Open mike 01/10/2024

65 comments on “Open mike 01/10/2024 ”

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1. SPC 1

   1 October 2024 at 6:19 am

   The UK is no longer burning coal for power.

   A huge change in recent decades.

   https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/8db8/live/bacb9020-7f0d-11ef-b66d-034eed51208d.png.webp

   Kayte O'Neill, the chief operating officer at the Energy System Operator – the body overseeing the UK's electricity system – said: "There is a whole load of innovation required to help us ensure the stability of the grid. Keeping the lights on in a secure way."

   A crucial technology providing that stability Kayte O'Neill spoke of is battery technology.

   Dr Sylwia Walus, research programme manager at the Faraday Institution, said that there has been significant progress in the science of batteries.

   "There is always scope for a new technology, but more focus these days is really how to make it more sustainable and cheaper in production," she said.

   To achieve this the UK needs to become more independent of China in producing its own batteries and bringing in skilled workers for this purpose, she explained.

   https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y35qz73n8o
   • Jenny 1.1

     1 October 2024 at 9:27 am

     '

     NZ Cross Border international climate criminals:

     …..In 2010, some 25,000 New Zealanders marched down Queen Street to stop mining on our own conservation lands. Today, few would know that one unit of electricity in every ten they used early this year came from the destruction of someone else’s. According to Global Forest Watch, the Indonesian province of East Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo, has lost nearly 3.5 million hectares of forest cover to timber and mining operations since 2001—that’s three and a half Fiordland National Parks.

     The Kalimantan rainforests are among the most biologically rich in the world. Surveys show that, floristically, there’s nowhere else like them. Borneo has, by one count, 14,423 plant species. There are 8500 in all of Aotearoa.

     But the two biomes do have something in common: coal. More than half a million hectares of East Kalimantan is pockmarked with pits. In 2020, according to the International Energy Agency, Indonesia produced around 529 million tonnes of coal, including more than one million tonnes sold to New Zealand…..

     https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/why-are-we-still-burning-coal/

     Why are we still burning coal?

     Written by Dave Hansford

     SPC @1

     1 October 2024 at 6:19 am

     The UK is no longer burning coal for power.

     A huge change in recent decades.

     Q: So why is NZ still burning coal for power? No change in recent decades.

     A: Because burning coal keeps the spot prices up, increasing the profitability of the privately owned Gentailers.

     …..Solving one of the country’s biggest climate challenges would also give us healthier homes and cheaper power—and fortify communities against natural disasters.

     https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/how-to-fix-electricity-emissions/

     …..spilling all that hydro-dam water, companies that generate and sell energy—“gentailers”—are incentivised to keep supply “on the precipice of shortage” so spot prices stay high, as Major Electricity Users’ Group chair John Harbord put it recently. It doesn’t suit their purposes to have you generating excess power on your roof.

     …… the market sets power prices to match the most expensive generation needed to meet that last fraction of demand. If that last one per cent is supplied by Huntly coal, then that high price is locked in across all other electricity sources. That means hydro generators are laughing all the way to the bank, because they can sell their much cheaper hydro power at much higher coal prices. (It also favours wind farms.)

     The massive infrastructure projects of Think Big hold some other lessons for us, too. They were supposed to make us more resilient, insulating our economy from international shocks. But ironically, big hydro and coal plants leave us vulnerable:

     …..New Zealand won’t meet its climate targets without the engagement of New Zealanders. Top-down, one-way power monopolies must be replaced with active, equitable power-sharing local networks, with energy conservation as their central remit, not profit from production.

     The sector must be fairer, supporting people to be a part of an energy revolution, and make sure they can afford the electricity they need to stay healthy.

     How to fix: Electricity emissions

     Written by Dave Hansford

     From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

     …..In 1996, ECNZ was split again, with a new separate generation business,Contace Energy being formed. The Fourth National Government privatised Contact Energy in 1999. The Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 required the separation of ownership between lines and energy businesses (either generation or supply).

     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity_sector_in_New_Zealand#:
     • SPC 1.1.1

       1 October 2024 at 9:53 am

       Sure the answer is healthy homes – and beyond insulation, this includes solar panels and battery.

       That and wind power – battery on the grid, reduces use of hydro dam power. And so this can be used less and provide spare low cost capacity (instead of the C of C plans for more expensive imported gas).
       • PsyclingLeft.Always 1.1.1.1

         1 October 2024 at 10:10 am

         Innovation…and thinking outside the box. NZ is good at it. The present NACT1 govt with its determinedly anti Science and innate Climate denial notwithstanding. They like Dinosaur fuel..matches their Dinosaur brains

         From waste to power: How floating solar panels on wastewater ponds could help solve NZ’s electricity security crisis

         Also this. Is still a factor..

         New Zealand may be held back by a misconception that solar panels work best in hot and sunny climates. In fact, solar panels harness the sun's energy – not its temperature – making New Zealand's cooler climate an ideal environment for efficient solar energy generation.

         https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/528905/from-waste-to-power-how-floating-solar-panels-on-wastewater-ponds-could-help-solve-nz-s-electricity-security-crisis
       • Jenny 1.1.1.2

         1 October 2024 at 11:28 am

         SPC @1.1.1

         1 October 2024 at 9:53 am

         Sure the answer is healthy homes – and beyond insulation, this includes solar panels and battery.

         That and wind power – battery on the grid, reduces use of hydro dam power. And so this can be used less and provide spare low cost capacity…..

         I think SPC that you are missing the point being made by Dave Hansford.

         There is no shortage of innovative solutions to carbon emissions.

         The roadblock is the profit driven gentailers.

         What is really missing is the political will from our political leaders to regulate the profit driven polluters, who without regulation, will always prioritise their bottom line ahead of the public good or the protection of the environment.

         "Top-down, one-way power monopolies must be replaced with active, equitable power-sharing local networks, with energy conservation as their central remit, not profit from production." Dave Hansford

         Without government regulation of the privately owned gentailers, or the return to public ownership, none of the innovative solutions put up by you or PsyclingLeft, or even Dave Hansford himself, will ever be realised.
         Or if they ever are, only after permanent irreversible damage to the climate is a reality, maybe not even then.
         • SPC 1.1.1.2.1

           1 October 2024 at 11:44 am

           No.

           Simply taking back ownership might not be electorally popular – the alternative is incentivising solar panel take up (as per healthy homes) – even requiring it of state housing and landlords. People get the benefit and at a much lower cost to the taxpayer than buying out shareholders.

           The other matter is a regulatory requirement for power companies and Transpower to ensure stability via batteries to store wind power to reduce use of hydro.
           • Jenny 1.1.1.2.1.1

             1 October 2024 at 4:12 pm

             Jenny @1.1.1.2

             1 October 2024 at 11:28 am

             I think SPC that you are missing the point being made by Dave Hansford.

             There is no shortage of innovative solutions to carbon emissions.

             The roadblock is the profit driven gentailers.

             What is really missing is the political will from our political leaders to regulate the profit driven polluters, who without regulation, will always prioritise their bottom line ahead of the public good or the protection of the environment…..

             SPC @1.1.1.2.1

             1 October 2024 at 11:44 am

             No…..

             ……incentivising solar panel take up (as per healthy homes) – even requiring it of state housing and landlords. People get the benefit and at a much lower cost to the taxpayer than buying out shareholders.

             The other matter is a regulatory requirement for power companies and Transpower to ensure stability via batteries to store wind power to reduce use of hydro.

             Yes of course. But still, the point is this, and always has been, is that despite all these affordable, practical solutions for cutting emissions being available, despite all these available solutions, almost off the shelf – What is really missing is the political will to implement them.

             This is the real nub of the problem.

             Now the question is: how do we get over it, this lack of political will to take up these measures?
       • Belladonna 1.1.1.3

         1 October 2024 at 8:21 pm

         It seems as though something has gone wrong with the house designs in Auckland, which meet all of the healthy homes insulation targets. They're too hot. And now require air-conditioning/cooling to run during more than half the year.

         Surely a massive own-goal for the planners.

         https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/529228/some-newly-built-auckland-homes-too-hot-council-study-shows
         • joe90 1.1.1.3.1

           1 October 2024 at 8:59 pm

           Surely a massive own-goal for the planners.

           For the developers and buyers perhaps but I doubt the onus is on planners to remind dopey pricks about how hot the sun is.
           • Belladonna 1.1.1.3.1.1

             1 October 2024 at 9:01 pm

             Not a building expert here, but surely it's the planners who set the rules for insulation and ventilation for new build houses.
             • joe90 …

               1 October 2024 at 9:12 pm

               insulation and ventilation for new build houses.

               Yup, lots of rules about insulation, heating, light penetration, ventilation, etc but afaik, not a sausage about how hot the sun is.
               • Belladonna …

                 1 October 2024 at 9:24 pm

                 Planning for the current climate (let alone for increased warming), would seem to be a requirement.
           • Muttonbird 1.1.1.3.1.2

             1 October 2024 at 9:31 pm

             Yep. The immediate environment around our houses is very important and has a symbiotic relationship to design and planning. Trees provide natural shade and cooling which would not be apparent in new build.

             Not that Bananadonna has the capacity to consider that.

             Design and planning is something which the CoC are keen to dispense with for what it's worth.

             One interesting thing about tenancies is that because the profit motive is strong with amateur landlords, it's very important to cut all the trees down and have bare properties which are cheaper to manage, and fuck the stupid, weak tenants.
             • SPC …

               1 October 2024 at 11:21 pm

               Western suburbs of Sydney.

               https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12370879/Single-photo-exposes-huge-problem-facing-Australia-concerned.html
             • Belladonna …

               2 October 2024 at 10:45 am

               Designing and planning has resulted in this issue.

               If you think that extensive tree planting is a feature of intensive housing in Auckland, you need a serious reality check. The planning process has resulted in rows of houses, jammed in tightly together, with minimal landscaping (let alone trees).

               Have a look at the Kainga Ora new builds – not seeing many trees – or even much grass.
               • Muttonbird …

                 2 October 2024 at 1:10 pm

                 Ok, so you've pivoted away from suggesting the problem is insulation standards which is a National Party line (no surprise there).

                 Now it's the (council, I presume) planners fault, but nothing to do with developers cutting corners to maximise profit.

                 The thing is, if you want no mistake, liveable housing, more regulation and requirements are necessary rather than less.

                 I haven't said tree planting is a feature of MDH (you falsely call it intensive housing), but it needs to be.
                 • Belladonna …

                   2 October 2024 at 1:21 pm

                   The problem is that the insulation standards (with which I don't have an issue), were implemented without taking ventilation requirements (a much greater issue in Auckland and parts north), into consideration. A building standards fail.

                   Is there a difference in landscaping requirements for MDH or intensive housing? Seems to be much the same to me. Not that there is any space for trees or landscaping in any of the MDH around Auckland.

                   And, sadly for your argument, the highly regulated building standards, have resulted in less livable housing.
         • SPC 1.1.1.3.2

           1 October 2024 at 11:39 pm

           There is an urban planning issue. It is one of density. And is related to stormwater (where an area is too built up and has poor drainage) capacity.

           It can occur with both higher density development, including large houses on small sections.

           Basically the answer is less of the land being built on. More grass and trees.

           Sydney has more serious issues (more heat than us).

           https://www.landscapearchitecture.nz/landscape-architecture-aotearoa/2021/4/11/7lsk8ezuoko0g57gylbmj4q8yopwud

           In Auckland it appears to be where the top level of duplexes get less shade and have to be designed and built with different features.
           • Belladonna 1.1.1.3.2.1

             2 October 2024 at 10:34 am

             I'm sorry, but this is rubbish. The fact that upper floors get hotter is well known, and has been for hundreds of years. There's a reason why the servants were relegated to the top floors of houses in Victorian England.

             What seems to have happened is rigorous insulation requirements were implemented, which were unaccompanied by planning for passive cooling. Creating upper-story rooms with windows which don't open (or only open a tiny amount, with no cross-flow) has resulted in heat-box bedrooms, which are unusable without air-conditioning. The cost of retro-fitting this into existing builds in significant; as is, of course, the ongoing electricity bill.

             It's a planning failure.
             • SPC …

               2 October 2024 at 11:04 am

               What rubbish?

               As I noted

               There is an urban planning issue.

               That includes all sorts of issues. More grass and less housing on sections and the ability to plant trees. .

               And this

               In Auckland it appears to be where the top level of duplexes get less shade and have to be designed and built with different features.

               Sure this has been a known since the 19th C.

               One can guess the desire for more urban density is the reason, in this there is a building design issue/building criteria regulation factor.
           • Belladonna 1.1.1.3.2.2

             2 October 2024 at 12:52 pm

             And, my point. It's not an urban planning issue, it's a building planning one.
             • SPC …

               2 October 2024 at 1:12 pm

               The link you gave 1.1.1.3 – says it is both.

               https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/529228/some-newly-built-auckland-homes-too-hot-council-study-shows
   • Scud 1.2

     1 October 2024 at 12:30 pm

     Also the Talbot Steel Works in Wales creased steel production.

     The Talbot Steel Works was the last to remaining Steel Works in the UK and it did specialise in steel armour plating for the Army & the manufacturing of steel for the RN Sub's among other high end steel production like rail tracks for High speed rail etc.
     • SPC 1.2.1

       1 October 2024 at 12:37 pm

       Tata's Indian owners … a bit like the Malaysians with their own mill and cheaper power closing down here.

       https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/sep/11/blow-for-british-steel-industry-as-2500-jobs-go-at-port-talbot
2. SPC 2

   1 October 2024 at 7:21 am

   The social investment approach

   First principles

   It is a diversion away from state provision.

   "Often the people best able to make a positive change in the lives of someone who is vulnerable or has complex needs is not the government itself, but often someone a bit closer to the community – be that an iwi provider, a social service provider, a charitable organisation – and so one of the roles Social Investment Agency is to ensure that the government works better with those organisations."

   A multi-contract system.

   This includes a focus on new approaches and innovation, including co-investment and collation of contracts with non-government organisations (NGOs).

   Healthy Homes is cited as an example of an approach which had multiple benefits.

   (why Labour named social investment – by its purpose – Well Being, such as via Food in Schools etc)

   Arthur Grimes noted

   English's approach had "looked at it in terms of reducing government fiscal outlays in the future, as opposed to what's beneficial for society as a whole, so it had a much narrower focus, it was looking at how you save money for the government in the future".

   And thus of course Investment (for profit) partners are to be involved

   In her speech to Victoria University, Willis said the fund would be targeted towards "social impact bonds, social outcome contracts and other innovative ways of investing".

   "Social bonds are an investment tool where private organisations, including investors, partner to fund and deliver services to improve social outcomes," she said.

   "The positive or negative return for investors depends on the extent the agreed results are achieved…

   A reactive dismissal of critics as from those focused on their ideology, rather than the focus of English-Willis on getting results.

   "I know some will question this mixing of the public and private domains. I'm not interested in that rigidity. I want results. If private capital can be better deployed to help change the lives of more New Zealanders then I will not be afraid to use it. We must not allow ideology to get in the way of what works."

   https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/529489/social-investment-what-you-need-to-know
   • Kay 2.1

     1 October 2024 at 8:09 am

     We must not allow ideology to get in the way of what works."

     Tax cuts, tax cuts, tax cuts.

     Ideology getting in the way of what works.
3. SPC 3

   1 October 2024 at 7:32 am

   This will be great for businesses operating as consultants to government ministry (maintaining capacity with less of their own staff) – hiring up experienced and specialist workers who want to retain work from home rights.

   One might well suspect a Ministry might well refers on workers disappointed by the government policy. Meeting staff cutback targets, if not saving any money overall.

   And as the government loves going to non government organisations, everyone wins.

   https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/30/hybrid-work-crackdown-may-not-work-as-intended-economist-warns/
4. Kay 4

   1 October 2024 at 8:06 am

   Why on earth Key's opinion on the US election should be front page news is beyond me, but it is, and I held my nose and took the bait.

   “I think he's better for the economy.”

   “He's likely to embrace a bit more market. He's likely to have less red tape and he's certainly going to have lower taxes. So that bit is good.”

   But Sir John still thinks overall Trump is still the better choice.

   “Well he certainly wants lower taxes. He probably wants more market based solutions. He's probably got a freer energy policy. There's a whole lot of different things.”

   So- tax cuts. Some things never change.

   Sir John says Kamala Harris has economic views that are radically left-wing and that she’s more aligned with Senator Bernie Sanders than President Joe Biden.

   "Radically left-wing"???

   America- take him, keep him, let him vote there. And hopefully he'll revoke his NZ citizenship at the same time, and our media will stop the fawning.

   https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350434743/why-sir-john-key-thinks-donald-trump-should-win-us-election
   • Tiger Mountain 4.1

     1 October 2024 at 8:22 am

     Sirkey has first and foremost represented International Capital and Finance Capital all his adult life, even while NZ Prime Minister…anyone remember the offshore Trusts debacle set up by his personal Lawyer? 10, 000 members of the parasite class departed virtually overnight once IRD required more than an A4 sheet on who was who, and other details of their trusts.

     The beneficiaries of the orange tax cuts are pretty obvious, hence the Key support.
     • PsyclingLeft.Always 4.1.1

       1 October 2024 at 8:58 am

       And sir Key …..

       John Key keeps lid on hidden billions

       Within days of the release of the Panama Papers in April, the major players behind New Zealand's embattled foreign trust sector began a lobbying campaign that has helped to minimise changes that would identify their secret clients.

       https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/world/85000994/john-key-keeps-lid-on-hidden-billions

       sir Key : money, is everything. That is all.
   • georgecom 4.2

     1 October 2024 at 8:22 am

     What stood out for me was Keys endorsement of trumps energy/climate change policies, trump would wind back laws put in place by Biden. Does Key not understand climate change? Under his governent NZ did FA about reducing emissions so he might not particularly care. Here's the point though Mr Key, without a solution to climate change we will have little or no economic growth, and more and more climatic shocks.

     On another matter seemingly Casey Costello received "independent advice" on tax cuts for heated tobacco products. I am wondering who provided her that "independent advice", Rothamans or Pall Mall?
     • PsyclingLeft.Always 4.2.1

       1 October 2024 at 9:04 am

       Does Key not understand climate change?

       Only as something that prevents profit. IE money. His only reason to live.

       Casey Costello received "independent advice"

       Well, the flashing signs are pointing to Phillip Morris

       https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/529387/most-benefit-of-government-s-tobacco-tax-cuts-will-go-to-tobacco-company-philip-morris-officials-told-casey-costello
     • tc 4.2.2

       1 October 2024 at 9:48 am

       The money only cares about more money and power.

       Look at the outright crap musk is spreading on behalf of Trump, keys doing his bit as expected down here.
   • PsyclingLeft.Always 4.3

     1 October 2024 at 9:11 am

     "Radically left-wing"???

     AKA red baiting. (surprised he didnt call her Marxist..or Commie!)

     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-baiting

     sir Key doing what he knows…and does best. Looking out for the money. Such a small character…..
   • mpledger 4.4

     1 October 2024 at 11:12 am

     Luxon's polling must be really bad if Key is being wheeled out to the media. He only comes out when Luxon needs a distraction.
     • tc 4.4.1

       1 October 2024 at 12:13 pm

       No surprise nationals PR enablers (NZME) duly oblige with a soapbox.

       Picture that locker room of herald opinionators Key, Joyce, Prebble Bennett…..need a shower ?
   • bwaghorn 4.5

     1 October 2024 at 12:00 pm

     So he can put the boot into the reds under the bed if course, !!
5. Sanctuary 5

   1 October 2024 at 8:21 am

   This is Chris Luxon's favourite government and his model for governance.

   James Butler's piece in the LRB on the Grenfell fire is a searing indictment of modern neoliberal Britain and well worth a close read.

   https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v46/n19/james-butler/this-much-evidence-still-no-charges

   So much of the story leaps out as giving a coherence to the otherwise inchoate coalition currently governing NZ. In particular it highlights the global problem of the paranoia and deep unseriousness representative of the collapse of modern conservatism. Modern conservatism regards any kind of expertise as by definition a sort of special interest capture, so a minister can characterise his department’s officials as "…Guardian-reading pinkos…" (a similar attitude seems to define this government's attitude to the civil service) despite also observing that "…whatever their views were, they acted in line with (the governments) antipathy to ‘regulatory madness’…" and signalling the complete acquiescence and colonisation of the senior civil service by neoliberal conservative acolytes "…thoroughly acclimated to (their) department’s culture…"

   The collapse of the MSM is also canvassed: "…The kind of local journalism that might have uncovered and campaigned against the problems at Grenfell… …is long dead…" and "…At the BBC, Kate Lamble produced a detailed weekly podcast throughout the hearings, though its insights rarely seemed to make it across to the corporation’s main news programmes. In an act of managerial malfeasance typical of the BBC, Lamble was made redundant a day or two after the inquiry reported…"

   The whole piece is a meta-condemnation of the utterly exhausted late capitalist neoliberal project, a tired and discredited ideology so ingrained in the political and media class that it is difficult to "…‘make the water visible’. The phrase comes from the old story of one fish asking another ‘What’s water?’, a way of talking about conditions so pervasive they can no longer be perceived…"

   What Chris Hipkins thought he could learn from talking to Kier Starmer – "a technocrat without a plan" https://unherd.com/2024/09/keir-starmer-a-technocrat-without-a-plan/ who project seems to largely consist of a continuation of the Conservative with austerity somehow done better and who was elected largely by gaming the first past the post electoral system and is surrounded by radical centrist liberals and grifters, is anyone's guess.
   • SPC 5.1

     1 October 2024 at 9:39 am

     £22bn ‘black hole’ in the UK’s public finances

     https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2e12j4gz0o

     It would have been worse without the inheritance tax receipts – now quickly rising – likely to be a good earner as the baby boomers die off.

     https://www.statista.com/statistics/284325/united-kingdom-hmrc-tax-receipts-inheritance-tax/

     Inheritance tax – 40% above £325,000.

     https://www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax
6. koina 6

   1 October 2024 at 9:26 am

   John Keys' support of Trump is not surprising.

   Nor Jacinda Adern's support for Kamala Harris.

   I have a suspicion neither Key's nor Ardern's comments will decide the US Presidency
7. Ad 7

   1 October 2024 at 9:40 am

   Biden's inability to alter Israel's direction towards multi-front war looks now at least as bad as Obama's loss of Syria to Russia and Iran, or Trump's loss of Afghanistan to the Taleban.

   Hey Biden, with that volume of both aid and arms you are sending to Israel, who is the dog and who is the tail?
   • satty 7.1

     1 October 2024 at 10:19 am

     So close to the election, no party / candidate can work (fight) against the interests of AIPAC – American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Actually, it doesn't really matter much, if the election is close or not. You won't make it far in US politics if you piss-off AIPAC.
   • SPC 7.2

     1 October 2024 at 10:19 am

     When has Syria not been in the Russia/Iran camp (since the Shah at least)?

     The loss of Afghanistan was bi-partisan (and a mistake).

     The western regime changes – removing secular left governments in Iran 1950's Afghanistan 1980's, Iraq and Libya 2000's and the failed one in Syria, as much one by Gulf states were wrong (and resulted in crimes against humanity).

     The current problem in the region is that Iran has created a coalition front to destroy the Israeli state***. This is exploited by Israel as a cover for its WB occupation. This is a reprise of the 5 army war on the "1948 state" that prevented "the two states" being established at the same time.

     A decision made earlier this year is pertinent.

     https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/arab-league-ceases-labeling-hezbollah-terrorist-organization-/3261610 ***

     For mine, the path forward is where the Arab League was to

     1.persuade Iran to support a state of Israel within 1948-67 borders

     2.get Hamas to do the same and join the PLO.

     3.agree to work with the PA to control the Egypt-Gaza border and internal security within Gaza. This to facilitate future PA elections.

     Otherwise the Israeli public will not divide from BN over the reaction to ***.

     Assessment

     a.BN is moving to ops vs Hezbollah and Iran (away from Hamas) to legitimise the WB occupation.

     b.He has Biden snookered, because of support in the US for Israel – thus his focus is containment and winning the election.

     c.BN expects to be restrained by Biden once the election result is known.
8. Sanctuary 8

   1 October 2024 at 9:51 am

   This NY Times headline sums up the United State's myopia and tunnel vision in relation to Israel to Israel:

   "…Why the World’s Biggest Powers Can’t Stop a Middle East War

   The United States’ ability to influence events in the Mideast has waned, and other major nations have essentially been onlookers…."

   https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/29/world/middleeast/middle-east-war-peace-nasrallah.html

   As it turns out, the story author is personally deeply embedded into the trans-Atlantic project and it's unquestioning support for Israel – which is why he can apparently discuss the inability of the United States to influence Israel anymore whilst casually mentioning the United States has provided over ten billion dollars of weapons to Israel is the October 7th attack with seemingly being able to connect any dots.
   • tc 8.1

     1 October 2024 at 11:29 am

     Bit hard to stop what they've been defacto aiding and abetting for decades with military support.

     So much support its on par with US forces capability as agreements mandate they get all the latest weapon's and missile defence systems.

     Then theres the West Bank where even Ben and Jerrys have made a stand.
     • Subliminal 8.1.1

       1 October 2024 at 11:57 am

       Even Reagan got so pissed off with Israeli entitled attitude that he yelled at PM Menachem Begin and told him to stop bombing Beirut. When the US president yells at you, as opposed to bear hugs at every opportunity, along with continuesd assurrance that "we" stand by you whatever, its likely the next step is cessation of aid and arms.

       Israel ceased bombing Lebanon the next day.

       Biden hasn't even tried, or more likely, is comfortable with the current escalation because it fits with maintaining US hegemony. The iron fist making a statement.
9. koina 9

   1 October 2024 at 11:32 am

   1919 Britain steals Palestine as France and Britain divi up the spoils after WW1.

   Britain had been invading and stealing countries all around the world 300 years.

   1948 Jews illegally invade and illegally occupy Palestine driving Palestinians out.

   1950 USA establishes a huge military base in Israel to dominate 400 million Muslims.

   All opposition to illegal Jew invadsion is brutally punished by USA backed Jews.

   West supports Jewish genocide against Muslims but opposes Russian invasion.

   Western political hypocrisy knows no bounds.
   • SPC 9.1

     1 October 2024 at 12:02 pm

     1.Off whom? As a LofN mandate to develop the area for self government?

     2.The British empire was not the first, nor the last, to occupy territory.

     3.The IDF of 1948 was made up of settlers in Palestine. There are 2 million Arab citizens in Israel within the recognised 1948-49 border Israel today. All Jews living in the WB and Gaza were driven out by the armies of Egyptian and Jordan.

     4.Where was the 1950 base located?

     5.How do these US Jews punish the opposition you refer to?

     6.Yes the West opposes the attempt by one state Russia to take land off another Ukraine, as they did in Kuwait (by Iraq).

     Only one western nation has supported the annexation of the Golan Heights by Israel. the USA. Who supports the seizure of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and Crimea by Russia?

     7.Hypocrisy is everywhere.
10. PsyclingLeft.Always 10

    1 October 2024 at 12:07 pm

    Chris frickin wealthy Luxon….

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon responds to attention on Wellington apartment sale

    Just to repeat..he's wealthy.

    "Let's be clear, I'm wealthy," he told Newstalk ZB's Heather du Plessis Allan this morning.

    I've chosen to come into politics because I want to add back to New Zealand.

    "If we're going to criticise people for being successful, let's be clear – I'm wealthy."

    And yet..

    Luxon came under pressure for claiming an allowance to live in the apartment. MPs based outside of Wellington are able to claim up to $52,000 for their accommodation while they need to be at Parliament. But few Prime Ministers have claimed it, with Luxon being the first in at least 34 years.

    He initially defended the move by calling it an "entitlement" and "within the rules", but then U-turned, calling it a "distraction".

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/529535/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-responds-to-attention-on-wellington-apartment-sale

    Yep Chris..you are indeed a frickin example.
    • SPC 10.1

      1 October 2024 at 12:39 pm

      Wealthy people coming into government of a nation – the only one without a CGT in the OECD and one of only 12 (of 36) with no estate or inheritance tax.

      The Greeks had the rich bribe the city by promising to spend their own money to get elected.

      Do no harm medical practice as well.
    • Kay 10.2

      1 October 2024 at 1:28 pm

      I have zero problem with people who are rich, and that's coming from someone at the bottom of the food chain. Unless that money came at the expense of low paid workers, the environment, house hoarding or crime/dishonesty.

      I take issue with rich people who don't even pretend to understand how it is for everyone who, for whatever reason, were not ever going to amass that sort of money, and take that 'well if I can do it..' attitude.

      And who lose all concept of reality because they are immune to everyday financial struggles.

      And who brag about it.
      • PsyclingLeft.Always 10.2.1

        1 October 2024 at 1:36 pm

        And who brag about it.

        kind of my point….
      • Georgecom 10.2.2

        1 October 2024 at 1:57 pm

        Two things to add, those who are wealthy and prepared to pay a fair share of tax – eg a CGT on currently untaxed income – and who do not try and hang onto or enhance their power/privilege with false arguments and divisive campaigns like we are seeing from the neoliberal act/brash types and proxies.
        • Kay 10.2.2.1

          1 October 2024 at 2:21 pm

          That too
    • Chris 10.3

      1 October 2024 at 1:58 pm

      I like how he still sees himself as some kind of reincarnation of John Key, as if the comparision’s apt.

      “Now I'm moving in, and I don't need the apartment, so I’m selling it. That’s what John Key did when he became prime minister.”
      • PsyclingLeft.Always 10.3.1

        1 October 2024 at 2:20 pm

        And, Luxon's such an unaware brown-noser, he probably doesnt realise sir Key really wishes he wasn't the heir apparent . Or even thinking same….
    • William 10.4

      1 October 2024 at 5:47 pm

      Luxon bragging about his wealth. Up thread there's a link to a stuff interview with Key also published today. Key is sitting in front of his helicopter, another demonstration of wealth.

      To obtain a pilot's license there's quite a bit of science study involved; meteorology & gas flow etc etc. During his infamous BBC interview with Stephen Sackur in 2011 he claimed scientists were like lawyers, he could always pay someone else for a different opinion. I'm hoping his flying examiner only accepted answers based on conventional science.
      • Chris 10.4.1

        2 October 2024 at 10:19 am

        That Key thinks Trump's the best person for the job "because of the economy" is a disgrace, too.
    • Incognito 10.5

      1 October 2024 at 6:59 pm

      He says that he wants to add back to the country, which is an interesting choice of words.

      What he does tell us is that he’d like to ‘add back’ to the people who enabled him to become wealthy, such as frequent-flying landlords and shareholders. What he’s also saying is that wealth creates wealth and that this is ok and the natural way of how things ought to work. What he really means is that inequality and inequity are part of the natural order and that the wealthy have earned every penny through enablement, entitlement, and embellishment. In other words, he smokes his own dope, which is why he supports the smoke & mirrors by Costello, BTW.
      • PsyclingLeft.Always 10.5.1

        1 October 2024 at 9:01 pm

        what he really means is that inequality and inequity are part of the natural order

        Yea, the more that I know of Luxon and the NACT1 creeps, the more I see some quite disturbing elements of Social Darwinism : "Bottom Feeders" , less social welfare and help services / more prisons and punishments , Race baiting as a distraction / diversion whilst also destroying equality , and more….

        I hesitate to call them evil….and maybe Dystopian… but IMO there is an element of that banality in them..that has lead to terrible things.

        As I have said though, I see a lot of people protesting, being counted upon, and standing together. This is how we beat them.
        • Incognito 10.5.1.1

          1 October 2024 at 9:07 pm

          Banality, order, evil – it sounds you’re echoing Hannah Arendt.
          • PsyclingLeft.Always 10.5.1.1.1

            1 October 2024 at 9:13 pm

            When I went Social Darwinism..there it was. Elements anyway.

            Anyway,unstable as they are, they might well have over-reached. Nice thought : )
            • Incognito 10.5.1.1.1.1

              1 October 2024 at 9:17 pm

              NZ is not yet a banana republic and politicians get voted in by a mass of compliant supporters & voters. This is where the banality resides.
11. joe90 11

    1 October 2024 at 3:41 pm

    Tsar Poots' imperial war of conquest and colonisation.

    Гюндуз Мамедов/Gyunduz Mamedov

    @MamedovGyunduz

    Ukrainians who live in the occupied part of Luhansk region but refuse to receive passports will be included in the register of foreigners from January 1, 2025. Being included in this list will result in restrictions on receiving almost all payments, social and administrative services, such as banking, property registration and enrollment of children in educational institutions. This is part of a campaign aimed at forcing passportization of citizens.

    https://x.com/MamedovGyunduz/status/1840384174068228601

    #Russification
    • Jenny 11.1

      1 October 2024 at 4:23 pm

      This is part of a campaign aimed at forcing passportization of Unrainian citizens.

      The choice being, no longer being citizens in their own homes and towns and eventually, facing displacement and forced expulsion, as foreigners. (Just like Palestinians, except that Palestinians don’even get that choice).
      Blue Sky Sunflowers

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