This thread between @Samfr and @Martha_Gill is an interesting example of something I think about a lot: the degree to which people have a scarcity-mindset towards political action.

Sam mentions he believes there is a policy issue with girls outperforming boys in formal education. Martha argues if there is an unfairness it's offset by the parenting gap later on in life…

Sam says we can solve both problems. Martha argues "a comparatively slight advantage in a small area does not feel like the priority problem to solve". Fix the parenting pay gap, pension disparity and the lack of women on boards first.

Of course politics is often about priorities. You have limited money, time, political capital. Prioritising is at the heart of effective political leadership.

On the other hand sometimes "it's not a priority" is another way of dismissing an issue. E.g. the argument we should cancel overseas aid and focus on UK homeless, coming from people who don't appear to have ever been concerned about the homeless before.

Originally tweeted by Brendan Miller (@brenkjm) on January 10, 2023.