Daily Review 23/11/2016
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8:22 pm, November 23rd, 2016 - 85 comments
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- Love, happiness, blur
The last few days have been a bit too much of a whirl for me to manage a fresh edition each day. It's been that kind of year. Hope you don't mind.I’ve been coming around to thinking that it doesn't really matter if you don't have something to say every ...2 hours ago - All I Want For Christmas
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This morning’s six standouts for me at 6.30am include:Rachel Helyer Donaldson’s scoop via RNZ last night of cuts to maternity jobs in the health system;Maddy Croad’s scoop via The Press-$ this morning on funding cuts for Christchurch’s biggest food rescue charity;Benedict Collins’ scoop last night via 1News on a last-minute ...13 hours ago - 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #51
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Well, I've been there, sitting in that same chairWhispering that same prayer half a million timesIt's a lie, though buried in disciplesOne page of the Bible isn't worth a lifeThere's nothing wrong with youIt's true, it's trueThere's something wrong with the villageWith the villageSomething wrong with the villageSongwriters: Andrew Jackson ...1 day ago - Government Forces Universities to Enforce “Free Speech” While Limiting Universities̵...
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Returning to the model that was failing for most polytechnics and Institutes of Technology is not the answer. ...3 days ago
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The economy shrank 1% this quarter and New Zealand has tumbled into the depths of a recession of Nicola Willis’ making. ...4 days ago
- Release: Hikes for company directors but not ordinary Kiwis
Working people are going backwards while company directors are being given huge pay hikes. ...5 days ago
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The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...5 days ago
- Release: Strengthening Justice Services for New Zealanders
A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...5 days ago
- Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...6 days ago
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The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...6 days ago
- Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...6 days ago
- Release: Visa changes let migrant workers be paid less
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...6 days ago
- Release: Nightmare before Christmas for Nicola Willis
With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...6 days ago
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For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...6 days ago
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The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...6 days ago
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All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...6 days ago
- Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...1 week ago
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The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...1 week ago
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The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...1 week ago
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The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
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New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
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Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Be wise around water this summer
Kiwis planning a swim or heading out on a boat this summer should remember to stop and think about water safety, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop and ACC and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “New Zealand’s beaches, lakes and rivers are some of the most beautiful in the ...8 hours ago - Drive safely this summer
The Government is urging Kiwis to drive safely this summer and reminding motorists that Police will be out in force to enforce the road rules, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“This time of year can be stressful and result in poor decision-making on our roads. Whether you are travelling to see ...9 hours ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...1 day ago
- PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...3 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...3 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...4 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...4 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...4 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...4 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...4 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...4 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...4 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...4 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...5 days ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...5 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...5 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...5 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...5 days ago
- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...5 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...5 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...5 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...5 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...5 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...5 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...6 days ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...6 days ago
- Church Bioethics Agencies Express Dismay at the Rushed Consultation Period for Submissions on the Ge...
“We urge the Health Select Committee to extend the date for submissions,” concluded Rev Bush. “There is too much at stake to leave the outcome of this review only in the hands of politicians or those with vested interests.” ...2 hours ago - Submissions Open For The International Treaty Examination Of The Agreement On Climate Change, Trade ...
The agreement seeks to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. ...4 hours ago
- Cook Islands passport would require giving up NZ citizenship – NZ foreign affairs
A separate passport, citizenship and membership of the United Nations are only available to fully independent nations, Winston Peters' office says. ...6 hours ago - NZ’s Z Energy renames stations with ‘correct’ kupu
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- NZ Media Council upholds complaint against The Spinoff article on Palestine exhibition
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- From smaller homes to screen time, backyard cricket is facing challenges in modern Australia
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Apologies for lateness …
Standing Rock, now they blowing arms off. PLEASE be warned, the photo is very stark.
Why on earth doesn’t President Obama intervene in this ongoing disaster?
You have to be joking. Trump has shares in the disaster and is looking forward to profiting from it. Why blame Obama?
Actually disagree mickysavage, there is a court ruling that pipe line should stop. They have not and are carrying on. Also many of these police are crossing state lines. So Obama could call a halt to this at any time, leaving aside that it is currently passing through federal land, it being military land.
No wait, lets not, Obama also has the power to stop it, as commander and chief.
Im responding to the suggestion that it is all Obama’s fault. I don’t understand the intricacies of what is happening so maybe he should make a stand. I was responding to the implication that Obama is wrong but Trump will fix it. If Obama is on a rocky road to hell over this Trump is sitting down there with a devil suit on and holding a trident …
Fair enough mickysavage.
I think Obama did good original reaching out to native Americans, but this is more of the same old, same old from the US establishment. It also he has the ability to not only up hold the law, but to intervene via some many avenues -that is frustrating.
Also with the escalating violence from the police, it is a worry someone has not said stop! I also blame Jack Dalrymple a lot, a hell of a lot actually.
Obama spent his whole first term figuring that republicans won’t give him nothing, reps even went as far as not producing a budget, Obama said he’d close gettmo-fail, recall troops- pass, financial reform – fail, jobs growth- pass, so Obamas a 50/50 president. The only reason his D- is talked about, is because it’s so much better than the F under Bush
Why blame Obama?
Maybe because this lawless, dangerous mess developed, is ongoing and is escalating under his watch as POTUS?
Nope it started years before. He should not be blamed for stuff that has been happening for years …
Remind me MS how many years has Barrack Obama been POTUS? Since 2009, right? How many years does Obama need to act?
Don’t give Obama a pass on this long standing festering mess for tribal political reasons.
Come on CV, mickysavage is right. This sort of rubbish has been going on for years, and years. No matter what political party has power.
The US would be a radically different place if Obama hadn’t have been cut off at the knees by republicans blocking his every move in congress and the senate.
For all the talk about the system failing and people being fed up with stale politics, their lives wouldn’t have been half as bad if they hadn’t voted in tea party, hardliner right wing governors and senators.
Finally a modicum of sense from swift Peter.
It’s always good common sense stuff from me, it’s just you’ve finally found something you can agree with publicly, without fear of getting gang banged by the bigger kids .
So well done, for that, at least. lol
Blaming the voters? That’s a winning strategy in a democratic system.
Face facts. Obama has left the Democratic Party in total disarray, at its weakest state in terms of elected legislators since the 1920s, right from the state level through to federal government.
The Republicans now control something like 68 of the country’s 99 state legislatures, and have total control of something like 26 states (state house, state senate and Governor). The Democrats have control of just 7 states.
And in just two months, liberals are also going to lose control of the Supreme Court.
Absolute Democratic led disaster.
It’s not blaming the voters, it’s holding them accountable to how they voted, and yeah, they did bad, and that’s the only fact worth knowing.
You spout on how the republicans control this and that, which absolutely supports my claim the voters got what they voted for. They, like you, don’t want to admit their part in the mess they’re in, especially when they have a lame duck scapegoat at the ready, as is the way with the modern world.
Why take responsibility when you can blame someone else? 🙄
US voters sh1t lives – Absolutely of their own making.
At least with the republicans controlling the holy trinity, you won’t be able to spin/shill your agenda in 4 years time. Blessings wherever you find ’em lol
The political class and commentariat are going to hold the voters accountable???
How fucking moronic and inverted.
Cluetip – that’s not how a democracy works, that’s how technocratic totalitarianism works.
It’s all about personal responsibility, comrade, not a student union sponsored slogan contest.
Only a modicum of sense, big boy. The Republicans were responsible for only some of what Obama didn’t do. Most if it was for the same reasons Hillary Clinton lost the election. Creative writing course or not, you really are illiterate. Learn to fucking read.
But I haven’t seen you advocating any “personal responsibility” for the shitty out of touch constantly losing coastal elite focussed Democratic Party leadership team.
I’m as illiterate as you are a great thinker. lol
“But I haven’t seen you advocating any “personal responsibility” for the shitty out of touch constantly losing coastal elite focused Democratic Party leadership team.”
Yep, and Vivian is a total bastard. Right on, Rick. 🙄
“But I haven’t seen you advocating any “personal responsibility” for the shitty out of touch constantly losing coastal elite focussed Democratic Party leadership team.”
Yep, and Vivian is a total bast*rd. Right on, Rick 🙄 lol
The great thinker who says Obama was one of the greatest leaders the US has ever had. Yeah, extra-judicial killings, corporate puppet. Shove one of your pathetic lols up your arse.
“The great thinker who says Obama was one of the greatest leaders the US has ever had. Yeah, extra-judicial killings, corporate puppet. Shove one of your pathetic lols up your arse.”
I wrote I can’t recall a president better than Obama, can you? Certainly not either Bush, or Clinton, not Reagan, Carter, nor Ford or Nixon.
Perhaps you could stop acting like a chided child and think about the implications of what you’re actually meaning when you write such guff.
But if you think any of those presidents were better than Obama, so be it, I’m not defeated by a difference of opinion. Just have the nads to go ahead and state it, in public, for all to see and laugh at. lol
“But I haven’t seen you advocating any “personal responsibility” for the shitty out of touch constantly losing coastal elite focussed Democratic Party leadership team.”
Yep, and Vivian is a total bast*rd. Right on, Rick. 🙄 lol
Obama oversaw the decimation of his party at every level of government. Most of his executive order legacy as President is going to be cancelled by the end of January and the guts of Obamacare put in the deep fryer by mid year.
Yes, a great President.
Meanwhile, here is Obama on the Fallon show saying that Trump will never ever be President.
And Vivian is still such a bast*rd. Thanks for that, Rick 🙄 lol
America would be much better off if it wasn’t for your right wing republicans in congress and the senate. Fact.
Blame the bogey man Obama, like you and US voters have been taught to, but that’s your limitation and your complex, not mine.
Hillary Clinton won a pathetic ~300 out of the more than 3,000 counties in the USA.
The Democratic establishment backed the ultimate status quo candidate in a change election year.
The Democrats are now at a 90 year low in terms of elected legislators and have effectively lost control of every single arm of the US government: executive, congress and judiciary.
And you’re still blaming the public as being the problem?
No wonder the Dems got reamed.
“The US would be a radically different place…..”
“…their lives wouldn’t be half as bad if they hadn’t. …”
Speculation is rife, but that’s all it is…
Speculation!
And it would, on both counts, chump 🙄
Go play your arse lick games with people who have the patience and tolerance for misinformed halfwits and the slogan driven enlightened.
Spare me the inner guilt of having to dismiss you as yet another afflicted inconsequential nothing.
That’s harsh, but you won’t get it anyway, so all good. 🙂
Yep the destruction of indigenous rights is a long term project. Just as here we can look at most political parties being implicated in the loss of rights so it is in the US. It is incorrect to blame an individual for the issue. We can say that any fixes have fallen short and responsibility there is obvious.
Indigenous rights activists know this and fight on here there and everywhere.
Indeed why has he not? And why has your boy not said anything?
Mean while, behind the muck, Elon is slowly taking over the world. 1.4 MEGAWATTS! Baby, read and weep, be a winner, not a loser
Edit: link; http://www.teslarati.com/tesla-powering-entire-island-solar-panels-batteries/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=elonquotes
Complete edit:
Great link Clump_AKA Sam, well worth the read.
Wonder how long we can keep talking in edit mode
forever
and 9 minutes
🙂
The US Constitution is clear on this point. While Trump is the President-Elect, there is only one President of the United States in office. And that is Barrack Obama.
Deafening silence from your so called champion of working people.
So CV what will Trump do? Will it be reason for the left to rejoice?
Dunno. We’ll have to see.
But my guess is that no, there won’t be much reason for the “left” (does this grouping actually exist? Many commentators here tell me there is no such grouping) to rejoice in his handling of this mess which has been left over for Trump to handle by a timid procrastinating lawlessness tolerating Barrack Obama.
1) repatriat 5 trillion corporate cash, 2) disband NATO, 3) close half all US forign military bases, 4) golf.
Europe is already preparing for a NATO withdrawal, corporate cash is already flowing back into the US.
Making America Great agin is all academic at this point
– 5 year ban on people leaving his administration and then working as corporate lobbyists
– burying the TPP
– a trillion bucks worth of infrastructure spend with support from both sides of the House.
Not sure if the Left will cheer or cry about the TPP, might want to clear that up a bit
Might ask Andrew Little, he seems to think that TPP is not too bad.
Shh, I think that’s Trump on the line, wants to know where all the factories are
If Trump has any chance of making America great again he has to drop a trillion a year in unfunded promises, US defence budget- 1 trillion, makes sense to start there
Although interestingly enough, Trump realises that he has a printing press. The world’s biggest, most powerful, most valuable printing press.
“Why on earth doesn’t President Obama intervene in this ongoing disaster ?”
Counterpunch
November 23, 2016
Buying Silence: Why So Many Democrats are Mute About Standing Rock
Thanks swordfish.
If you watched the video it actually asks that question. It also points out what the establishment are doing. It’s a one party state, with two parties.
NZ isn’t much better. National and Labour have essentially the same economic policies.
Agree with you there. Liberalism is a big house.
We have just moved into our tiny house. 2 adults and 9 and 2 year olds a dog and cat.
I really wondered how my head would cope. It is awesome. Think, if you are watching a movie then the rest of the big house is empty and unused but not for us. Mentally it is about being mindful and present. It may not be for everyone but imo it is future proofing the kids and us.
Sounds like an excellent set up. I cannot stand those ridiculous huge new 350m2 houses with 2 people living inside them.
Yeah times are changing and the old ways of thinking must change too ☺ imo of course.
Wonderful to hear, marty. I wish you and your whanau all the best in your marvelously modest home. Please keep us up to date with how your cosy life goes and flows.
Good on you, sounds like a fun project. Can I be nosy and ask the square metreage?
2.7 wide 7 m long 4.25 high. Like a bus without a motor sort of – road legal as in towable with vehicle. We do have a shed and another structure so the tiny house is the heart of the zone. it is new so that is nice.
That’s impressive, less than 21m ground floor space. Great that it’s portable too could be very handy.
I couldn’t live in that – it would drive me bonkers.
But have watched a few documentaries on tiny living and think it’s a fantastic idea for those who want to give it a crack.
I know some councils are a bit anti – but they need to get on board – there are a lot of people who this appeals to and it should be encouraged.
It’s a hell of a jump and commitment. But bloody good on you.
Hope it goes really well and you are happy there.
Good on you Marty Mars and family. Excellent initiative and showing another way…
All the best
Crikey.
Gutsy move there Marty.
I guess that being on wheels this will add you to the homeless figures ?
Got to be movable for regulations. Not homeless and we are doing it by choice but part of that is affordability.
Fantastic Marty. All the best to you and your whanau.
On ya Marty. I have been seriously thinking of a tiny house for a while but my beloved is not so keen …
Go small, easier to clean and heat. For me the clean bit is a big plus.
Plus added bonus, you get uncluttered, because you have to.
low ceilings and facing the sun in just the right way
You can have tesla power wall and panels installed for 14k, best to just save up 14k
Disclaimer: 30% of my investment portfolio is deployed in Tesla/Solar City/SpaceX or anything else Elon publicly trades
Yep had to downsize stuff considerably
It’s quite enjoyable in a way, once you move all the stuff to the op shop.
Cleaning 14 square metres as opposed to 140 square metres….no brainer!
A surprising number of families raising 3+ offspring in 10 x 2.3 metre buses…they make it work.
Onya marty mars.
Insurance Council lashes out against non-structural damage
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/property/86768554/insurance-council-lashes-out-against-nonstructural-damage
k…so why am i (or we) in moderation?
You probably have a login using the same “email”. There is a new security protocol that treats comments for emails with logins as being suspicious.
I will check
If I were to comment using a different email than my login one, would I stop going straight to moderation?
Yes. Or I could just send you a updated password. Whichever
Thanks lprent. I am now logged in, using the password you sent, and will see if my comment comes up immediately.
thanks…i probably do, can’t remember , i usually don’t “log in” though i have in an attempt to post past cpl days.
Nope. You aren’t in the users, and don’t match bans.
I’ll have to have a look over the weekend at the logs.
It is quite weird. You appear to sometimes get through and sometimes not.
Yup. All good.
“The safety of Wellingtonians should come before a $120 million film museum and $90 million set aside for the airport runway extension.”
Councillor Pannett agreed that funding for the reservoir should come before funding for the runway extension, putting her at odds with recently-elected mayor Justin Lester.
When contacted by Newshub, Mr Lester refused to comment other than to say the reservoir was a “priority”.
http://www.newshub.co.nz/nznews/new-wellington-reservoir-must-be-priority-after-quake—councillor-2016112221