot of attention to the Free Alberta Strategy, this should also be regarded as one of the reasons we’re here today. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/buff…
cbc.ca
Buffalo Declaration a 'clear display of ignorance,' says Alberta treaty nation | CBC News
Alberta First Nation leaders are speaking out against a recent notice released by four Conservative MPs from Alberta, which they say they will not support.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 16/10/2026
This might be the exact reason why the UCP might not be so united. Separatists aren’t going away after October 19. They already feel wronged and will boot the premier if they can. And if they’re successful, will “moderate conservatives” stand by and shrug their shoulders? Or will they walk? #ABleg
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Is there a world where the UCP can stay “united” after all this plays out? The referendum has seemingly exposed some pretty obvious moral and value differences between at least two sides of the party that came together less than a decade ago. Can the love of power keep them together? #ABleg
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
It presents a real dilemma for the UCP, as they’ll likely spin it to “listen to Albertans” but would that result create an even larger internal rift? It’s gonna be bad enough if/when the separation vote fails and separatists try to overtake the party. #ABleg
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
It’s like @markusoff.bsky.social has been reading my mind. Over the last couple weeks, I’ve been thinking about the “what if” scenarios. What happens if the “other nine” questions (the ones that this government is essentially campaigning on) get voted down? #ABleg www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
ANALYSIS | Who else besides Danielle Smith is saying 'yes to the nine' in Alberta's referendum? | CBC News
Alberta's premier put immigration and constitutional questions on the ballot as easy winners. UCP officials worry she might lose some of them.
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Reposted by Joe McFarland
Carrie Tait @carrietait.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
SCOOP: The Alberta govt recommended a compay linked to Sam Mraiche for a contract to build a $35-million recovery centre on a First Nation near Calgary, according to the community's former lawyer www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... By @tomcardoso.bsky.social and friend
theglobeandmail.com
Alberta government recommended Sam Mraiche-linked company to build recovery centre, lawyer alleges
Former lawyer for Tsuut’ina Nation says province played role in First Nation’s selection of Melewka Homes Ltd.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
🍁 Get out and vote Alberta! 🍁
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
I should have clarified: disappeared from the public eye/accountability. Mind you: when every other day feels like something new, it’s easy to lose track of all the things that have had a limited or zero ROI for Albertans. So I get it. Hahaha!
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Random thought: I don’t think we’ve talked enough about how much money we wasted in Alberta on the energy “war room.” Did it accomplish anything in its existence to change hearts and minds? How much did we actually spend on it? And it just quietly went away. #ABleg www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Alberta government dissolves controversial energy 'war room' | CBC News
The Alberta government is shutting down the Canadian Energy Centre — the controversial energy "war room"  — and shuffling its duties into another department.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
We're about to find out some really interesting things about Alberta in just about 10 days. I don't know if we're really ready to fully comprehend the Pandora's Box we've opened with this referendum. And it's not just the separation questions. Those other nine will be just as wild to watch unfold.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Even though it seems like the separatist idea might feel like it's dead in the water, the only thing I now worry about is what happens starting Oct. 20. They say the battle has just begun. Will they take over the UCP fully? Is the premier's job at risk? Where will federalist conservatives go?
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
The big difference, of course, is that the Occupy movement was, for the most part, harmless. They took over Olympic Plaza for a while but didn't have any clout or bargaining chips. The separatists, meantime, have leadership people meeting with U.S. delegates and accused of some crazy things.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Throughout this referendum thing in Alberta, I've been trying to pinpoint why the separation movement feels familiar. It's because it reminds me of Calgary's "Occupy" movement. They, too, didn't have a leader, their messages/demands were all over the place, and the shenanigans were eye-rolling.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Two things: 1. I wonder how many of these boys (not men) cried about masks during the pandemic. 2. If you’re so heckbent on your beliefs, take off the masks and show who you really are. They are all cowards. Every one of them. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
B.C. politicians, leaders condemn white nationalist gathering on First Nation reserve | CBC News
B.C. politicians and leaders are denouncing a gathering of white nationalists on the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc reserve near Kamloops, B.C. Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir said the nation received reports Sunday m...
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
And this is how brazen the separatist side has become: "If we don't win, we'll just get rid of the premier and bring someone in who will truly support our side" while they seemingly believe their fellow conservatives will just go along for the ride. Maybe they will. But I have my doubts.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The different factions have VERY different core values. And one of them is likely going to be: do you want to remain in Canada? Federalists and separatists can't truly stay on the same team when they're constantly fighting over something as fundamental as that.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This goes along with a long-standing theory I've held: the United Conservative Party is only united in one thing...power. But now the different factions are once again duking it out because, at their core, they're not the same. It's why the Liberals and NDP have never merged.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
What happens after Oct. 19? When/if the federalist side wins the Alberta referendum, will the separatist sentiment simmer? Or will they feel more emboldened to boot the premier out of the UCP's leadership and appoint an even more separatist leader? And will all UCP supporters be good with that?
calgaryherald.com
Breakenridge: Brinksmanship is not an effective — or honourable — negotiating tactic
The cost of a rupture in Confederation is becoming more apparent, which further undermines the notion that we should gamble with this risk.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🎧 What have I been up to lately? Oh you know … Just going to Vancouver for the Canadian Futures Showcase to write a bunch of stories and do daily editions of @abdugoutstories.bsky.social: The Podcast. Hope you enjoy all the extra content! ⚾️ podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a...
podcasts.apple.com
Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast
Baseball Podcast · Updated Weekly · Celebrating Alberta’s past, present and future in baseball. Hear from the players, coaches, officials and others involved in the game, as well as the latest news an...
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"CBC News' request for comment from the premier's office was directed to the Ministry of Justice. A spokesperson for the justice minister directed questions about Elections Alberta to the agency." They're alleging a boondoggle and you're dodging comment? #ABleg www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Former Elections Alberta staff raise ‘mismanagement’ concerns about 'Water Not Coal' petition verification | CBC News
Five former Elections Alberta employees are raising “mismanagement” concerns about how Corb Lund's citizen initiative petition was validated, alleging procedures changed and that there was a lack of t...
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Political hot take: Conservative parties in Canada need to understand that we're not the USA. The majority of Canadians are, in essence, Progressive Conservatives. Spend money wisely and don't be abrasive. Most voters are turned off by skullduggery and negativity. The byelections/elections show it.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I’ll definitely be voting. I’ll wait in line for hours if I have to. However, the data breach thing should have been enough to say “let’s hold off on the referendum until we know what’s happened with that info.” And it’s just spiraled since then.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Given the massive data breach that is still under investigation + all the mail-in ballot issues + the obvious foreign interference we’re seeing + worker shortages, how are Albertans (both separatist and federalists) going to trust the results of this referendum? #ABleg
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Imagine having this thin of skin. And you’re the president of the good ol’ U.S. of A. My goodness. America sure is great, eh? 🇨🇦 nationalpost.com/news/trump-s...
nationalpost.com
Trump signs executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America
The U.S. president on Thursday signed an executive order that he said will 'immediately' change the name of the great lake
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I remember hosting my old radio show when this story broke and I said, “We need to find ways to stop being so reliant on a country whose relationship hinges on one guy.” I was called a tonne of names and how I knew nothing about trade. Fast-forward six years… globalnews.ca/news/6772979...
globalnews.ca
Coronavirus: Trump asks medical supply firm 3M to stop selling N95 respirators to Canada - National | Globalnews.ca
Trump invoked the Defence Production Act in an effort to speed up the distribution of desperately needed hospital masks amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
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Reposted by Joe McFarland
Alberta Dugout Stories @abdugoutstories.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
It promises to be a busy offseason around the @wcblbaseball.bsky.social with several big storylines to be discussed, ranging from the length of the schedule and roster makeups to the stadium situation in Spruce Grove. @joemcfarland.bsky.social sets the stage for each of the conversations. ⚾
albertadugoutstories.com
OPINION: Five WCBL Offseason Thoughts
The Western Canadian Baseball League enters the offseason on another high thanks to the quality of play in 2026. So what's on their "to do" list heading to 2027?
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
It’s quite amazing how many people can now be international trade experts thanks to having an internet connection and a social media account. Same goes for scientists. And teachers. And sports coaches. And, and, and… 🤡
static.klipy.com
Man Says 'I'm an expert!'
ALT: Man Says 'I'm an expert!'
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Conservatives on Tuesday: “He caved. So much for being a strong leader.” Conservatives today: “how dare he stand up to the US. He’s sending us down the path of death and destruction.” Never thought in a million years we’d be in this place in US-Canada relations. 🇨🇦 www.ctvnews.ca/world/trumps...
ctvnews.ca
Carney rejects trade deal, vows ‘dollar for dollar’ retaliation on new tariffs
After weeks of intense talks, Canada and the U.S. have failed to strike a last-minute trade deal, meaning new 50 per cent tariffs on $28 billion-worth of Canadian goods are now in effect.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
It’s a battle of the @wcblbaseball.bsky.social’s two newest teams. The Sylvan Lake Gulls and Saskatoon Berries are looking for their first championship in franchise history. Who will come out on top? We’ll find out starting tonight. ⚾️🇨🇦 albertadugoutstories.com/2026/08/13/w...
albertadugoutstories.com
WCBL Championship Preview
The Sylvan Lake Gulls and Saskatoon Berries are the last two teams standing, looking for an opportunity to win their first WCBL championship in franchise history.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
What’s up BlueSky world? It’s been a minute, hasn’t it? Time to get back on this train a bit I think. Been up to a LOT of baseball in the last couple months. So let’s share the latest on Kalem Haney’s final home game with the Lethbridge Bulls. ⚾️🇨🇦 albertadugoutstories.com/2026/08/07/a...
albertadugoutstories.com
Around the Horn
With his collegiate career winding down, Kalem Haney received a standing ovation from the Lethbridge Bulls' faithful as he played all nine positions.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
The abject failure of these companies to care for communities by continually cutting journalists and, in some cases, newsrooms, is abhorrent. But a question I’ve been asking for years: where is the CRTC to hold these CEOs and presidents accountable? broadcastdialogue.com/corus-undert...
broadcastdialogue.com
Corus undertakes new round of layoffs - Broadcast Dialogue
Corus Entertainment is undertaking another round of layoffs that will see the company part ways with an unknown number of Global News and Corus Radio personalities.
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Reposted by Joe McFarland
Alberta Dugout Stories @abdugoutstories.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
⭐️ NEW STORY: “It’s surreal – it doesn’t feel real at the moment. I can’t believe this is all happening." Less than a day after hitting for the cycle with the Chicago White Sox, Dawgs Academy and Okotoks Dawgs alum Tristan Peters was told he's an All-Star. ⚾️ albertadugoutstories.com/2026/07/11/d...
albertadugoutstories.com
Dawg Gone Good Day
Less than 24 hours after hitting a cycle with the Chicago White Sox, former Okotoks Dawgs star Tristan Peters has been named to the MLB All-Star Game.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day everyone! 🇨🇦
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
This is quite the read, #ABleg. And no one should be surprised by the show host’s reaction. His job is similar to Bruce’s with the video questions. It’s to lob softies. Bravo to Cam Tait for saying what needs to be said. edmontonsun.com/opinion/colu...
edmontonsun.com
TAIT: Premier Smith apparently unbothered by fears of people with severe handicaps
Albertans with handicaps were terrified because they don't know what happens to them next week.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Great question. Even beyond that, if it was somehow involving the Republican Party of Alberta, how has their leader (who had involvement with the kamikaze campaign and was fined quite a bit) continued to get access to confidential information.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
While others spill millions of litres of ink on noise bylaws and cancelled music festivals, quick reminder that this story deserves a lot more attention than it’s received. Same could be said for health care mismanagement, the procurement scandal and more. #ABleg #cdnpoli www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Court documents show new details on Elections Alberta probe into voter information breach | CBC News
Documents filed in the Court of King’s Bench shed new light into Elections Alberta’s investigation into how a separatist group exposed the personal information of millions of Alberta voters online.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
While everyone on the “other app” focuses on noise during Stampede (which might be the most ridiculous thing I’ve seen in that #ABleg and #cdnpoli are focused on it now), it feels like this (and a bunch of other stories) deserve much more attention. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
Veteran Ontario prosecutor brought in on Alberta health procurement probe
Tom Andreopoulos has prosecuted the Hells Angels and mafiosos, and was involved in the criminal investigation of former Toronto mayor Rob Ford
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Reposted by Joe McFarland
Alberta Dugout Stories @abdugoutstories.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
⚾️ NEW STORY: “It was probably the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball. I’m just really thankful that everything worked out the way it did.” What a season it was at Cloud County for Webber Wildcats and Sylvan Lake Gulls alum Simon Baker ... even with a major injury.
albertadugoutstories.com
Terrific T-Bird
Cochrane's Simon Baker needs a new trophy case after cleaning up with several major awards and recognitions at Cloud County Community College.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
It sounds like tonight's meeting will be a late one, so not sure we'll be getting confirmation one way or another until right after the meeting or in the early morning. Either way, WCBL governors looking for short-term and long-term answers from the Cactus Rats. ⚾ www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Baseball league has ‘lost patience' with Cactus Rats ballpark plan after years of delays | CBC News
The Energy City Metro Ballpark — previously known as the Spruce Grove Metro Ballpark — has been under construction since 2022 at an estimated cost of $50 million, according to Major Projects Alberta.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
“We want to know what the plan is moving forward so our other 11 teams aren’t impacted by constant moving parts.” Pretty important day for the @wcblbaseball.bsky.social tomorrow as they try getting to the bottom of the ongoing construction in Spruce Grove. ⚾️🇨🇦 www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/art...
ctvnews.ca
Baseball league asks Cactus Rats for ballpark update, sets Tuesday night deadline
Spruce Grove’s Energy City Cactus Rats are expected to give an update to the WCBL on its new ballpark that has been in a state of limbo.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Lots of numbers here and lots of hair being lit on fire over how the UCP still has more support than NDP. Keep in mind: UCP is really strong in rural. NDP is really strong in Edmonton. Any future election is essentially going to depend on one "swing state": Calgary. #ABleg #cdnpoli
nationalpost.com
Fewer than half of Albertans say they would stay in a newly independent province: poll
The Postmedia-Leger survey also found that Canadians think Alberta’s separation would have a greater economic impact than Quebec's.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
I realize that. My gut tells me it’ll be 75% in favour of getting rid of this whole separatist garbage. That said, if we’re going to have serious convos (especially in journalism, where the job is to inform the electorate), I do think water should be something discussed more broadly.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
I know a lot of people are talking about the economic implications of this Alberta separation debate. Here's one aspect that NO ONE is talking about: water rights. We have agreements with the U.S. that would need to be re-worked plus we'd have to negotiate a TON with Canada. #ABleg #cdnpoli
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Time for a little baseball content. It's been a crazy couple of weeks for @abdugoutstories.bsky.social with CCBC championships, the start of the @wcblbaseball.bsky.social season and much more. We have LOADS of content still to come in the next few weeks. Hope you enjoy it all! ⚾
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Random #ABleg thought: How long can the UCP remain united when one of its core values is being questioned? This isn’t a matter of a slight difference of opinion. This is a major pillar for a party to stake its claim. They’re either pro-Canada or pro-separation. The tent doesn’t fit both, does it?
static.klipy.com
Hazar Ergüçlü: Choose A Side
ALT: Hazar Ergüçlü: Choose A Side
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Albertans (and Canadians) aren't really interested in the uber-partisan politics we see down south. We don't identify ourselves by who we vote for. We identify ourselves by who we are. We want our politicians to spend money wisely and be models of human decency. #ABleg #cdnpoli
static.klipy.com
Pudgy Penguin Holds Canada Flag
ALT: Pudgy Penguin Holds Canada Flag
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
I look forward to voting for Alberta to remain a province in Canada and I hope you all do the same.
static.klipy.com
Waving Canadian Flag
ALT: Waving Canadian Flag
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
I know. Don’t get caught up in a detail. The message is the same regardless.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
I would debate and let thoughts go into the record for Hansard purposes. Then, yeah, I’d definitely think about walking out as a matter of principle.
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