Clinton off the hook

Written By: - Date published: 12:42 pm, July 6th, 2016 - 99 comments
Categories: us politics - Tags: ,

No doubt there will be a range of reaction to this news:

FBI rebukes Clinton but recommends ‘no charges’ in email investigation

The threat of criminal charges hanging over Hillary Clinton was finally lifted by the FBI on Tuesday – just hours before the presumptive Democratic nominee for president was due to begin campaigning with Barack Obama for the first time this election cycle.

At a press conference in Washington, FBI director James Comey announced the end of the year-long investigation into whether Clinton’s use of a private email server while secretary of state warranted prosecution under laws designed to protect classified government data.

Though highly critical of the “extremely careless” way in which emails were handled, Comey said the FBI would not be recommending that prosecutors seek charges in the case. …

This was a major obstacle that could have derailed her. Clinton’s pre-ordained path to the Whitehouse just got a lot smoother.

99 comments on “Clinton off the hook ”

  1. Kevin 1

    If anyone was in any doubt about how the rule of law is applied to those with wealth and power and those who do not, then here is your confirmation.

  2. whispering kate 2

    Anybody else in the US would be tried for treason and never see the light of day again. Why are we surprised, I am not. The FBI have been leaned on, obviously.

    • joe90 2.1

      Anybody else in the US would be tried for treason

      Yet Petraeus got the wet bus ticket for sharing not only classified but top secret information with his squeeze.
      /

      http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/282639-fbi-says-petraeus-shared-top-secret-information-with-reporters

      • dukeofurl 2.1.1

        False. He was convicted of keeping classified information at home , after he should have returned it all.
        His ‘squeeze’ was a army reserve Lt Colonel, intelligence specialist, so she had a top secret classification herself.

        • joe90 2.1.1.1

          Petraeus arranged to plead guilty to a lesser charge – unauthorized removal and retention of classified material following his admitting to providing his highly classified journals to a mistress, Paula Broadwell.

          http://swampland.time.com/2012/11/15/spyfall/

          (edited)

          • dukeofurl 2.1.1.1.1

            It would be helpful if you read your link first- as it doesnt have him admitting providing his journals to Broadwell.
            As she too has a top secret clearance- what was your point again.

        • Colonial Viper 2.1.1.2

          His ‘squeeze’ was a army reserve Lt Colonel, intelligence specialist, so she had a top secret classification herself.

          Not quite that simple.

          You may have the security clearance needed to be given official authority to access secret documents, but it is still a crime to access documents (or provide access) if you have no official authority to do so.

          TL/DR just because you have a security clearance doesn’t mean that you are automatically cleared for all projects and all documents.

          Basically, Patreaus had become a management problem for the White House, and they got him to pull his head in by charging him.

          And, they would have used the surveillance systems detailed by Snowden to retrospectively fish through his emails to find something that they could charge him with.

      • whispering kate 2.1.2

        You are correct Joe90 about Petraeus getting the wet bus ticket treatment, what I meant by “anybody else” is the ordinary people who have a conscience and whistle blow and commit other deeds which piss off the establishment, no difference really just one law for some and another law for others. Clinton being slack with her correspondence was enabling the disclosure of information to the “enemy”, just like a whistle blower discloses corruption about people in high places. Both serious but at opposite ends of the spectrum.

    • Phil 2.2

      Comey’s speech in the press conference very clearly laid out the case and pinned significant blame on lackadaisical culture within the State Department.

      If you want to treat this like a Rorschach inkblot and see what you want to see, that’s on you – not Clinton.

    • The Lone Haranguer 2.3

      And the FBI will lean back at the right and appropriate time. Well the right and appropriate time for them at least

      Do you really think that not derailing the future POTUS will come at no cost to Mrs President Clinton?

      For the next 4 years at least, the FBI can operate as they see best with budget increases as a matter of right, and immunity from any possible prosecution when they “push the boundaries”

      Its sad to say, but this is possibly the FBIs finest moment

      • dukeofurl 2.3.1

        Absurd. Clinton would appoint her own people to top FBI roles, so those currently there wont have any favours to call in.
        This is not like the Hoover era when he was untouchable. -45 years ago !

        • Crashcart 2.3.1.1

          Or… did a bunch of senior FBI personnel just secure their futures under the new President Clinton?

  3. Greg 3

    Its now a U.S precedented justifiable defense of any crime committed,
    jee wizz officer, i didnt mean to do it, you have to let me go now,

    the elite and rich in the U.S, dont do jail time for drugs,
    they do rehab,

    and who owns the rehab clinics??

    • Lanthanide 3.1

      For the vast majority of crimes, intent has always been required.

      There was a case where a porn director was charged with making and distributing child porn because an actress was underage. Turns out she purposefully lied about her age. Porn director was cleared of charges, because they had no intent of making child porn.

      Now, I think it can sometimes be murky in many cases to judge intent, and I’m sure there are people who didn’t have intent to commit a crime but were charged and convicted anyway. But that doesn’t mean that the principal is wrong.

      • Greg 3.1.1

        i was just making a quip about British law, which is based on precedent of previous similar cases,
        American law isnt 🙂

        i didnt mean to drive drunk wont get you off it, would it,

  4. dukeofurl 4

    FBI directors quote

    “Separately, it is important to say something about the marking of classified information. Only a very small number of the e-mails containing classified information bore markings indicating the presence of classified information.’

    Bore markings !! Doesnt even say contained the words TOP SECRET, just ‘markings’ which could be anything.
    This correlates that most of the secrets came form public sources, Al jazerra , NY Times, etc

    http://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/statement-by-fbi-director-james-b.-comey-on-the-investigation-of-secretary-hillary-clintons-use-of-a-personal-e-mail-system

    • One Two 4.1

      Quite the vociferous defender of the clan

      This matter is small beer when considered against the decades of Clinton Crime

      Imagine just how dirty it is behind the curtain if the puppets the public believe are in charge are any measure

      The stench is overwhelming from Bill and Hillary

    • Crashcart 4.2

      Markings is a technical term for the fact a document has a specific classification marked on them. So he is saying a very small percentage were actually clearly marked as classified information. The opposite of what you imply.

      You are correct that it could be that someone stamped “Secret” on an Al Jazerra report. That doesn’t change the requirement for handling it correctly once it is marked.

      • dukeofurl 4.2.1

        Just the opposite.

        The markings are just as likely to NOT say top Secret, otherwise they would say so.

        Heres an example, both of information that is widely known and is Top secret and people say was one of Clintons ‘secrets’

        http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/top-pakistani-leaders-secretly-backed-cia-drone-campaign-secret-documents-show/2013/10/23/15e6b0d8-3beb-11e3-b6a9-da62c264f40e_story.html

        “Markings on the documents indicate that many of them were prepared by the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center specifically to be shared with Pakistan’s government..”

        ‘markings’ in this case could be who created the information, could be the people who its sent to in email chain. Who knows, but they definitely dont say ‘marked top secret’

        • Crashacart 4.2.1.1

          Sorry do you have experience dealing with classifications? I do. When you are talking about documents classification and markings, you are specifically talking about a marking on the document that would say what the classification is. Often this includes what organisation has classified it.

          Nothing in your link disagree with that. The origins of the document do not change the way in which it is to be handled once it is classified. As I have said previously, if an organisation accidentally stamped your mums cake recipe top secret it has to be logged and then if they want to destroy it they have to go through a proper process. They also have to track its location.

          If any normal member of one of these organisation was carless with the handling of a marked classified document (irrespective of it contents) they would lose their security clearance and this more often than not is a death sentence for their career.

          • dukeofurl 4.2.1.1.1

            Clinton has said that none of her emails were marked top secret at the time.
            FBI statement corroborated that by using vague term ‘markings’ , if they were “marked top secret” ( or higher) they would have said so

  5. Chooky 5

    The FBI may have let her off the hook …but will Americans vote for her?…She is considered to be “Extremely Careless” if not “Supremely Reckless”…Is this to be recommended in a President of USA?

    …the comments and tweets would suggest NOT!…some want Comey to resign…and others have been critical of Attorney General Loretta Lynch

    ‘Clinton hid thousands of emails, put classified data on her server, but shouldn’t be charged – FBI’

    https://www.rt.com/usa/349560-fbi-director-clinton-probe/

    …”The FBI also found “several thousand” work-related emails that had been deleted over the years. Three of those were classified at the time. However, the bureau concluded that none of them were intentionally deleted to hide information, Comey said.

    Though he said that Clinton’s lawyers “cleaned” the devices used to host the email servers in a way that precluded further forensic discovery before turning them over to the bureau, the FBI is confident “there was no intentional misconduct,” according to Comey…

    ‘Bill Clinton’s secret meeting with Loretta Lynch sparks suspicions over Hillary email scandal’

    https://www.rt.com/usa/349029-clinton-lynch-airplane-meeting/

    …”Lynch was appointed US attorney for New York’s Eastern District by Bill Clinton in 1999, and was made attorney general under Barack Obama in 2014…

    • Compared to the alternative, Clinton is a safe pair of hands. She is going to win the Presidency.

      • Colonial Viper 5.1.1

        Love it. Using National Party memes. “Safe pair of hands” indeed. As long as you’re not a civilian in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Ukraine, Venezuela etc. that is.

        I’m still predicting an easy win for Trump despite the help that Clinton has got from the FBI going easy on her national security felonies.

        Her mishandling of classified documents have allowed foreign hackers access to documents which concern national security.

        • Chooky 5.1.1.1

          hopefully people will vote on the content of those emails…

        • te reo putake 5.1.1.2

          That tenner’s still up for grabs if you want to put your money where your mouth is CV 😉

          Shall we make it really interesting? $10 in the Clare Curren re-election fund when Trump loses?

          • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.1.2.1

            Nah, if you really want it to be interesting you’ll have to agree to donate to a suitable anti-vax/truther/mens’ rights group in the event that the ridiculous loser wins.

            • te reo putake 5.1.1.2.1.1

              I’m happy to take the minor risk of making a donation to any worthy cause CV puts up, OAB. Even in a year where the pollsters have been wrong on just about everything, I don’t see any hope for Trump when he can’t even get traction amongst the Republicans and there is a libertarian candidate creaming 5-10% of his potential vote as well. It’s over.

        • dukeofurl 5.1.1.3

          national security, top secret…. you rattle that off like you work for Dick Cheney!

          the truth is different.

          “At the center of that argument, the officials said, is a “top secret” program of the Central Intelligence Agency that is anything but secret. It is the agency’s long effort to track and kill suspected terrorists overseas with armed drones, which has been the subject of international debates, numerous newspaper articles, television programs and entire books.

          The Obama administration’s decision to keep most internal discussions about that program — including all information about C.I.A. drone strikes in Pakistan — classified at the “top secret” level has now become a political liability for Mrs. Clinton’s presidential campaign.
          “emails are included in seven distinct chains that comprise forwarded messages and replies, and in most cases involved discussions of the C.I.A. drone program, government officials said”

          http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/06/us/politics/agencies-battle-over-what-is-top-secret-in-hillary-clintons-emails.html

        • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.1.4

          Oh noes, national security!

          What a good thing none of her emails reveal the truthiness about chemtrails. That would have been embarrassing for the deep state.

          Luckily, truther fuckwits can console themselves that she’s playing a cunning double game.

          Eh CV.

          • One Two 5.1.1.4.1

            Labeling others is a fuckwit move

            Fear is a powerful emotion

            • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.1.4.1.1

              Leaving aside the Stalinist tactic of pretending I can’t handle the truth because I’m afraid, how do you account for the lack of corroborating evidence for truther dogma in all these secret emails that we are now privy to?

              Surely the only explanation must be that the material released by Wikileaks, Clinton’s emails, etc, are smokescreens, and there is a layer of secrecy underneath that where all the real truthiness is kept.

              That must be it, eh.

      • Chooky 5.1.2

        “safe pair of hands”!? ( you have to be joking!)

        …it is what the emails say that is most damning of Clinton..ie how she operates immorally outside the ‘democratic’ government……not the fact that she tried to amateurishly hide them …

        https://news.vice.com/article/libyan-oil-gold-and-qaddafi-the-strange-email-sidney-blumenthal-sent-hillary-clinton-in-2011

        http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-kovalik/clinton-emails-on-libya-e_b_9054182.html

        http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/03/14/exposing-the-libyan-agenda-a-closer-look-at-hillarys-emails/

        • te reo putake 5.1.2.1

          It’s already yesterday’s news, chooky. The Republicans have lost the Presidency. The only question left unanswered is how much damage Trump does them in the Senate, House of Reps and whatever State elections are up at the same time. A Democrat President and a majority in both houses would be good news for the majority of Americans and, by extension, the rest of the world.

          • Lanthanide 5.1.2.1.1

            It’s highly unlikely the democrats will get the house back, unless Clinton wins by a landslide (double digits).

      • Peter Swift 5.1.3

        Of course she’ll win over Trump. A poll today giving her an 11% lead. I can’t see how being cleared by the FBI will damage her numbers down the line.

        What also is clear is how CV has been pushed into a marginalised position by his idealogical perseverance to Rasputin, head thunder cat.
        How any supposed left winger can bat for Trump, a racist, misogynist, billionaire 1 percenter is beyond me.
        Good job he’s out of labour politics. Can you imagine the negative headlines – Labour ppc supports trumps wall etc.

        • te reo putake 5.1.3.1

          CV’s not a left winger, by his own admission. He seems pretty confused about what he actually believes in, but we know from other admissions it’s not women, workers, the aged or anyone who asks him for practical alternatives.

          The irony of it is that he was almost the archetypal modern Labour candidate, ticking most of the minority representation boxes in one handy package. It’s just that he was no bloody good. Which happens of course. Many are called, few are chosen.

          Having said that, kudos to CV for having given it a go. It takes a lot of guts and hard work to stand in any seat, let alone a blue ribbon Tory electorate. So that can never be taken away from him and it’s to his credit that he tried his best.

          And, as I’ve suggested in earlier posts, this may not be his last crack at a political seat. ACT and other right wing minority parties would welcome someone with his experience and misanthropic ideas with open arms. It’s just a matter of time and timing, I expect.

          • Peter Swift 5.1.3.1.1

            If I run and lost a 100m race against Usain Bolt, that wouldn’t make me a brave loser, just a loser with a bit of name recognition for a while at least, so let’s not get too romantic over having a go.

            I don’t know what politics, from a NZ viewpoint, would champion Trump and Farage, like CV has.
            Who or what ever they are, they certainly can’t be left of centre.

            • Colonial Viper 5.1.3.1.1.1

              What does it matter to a political astroturfer like you? Come up with your clever lines and repeat them as often as you like.

              • Peter Swift

                Cat calls from CV. Now there’s a surprise. lol
                Doesn’t change a thing though, you’re still an affront to left wing politics if you advocate for Trump.

                • Colonial Viper

                  Hi Peter Swift,

                  The Left/Right divide belongs in the 20th century, like you.

            • marty mars 5.1.3.1.1.2

              yes peter but you haven’t run any race have you? so you don’t really have a clue do you?

              cv has said he is not left – ho hum back to the events of the day

              • Peter Swift

                How would you know? I’m guaranteed anonymity as a poster.

                Anyway, events of the day, go for it.

                • question marks denote questions

                  and I’m not really interested anyway – you could say the same for cv if you weren’t interested couldn’t you? if you weren’t interested that is…

                  • Peter Swift

                    But I am interested in CV and his backing of a racist, misogynist one percenter billionaire.

                    You shooting from the cover of “question marks denote questions”, not so much.

                    • You’ve had the answer – he isn’t left. Somehow you still seem a little fixated – wonder why – I hope it isn’t because you are a bully peter – that wouldn’t be nice.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      I hope it isn’t because you are a bully peter – that wouldn’t be nice.

                      Both Peter Swift and TRP have this in common at their core.

                    • yeah they may indeed be bullies – I don’t mind their criticism of you cv because not very many, if any, of your views align with mine and I do think you go on a lot about shit you really have just seen on youtube (for example) – but that is par for the course and who really cares and that is no reason for others to bully you imo

                      so I defend your right to post shit here, there and everywhere and I fight against bullies whoever they are

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Chris Hedges, Dmitry Orlov, James Michael Greer, James Hansen and Abby Martin are all on YouTube.

                      I encourage everyone here to go check out some of their work there.

                    • what JMG youtubes have you seen? Wouldn’t mind watching some of them.

                    • Peter Swift

                      I’m laughing at being called a bully. Seriously, if that’s the best defence you have, then it’s a sad day for the hard done by put upon. lol
                      You have read some of the insults cv has sent my way for daring to raise issues with his doctrine?

                      Attempts at framing are one thing, but surely it’s got to be backed up with more than just being hurt over being disagreed with or having your opinions and motives come under scrutiny. It’s a little bit wimpy, tell the truth.

                      Anyway, as it’s a deliberate smoke screen and diversionary tactic, let’s regain some focus and prepare for next time.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Hi MM,

                      I’m a fan of Chris Martenson’s Peak Prosperity website and podcasts. And one of the best interviews that he has done in the last year is with JMG:

                    • thanks cv

                      and thanks to you too Peter – I’ve enjoyed your wordplay and comments – and no I haven’t read all of the lines cv has used against you – you do seem well able to combat that methinks 🙂

              • Sanctary

                I have never lost an election, and I have had several right from a local committee to a union rep. I tell you that based on his online presence, IMHO CV is completely unsuitable for any elected role. Being elected to lead working people is a deeply humbling privilege, yet all I see is a self absorbed ego.

                • Colonial Viper

                  You’ve never lost an election? Well done you. Having said that, your vote counts the same as any one elses.

                  • Greg

                    thats all we have really, isnt it, and the elite spend a lot of money trying to get it,

                    lifes about moving forward,
                    why do so many National politicians just dig holes for us,

            • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.3.1.1.3

              As a Green voter of no more political affiliation that that, I think it is to the NZLP’s everlasting shame that they would select a petty-bourgeois truther to contest any electorate, no matter how unwinnable.

              • Peter Swift

                Like someone didn’t do their homework or were totally misled pre selection.
                Bet they don’t do that again.

                • Or he was a different person back then. As I said earlier, it’s to CV’s credit that he gave it a shot. His current anti-left position is sad and entirely indefensible for someone writing on a labour movement blog, but it’s where he’s at right now. I’ve seen similar conversions from left to right before and from far nastier people than CV. At some point the penny will drop for him and he will embrace a party that better suits his attitudes. That doesn’t make him a bad person IMHO.

                  But at the moment he’s focussed on doing as much damage as possible to the left using the platform afforded to him, which is not so much his problem as an indictment on those in control of the Standard. As I pointed out on the Broken post, TS is not democratic, nor particularly focussed on left wing thought. It should be both and the lack of diversity in the commenters suggests that TS is the weaker for not getting a grip on the problem.

                  • and quite a few say if you went the place would be better off because your style puts people off (too many links to put here for the evidence) and is an affront for some too, even hard core lefties – hell even your name is an affront to me voicey 🙂

                  • Colonial Viper

                    TRP, a pro-establishment loyalist to the last. Sorry mate, but I’m not going to be yet another one of The Standard’s long time commentators that you get rid of. Despite your two or three attempts so far.

                    As for the left, you may have been, a long time ago. But you got grey, comfortable and middle class, and now all you do is support pro-status quo establishment loyalists like yourself.

                    • Nah, sorry mate, but you know nothing about me and you are very, very wrong. Which is not unusual for you, of course.

                      I’m very much of the left, and live my life on socialist principles. My political and economic viewpoint is Marxist, but I work within this system because I recognise we are not in revolutionary times. So, my working days are spent doing my best to see that working people get a fair crack. You’ve never lifted a finger to help anyone other than yourself, apparently, and you make your money scamming the foolish. We’re world’s apart, CV.

                      And I know I can walk into any smoko room in the country and feel at ease, at home and with my equals. You’ll never know that feeling.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Don’t get defensive TRP. I don’t mind you sailing in and out of work places while acting like you care.

                      And although you do have a strong sense of arrogance, apparently you don’t have telepathy.

                    • Weak. Get back to me when you make a difference, poseur. Some of us have work to do.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      TRP – and the fact that you cannot see that this is exactly a revolutionary time marks you as a blind, complacent, over watered Marxist.

                      But in honesty I cannot expect more from you – you are a loyal backer of the status quo.

                    • LOL. They’re ain’t no revolution going on, pal. Just a tightening of capital’s grip. You should try reading some Marx, you’d be less likely to make mistakes like that.

                      This is a pretty good primer:

                    • Chooky

                      Go CV!!!…this site would be the lesser without you…you are more intelligent than all your detractors put together

                      i don’t always agree with you but you always have something worthwhile to say and worth thinking about

                      ….and the Labour Party imo is not a real Left party…it is a neolib party ..so criticisms from those wedded to that party are sus imo

                      Mana/internet is a real Left party…and Labour by standing Kelvin Davis shot the Left in the foot and lost the Election to jonkey nact

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Chooky – much obliged. It’s high time to move on from the Left vs Right ideas of the early 20th century.

                  • left for dead

                    I’ll play mother/father. If you don’t like it here, trp.FUCK OFF. 👿

                    as you are aware, people are sick of your self appointed bile.

                    read; the policy and about would you.

                    • Nice try, though a little passive/aggressive 😉

                    • left for dead

                      get it right, it’s micro aggression son.

                      edit: no reply button for trp.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      TRP acts as if people cannot see him for who he is. Honestly, he is a Marxist deep inside who truly prefers Corbyn and Sanders in his heart of hearts. LOL!

                      I hope he gets the high place on the Labour list that he wants.

          • Colonial Viper 5.1.3.1.2

            Gawd TRP, a jug full of back handed insults and back handed compliments all in one go.

            Anyways, time to go back to watching UK Labour self destruct and all its over privileged white collar MPs try and knife their socialist Leader Jeremy Corbyn in the back.(Yes, TRP cry your croc tears from him, that would be appropriate now).

        • Colonial Viper 5.1.3.2

          Easy Trump victory over Clinton. Just saying. The US public can see once more that the FBI is a compromised, political organisation.

          Use all the usual left wing bleeding heart liberal lines against Trump, but he’s against free trade deals, he’s against the TPP and he’s against Clinton’s neocon foreign military adventures.

          • Peter Swift 5.1.3.2.1

            Sure, puss puss, sure. lol

          • dukeofurl 5.1.3.2.2

            Say what ?
            “CLINTON: I voted for a multinational trade agreement, but I opposed CAFTA because I did not believe it was in the best interests of the workers of America. I did hope that the TPP, negotiated by this administration, I was holding out hope that it would be the kind of trade agreement that I was looking for. Once I saw the outcome, I opposed it. I have a very clear view. We have to trade with the rest of the world. We are 5 percent of the world’s population. We have to trade with the other 95 percent. And trade has to be reciprocal. That’s the way the global economy works. But we have failed to provide the basic safety net support that American workers need in order to be able to compete and win in the global economy.”

            ” Take the trade deal. I did say, when I was secretary of state, three years ago, that I hoped it would be the gold standard. It was just finally negotiated last week, and in looking at it, it didn’t meet my standards. My standards for more new, good jobs for Americans, for raising wages for Americans. ”

            Lets just say in Mae Wests words – She drifted.

            • Colonial Viper 5.1.3.2.2.1

              Young Republican Killary never drifted anywhere except further and further into the arms of the bankster establishment and military industrial surveillance complex.

              • DS

                Yeah, that would be why she actively campaigned for George McGovern in 1972.

                (If we’re going after Hillary for her Republican family, where does that leave Helen Clark, daughter of National-voting Waikato farmers?).

                • Colonial Viper

                  Firstly Helen Clark was a centrist PM through and through. Tough on beneficiaries, greenlit prisons, closed down schools.

                  Those people who think that the rot set into the country only from 2009 onwards are kidding themselves.

                  If you were earning $60K pa in 2008 there was already no way you could afford to buy a house in Auckland.

                  As for Killary. Her track record in power speaks for itself.

  6. adam 6

    Funny, I think Clinton may have won the battle – but she how many self hits did she get in with it. It was quite sad really.

    Some interesting stuff in this dump from wikileaks but nothing damning. It appears there will be more dumps at a later date.

    https://wikileaks.org/clinton-emails/?q=iraq%7Cbaghdad%7Cbasra%7Cmosoul&mfrom&mto&title&notitle&date_from&date_to&nofrom&noto&count=50&sort=0

  7. Chooky 7

    Democracy or Oligarchy?

    Glenn Greenwald on the issue:

    ‘Washington Has Been Obsessed With Punishing Secrecy Violations – until Hillary ‘Clinton

    https://theintercept.com/2016/07/05/washington-has-been-obsessed-with-punishing-secrecy-violations-until-hillary-clinton/

  8. Andre 8

    Wonder if this explains the enthusiasm some people here have for the crude approximation of an orange howler monkey with an unkempt roadkill hamster on its head?

    http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/cover_story/2016/07/vladimir_putin_has_a_plan_for_destroying_the_west_and_it_looks_a_lot_like.html

  9. Andre 9

    Well, the Republican call for new investigations took several hours longer to come out than I thought it would.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/republicans-fbi-investigation-hillary-clinton_us_577c6466e4b09b4c43c18c22?section=

    • Colonial Viper 9.1

      “Well, the Republican call for new investigations took several hours longer to come out than I thought it would.”

      I suspect they were trying to find out through their own network what was actually behind the decision to give Hillary the equivalent of diversion for a national security crime.

  10. Colonial Viper 10

    Here are a partial list of felonies that Obama has just helped nullify for the war criminal Hillary Clinton:

    http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-07-05/clinton-case-obama-administration-nullifies-6-criminal-laws

    18 U.S. Code § 2232 — Destruction or removal of property to prevent seizure

    18 U.S. Code § 1512 — Tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant

    18 U.S. Code § 1519 — Destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in Federal investigations and bankruptcy

    18 U.S. Code § 2071 — Concealment, removal, or mutilation generally

    18 U.S. Code § 641 — Public money, property or records

    18 U.S. Code § 793 — Gathering, transmitting or losing defense information …
    (f) Whoe

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-05T09:15:48+00:00