heh – Tracey (rightly) moved our responses from the “make your own Labour Cabinet post” – she set down some firm rules about the responses – but in the best tradition of political dissent toward authority rhinocrates posted a witty response which included a nice Doctor Who reference (mine was fair less witty – it involved comparing Stuart Nash to Blackadder’s Baldrick and a Turnip). 👿
Kiwi detainee Ra Fowler’s partner Carmel, who had terminal cancer, has died. He had been allowed to visit her once every two months, then a bit more time with her as her condition worsened. He believes if he had been allowed to spend more time with her during her treatment, she could still be here. “Every time I walked in, she came back to life.”
He was returned to Villawood “straight away” after her death.
Ra’s initial crime, for which he had already done his time?
Ra’s initial crime, for which he had already done his time?
He was driving while disqualified, and was caught in possession of cannabis.
Seems to me that Fowler’s mistake was to be stupid. Because driving while disqualified and possessing cannabis is fucking stupid if you are an immigrant in a detention-crazy country that revokes visas at the drop of a hat.
Why are the New Atheists such jerks? Case in point: Richard Dawkins’ continuing pursuit of Ahmed Mohamed, the Texas 14-year-old humiliated in school after authorities mistook his homemade clock for a bomb.
The other day, The God Delusion author called Ahmed a hoaxer and responded to suggestions “he was only a kid” by linking to a report about a juvenile Islamic State (Isis) fighter. “And how old is this ‘kid’?” Dawkins asked.
Dawkins has been after the teenager for some time. When the story of Ahmed’s arrest and interrogation in handcuffs first broke, Dawkins questioned the boy’s motives, before linking to a video suggesting Ahmed wasn’t quite the inventor as he claimed.
“Assembling clock from bought components is fine,” tweeted Dawkins to his 1.3m followers. “Taking clock out of its case to make it look as if he built it is not fine. Which is true?”
The intervention exemplified everything toxic about Dawkins’ online persona. It’s not just the unedifying spectacle of an internationally famous biologist seeking to discredit a teenager’s science project, like a 9/11 truther obsessing about jet fuel. It’s also Dawkins’ disgraceful juxtaposition between Ahmed and an Isis supporter in Syria.
“How COULD you think I was likening a hoaxer to a killer?” he later posted. “I just meant ‘Only a kid’ is not a knockdown defence. Remember poor James Bulger?”
Except, of course, Dawkins hadn’t compared Ahmed to Bulger, who was murdered in 1993 by two 10-year-old boys. He’d linked a youth falsely accused of terrorism on the basis of his religion to Isis, precisely the kind of smear that any FOX news demagogue might make.
Then there’s the author, philosopher, and neuroscientist Sam Harris – another New Atheist luminary.
A few days before Dawkins relaunched his investigation into clock-gate, Harris explained on a podcast that Republican hopeful Ben Carson understood the Middle East better than Noam Chomsky. The same Ben Carson who thinks there’s a scientific consensus that aliens built the pyramids (even though Carson knows they were actually built by God as a granary for the biblical Jacob).
Why does Harris prefer Carson’s know-nothing bluster on foreign policy to the opinions of Chomsky, one of the most influential scholars in the world? Because, you see, Carson “understands that jihadists are the enemy”. That’s also why Harris defends Ted Cruz’s proposal to…..
The photo of John Key eating the hotdog, clearly intended to look like he is sucking a dick is highly offensive and unbecoming of a left-wing blog that would ordinarily denounce insults such as faggot or homo as homophobic. This type of humour (or insult as the case may be) should surely remain in the last decade. I fail to see what would be wrong with it if John Key did choose to give someone a blow job, wouldn’t that be his business? Or is the point that he is a despicable cock-sucker? If so I disagree with the implication that cock-suckers are despicable. Either way it’s a schoolboy insult and reminiscent of many attitudes that contributors have in the past railed against
[Concern Troll Derail detected – moved to Open Mike – BLiP]
Thanks for your concern Jay. No doubt you were similarly offended when Maurice Williamson allegedly referred to “atta girl knee pads” to an audience of woman at a technology conference a few months ago. I hope you had a stern word with him about his inappropriate and sexist sense of non humour.
And I agree, it’s none of anyone’s business if Key were to give someone a bj. But it is our business when he’s pimping our country out and he’s giving the figurative bj to big corporates to the cost of the well being of our society. Think, Rio Tinto, Warner Bro’s, Saudi “farmers”, TPPA etc etc.
Yep, quite right there Paul (6.1) Quite disturbing isn’t it? Labour/ NatzKEY … what’s the difference now?
A new workers party is desperately needed in NZ, where the ordinary Kiwi gets a chance to vote for a party which represents their interests, giving them some strength.
@ Chooky (6.2), with Hone Harawira, his Mana Movement team up there with him, also David Cunliffe and Nanaia Mahuta onside as well. Then watch the Dirty Politics thugs go into overdrive!
I used to think NZ Greens were the party of the ordinary Kiwi man, woman and child, led by Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rod Donald and then Russel Norman and Meteria Turei. But not anymore, considering Shaw handed FJK a free pass on the flag issue recently. Like FJK, I wouldn’t trust Shaw either as far as I can spit and that’s not very far!
It would only be worth it if mana can get a candidate that will win a seat ,otherwise 2% wasted vote is all that will happen.
As a no not much punter I’ll take labour over the nats every time but would love to see a leftwing minor party getting into Parliament.
The ultimate insult in the Mondo Bizarro of Whaleoil’s site
Yesterday I was banned, for the third and probably last time, from Cameron Slater’s egregious “Whaleoil” site. (More on this in an upcoming post.)
One of the last of the many insults dished out to this writer, i.e. moi, was this gem from one “johnandali”, in the course of a robust discussion about the Israel-Palestine conflict….
You’re not a professor at Auckland University by any chance, Morrissey?
Thanks for your supportive comments, Paul, Chooky and Halfcrown. I’ll post up a detailed account of my on again-off again relationship with the National Party’s most disreputable agent in the near future.
Was interested to see the following in the Comments on that article:
Maxplus
Dr Christina Stringer from the University of Auckland has done a lot of research on forced labour on fishing vessels in NZ. As a result all foreign charter vessels are required to be reflagged to New Zealand by 1 May 2016. Once the vessels are flagged to NZ (registered in NZ) they must follow NZ laws, especially labour laws. Indonesian’s (and others) working on board Korean and Taiwanese vessels were being mistreated so NZ has changed the law.
“Once they are reflagged they must follow NZ laws, especially labour laws”.
But they won’t. Just as many land-based companies who employ migrant workers do not.
Dr Christina Stringer and others have done commendable work which certainly led to the Government being forced to change the law. However it is unlikely to change company practices, and the Government’s acceptance of 19th century labour conditions. Witness Mr Woodhouse – note, Minister for Police and Immigration – in the House today defending the use of Indian students on student visas in our workforce by reference to the profitability of the service sector. It is clear where his and this government’s priorities lie.
Likewise, if you think it is OK to delay (rather weak, difficult to enforce) anti-slavery measures by several years in order to give companies breathing room, when those companies and the government have known for years about the rape, murder, beatings, intimidation, and denial of wages routine on those ships, then there is something fundamentally wrong with you (generally, not you, commenter), just as there is clearly something fundamentally missing in Mr Woodhouse. What’s a few more murders and rapes of innocents when we’re making millions in shares, aye? Do they do cost benefit analysis with destroyed men in one column and dollars in the other? If so, how much is a life worth exactly? What is, you know, the overall benefit to “the economy” of human misery?
The Indonesians have their own responsibilities in this supply chain which they are not addressing. They make pronouncements like this and blow up Thai ships yet it is their own corrupt immigration officials who issue false documents and local authorities who provide legitimacy to predatory labour agents.
But it is Mr Woodhouse and friends who sign off, each 6 months to a year, on new Agreements in Principle with companies who have shown themselves to have gathered information about abuses and buried it and the men in concerns.
Mr Woodhouse and his colleagues have blood on their hands.
“Once they are reflagged they must follow NZ laws, especially labour laws”.
But they won’t. Just as many land-based companies who employ migrant workers do not.
Dr Christina Stringer and others have done commendable work which certainly led to the Government being forced to change the law. However it is unlikely to change company practices, and the Government’s acceptance of 19th century labour conditions. Witness Mr Woodhouse – note, Minister for Police and Immigration – in the House today defending the use of Indian students on student visas in our workforce by reference to the profitability of the service sector. It is clear where his and this government’s priorities lie.
Likewise, if you think it is OK to delay (rather weak, difficult to enforce) anti-slavery measures by several years in order to give companies breathing room, when those companies and the government have known for years about the rape, murder, beatings, intimidation, and denial of wages routine on those ships, then there is something fundamentally wrong with you (generally, not you, commenter), just as there is clearly something fundamentally missing in Mr Woodhouse. What’s a few more murders and rapes of innocents when we’re making millions in shares, aye? Do they do cost benefit analysis with destroyed men in one column and dollars in the other? If so, how much is a life worth exactly? What is, you know, the overall benefit to “the economy” of human misery?
The Indonesians have their own responsibilities in this supply chain which they are not addressing. They make pronouncements like this and blow up Thai ships yet it is their own corrupt immigration officials who issue false documents and local authorities who provide legitimacy to predatory labour agents.
But it is Mr Woodhouse and friends who sign off, each 6 months to a year, on new Agreements in Principle with companies who have shown themselves to have gathered information about abuses and buried it and the men it concerns.
Mr Woodhouse and his colleagues have blood on their hands.
I think Grindlebottom should not have the last word on this particular issue – It’s not as simple as “we are reflagging in 2016, problem solved”. Can you please allow my previous comment to go through?
Correct, duplicate comments, because of an original spelling error, I think. Hasty of me: I checked back and didn’t see my comment, hence the comment that followed. My apologies! I know you do a lot of other stuff other than moderate comments. Best.
The Pentagon, The Climate Elephant. The US Military Machine is the World’s Worst Polluter of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Expose the Pentagon, the world’s largest & most dangerous climate criminal!
The US military machine, is the world’s biggest institutional consumer of petroleum products and the world’s worst polluter of greenhouse gas emissions. The role of the US military is not on the agenda of the Paris COP21 Climate Conference.
You know how feared David Cunliffe is by the Nats when, even after he is demoted to the back benches, Paul Henry is still doing a hatchet job on him on his show. He should be Leader if the Nats are that scared of him. Why can’t Labour’s Caucus realise that he is one of their biggest assets? And one of very few who can actually give a brilliant rousing speech. The fact that Caucus don’t see this tells me they are either idiots, or, that they just don’t care whether they are in office or not. Things are cushy for them either way!
Today’s Trevett piece refers to the elevaton of Cosgrove, O’Connor and Parker.
If experience capability and even youthfulness were factors in positioning people then Cunliffe would be in a far higher position then these. Personal politic are at play.
For the life of me I cannot understand why Little should have become so personal with Cunliffe that he discarded him in such a destructive manner. Little and Laour are the loosers.
I am starting to lean that way myself Chooky – this caucus reshuffle has left me with the kind of despondency I felt in 2011, when Shearer was made leader and right wingers everywhere clinked their glasses in celebration.
My preferred option is that Labour grow a brain and actually start getting the talent at the top in Labour instead of being afraid of it.
But that is a fast dying hope.
Giving Nash a promotion after his outburst on TDB is pretty concerning! He is Judith Collins preferred PM (after herself) and Grand daddy herald apparently loves the changes. Does not bode well for Labour.
Labour are killing themselves like Key is killing our country and planet!
I see over the last few days, in response to Labours new line up there has been the suggestion that a new left party should be created. Above you state a preference for a Labour Mana kind of an alliance.
I have to say I share some of the disappointment expressed, but that has been building for awhile anyway and really came to a head when Andrew Little told a group of business people at a conference that the 90 day bill could potentially be retained, with some tinkering. It took me two weeks to get an answer and clarification from anyone from Labour on this issue. I ended up with some vague sense of reassurance in email comms with Grant Robertson.
Like you, I was a major fan of Cunliffe last year. I still am. He was one of the reasons I joined the party. Now I kind of wonder what I’m doing as a member. (Admittedly I did warm up a bit after Little’s speech at the annual conference)
BUT! what I want to know, is what would the creation of a new party achieve? Hardly anyone bothered to turn up to vote when we genuinely did have a good choice of parties to vote for last year, (and really good policy from Labour I thought) yet they all flopped badly.
I’m wondering if this talk of a new party is simply coming from a strong sense of frustration rather than from any sense of practical purpose.
A split would allow a centre party. You can not call the current Labour party central. They are further right than NZ First on many issues. Essentially they offer nothing radical and are reluctant to even voice what their polices are. Like National they seem to think that having zero policy is what the public want or at least less dangerous than actually voicing their views of a global neoliberal economic policy that fosters inequality and power imbalance, in particular giving power and more rights than government to corporate entities in return for a crumb of exports of milk powder and wine under TPP in about 20 years, (by which NZ exports will no longer be locally owned anyway). Everything is in economic and legal terms, there is no spirit of justice as those with power, connections and money can write the rules and sway justice. Current Labour don’t seem to be able to disagree with the way this country is going in particular under TPP if it is signed. Labour at the most, shows tepid disagreement against the cult like support of the Natz for the ideology.
There is a clear gap between the Greens and NZ First. Labour is on the right on NZ First. There needs to be a party on the left on NZ First that is where many people on the Standard seem to sit.
So yep, if Labour could get rid of its neoliberals and feuds then it could go away. But placing Cunliffe where he is, and Nash where he is, and the TPP debacle is pretty much a message of a future neoliberal Labour that can’t make a decision.
If Labour wanted to pick up support they would be against TPP (as their point of difference from the Natz) and promote Cunliffe as being one of their few smart and feared people by the Natz, but they are not doing that. Leaving Cunliffe behind is not showing unity.
I don’t disagree with your criticisms of Labour’s stance on TPP and their treatment of one of their greatest talents, savenz – that’s what’s troubling me.
Also agree that NZ First are to the left of Labour on issues such as TPP. They are the ones who have strongly opposed it and introduced the Fighting Foreign Corporate Control bill at a time Labour were silent – but then they are on the right of Labour when it comes to social conservatism. Could a Labour voter really feel comfortable with voting NZ First?
“There is a clear gap between the Greens and NZ First. Labour is on the right on NZ First. There needs to be a party on the left on NZ First that is where many people on the Standard seem to sit.”
Also, this new party, what ever it may be, if it did appeal to commenters on TS, would that matter, would it make a difference?
We’re in a time and place that feels hopeless, over 7 years into the Key regime, with 2 years more to go. If people are feeling frustrated, I understand that. But I worry about looking to another party, not yet created, for salvation.
I would rather the voices of Labour supporters and members who have suffered under the Key regime and want to see social and economic justice done, use Labour MP’s as their mouthpiece. They will speak for so many when they do. If they listen to those stories and act accordingly with the right policy they will win. Put people first, not party first.
As frustrating as Labour can be I don’t see a new party would achieve anything. Those people advocating it I suspect have no idea how difficult it is to build the structure and be able to finance a new party, let alone find enough supporters that all agree with the policies. Mana discovered to their cost that trying to grow quickly is likely to end in disaster.
Much better to join Labour or the Greens and work hard within the party to make whichever more left wing rather than complaining from the sidelines.
“Much better to join Labour or the Greens and work hard within the party to make whichever more left wing rather than complaining from the sidelines.’
That was my thought when I joined – don’t know how successful that action will be lol 🙂
You make a good point about financing a new party, particularly a left wing one. The membership isn’t exactly flush – thats the problem right there, we’re economically marginalised people. Look at the problems an established party like Labour have, in funding themselves.
I should say “typically” – we’re typically economically marginalised people, not all on the left are, of course. Some are enjoying better circumstances than others, for a number of reasons.
A few weeks ago a panellist on the 7 days show, whose a Labour member, when discussing Labour’s funding problems said “hey don’t look at me for financial help, I live on hummus and weed”. Had to smile at that. Not all of us can put our hands in our pockets when we struggle to get through the week as it is.
The problem though is that Labour are unlikely to change so unless big chunks of the membership leave Labour are going to dictate politics in NZ for a long time to come. By dictate I mean monkey wrench because the internal neoliberal/lefties split has never been resolved.
I quite like Little and he seems competent enough. Cunliffe had his chance and didn’t put an end to the ABCs, but Little doesn’t appear to be tacking left either. What he is doing looks good for the health of the party but not NZ. Our best chance is the Greens getting 15% and NZF dropping so that Labour finally have to take the GP seriously, but is that likely to happen? I think this is why people look to another party but I agree it’s not a serious proposition. We could of course all vote green, that would certainly stir things up and I still don’t understand why more lefties don’t do that. It’s a very pragmatic choice.
I’d like the Greens to increase their vote to 15% and Labour to 35%. I remain hopeful that this will happen.
I know you have your doubts, Weka, but I think Labour and the Greens have a much better relationship than they have at any time in the past, and this will become clearer in election year.
The best thing Little has achieved is to get the caucus to stop the internal fighting. It is obviously difficult keeping all the factions working together, but they need to do that to be seen as a viable alternative government. He will never be charismatic, but when I think about Lange, who was very charismatic, I think I’d rather have Little. Lange allowed Rogernomics full rein for far too long. I liked David Cunliffe but there is no question that he was a polarising figure. However, putting Nash, Cosgrove and O’Connor ahead of him was wrong IMO.
Agree that Little isn’t tacking left but his leadership is giving the appearance to the public that the health of the party is improving. Who knows, maybe that has to be fixed before they can advance.
“We could of course all vote green, that would certainly stir things up and I still don’t understand why more lefties don’t do that. It’s a very pragmatic choice.”
Personally, I’m pro Green and have voted Green in the past. They are a party you can respect for their lack of (apparent) in fighting and clear direction of values and policy. They have many experienced MP’s and they are well over due to be part of government. They carry some real mana. Of all the parties, I have the softest spot for them.
Th reason I party voted Labour ( and locally too with the fabulous Ginny Andersen standing in Ohariu against Peter “old hat” Dunne) was because I was really impressed with their policy announcements and really impressed with David Cunliffe. I thought with the combined left vote we were going to scrape through and win. It was a vote of confidence in their ability to do it.
@ Hami Shearlie – hear hear. Exactly the reason David Cunliffe isn’t leader now and is getting pushed further and further towards the door. The Labour ABC neo libs, like FJK find him a threat to them. So like the organized thugs they are, they use subtle bullying tactics to have him removed. It’s these ABC neo libs who are controlling Andrew Little! His reshuffle promotions this week are enough evidence of this point!
Nanaia Mahuta is also being shown the door, because like her colleague Cunliffe, she stands true to the founding principles and values of Labour, which the neo libs on both sides of the House fear!
Says it all doesn’t it, about the low life elected to represent and govern NZ?
I expect a certain someone will be along to suggest it is a false flag by the US or some other nefarious member of the illuminati.
The only thing for certain is that the non-combatants in Syria don’t really care who’s in charge as long as everyone stops the shooting and lets them get on with living in peace.
That’s my line. Assad is an arsehole. I read a lot, from a wide variety of sources, you should try that. It aids in discernment.
Assad being an arsehole is a strong theme that comes through. The man is an arsehole, he really is, and anyone who says otherwise should be treated with extreme scepticism imo.
Kind of like anyone who says ‘That Dick Cheney has been misunderstood, don’t believe the propganda about him, he just wanted peace and every thing else he did was ultimately going to be dontaed for charity’ or some shit.
nah Cheney is an arsehole. Assad is an arsehole.
Not US lines, my lines. You don;t have to share them, but don’t accuse me of folloowing people’s lines unless you have evidence for that, ok?
Go back to your dreary reporting of reporters reporting Breen.
I do all that reporting on the “reporters”—distorters is a more accurate term—-in order to encourage people to think a little about what they are presented with in the media. Clearly, in your case, it’s not working: you seem to have swallowed everything that you’ve heard from the politicians via their de facto media outlets.
People who are interested in actually understanding what’s going on might like to have a look at something a bit more rigorous and honest than is served up by the Grauniad, TVNZ or Fox News.
Complete lack of self awareness is surely another one of your personal areas of excellence.
I’m perfectly aware of what propaganda is, your particular problem seems to be that you only take issue with that you disagree with, whereas I take the view that it is a altogether a more all pervasive influence throughout all media channels and all sides.
No, that was RT catching the US using unverified information for propaganda purposes against Russia.
It’s one of the basic tenets of science that findings need to be falsifiable and yet the US refused to give the information needed to check their claims and said only that the reporter should ask the Russians about their targeting. Which she then did and the Russians actually provided her with that information.
Official government communications to the public that are designed to influence opinion. The information may be true or false, but it is always carefully selected for its political effect.
Kinda interesting that RT are only interested in one site, and offer images that themselves aren;t verified. Nor do they explain what they hit in that video.
Can’t wait to hear how MSF have faked the images from Homs etc.
Not really considering the report was primarily responding to a US allegation of the bombing of said site.
Moreover, satellite images can be verified.
Ponder this, re your link:
What purpose does it serve the Assad regime to intentionally target and bomb one of their own hospitals, identifying themselves in such a bad light by using a signature tactic?
That would be counterproductive, turning the people (locally and internationally) against them.
Alternatively, having the people turn against them favours opponents of the regime.
Therefore, could this not be an attempt to reinforce the perception Assad’s regime is pure evil, thus needs to be taken out?
I also see no comment from the regime was reported in your link, robbing the report of any balance.
Not really considering the report was primarily responding to a US allegation of the bombing of said site.
The intor to the RT piece are all about how Russia and Assad are accused of bombing many hospitials. they choose to repsond only to that one.
Moreover, satellite images can be verified.
they can also be faked, and old ones can be used. By istelf, it means nothing, all we have is the Kremlin’s word. If that’s enough for you, fine, but let’s not pretend it’s logically any better than the US State Depts. If you are sceptical of one, you should be of the other.
Ponder this, re your link:
What purpose does it serve the Assad regime to intentionally target and bomb one of their own hospitals, identifying themselves in such a bad light by using a signature tactic?
That would be counterproductive, turning the people (locally and internationally) against them.
Dicatators fight differently from non-dictators. Assad doesn’t give a shit, at this stage, about beeing ‘seen ina bad light’. Same reason Saddam gassed the kurds, or Syrian baathists hit the refugee camps, and that they run, even in peace time, jail systems notorious for their use of torture. The aim is to be feared, not loved, by your opponents. the message you send by hitting hopsitals is that:
‘I will do anything, and no one will stop me. See. I hit the hospitals, I destroy your suburbs and where is your international support? Where is the UN? I have the Russians and the Iranians but your allies are giving you what? Some TOWs if you agree to their conditions? Good luck, I don’t care, I would rather burn it all to the ground than let you win’
this is fairly standard doctrine for Baathists. They have a long history, I doubt Assad has decided to ignore it all and adopt western liberal derived notions of warfare.
Alternatively, having the people turn against them favours opponents of the regime.
Therefore, could this not be an attempt to reinforce the perception Assad’s regime is pure evil, thus needs to be taken out?
That ship has sailed. have you not noticed that he has been unable to quell the insurgency? Or that refugees are fleeing? Or his conscription problems?
I also see no comment from the regime was reported in your link, robbing the report of any balance.
He said she said balance is overated. It is a war report, something happened, there were witnesses quoted. The regime can respond if and when it likes and I’m not sure that they accepting calls from western media anyway.
The intro did mention numerous allegations. However, as previously stated, the report was primarily responding to a US allegation of the bombing of said site.
As for the satellite image, why fake it when it can be easily exposed as such, robbing them of their credibility?
With the West pushing for him to go, coupled with the need to have the majority on board and not turn against him, public perception is vital to Assad. Therefore, targeting hospitals in such an open manner is counterproductive. His supporters don’t fear him. And he can’t afford to start scaring them now.
That ship has not sailed, Assad is still there and a number want him out. Therefore, surely you can concede the possibility it’s an attempt to reinforce the perception Assad’s regime is pure evil, thus needs to be taken out?
Refugees are largely fleeing the fighting, not Assad. And, of course, a number don’t want to fight, thus are draft-dodging. Coupled with soaring causalities, hence his conscription problems. The vast majority of the population have remained despite the fighting.
Balance is vital for the reader to evaluate the whole story. Therefore, it was a one sided war report unworthy of any merit.
Both Assad and Gaddafi built liberal (for the Middle East) secular states which respected the rights of minorities and women.
Both were also strong men dictators.
But both built public health and education services for their people as well as some of the best free universities in the Middle East.
Frankly, the West has no answers for these nations, and the answers that the West has forcibly applied have left millions in tragic disaster.
Dicatators fight differently from non-dictators. Assad doesn’t give a shit, at this stage, about beeing ‘seen ina bad light’.
You really don’t have any fucking clue.
Why don’t you look at what NATO did to Libya or what the US did to Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iraq (and is supporting Saudi Arabia to do to Yemen and supporting Israel to do to Gaza) before you pass more of your Kool Aid around.
I’m not sure how many times I have to tell you I don’t support western current or historic policy CV.
You do bring up Yemen though, and yes, it’s awful what is being done there, I oppose that. I also opposed the drone strike policy that was in place that aggravated and helped to radicalise the regime’s opponents.
The western line on that was that they were doing it all with the permission of and in support of the legitimate government of Yemen in their fight against foreign inspired and funded terrorists. I didn’t give that much weight, how about you? Does that reasoning sound legit to you?
What answer does Putin have CV? What is the end game for you?
I saw in the other thread you claim Putin agrees Assad should go. That is the western position, I’m not been able to find where Putin has confirmed he has switched to it, so a link would be appreciated.
The Iranians are dead against that idea however, and winning the war for Assad would make it harder to convince him to steo down. Seeing yuo are defending it, how do you think this is going to work, oh wise one.
One major disagreement is that Russia believes that Assad should be able to stand in elections to be held within 18m; the US wants Assad gone by then and not be involved in any elections.
I’m not sure how many times I have to tell you I don’t support western current or historic policy CV.
Of course you do. You want Assad and his government gone, and for Syria to fall into a Libya-like failed state condition run by extremist Islamist factions.
I saw in the other thread you claim Putin agrees Assad should go. That is the western position, I’m not been able to find where Putin has confirmed he has switched to it, so a link would be appreciated.
The Iranians are dead against that idea however, and winning the war for Assad would make it harder to convince him to steo down.
Firstly, Russia and Iran have some common ground with regards to Syria, but they also have plenty of differences (mostly revolving around Israel, but also strategic differences on gas and oil pipelines).
Secondly, Russia is not wedded to Assad, Russia is wedded to the idea of a stable, secular, non-Islamist government in Syria that is chosen by the people.
Thirdly, the West thinks that Syrians should be able to choose who they want to lead the country – as long as it isn’t Assad. Clearly the Russians disagree on this point.
My main beef with your perspective is that your preferences to end Assad and his government ASAP will put Islamic extremists in charge of Damascus where they will promptly enforce Sharia Law over the whole country and fuck over every minority who disagrees.
“You want Assad and his government gone, and for Syria to fall into a Libya-like failed state condition run by extremist Islamist factions.”
Where have a said this? Quote please.
I have said that the Assad regime is not legitimate, by that I mean it is not ruling by the consent of the governed. That is a standard western liberal definition of legitimacy.
I have said nothing about wanting him removed “ASAP” with the country handed over to Islamist militia. You may think I believe that , but if so, it is a straight out fabrication of your own mind.
“I was refuting your Western Kool Aid that democratic countries fight wars cleaner than other countries, and cleaner than dictators”
again, not what I said. I said dictators fight wars based on ideas different from the ones the Chairman was suggesting were in play. I think the history, specifically, of Baathist responses to revolts bears me out on this.
removing Assad ASAP won’t fix anything. Smashing IS and restoring Assad won’t fix anything.
I say fuck both those options. Fix the underlying grievances, the legitimacy of Iraq and Syria as states is kaput. Regional govts, tribes and other actors have directly conflicting interests.
these interests must all be on the table.
I have said this before, but really, it’s a distraction. I am not in charge. And what I support is irrelevant as a defence for your support of Assad and Putin.
It is enough to say that my position is fuck that noise to the wests current policy, and fuck that noise to Russia’s policy.
I don’t think either of them adress what is drib=ving the conflict. When someone comes up with something I think might work, I’ll support it.
If we’re just talking about the G20 now, lets just take the big three and ignore an obvious last place for Saudi Arabia.
Sure the USA, China and Russia all employ propaganda but to suggest that the US is worse than Russia and China is disingenuous when China’s one party state still stringently controls news and internet for stories that are deemed not in the country’s best interest.
While the current assessment by reporters without borders of Russia suggests they are hardly in a position to trumpet their credentials.
To clarify my statement, it says that China and North Korea are worse for propaganda than the USA is.
Re: Saudi Arabia. No one there believes what the government says, and the Shia minority in particular don’t need to be told that they are fucked over on a daily basis.
Put another way, there is a difference between a population which is subject to a lot of propaganda, and a population which has been successfully propagandised.
A barrel bomb is an improvised explosive device packed with TNT and other material and dropped manually from planes and helicopters. Its inaccuracy has led some observers to conclude that its use is a de facto war crime.
I sometimes wonder if these people read what they write.
I’ve seen plenty of videos of barrel bombs. They’ve always been shown coming out of choppers, they fall relatively slowly and they actually look like oil barrels.
Yet I watched one video clip on Al Jazeera a couple of months back which the voice over claimed was Assad’s air force dropping 2 barrel bombs on a market place. They both came down really fast flashing across the screen on an angled trajectory. They were both clearly streamlined bombs. They obviously came from a plane not a chopper: no idea whose.
I take media claims of “barrel bombs” a little more sceptically these days.
The story is about hospital being bombed, and you guys are seriously flapping around with this ‘oh ‘barrel bombs, I don’t know man’?
What the actual living loving hell is going on at The Standard these days.
This is like some RW douchebag site that when some areshole shoots up a shopping mall they all start quibbling about ‘the media called it an assault rifle when actually it was a standard hunting rifle fitted with blah blah blah’.
Who gives a shit, the point is MSF are saying their hospitial got bombed.
I’m picking that its just as likely Turkish supported Islamist militias did this as it is Assad’s forces.
Reason being that multiple helicopter attack runs over an hour is asking for Syrian Arab Army choppers to be downed by Islamist fighters with MANPADS or even RPGs.
Then you need to read up on how often Assad has been using helicopters over urban areas and get some clues.
Or maybe it was aliens, or Iraqi militia opposed to russian influence, or maybe Mossad, no wait, perhaps it was hamas, they do shit like this, Israel says so eh CV, and you sure like running the sorts of arguments they use these days.
The US and its allies have recently supplied hundreds of TOW missiles to Islamist anti-Assad fighters. These missiles are optically guided by wire and can easily hit a helicopter 2km to 3km away.
Most recently one was used by Islamist militia to destroy a Russian search and rescue chopper.
IMO Assad’s forces would not conduct a broad daylight helicopter attack over an entire hour on a strategically worthless target like a hospital, as it is begging for their helos to be brought down for no reason.
Really? You can shoot down helicopters ‘easily’ with a TOW?
Can you point me to where this has happened? If it’s easy it must have happened a few times right?
Interesting thing about the TOWs in Syria by the way, do you know why there are so many videos of them being used on youtube, and why they all have the same format of close up of the weapon being launched and then cutting to the other shot of the missile in flight to its target?
EDIT before you embarrass yourself, let’s assume you already knew that recent helicopter was hit on the ground as can be seen in the video of it, which follows that same format noted above.
Whether it is by a TOW, an RPG, or a MANPAD, anti-Assad fighters have been given advanced systems which can easily take out a slow moving or static helicopter in broad daylight.
Really? You can shoot down helicopters ‘easily’ with a TOW?
Can you point me to where this has happened? If it’s easy it must have happened a few times right?
Hmmmm. You can look up how Somalian fighters took down two US Blackhawks using far more primitive and less powerful unguided RPGs.
Bottom line is that risking its few remaining helicopters in a broad daylight attack like that is not something the Syrian Arab Army would do unless there was some critical target present.
Bottom line PB, is that Assad isn’t going away, and he is better to be in charge rather than your mates ISIS/ISIL, Al Nusra, and the “moderate terrorists” that the west backs.
Oh, and daylight attacks using slow moving choppers dropping IEDs against enemy held areas where enemy militants are armed with advanced shoulder launched rockets is tactically, a very bad idea, and a recipe for losing the few precious helos that Assad’s forces have left. Somalia is the classic example. Soviet supported Afghanistan another.
back it up, teach me something son.
nah you’re too much of a smartass to learn anything new, and you probably have been since you were 20.
Somalia was landing troops in an urban environment which tactically was a stupid idea and unlikely to be repeated. It was bloody stupid when they did it. Landing with short sight lines in a constrained space – dumb.
Soviet occupied Afghanistan was a classic case of having a new technology (man portable infrared seeking ground to air missiles) meeting an operational pattern that wasn’t ready for them. The Soviet army was deployed for close air support and close air suppression in mountainous valleys. Without the air support that couldn’t fly low and slow, they and the supporting Afghan troops got creamed and had to withdraw from the firebases and fortified areas in the mountainous countryside. That allowed the opposition forces safe havens within which they could regroup and build strength in. The usual attrition pattern then happened.
You’ll notice that despite an even larger availability of much smarter man portable seeking ground to air missiles in both Iraq and Afghanistan in the 2000s, that the kill rates for aircraft was a fraction of that of the soviet era aircraft. The US and NATO troops deployed in a ground pattern that didn’t require them to depend on close air support, and they used better technical infrastructure with stand off weapons like hellfires and remote artillery.
Their troop’s main problem was IADs, not MANPADs holding off their CAS.
LP, the rescue helicopter was on the ground, you can watch it on youtube.
I’m keen to hear from CV what advanced systems capable of taking down helicopters the rebels have been given though, seeing not getting them has been their main complaint.
Suspect he isn’t going to tell me though, coz he is just making it up.
I’m keen to hear from CV what advanced systems capable of taking down helicopters the rebels have been given though, seeing not getting them has been their main complaint.
The rebels have RPGs right? They are capable of taking down Black Hawk helicopters.
TOWs are also quite capable of taking down helicopters.
Russia believes that the rebels are also armed with an assortment of ground to air MANPADs, which are both cheap and common. These weapons have helped decimate Syria’s airforce over the last 4 years.
The rebels have RPGs right? They are capable of taking down Black Hawk helicopters.
Capable yes. Likely to do so – NOT.
About the only time that they are likely to take out a chopper is if the chopper is near stationary AND (the pilot and crew aren’t watching around them OR the sightlines are very short as in a ambush urban or forest setting).
By the same criteria, a world war 2 .303 round could take out one of modern tank if it hit at exactly the right spot and at the right time (obviously refuelling is the most vulnerable time). However that isn’t likely either.
..an assortment of ground to air MANPADs
Not particularly cheap unless they have been captured or given away (ie like the Stingers were in Afghanistan in the 1980s). The problem with those is that they require reasonably skilled crews. Again they are only really useful against aircraft at low altitudes and low speeds, and usually only when they are swarmed.
The advantage that happened in Afghanistan with the Stingers in the 1980s was that their mountains were high enough to allow cross valley targeting. But by the early 2000s, despite a lot of MANPADs being there, the US and NATO aircraft didn’t have a real problem with them both technically and operationally.
The thing that mainly decimated the Syrian airforce was their support bases being overrun along with their spares and staff, and outright desertion of techs. Even moderately sophisticated aircraft require continuous skilled maintenance. The regime is likely to have lost most of them on the ground to attacks or not being able to fly them because the pilots don’t like unmaintained deathtraps. By contrast helicopters are more robust and more of them are still flying, but steadily diminishing from simple gunfire.
It has been quite apparent for a number of years that the technical edge and capability of Assad’s regime has been markedly diminished and that their capabilities are now getting more and more similar to those of the irregular forces that they are fighting. His Alawite regime hasn’t that politically distinguishable from any other petty ethnic warlord from early in this conflict.
“The rebels have RPGs right? They are capable of taking down Black Hawk helicopters.”
Under favourable conditions you can get lucky, sure. In somalia those chppoers were flying very low and were landing to drop off infantry. It’s not really a simialr situation.
“TOWs are also quite capable of taking down helicopters.”
Can you show me where this has ever happened?
“Russia believes that the rebels are also armed with an assortment of ground to air MANPADs, which are both cheap and common. These weapons have helped decimate Syria’s airforce over the last 4 years.”‘
cites please.
Only reports can find of rebels with manpads say theu captured them from syrian bases, they are russian built.
Thing is CV if they’re not Assad’s helicopters dropping barrel bombs, whose are they?
It’s too much of a stretch for me to believe they’d be US or Turkish-operated false flag attackers. If they were, why wouldn’t they’d be worried about being subject to the same risk of being shot down, either by Assad’s forces or other groups? (And I’ve got the impression from news clips I’ve seen on Al Jazeera from time to time that they’re flying way too high when dropping BBs for RPGs to be a threat.)
I can’t find anything with google suggesting any of the rebel groups (including ISIS) even have helicopters or aircraft with trained pilots.
The problem is you stated the Assad regime dropped a barrel bomb on a civilian area, then targeted the local hospital. However, there is no conclusive evidence of that. Moreover, the logic for them doing so fails to add up.
Therefore, while no one here is supporting such actions, we are questioning your claim and the one sided report provided.
Someone appears to have done it, and the logic does stack up.
Hitting hospitals and other civil services really isn;t uncommon in these sorts of brutal conflicts.
A hospital is a strategic asset, there is a logic behind hitting them, a really ugly one but a logic all the same. It’s why they made it illegal.
Hospitals reduce sufferring.
I realise you really don’t want to think it’s true, but read up on what Assad’s regime is capable of there is lots of info easily available.
Is it proven? No, never said that, but Occam’s razor has Assad as the most likely candidate by a long stretch. So saying ‘he did it’ is comfortable for me right now.
this isn’t a court, I don’t have to extend him reasonable doubt. If you can show he didn’t do it, I’m all ears, your alternate theory needs work though. Who has the capability to fly over the area as described?
I think we need a new rule for the interwebs. Something along the lines of the longer a person thinks they’re losing an argument, the sooner they’ll wave a false flag. We could call it Key’s law.
Even if Assad wanted to take out a hospital (for the reason you suggested) he still relies on public opinion (local and internationally) to help maintain power and win this fight, thus it would have been done covertly. Openly attacking hospitals does Assad no favours.
Therefore, logic suggests his opponents have far more to gain from such actions.
Who? I’m happy to discuss this. Who has the ability to get helicopters over Homs at the moment? Shall we start with that question?
But nah, he is relying on the military (and imported religious militia, and the Russians) rather than public opinion at the moment. I mean, that’s what is actually happening eh.
Again, numerous opposing groups. Air force bases have been taken. Helicopters could have been brought in from over the border. Helicopters can fly under the radar.
For all we know, the CIA could be covertly in action.
.
While it’s true Assad requires military assistance to maintain power he also requires public support (locally and internationally).
You can’t beat terrorism without the support of the people. Openly bombing hospitals is likely to foster its growth.
Additionally, his Russian allies are pushing for an early election to further demonstrate his mandate in a hope to win points internationally.
Openly bombing hospitals weakens his international standing while strengthening the position of those wanting him out.
Going of the last election result, he clearly has overwhelming support locally, thus wouldn’t want to jeopardize that by openly bombing his own hospitals.
I sometimes wonder if these people read what they write.
meh
When precision is not an option, such as when a foreign power decides to fight someone else’s war on the cheap, brute unguided bombing is the alternative. What could be destroyed with a single anti-tank missile, keeping civilian casualties and physical destruction of property to a relative minimum, is instead done using a barrage of 250 kg bombs lobbed in hopes of finding the intended target.
Remember when, back prior to the 2011 General Election, John Key and john Banks had their infamous cup of tea and chat in a public cafe? And their chat was taped – inadvertently or otherwise – by Bradley Ambrose?
IIRC, a couple of pre-trial hearings have been held over recent months, but can provide no links – merely my memory from checking the daily High Court lists and not reported in the media.
Key has always maintained that he would not settle with Ambrose or resile from his statements etc that led to the defamation claims and “in the end it will go through the court process”.
However, the Auckland High Court list for today shows a listing in Court 15 before Hon Justice Thomas for an Application to Strike Out by Defendant. [The defendant being John Key.]
r 15.1. Rule 15.1 provides: 15.1 Dismissing or staying all or part of proceeding (1) The court may strike out all or part of a pleading if it—
(a) discloses no reasonably arguable cause of action, defence, or case appropriate to the nature of the pleading; or
(b) is likely to cause prejudice or delay; or
(c) is frivolous or vexatious; or
(d) is otherwise an abuse of the process of the court
Attorney-General v Prince and Gardner the Court of Appeal said:
“A striking-out application proceeds on the assumption that the facts pleaded in the statement of claim are true. That is so even although they are not or may not be admitted. It is well settled that before the Court may strike out proceedings the causes of action must be so clearly untenable that they cannot possibly succeed (R Lucas & Son (Nelson Mail) Ltd v O’Brien [1978] 2 NZLR 289 at pp 294-295; Takaro Properties Ltd (in receivership) v Rowling [1978] 2 NZLR 314 at pp 316-317); the jurisdiction is one to be exercised sparingly, and only in a clear case where the Court is satisfied it has the requisite material (Gartside v Sheffield, Young & Ellis [1983] NZLR 37 at p 45; Electricity Corporation Ltd v Geotherm Energy Ltd [1992] 2 NZLR 641); but the fact that applications to strike out raise difficult questions of law, and require extensive argument does not exclude jurisdiction (Gartside v Sheffield, Young & Ellis).
The principles referred to above were endorsed by the Supreme Court in Couch v Attorney-General.
However, interestingly, both Stuff and RNZ in their reports refer to it as a preliminary hearing to define issues for trial – with no mention of a strike out application. They cannot report in more detail for legal reasons. We can only presume at this point that strike out was possibly ruled out.
On Wednesday (Chavez’ lawyer) Wilson asked that a conviction not be entered immediately, and said Chavez intended to have a restorative justice session with Henry before sentencing in February.
What he is being paid they won’t disclose, so you can take it he is being paid hansomely, it will be a designer shirt, just Heatley has bad taste. No need to advertise the new position it was created just for him, reminds me of Shane Jones and a job made for him. Abit of cronyism here and there is how National roll.
Yes it smacks of jobs for the boys. The super city model was rejected so the Tories send in one of their own to push Nationals agenda. Be interested to hear what Winston Peters has to say?
The wide-scope job also includes the role of “continuous improvement manager”, to promote Northland effectively in local government and national forums.
What a load of neo liberal bullshit! I remember that sort of meaningless language creeping into the Public Service in the late 80s and early 90s. Jobs for the boys is all it is. I can’t see the member for Northland, Winston Peters falling for that clap-trap.
Edit: oops, Skinny has already noted same further down @ 14.3. Well, I agree with him.
“Crime, and now punishment: So far the Russians are succeeding on all counts. The situation in Syria has stabilized, the Syrian army is on the offensive, and negotiations are underway. Is this why Turkey shot down the Russian jet over Syrian airspace?
CrossTalking with Dmitry Babich, Mark Sleboda, and Stephen Ebert.”
He indicated the initial initial expeditionary force could be expanded. Shades of Vietnam?
2. Obama stating in a press conference
What can happen is if the political process … if that works in Vienna, then it’s possible, given the existing accord the parties have already agreed to, we see at least pockets of cease-fires in and around Syria,” Obama said. “That may mean then that certain opposition groups no longer find themselves subject to either Syrian or Russian bombing. They are then in a conversation about politics. And slowly, we are then able to get everybody’s attention diverted to where it needs to be that—and that is going after ISIL in a systematic way.
While he also talked about the problem being Assad needs to step down, while Russia wants him to stay on, and Russia needs to change its view, it seems Putin is winning here on the diplomatic front, and the US is losing.
“We will chase and fight any American force deployed in Iraq,” said Jafaar Hussaini, a spokesman for one of the Shi’ite armed groups, Kata’ib Hezbollah. “Any such American force will become a primary target for our group. We fought them before and we are ready to resume fighting.”
Spokesmen for the Iranian-backed Badr Organisation and Asaib Ahl al-Haq made similar statements to Reuters, expressing their distrust of American forces since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein and the subsequent occupation
Very interesting PB. I don’t see a good outcome here. There are so many competing/feuding opposition forces I don’t see how anyone could hold any kind of opposition coalition together, let alone get them to agree to work with Assad’s forces and US forces.
Al Jazeera also said something about Germany and I think other NATO countries agreeing to commit more aircraft to the conflict. It’s gotta only be a matter of time before someone shoots someone else down either by design or accident, and that situation also gets out of hand, surely? Syria’s airspace must be getting pretty crowded & there’ll be a lot of testosterone flowing up there I imagine.
US military on the ground in Syria without the consent of the Syrian Government and without a UN mandate, are of course little more than an illegal invasion force.
In contrast, Hezbollah fighters and Iranian Republican Guard elements invited by the Assad Government to be in Syria are rightfully there.
The US is opening the door to an escalation in Syria where their troops will be attacked (by whoever) and they will then have justification to pour in tens of thousands of NATO boots on the ground.
Maybe. I don’t think they know what they’re doing. I think they’re making it up as they go. And I don’t think anyone really has any idea what’s going to happen there. It’s out of everybody’s control from what I can see. Just a buggers’ muddle of killing & intrigue. Anyone thinking they’re going to go in there and sort it out permanently is dreaming.
Found this. A newspaper report on a bashed prisoner taking a private prosecution seeking punitive damages from Serco (as a claim of criminal negligence couldn’t succeed because of Accident Compensation Act). Taking his case under the BORA.
Haven’t found any update so dunno if it’s been to Court yet.
But yeah, I think a prisoner should be allowed to sue if assaulted in prison. Corrections must surely be obligated to do all they reasonably can to ensure the safety of those in their custody.
But that is the whole point of ACC – NZers gave up the right to sue to embrace a no fault compensation scheme. I agree with you that being bashed is not part of a custodial sentence and punitive action needs to be taken against those who allowed this attack to take place. But full compensation for all injuries and loss of quality of life etc are fundamentally part and parcel of ACC. http://www.acc.co.nz/about-acc/media-centre/frequently-asked-questions/aba00105#P7_289
To clarify, I’m not suggesting they have to sue. I’m asking whether compensation (over failure to protect) should automatically be paid on top of any ACC.
This would also act as a further deterrent, encouraging corrections to up their game.
Oh, thanks for the clarification. I dunno. Are there other situations where compensation is automatically paid for failure by some person or entity to protect someone else from harm?
I’m only aware of situations where a prosecution’s been taken and reparation has been ordered. E.g.
Was at the airport this morning to meet my son arriving from the States and saw this woman with a pigtail and immediately thought “I hope John Key isn’t also here” 🙂
This statement, quoted in the Grauniad, would suggest that Obama is explicitly stating that Turkey has been supplying Isis and facilitating its finances using smuggled oil but that Russian interdiction of these activities is the bigger problem. How can any sane person believe this?
“There are about 98 kilometres that are still used as a transit point for foreign fighters [and] Isil shipping out fuel for sale that helps finance their terrorist activities,” said Obama.
“We have got to choke them off. We have got to choke off their ability to make money and bring in new fighters,” he added.
“We have taken tens of thousands of fighters off their battlefield, but if new ones continue to come in, then they continue to maintain a stranglehold over certain population centres inside Iraq and Syria.”
The US president downplayed expectations of a swift end to Russian airstrikes against US-backed rebel forces fighting against Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.
“I don’t expect that you’re going to see a 180 [degree] turn on their strategy over the next several weeks,” said Obama. “They have invested, for years now, in keeping Assad in power. Their presence there is predicated on propping him up, and so that’s going to take some time for them to change how they think about the issue.
“I don’t think we should be under any illusions that somehow Russia starts hitting only Isil targets,” he added. “That’s not happening now. It was never happening. It’s not going to be happening in the next several weeks.”
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Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
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Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
The pair opened their first fully collaborative exhibition, Nina for Flowers, last Saturday. Gabi Lardies visited their studio to find out who Nina is and what working together was like.‘It didn’t start out like, ‘This is a show about Nina,’” says Josephine Jelicich, gripping a thermos of peppermint tea. ...
Thank you, Dr Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner, for your brilliant invention. I’m another mid-20s Kiwi who had an OE last year. I hopped on my bicycle where France meets the Atlantic and cycled east. I pedalled through the Loire Valley, down rivers lined with willows and ancient wisteria-draped chateaus. I relished ...
Asia Pacific Report From France to Australia, university pro-Palestine protests in the United States have now spread to several countries with students pitching on-campus camps. And students at Columbia and other US universities remain defiant as campuses have witnessed the biggest protests since the anti-Vietnam war and anti-apartheid eras in ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)New Zealand Government’s Fast Track legislation. Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government ...
Tara Ward talks to presenter Naomi Toilalo about the new TV show that turns food waste into a three course feast. Naomi Toilalo is standing in the warehouse at Good Neighbour Tauranga, helping unpack the two-and-a-half tonnes of rejected food that will arrive at the community support hub that day. ...
Scout is our latest Dog of the Month. This feature was offered as a reward during our What’s Eating Aotearoa PledgeMe campaign. Thank you to Scout’s human, Avril, for her support. Dog name: Scout (named after the little girl in To Kill a Mockingbird – she inherited the independent spirit ...
Megan Alatini takes us through her life in TV, including ‘terrible’ daytime TV, the class of Carol Hirschfeld and her most embarrassing TrueBliss moment. When she responded to a vague newspaper ad asking “do you have what it takes to be a popstar?” 25 years ago, Megan Alatini never guessed ...
A new exhibition in Wellington showcases the faces behind your local goods and services. Back in 1977, when I was a fine arts student at the University of Canterbury, I took a series of photographs of Christchurch shopkeepers. The photos were for a calendar – a project for my end ...
Toomaj and his resistance to tyranny through his songs have become an icon for the youth of Iran, so his sentence has hit the nation hard. Toomaj Salehi is not the first artist to pay the price for standing with the people. ...
My cousin Dylan and I spotted these big eels under the bridge that summer. We watched them lounging under the dark weed, facing into the flow of water, their mouths frozen open. Dylan and I couldn’t stop thinking about those eels. The night we went down to the creek, we ...
Newsroom, home of satire. My long-running weekly satirical series The Secret Diary has moved to Newsroom and will appear every Saturday, with Victor Billot’s wildly popular satirical Odes continuing to appear every Sunday. Diaries, Odes – while serious political columnists toil at meaningful opinions and stroke their chins to an ...
Tara Ward unravels the many nuanced layers of a cartoon about talking dogs.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. It’s not often an episode of a children’s cartoon has adults sobbing into their sleeves, but that’s exactly what happened this week when ...
Working as a doctor in developing countries to help communities achieve better health outcomes is nothing short of a life goal for Jessica Tater. The University of Otago medical student has her sights firmly set on joining the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) when she qualifies ...
There’s an island in the far reaches of Auckland’s territory, sitting off the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, 30 minutes by air from the city or four hours on the slow boat. Aotea Great Barrier is off-grid, it has a population of fewer than a thousand people … and most ...
Asia Pacific Report An Australian author and advocate, Jim Aubrey, today led a national symbolic one minute’s silence to mark the “blood debt” owed to Papuan allies during the Second World War indigenous resistance against the invading Japanese forces. “A promise to most people is a promise,” Aubrey said in ...
Asia Pacific Report The Freedom Flotilla is ready to sail to Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. All the required paperwork has been submitted to the port authority, and the cargo has been loaded and prepared for the humanitarian trip to the besieged enclave. However, organisers received word of an “administrative ...
Pacific Media Watch Palestine solidarity protesters today demonstrated at the Auckland headquarters of Television New Zealand, accusing the country’s major TV network of broadcasting “propaganda” backing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. About 50 protesters targeted the main entrance to the TVNZ building near Sky Tower and also picketed a side ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
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Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
PNG Post-Courier In the early hours of ANZAC Day, aerial photographs captured an impressive gathering of Australians and Papua New Guineans at Isurava in the Northern (Oro) Province. The solemn dawn service yesterday was held at a site steeped in history, where some of the fiercest battles of World War ...
The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viktoria Kahui, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics, University of Otago Getty Images/Amy Toensing Biodiversity is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. This suggests the ways we currently use to manage our natural environment are failing. One emerging concept focuses on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Colin Bednall, Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology marvent/Shutterstock Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates. Employers typically consider information from ...
Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
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Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 26 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
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off topic
response to off topic
response to off topic
?
this is all quite cryptic.
my curiosity is piqued!
heh – Tracey (rightly) moved our responses from the “make your own Labour Cabinet post” – she set down some firm rules about the responses – but in the best tradition of political dissent toward authority rhinocrates posted a witty response which included a nice Doctor Who reference (mine was fair less witty – it involved comparing Stuart Nash to Blackadder’s Baldrick and a Turnip). 👿
response to off topic
?…the world is going off topic
…our event horizon is gradually sliding back into the black hole
Kiwi detainee Ra Fowler’s partner Carmel, who had terminal cancer, has died. He had been allowed to visit her once every two months, then a bit more time with her as her condition worsened. He believes if he had been allowed to spend more time with her during her treatment, she could still be here. “Every time I walked in, she came back to life.”
He was returned to Villawood “straight away” after her death.
Ra’s initial crime, for which he had already done his time?
He was driving while disqualified, and was caught in possession of cannabis. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/74623485/kiwi-detainee-allowed-to-be-with-partner-as-she-dies-from-cancer
Andrew Little and Phil Goff went to Villawood when they were over there about a week ago, and met with three of the detainees. They had earlier met with the Australian immigration minister, and were hopeful of seeing at least one or two of the visa revocations overturned. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/74442444/labour-leader-andrew-little-visits-villawood-detention-centre-to-meet-kiwis
disgraceful inhumanity…Australians hang your heads in shame
Ra Fowler our greatest sympathies!
@ (2) Shocking circumstances.
Condolences to Ra.
Ra’s initial crime, for which he had already done his time?
He was driving while disqualified, and was caught in possession of cannabis.
Seems to me that Fowler’s mistake was to be stupid. Because driving while disqualified and possessing cannabis is fucking stupid if you are an immigrant in a detention-crazy country that revokes visas at the drop of a hat.
David Taylor, stop treating Indonesian migrant workers as slaves – Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti.
See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/11/30/susi-seeks-protection-indonesian-slaves-new-zealand-waters.html#sthash.gquqEBNq.dpuf
We can save atheism from the New Atheists like Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris
by JEFF SPARROW, The Guardian, 29 November 2015
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/nov/30/we-can-save-atheism-from-the-new-atheists
Why are the New Atheists such jerks? Case in point: Richard Dawkins’ continuing pursuit of Ahmed Mohamed, the Texas 14-year-old humiliated in school after authorities mistook his homemade clock for a bomb.
The other day, The God Delusion author called Ahmed a hoaxer and responded to suggestions “he was only a kid” by linking to a report about a juvenile Islamic State (Isis) fighter. “And how old is this ‘kid’?” Dawkins asked.
Dawkins has been after the teenager for some time. When the story of Ahmed’s arrest and interrogation in handcuffs first broke, Dawkins questioned the boy’s motives, before linking to a video suggesting Ahmed wasn’t quite the inventor as he claimed.
“Assembling clock from bought components is fine,” tweeted Dawkins to his 1.3m followers. “Taking clock out of its case to make it look as if he built it is not fine. Which is true?”
The intervention exemplified everything toxic about Dawkins’ online persona. It’s not just the unedifying spectacle of an internationally famous biologist seeking to discredit a teenager’s science project, like a 9/11 truther obsessing about jet fuel. It’s also Dawkins’ disgraceful juxtaposition between Ahmed and an Isis supporter in Syria.
“How COULD you think I was likening a hoaxer to a killer?” he later posted. “I just meant ‘Only a kid’ is not a knockdown defence. Remember poor James Bulger?”
Except, of course, Dawkins hadn’t compared Ahmed to Bulger, who was murdered in 1993 by two 10-year-old boys. He’d linked a youth falsely accused of terrorism on the basis of his religion to Isis, precisely the kind of smear that any FOX news demagogue might make.
Then there’s the author, philosopher, and neuroscientist Sam Harris – another New Atheist luminary.
A few days before Dawkins relaunched his investigation into clock-gate, Harris explained on a podcast that Republican hopeful Ben Carson understood the Middle East better than Noam Chomsky. The same Ben Carson who thinks there’s a scientific consensus that aliens built the pyramids (even though Carson knows they were actually built by God as a granary for the biblical Jacob).
Why does Harris prefer Carson’s know-nothing bluster on foreign policy to the opinions of Chomsky, one of the most influential scholars in the world? Because, you see, Carson “understands that jihadists are the enemy”. That’s also why Harris defends Ted Cruz’s proposal to…..
Read more….
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/nov/30/we-can-save-atheism-from-the-new-atheists
One should always beware of idols – religious or atheist!
The photo of John Key eating the hotdog, clearly intended to look like he is sucking a dick is highly offensive and unbecoming of a left-wing blog that would ordinarily denounce insults such as faggot or homo as homophobic. This type of humour (or insult as the case may be) should surely remain in the last decade. I fail to see what would be wrong with it if John Key did choose to give someone a blow job, wouldn’t that be his business? Or is the point that he is a despicable cock-sucker? If so I disagree with the implication that cock-suckers are despicable. Either way it’s a schoolboy insult and reminiscent of many attitudes that contributors have in the past railed against
[Concern Troll Derail detected – moved to Open Mike – BLiP]
I look at it as a turd being pulled from his mouth. ie spouting shit
It’s hard to know what was going through Ponyboy’s mind when he posed for it – apart from the tip o’ the ‘dog that is.
Jay …it is all in YOUR mind!
The picture just made me hungry for a hotdog with tomato sauce
( pity about the picture of jonkey )
How about a picture of Andrew Little licking an ice cream?
Sometimes a hotdog is merely a hotdog.
Attempting to show that one can consume a hotdog in a single mouthful is an indication of something else….
piggy greed
Thanks for your concern Jay. No doubt you were similarly offended when Maurice Williamson allegedly referred to “atta girl knee pads” to an audience of woman at a technology conference a few months ago. I hope you had a stern word with him about his inappropriate and sexist sense of non humour.
And I agree, it’s none of anyone’s business if Key were to give someone a bj. But it is our business when he’s pimping our country out and he’s giving the figurative bj to big corporates to the cost of the well being of our society. Think, Rio Tinto, Warner Bro’s, Saudi “farmers”, TPPA etc etc.
For what little it is worth gower has given the Labour reshuffle a tick of approval.
That says this.
The establishment supports 2 neo-liberal parties.
Yep, quite right there Paul (6.1) Quite disturbing isn’t it? Labour/ NatzKEY … what’s the difference now?
A new workers party is desperately needed in NZ, where the ordinary Kiwi gets a chance to vote for a party which represents their interests, giving them some strength.
Time for a new Labour Mana Party…little labour sucks
@ Chooky (6.2), with Hone Harawira, his Mana Movement team up there with him, also David Cunliffe and Nanaia Mahuta onside as well. Then watch the Dirty Politics thugs go into overdrive!
I used to think NZ Greens were the party of the ordinary Kiwi man, woman and child, led by Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rod Donald and then Russel Norman and Meteria Turei. But not anymore, considering Shaw handed FJK a free pass on the flag issue recently. Like FJK, I wouldn’t trust Shaw either as far as I can spit and that’s not very far!
+100 mary_a
i am looking for a party to get enthusiastic about and vote for
(the Greens with Shaw and Red Peaks is not it)
NZF is my option at the moment but I would prefer a new flaxroots real ‘LABOUR Mana Party’ which is tinted Emerald
( the word ‘Labour’ has to be kidnapped….it can not be left to little’s paltry party )
It would only be worth it if mana can get a candidate that will win a seat ,otherwise 2% wasted vote is all that will happen.
As a no not much punter I’ll take labour over the nats every time but would love to see a leftwing minor party getting into Parliament.
The ultimate insult in the Mondo Bizarro of Whaleoil’s site
Yesterday I was banned, for the third and probably last time, from Cameron Slater’s egregious “Whaleoil” site. (More on this in an upcoming post.)
One of the last of the many insults dished out to this writer, i.e. moi, was this gem from one “johnandali”, in the course of a robust discussion about the Israel-Palestine conflict….
http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2015/12/bad-journalism-or-pro-palestinian-bias/
Mora’s Panel.
7 Sharp.
And now Whale Oil.
Some might call you a masochist!
Morrissey is very brave….he seeks out iniquity from all its dark and smelly corners …and he exposes it here in broad day light!
Thanks Morrissey!
“Thanks Morrissey!”
+1
Thanks for your supportive comments, Paul, Chooky and Halfcrown. I’ll post up a detailed account of my on again-off again relationship with the National Party’s most disreputable agent in the near future.
Indonesia calls on New Zealand to work towards combating the slavery of its citizens.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/11/30/susi-seeks-protection-indonesian-slaves-new-zealand-waters.html
Was interested to see the following in the Comments on that article:
Maxplus
Dr Christina Stringer from the University of Auckland has done a lot of research on forced labour on fishing vessels in NZ. As a result all foreign charter vessels are required to be reflagged to New Zealand by 1 May 2016. Once the vessels are flagged to NZ (registered in NZ) they must follow NZ laws, especially labour laws. Indonesian’s (and others) working on board Korean and Taiwanese vessels were being mistreated so NZ has changed the law.
“Once they are reflagged they must follow NZ laws, especially labour laws”.
But they won’t. Just as many land-based companies who employ migrant workers do not.
Dr Christina Stringer and others have done commendable work which certainly led to the Government being forced to change the law. However it is unlikely to change company practices, and the Government’s acceptance of 19th century labour conditions. Witness Mr Woodhouse – note, Minister for Police and Immigration – in the House today defending the use of Indian students on student visas in our workforce by reference to the profitability of the service sector. It is clear where his and this government’s priorities lie.
Likewise, if you think it is OK to delay (rather weak, difficult to enforce) anti-slavery measures by several years in order to give companies breathing room, when those companies and the government have known for years about the rape, murder, beatings, intimidation, and denial of wages routine on those ships, then there is something fundamentally wrong with you (generally, not you, commenter), just as there is clearly something fundamentally missing in Mr Woodhouse. What’s a few more murders and rapes of innocents when we’re making millions in shares, aye? Do they do cost benefit analysis with destroyed men in one column and dollars in the other? If so, how much is a life worth exactly? What is, you know, the overall benefit to “the economy” of human misery?
The exploitation continues unabated: https://t.co/kxIMmnccki
The Indonesians have their own responsibilities in this supply chain which they are not addressing. They make pronouncements like this and blow up Thai ships yet it is their own corrupt immigration officials who issue false documents and local authorities who provide legitimacy to predatory labour agents.
But it is Mr Woodhouse and friends who sign off, each 6 months to a year, on new Agreements in Principle with companies who have shown themselves to have gathered information about abuses and buried it and the men in concerns.
Mr Woodhouse and his colleagues have blood on their hands.
“Once they are reflagged they must follow NZ laws, especially labour laws”.
But they won’t. Just as many land-based companies who employ migrant workers do not.
Dr Christina Stringer and others have done commendable work which certainly led to the Government being forced to change the law. However it is unlikely to change company practices, and the Government’s acceptance of 19th century labour conditions. Witness Mr Woodhouse – note, Minister for Police and Immigration – in the House today defending the use of Indian students on student visas in our workforce by reference to the profitability of the service sector. It is clear where his and this government’s priorities lie.
Likewise, if you think it is OK to delay (rather weak, difficult to enforce) anti-slavery measures by several years in order to give companies breathing room, when those companies and the government have known for years about the rape, murder, beatings, intimidation, and denial of wages routine on those ships, then there is something fundamentally wrong with you (generally, not you, commenter), just as there is clearly something fundamentally missing in Mr Woodhouse. What’s a few more murders and rapes of innocents when we’re making millions in shares, aye? Do they do cost benefit analysis with destroyed men in one column and dollars in the other? If so, how much is a life worth exactly? What is, you know, the overall benefit to “the economy” of human misery?
The exploitation continues unabated: https://t.co/kxIMmnccki
The Indonesians have their own responsibilities in this supply chain which they are not addressing. They make pronouncements like this and blow up Thai ships yet it is their own corrupt immigration officials who issue false documents and local authorities who provide legitimacy to predatory labour agents.
But it is Mr Woodhouse and friends who sign off, each 6 months to a year, on new Agreements in Principle with companies who have shown themselves to have gathered information about abuses and buried it and the men it concerns.
Mr Woodhouse and his colleagues have blood on their hands.
#Hi Lynn
I think Grindlebottom should not have the last word on this particular issue – It’s not as simple as “we are reflagging in 2016, problem solved”. Can you please allow my previous comment to go through?
Much respect and thank you#
I thought I did. There were two right? Looked like duplicates.
Oh well, I will pull out the one that I trashed and let that go through.
Correct, duplicate comments, because of an original spelling error, I think. Hasty of me: I checked back and didn’t see my comment, hence the comment that followed. My apologies! I know you do a lot of other stuff other than moderate comments. Best.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-pentagon-the-climate-elephant-2/5402505
The Pentagon, The Climate Elephant. The US Military Machine is the World’s Worst Polluter of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Expose the Pentagon, the world’s largest & most dangerous climate criminal!
The US military machine, is the world’s biggest institutional consumer of petroleum products and the world’s worst polluter of greenhouse gas emissions. The role of the US military is not on the agenda of the Paris COP21 Climate Conference.
You know how feared David Cunliffe is by the Nats when, even after he is demoted to the back benches, Paul Henry is still doing a hatchet job on him on his show. He should be Leader if the Nats are that scared of him. Why can’t Labour’s Caucus realise that he is one of their biggest assets? And one of very few who can actually give a brilliant rousing speech. The fact that Caucus don’t see this tells me they are either idiots, or, that they just don’t care whether they are in office or not. Things are cushy for them either way!
Paul Dipshit Henry is pitching into what he sees as an easy target. That’s what the twat does.
Today’s Trevett piece refers to the elevaton of Cosgrove, O’Connor and Parker.
If experience capability and even youthfulness were factors in positioning people then Cunliffe would be in a far higher position then these. Personal politic are at play.
For the life of me I cannot understand why Little should have become so personal with Cunliffe that he discarded him in such a destructive manner. Little and Laour are the loosers.
Indeed, look at what Helen Clark did with Sir Michael Cullen and what Sir John Key did with Sir Bill English
Shouldn’t turf people out if they still have use
+100 Hami…It is my fervent wish that Cunliffe jumps ship…even if it is to the Greens
….his light and abilities should not be hidden or squandered by little Labour
…my preference is a new Labour Mana Party is set up
( the existing little labour is misnamed and no more a real Labour Party imo)
I am starting to lean that way myself Chooky – this caucus reshuffle has left me with the kind of despondency I felt in 2011, when Shearer was made leader and right wingers everywhere clinked their glasses in celebration.
@Chooky – you are right!
My preferred option is that Labour grow a brain and actually start getting the talent at the top in Labour instead of being afraid of it.
But that is a fast dying hope.
Giving Nash a promotion after his outburst on TDB is pretty concerning! He is Judith Collins preferred PM (after herself) and Grand daddy herald apparently loves the changes. Does not bode well for Labour.
Labour are killing themselves like Key is killing our country and planet!
Lemmings all around us.
Hi Chooky.
I see over the last few days, in response to Labours new line up there has been the suggestion that a new left party should be created. Above you state a preference for a Labour Mana kind of an alliance.
I have to say I share some of the disappointment expressed, but that has been building for awhile anyway and really came to a head when Andrew Little told a group of business people at a conference that the 90 day bill could potentially be retained, with some tinkering. It took me two weeks to get an answer and clarification from anyone from Labour on this issue. I ended up with some vague sense of reassurance in email comms with Grant Robertson.
Like you, I was a major fan of Cunliffe last year. I still am. He was one of the reasons I joined the party. Now I kind of wonder what I’m doing as a member. (Admittedly I did warm up a bit after Little’s speech at the annual conference)
BUT! what I want to know, is what would the creation of a new party achieve? Hardly anyone bothered to turn up to vote when we genuinely did have a good choice of parties to vote for last year, (and really good policy from Labour I thought) yet they all flopped badly.
I’m wondering if this talk of a new party is simply coming from a strong sense of frustration rather than from any sense of practical purpose.
@Rosie
A split would allow a centre party. You can not call the current Labour party central. They are further right than NZ First on many issues. Essentially they offer nothing radical and are reluctant to even voice what their polices are. Like National they seem to think that having zero policy is what the public want or at least less dangerous than actually voicing their views of a global neoliberal economic policy that fosters inequality and power imbalance, in particular giving power and more rights than government to corporate entities in return for a crumb of exports of milk powder and wine under TPP in about 20 years, (by which NZ exports will no longer be locally owned anyway). Everything is in economic and legal terms, there is no spirit of justice as those with power, connections and money can write the rules and sway justice. Current Labour don’t seem to be able to disagree with the way this country is going in particular under TPP if it is signed. Labour at the most, shows tepid disagreement against the cult like support of the Natz for the ideology.
There is a clear gap between the Greens and NZ First. Labour is on the right on NZ First. There needs to be a party on the left on NZ First that is where many people on the Standard seem to sit.
So yep, if Labour could get rid of its neoliberals and feuds then it could go away. But placing Cunliffe where he is, and Nash where he is, and the TPP debacle is pretty much a message of a future neoliberal Labour that can’t make a decision.
If Labour wanted to pick up support they would be against TPP (as their point of difference from the Natz) and promote Cunliffe as being one of their few smart and feared people by the Natz, but they are not doing that. Leaving Cunliffe behind is not showing unity.
I don’t disagree with your criticisms of Labour’s stance on TPP and their treatment of one of their greatest talents, savenz – that’s what’s troubling me.
Also agree that NZ First are to the left of Labour on issues such as TPP. They are the ones who have strongly opposed it and introduced the Fighting Foreign Corporate Control bill at a time Labour were silent – but then they are on the right of Labour when it comes to social conservatism. Could a Labour voter really feel comfortable with voting NZ First?
“There is a clear gap between the Greens and NZ First. Labour is on the right on NZ First. There needs to be a party on the left on NZ First that is where many people on the Standard seem to sit.”
Also, this new party, what ever it may be, if it did appeal to commenters on TS, would that matter, would it make a difference?
We’re in a time and place that feels hopeless, over 7 years into the Key regime, with 2 years more to go. If people are feeling frustrated, I understand that. But I worry about looking to another party, not yet created, for salvation.
I would rather the voices of Labour supporters and members who have suffered under the Key regime and want to see social and economic justice done, use Labour MP’s as their mouthpiece. They will speak for so many when they do. If they listen to those stories and act accordingly with the right policy they will win. Put people first, not party first.
I agree Rosie.
As frustrating as Labour can be I don’t see a new party would achieve anything. Those people advocating it I suspect have no idea how difficult it is to build the structure and be able to finance a new party, let alone find enough supporters that all agree with the policies. Mana discovered to their cost that trying to grow quickly is likely to end in disaster.
Much better to join Labour or the Greens and work hard within the party to make whichever more left wing rather than complaining from the sidelines.
“Much better to join Labour or the Greens and work hard within the party to make whichever more left wing rather than complaining from the sidelines.’
That was my thought when I joined – don’t know how successful that action will be lol 🙂
You make a good point about financing a new party, particularly a left wing one. The membership isn’t exactly flush – thats the problem right there, we’re economically marginalised people. Look at the problems an established party like Labour have, in funding themselves.
I should say “typically” – we’re typically economically marginalised people, not all on the left are, of course. Some are enjoying better circumstances than others, for a number of reasons.
A few weeks ago a panellist on the 7 days show, whose a Labour member, when discussing Labour’s funding problems said “hey don’t look at me for financial help, I live on hummus and weed”. Had to smile at that. Not all of us can put our hands in our pockets when we struggle to get through the week as it is.
The problem though is that Labour are unlikely to change so unless big chunks of the membership leave Labour are going to dictate politics in NZ for a long time to come. By dictate I mean monkey wrench because the internal neoliberal/lefties split has never been resolved.
I quite like Little and he seems competent enough. Cunliffe had his chance and didn’t put an end to the ABCs, but Little doesn’t appear to be tacking left either. What he is doing looks good for the health of the party but not NZ. Our best chance is the Greens getting 15% and NZF dropping so that Labour finally have to take the GP seriously, but is that likely to happen? I think this is why people look to another party but I agree it’s not a serious proposition. We could of course all vote green, that would certainly stir things up and I still don’t understand why more lefties don’t do that. It’s a very pragmatic choice.
I’d like the Greens to increase their vote to 15% and Labour to 35%. I remain hopeful that this will happen.
I know you have your doubts, Weka, but I think Labour and the Greens have a much better relationship than they have at any time in the past, and this will become clearer in election year.
The best thing Little has achieved is to get the caucus to stop the internal fighting. It is obviously difficult keeping all the factions working together, but they need to do that to be seen as a viable alternative government. He will never be charismatic, but when I think about Lange, who was very charismatic, I think I’d rather have Little. Lange allowed Rogernomics full rein for far too long. I liked David Cunliffe but there is no question that he was a polarising figure. However, putting Nash, Cosgrove and O’Connor ahead of him was wrong IMO.
Agree that Little isn’t tacking left but his leadership is giving the appearance to the public that the health of the party is improving. Who knows, maybe that has to be fixed before they can advance.
“We could of course all vote green, that would certainly stir things up and I still don’t understand why more lefties don’t do that. It’s a very pragmatic choice.”
Personally, I’m pro Green and have voted Green in the past. They are a party you can respect for their lack of (apparent) in fighting and clear direction of values and policy. They have many experienced MP’s and they are well over due to be part of government. They carry some real mana. Of all the parties, I have the softest spot for them.
Th reason I party voted Labour ( and locally too with the fabulous Ginny Andersen standing in Ohariu against Peter “old hat” Dunne) was because I was really impressed with their policy announcements and really impressed with David Cunliffe. I thought with the combined left vote we were going to scrape through and win. It was a vote of confidence in their ability to do it.
The rest, as you know, is history.
+100
@ Hami Shearlie – hear hear. Exactly the reason David Cunliffe isn’t leader now and is getting pushed further and further towards the door. The Labour ABC neo libs, like FJK find him a threat to them. So like the organized thugs they are, they use subtle bullying tactics to have him removed. It’s these ABC neo libs who are controlling Andrew Little! His reshuffle promotions this week are enough evidence of this point!
Nanaia Mahuta is also being shown the door, because like her colleague Cunliffe, she stands true to the founding principles and values of Labour, which the neo libs on both sides of the House fear!
Says it all doesn’t it, about the low life elected to represent and govern NZ?
Assad regime drops barrel bomb on civilian area, then targets the local hospital.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/01/syria-msf-hospital-homs-barrel-bombing
Arsehole.
I expect a certain someone will be along to suggest it is a false flag by the US or some other nefarious member of the illuminati.
The only thing for certain is that the non-combatants in Syria don’t really care who’s in charge as long as everyone stops the shooting and lets them get on with living in peace.
“I expect a certain someone will be along to suggest it is a false flag by the US ”
ok, I accept your challenge!
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2015/12/01/uk-guardian-fabricates-doctors-without-borders-hospital-bombing/
That was a good read, thanks.
MSF making shit up too.
//
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/article/syria-series-deadly-bombings-partially-destroys-msf-supported-hospital-homs-region
Sounds like personal point scoring
what do you mean?
Mate, Israel does this every single day whenever they take their army, US equipped and paid for, into the Palestinian territories.
Why the sudden concern from you for ordinary muslim people?
nothing sudden about it Mutton.
I’ve got thousands of comments on this site under this handle, feel free to dig through them.
What’s your problem though? Feeling awkward about something are we?
I’m just surprised you’d trot out the US line on this.
That Assad is an arsehole?
That’s my line. Assad is an arsehole. I read a lot, from a wide variety of sources, you should try that. It aids in discernment.
Assad being an arsehole is a strong theme that comes through. The man is an arsehole, he really is, and anyone who says otherwise should be treated with extreme scepticism imo.
Kind of like anyone who says ‘That Dick Cheney has been misunderstood, don’t believe the propganda about him, he just wanted peace and every thing else he did was ultimately going to be dontaed for charity’ or some shit.
nah Cheney is an arsehole. Assad is an arsehole.
Not US lines, my lines. You don;t have to share them, but don’t accuse me of folloowing people’s lines unless you have evidence for that, ok?
‘Bashar al-Assad wins re-election in Syria as uprising against him rages on’
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/04/bashar-al-assad-winds-reelection-in-landslide-victory
“Assad captures another seven-year term after winning almost 90% of the vote, with polling only held in government-held areas..
( says it all really)
Your thoughts on grumpystilskin’s link?
Laughable, ignorant, and poorly thought out. equiv. to Prison Planet or the likes.
Really? That says a lot about you.
And your thoughts on your link?
Thoughts on this anyone?
https://youtu.be/-iPGwac2h18
RT propaganda.
Don’t you mean RT highlighting US propaganda?
I meant what I said.
In that case, how did you come to that conclusion?
See below
You don’t have a clue, tinfoilhat.
Go back to your dreary reporting of reporters reporting Breen.
Go back to your dreary reporting of reporters reporting Breen.
I do all that reporting on the “reporters”—distorters is a more accurate term—-in order to encourage people to think a little about what they are presented with in the media. Clearly, in your case, it’s not working: you seem to have swallowed everything that you’ve heard from the politicians via their de facto media outlets.
People who are interested in actually understanding what’s going on might like to have a look at something a bit more rigorous and honest than is served up by the Grauniad, TVNZ or Fox News.
Noam Chomsky….
http://www.salon.com/2015/11/30/noam_chomsky_americas_isis_strategy_plainly_is_not_working_partner/
Glenn Greenwald….
https://theintercept.com/2014/09/28/u-s-officials-invented-terror-group-justify-bombing-syria/
Frankie Boyle….
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/23/frankie-boyle-fallout-paris-psychopathic-autopilot
You are no more or less than another propagandist spouting opinion on the internet.
You are no more or less than another propagandist spouting opinion on the internet.
You don’t even understand what propaganda is. That’s one reason you’re so susceptible to it of course.
Not that you’d realize.
Complete lack of self awareness is surely another one of your personal areas of excellence.
I’m perfectly aware of what propaganda is, your particular problem seems to be that you only take issue with that you disagree with, whereas I take the view that it is a altogether a more all pervasive influence throughout all media channels and all sides.
No, that was RT catching the US using unverified information for propaganda purposes against Russia.
It’s one of the basic tenets of science that findings need to be falsifiable and yet the US refused to give the information needed to check their claims and said only that the reporter should ask the Russians about their targeting. Which she then did and the Russians actually provided her with that information.
Propaganda definition.
Official government communications to the public that are designed to influence opinion. The information may be true or false, but it is always carefully selected for its political effect.
Kinda interesting that RT are only interested in one site, and offer images that themselves aren;t verified. Nor do they explain what they hit in that video.
Can’t wait to hear how MSF have faked the images from Homs etc.
Not really considering the report was primarily responding to a US allegation of the bombing of said site.
Moreover, satellite images can be verified.
Ponder this, re your link:
What purpose does it serve the Assad regime to intentionally target and bomb one of their own hospitals, identifying themselves in such a bad light by using a signature tactic?
That would be counterproductive, turning the people (locally and internationally) against them.
Alternatively, having the people turn against them favours opponents of the regime.
Therefore, could this not be an attempt to reinforce the perception Assad’s regime is pure evil, thus needs to be taken out?
I also see no comment from the regime was reported in your link, robbing the report of any balance.
Not really considering the report was primarily responding to a US allegation of the bombing of said site.
The intor to the RT piece are all about how Russia and Assad are accused of bombing many hospitials. they choose to repsond only to that one.
Moreover, satellite images can be verified.
they can also be faked, and old ones can be used. By istelf, it means nothing, all we have is the Kremlin’s word. If that’s enough for you, fine, but let’s not pretend it’s logically any better than the US State Depts. If you are sceptical of one, you should be of the other.
Ponder this, re your link:
What purpose does it serve the Assad regime to intentionally target and bomb one of their own hospitals, identifying themselves in such a bad light by using a signature tactic?
That would be counterproductive, turning the people (locally and internationally) against them.
Dicatators fight differently from non-dictators. Assad doesn’t give a shit, at this stage, about beeing ‘seen ina bad light’. Same reason Saddam gassed the kurds, or Syrian baathists hit the refugee camps, and that they run, even in peace time, jail systems notorious for their use of torture. The aim is to be feared, not loved, by your opponents. the message you send by hitting hopsitals is that:
‘I will do anything, and no one will stop me. See. I hit the hospitals, I destroy your suburbs and where is your international support? Where is the UN? I have the Russians and the Iranians but your allies are giving you what? Some TOWs if you agree to their conditions? Good luck, I don’t care, I would rather burn it all to the ground than let you win’
this is fairly standard doctrine for Baathists. They have a long history, I doubt Assad has decided to ignore it all and adopt western liberal derived notions of warfare.
Alternatively, having the people turn against them favours opponents of the regime.
Therefore, could this not be an attempt to reinforce the perception Assad’s regime is pure evil, thus needs to be taken out?
That ship has sailed. have you not noticed that he has been unable to quell the insurgency? Or that refugees are fleeing? Or his conscription problems?
I also see no comment from the regime was reported in your link, robbing the report of any balance.
He said she said balance is overated. It is a war report, something happened, there were witnesses quoted. The regime can respond if and when it likes and I’m not sure that they accepting calls from western media anyway.
The intro did mention numerous allegations. However, as previously stated, the report was primarily responding to a US allegation of the bombing of said site.
As for the satellite image, why fake it when it can be easily exposed as such, robbing them of their credibility?
With the West pushing for him to go, coupled with the need to have the majority on board and not turn against him, public perception is vital to Assad. Therefore, targeting hospitals in such an open manner is counterproductive. His supporters don’t fear him. And he can’t afford to start scaring them now.
That ship has not sailed, Assad is still there and a number want him out. Therefore, surely you can concede the possibility it’s an attempt to reinforce the perception Assad’s regime is pure evil, thus needs to be taken out?
Refugees are largely fleeing the fighting, not Assad. And, of course, a number don’t want to fight, thus are draft-dodging. Coupled with soaring causalities, hence his conscription problems. The vast majority of the population have remained despite the fighting.
Balance is vital for the reader to evaluate the whole story. Therefore, it was a one sided war report unworthy of any merit.
So why didn’t RT talk about any of the other allegations again?
You didn’t really explain that part, I know the piece focussed on the one incident, that was my point.
I guess the other incidents remain undisputed then?
Is that your position?
Both Assad and Gaddafi built liberal (for the Middle East) secular states which respected the rights of minorities and women.
Both were also strong men dictators.
But both built public health and education services for their people as well as some of the best free universities in the Middle East.
Frankly, the West has no answers for these nations, and the answers that the West has forcibly applied have left millions in tragic disaster.
You really don’t have any fucking clue.
Why don’t you look at what NATO did to Libya or what the US did to Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iraq (and is supporting Saudi Arabia to do to Yemen and supporting Israel to do to Gaza) before you pass more of your Kool Aid around.
I’m not sure how many times I have to tell you I don’t support western current or historic policy CV.
You do bring up Yemen though, and yes, it’s awful what is being done there, I oppose that. I also opposed the drone strike policy that was in place that aggravated and helped to radicalise the regime’s opponents.
The western line on that was that they were doing it all with the permission of and in support of the legitimate government of Yemen in their fight against foreign inspired and funded terrorists. I didn’t give that much weight, how about you? Does that reasoning sound legit to you?
What answer does Putin have CV? What is the end game for you?
I saw in the other thread you claim Putin agrees Assad should go. That is the western position, I’m not been able to find where Putin has confirmed he has switched to it, so a link would be appreciated.
The Iranians are dead against that idea however, and winning the war for Assad would make it harder to convince him to steo down. Seeing yuo are defending it, how do you think this is going to work, oh wise one.
PB I was refuting your Western Kool Aid that democratic countries fight wars cleaner than other countries, and cleaner than dictators.
As for the end game for Syria, why don’t you simply read the outcome of the latest Vienna talks:
http://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2015/nov/17/iran-attends-syria-peace-talks-vienna
One major disagreement is that Russia believes that Assad should be able to stand in elections to be held within 18m; the US wants Assad gone by then and not be involved in any elections.
I’m not sure how many times I have to tell you I don’t support western current or historic policy CV.
Of course you do. You want Assad and his government gone, and for Syria to fall into a Libya-like failed state condition run by extremist Islamist factions.
Firstly, Russia and Iran have some common ground with regards to Syria, but they also have plenty of differences (mostly revolving around Israel, but also strategic differences on gas and oil pipelines).
Secondly, Russia is not wedded to Assad, Russia is wedded to the idea of a stable, secular, non-Islamist government in Syria that is chosen by the people.
Thirdly, the West thinks that Syrians should be able to choose who they want to lead the country – as long as it isn’t Assad. Clearly the Russians disagree on this point.
My main beef with your perspective is that your preferences to end Assad and his government ASAP will put Islamic extremists in charge of Damascus where they will promptly enforce Sharia Law over the whole country and fuck over every minority who disagrees.
“You want Assad and his government gone, and for Syria to fall into a Libya-like failed state condition run by extremist Islamist factions.”
Where have a said this? Quote please.
I have said that the Assad regime is not legitimate, by that I mean it is not ruling by the consent of the governed. That is a standard western liberal definition of legitimacy.
I have said nothing about wanting him removed “ASAP” with the country handed over to Islamist militia. You may think I believe that , but if so, it is a straight out fabrication of your own mind.
“I was refuting your Western Kool Aid that democratic countries fight wars cleaner than other countries, and cleaner than dictators”
again, not what I said. I said dictators fight wars based on ideas different from the ones the Chairman was suggesting were in play. I think the history, specifically, of Baathist responses to revolts bears me out on this.
So let’s clarify this PB. Do you want Assad and his government gone ASAP, or is it OK if he stays in power in the interim?
Because this was the latest allegation.
I want lots of things.
removing Assad ASAP won’t fix anything. Smashing IS and restoring Assad won’t fix anything.
I say fuck both those options. Fix the underlying grievances, the legitimacy of Iraq and Syria as states is kaput. Regional govts, tribes and other actors have directly conflicting interests.
these interests must all be on the table.
I have said this before, but really, it’s a distraction. I am not in charge. And what I support is irrelevant as a defence for your support of Assad and Putin.
It is enough to say that my position is fuck that noise to the wests current policy, and fuck that noise to Russia’s policy.
I don’t think either of them adress what is drib=ving the conflict. When someone comes up with something I think might work, I’ll support it.
CV, you can retract all the crap you’ve written about what I have said and supposedly believe any time you like.
@ tinfoilhat
What the US were doing in the clip could be used as an example.
Yes the US use propaganda as well, I don’t think anyone would argue that point.
The US is the most heavily propagandised and deliberately disinformed place on the planet.
That’s a rather silly thing to say CV.
While there’s no doubt that there is propaganda and disinformation in the USA there’s certainly far worse places.
Uh, I’m pretty serious. You want to name a more propagandised place than the USA, I would agree that China and North Korea, are.
And that’s about it. Certainly no other G20 countries come close to the USA.
Russia is far less propagandised than the USA for instance, because Russians still remember the lying days of Pravda too well.
On the other hand, Americans actually believe what the Wall St Journal and the Washington Post tell them.
EDIT
Chris Hedges explains it much better than I can:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAhq-l0LUio
Oh I disagree with that.
If we’re just talking about the G20 now, lets just take the big three and ignore an obvious last place for Saudi Arabia.
Sure the USA, China and Russia all employ propaganda but to suggest that the US is worse than Russia and China is disingenuous when China’s one party state still stringently controls news and internet for stories that are deemed not in the country’s best interest.
While the current assessment by reporters without borders of Russia suggests they are hardly in a position to trumpet their credentials.
To clarify my statement, it says that China and North Korea are worse for propaganda than the USA is.
Re: Saudi Arabia. No one there believes what the government says, and the Shia minority in particular don’t need to be told that they are fucked over on a daily basis.
Put another way, there is a difference between a population which is subject to a lot of propaganda, and a population which has been successfully propagandised.
I suggest you have a listen to Chris Hedges.
+1 PB
Don’t give up with your comments even though you often get idiotic responses. You are one of my ever dwindling “must reads” on the Standard ,
+1
I sometimes wonder if these people read what they write.
Is that your main takeaway from that piece? really?
Yes, apparently the bombing is so precise that they can choose their target and yet so inaccurate that no one can tell where they’re going to hit.
I’ve seen plenty of videos of barrel bombs. They’ve always been shown coming out of choppers, they fall relatively slowly and they actually look like oil barrels.
Yet I watched one video clip on Al Jazeera a couple of months back which the voice over claimed was Assad’s air force dropping 2 barrel bombs on a market place. They both came down really fast flashing across the screen on an angled trajectory. They were both clearly streamlined bombs. They obviously came from a plane not a chopper: no idea whose.
I take media claims of “barrel bombs” a little more sceptically these days.
who.fucking. cares.
http://www.msf.org/article/syria-double-tap-bombing-msf-supported-hospital-%E2%80%93-hospital-partially-destroyed-%E2%80%93-patients
The story is about hospital being bombed, and you guys are seriously flapping around with this ‘oh ‘barrel bombs, I don’t know man’?
What the actual living loving hell is going on at The Standard these days.
This is like some RW douchebag site that when some areshole shoots up a shopping mall they all start quibbling about ‘the media called it an assault rifle when actually it was a standard hunting rifle fitted with blah blah blah’.
Who gives a shit, the point is MSF are saying their hospitial got bombed.
Jesus.
You’re right PB. I didn’t read the article before commenting. Sorry & point taken.
I’m picking that its just as likely Turkish supported Islamist militias did this as it is Assad’s forces.
Reason being that multiple helicopter attack runs over an hour is asking for Syrian Arab Army choppers to be downed by Islamist fighters with MANPADS or even RPGs.
Then you need to read up on how often Assad has been using helicopters over urban areas and get some clues.
Or maybe it was aliens, or Iraqi militia opposed to russian influence, or maybe Mossad, no wait, perhaps it was hamas, they do shit like this, Israel says so eh CV, and you sure like running the sorts of arguments they use these days.
?
The US and its allies have recently supplied hundreds of TOW missiles to Islamist anti-Assad fighters. These missiles are optically guided by wire and can easily hit a helicopter 2km to 3km away.
Most recently one was used by Islamist militia to destroy a Russian search and rescue chopper.
IMO Assad’s forces would not conduct a broad daylight helicopter attack over an entire hour on a strategically worthless target like a hospital, as it is begging for their helos to be brought down for no reason.
Really? You can shoot down helicopters ‘easily’ with a TOW?
Can you point me to where this has happened? If it’s easy it must have happened a few times right?
Interesting thing about the TOWs in Syria by the way, do you know why there are so many videos of them being used on youtube, and why they all have the same format of close up of the weapon being launched and then cutting to the other shot of the missile in flight to its target?
EDIT before you embarrass yourself, let’s assume you already knew that recent helicopter was hit on the ground as can be seen in the video of it, which follows that same format noted above.
Whether it is by a TOW, an RPG, or a MANPAD, anti-Assad fighters have been given advanced systems which can easily take out a slow moving or static helicopter in broad daylight.
Hmmmm. You can look up how Somalian fighters took down two US Blackhawks using far more primitive and less powerful unguided RPGs.
Bottom line is that risking its few remaining helicopters in a broad daylight attack like that is not something the Syrian Arab Army would do unless there was some critical target present.
Seriously CV, for the amount of times you say I don’t know shit, you sure are making shit up a lot.
Come one, you said you could easily shoot down a helicopter with a TOW. Cite please, or admit you were just bullshitting.
Secondly, cite please for the anti-air systems that have been given to rebels in Syria that could easily take down a helicopter on a bombing run.
Show me how many they have brought down, and take a look around for videos of Syrian choppers in action over urban areas.
And tell me about why those TOW videos have that format while you’re at it..
You say I don’t know shit, and beef yourself up hilariously using technical jargon about systems you quickly googled to try and bluff knowledge.
back it up, teach me something son.
Bottom line PB, is that Assad isn’t going away, and he is better to be in charge rather than your mates ISIS/ISIL, Al Nusra, and the “moderate terrorists” that the west backs.
Oh, and daylight attacks using slow moving choppers dropping IEDs against enemy held areas where enemy militants are armed with advanced shoulder launched rockets is tactically, a very bad idea, and a recipe for losing the few precious helos that Assad’s forces have left. Somalia is the classic example. Soviet supported Afghanistan another.
nah you’re too much of a smartass to learn anything new, and you probably have been since you were 20.
Somalia was landing troops in an urban environment which tactically was a stupid idea and unlikely to be repeated. It was bloody stupid when they did it. Landing with short sight lines in a constrained space – dumb.
Soviet occupied Afghanistan was a classic case of having a new technology (man portable infrared seeking ground to air missiles) meeting an operational pattern that wasn’t ready for them. The Soviet army was deployed for close air support and close air suppression in mountainous valleys. Without the air support that couldn’t fly low and slow, they and the supporting Afghan troops got creamed and had to withdraw from the firebases and fortified areas in the mountainous countryside. That allowed the opposition forces safe havens within which they could regroup and build strength in. The usual attrition pattern then happened.
You’ll notice that despite an even larger availability of much smarter man portable seeking ground to air missiles in both Iraq and Afghanistan in the 2000s, that the kill rates for aircraft was a fraction of that of the soviet era aircraft. The US and NATO troops deployed in a ground pattern that didn’t require them to depend on close air support, and they used better technical infrastructure with stand off weapons like hellfires and remote artillery.
Their troop’s main problem was IADs, not MANPADs holding off their CAS.
TOW’s are ok on tanks and other slow vehicles. Not so good on anything moving at any speed. Part of the nature of running out control wires
I guess that they could down a helicopter if they were hovering or going slow and they weren’t looking to be attacked. Like a rescue helicopter
More lies and unsupported assertions.
Already busted for making shit up and pretending to know shit you don’t actually know dick about, so fall back on Mr Bottom Line.
Better apologists for dictators please, this one sucks.
LP, the rescue helicopter was on the ground, you can watch it on youtube.
I’m keen to hear from CV what advanced systems capable of taking down helicopters the rebels have been given though, seeing not getting them has been their main complaint.
Suspect he isn’t going to tell me though, coz he is just making it up.
the rescue helicopter was on the ground
An ideal immobile target. They are unlikely to get that opportunity again.
“nah you’re too much of a smartass to learn anything new, and you probably have been since you were 20.”
So you can’t back it up. Thought not.
The rebels have RPGs right? They are capable of taking down Black Hawk helicopters.
TOWs are also quite capable of taking down helicopters.
Russia believes that the rebels are also armed with an assortment of ground to air MANPADs, which are both cheap and common. These weapons have helped decimate Syria’s airforce over the last 4 years.
The rebels have RPGs right? They are capable of taking down Black Hawk helicopters.
Capable yes. Likely to do so – NOT.
About the only time that they are likely to take out a chopper is if the chopper is near stationary AND (the pilot and crew aren’t watching around them OR the sightlines are very short as in a ambush urban or forest setting).
By the same criteria, a world war 2 .303 round could take out one of modern tank if it hit at exactly the right spot and at the right time (obviously refuelling is the most vulnerable time). However that isn’t likely either.
Not particularly cheap unless they have been captured or given away (ie like the Stingers were in Afghanistan in the 1980s). The problem with those is that they require reasonably skilled crews. Again they are only really useful against aircraft at low altitudes and low speeds, and usually only when they are swarmed.
The advantage that happened in Afghanistan with the Stingers in the 1980s was that their mountains were high enough to allow cross valley targeting. But by the early 2000s, despite a lot of MANPADs being there, the US and NATO aircraft didn’t have a real problem with them both technically and operationally.
The thing that mainly decimated the Syrian airforce was their support bases being overrun along with their spares and staff, and outright desertion of techs. Even moderately sophisticated aircraft require continuous skilled maintenance. The regime is likely to have lost most of them on the ground to attacks or not being able to fly them because the pilots don’t like unmaintained deathtraps. By contrast helicopters are more robust and more of them are still flying, but steadily diminishing from simple gunfire.
It has been quite apparent for a number of years that the technical edge and capability of Assad’s regime has been markedly diminished and that their capabilities are now getting more and more similar to those of the irregular forces that they are fighting. His Alawite regime hasn’t that politically distinguishable from any other petty ethnic warlord from early in this conflict.
heh. My assessment about the high risk to daylight helo operations from shoulder launched weapons is the tactically correct one.
“The rebels have RPGs right? They are capable of taking down Black Hawk helicopters.”
Under favourable conditions you can get lucky, sure. In somalia those chppoers were flying very low and were landing to drop off infantry. It’s not really a simialr situation.
“TOWs are also quite capable of taking down helicopters.”
Can you show me where this has ever happened?
“Russia believes that the rebels are also armed with an assortment of ground to air MANPADs, which are both cheap and common. These weapons have helped decimate Syria’s airforce over the last 4 years.”‘
cites please.
Only reports can find of rebels with manpads say theu captured them from syrian bases, they are russian built.
eg
http://www.news24.com/World/News/Syrian-rebels-down-aircraft-20121202
Do these Russians look like they are scared of ground fire?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_KnT2yTsLI
idk, look pretty ‘not scared’ to me.
Thing is CV if they’re not Assad’s helicopters dropping barrel bombs, whose are they?
It’s too much of a stretch for me to believe they’d be US or Turkish-operated false flag attackers. If they were, why wouldn’t they’d be worried about being subject to the same risk of being shot down, either by Assad’s forces or other groups? (And I’ve got the impression from news clips I’ve seen on Al Jazeera from time to time that they’re flying way too high when dropping BBs for RPGs to be a threat.)
I can’t find anything with google suggesting any of the rebel groups (including ISIS) even have helicopters or aircraft with trained pilots.
Edit: Correction, found one article. But it’s dated Oct 2014 and from a website of unknown reliability.
http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/isis-reportedly-has-fighter-pilots-flying-migs-over-syr-1647549076?trending_test_two_e&utm_expid=66866090-68.hhyw_lmCRuCTCg0I2RHHtw.4&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.co.nz%2F
The problem is you stated the Assad regime dropped a barrel bomb on a civilian area, then targeted the local hospital. However, there is no conclusive evidence of that. Moreover, the logic for them doing so fails to add up.
Therefore, while no one here is supporting such actions, we are questioning your claim and the one sided report provided.
Someone appears to have done it, and the logic does stack up.
Hitting hospitals and other civil services really isn;t uncommon in these sorts of brutal conflicts.
A hospital is a strategic asset, there is a logic behind hitting them, a really ugly one but a logic all the same. It’s why they made it illegal.
Hospitals reduce sufferring.
I realise you really don’t want to think it’s true, but read up on what Assad’s regime is capable of there is lots of info easily available.
Is it proven? No, never said that, but Occam’s razor has Assad as the most likely candidate by a long stretch. So saying ‘he did it’ is comfortable for me right now.
this isn’t a court, I don’t have to extend him reasonable doubt. If you can show he didn’t do it, I’m all ears, your alternate theory needs work though. Who has the capability to fly over the area as described?
it’s just as likely that Turkish backed forces launched this attack against the hospital, as a false flag.
I think we need a new rule for the interwebs. Something along the lines of the longer a person thinks they’re losing an argument, the sooner they’ll wave a false flag. We could call it Key’s law.
I vote for ‘Eve’s law’.
Heh! I salute your wider perspective.
Even if Assad wanted to take out a hospital (for the reason you suggested) he still relies on public opinion (local and internationally) to help maintain power and win this fight, thus it would have been done covertly. Openly attacking hospitals does Assad no favours.
Therefore, logic suggests his opponents have far more to gain from such actions.
Numerous opposing groups have the capability.
“Numerous opposing groups have the capability.”
Who? I’m happy to discuss this. Who has the ability to get helicopters over Homs at the moment? Shall we start with that question?
But nah, he is relying on the military (and imported religious militia, and the Russians) rather than public opinion at the moment. I mean, that’s what is actually happening eh.
Again, numerous opposing groups. Air force bases have been taken. Helicopters could have been brought in from over the border. Helicopters can fly under the radar.
For all we know, the CIA could be covertly in action.
.
While it’s true Assad requires military assistance to maintain power he also requires public support (locally and internationally).
You can’t beat terrorism without the support of the people. Openly bombing hospitals is likely to foster its growth.
Additionally, his Russian allies are pushing for an early election to further demonstrate his mandate in a hope to win points internationally.
Openly bombing hospitals weakens his international standing while strengthening the position of those wanting him out.
Going of the last election result, he clearly has overwhelming support locally, thus wouldn’t want to jeopardize that by openly bombing his own hospitals.
and the media think every russian rocket fired from a truck is a katyusha.
But MSF probalby know when their hospital gets bombed.
meh
http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/syrians-are-paying-a-high-price-for-russia-s-cheap-bomb-1744082828?trending_test_two_a&utm_expid=66866090-68.hhyw_lmCRuCTCg0I2RHHtw.1
Yup. Yanks bombed MSF … now Assad has a go. Innocent people are being killed to save the innocent people.
Good to see my prediction came to pass and the thread descended into high farce.
indeed
Tea Tape Update
Remember when, back prior to the 2011 General Election, John Key and john Banks had their infamous cup of tea and chat in a public cafe? And their chat was taped – inadvertently or otherwise – by Bradley Ambrose?
A year ago in Dec 2014, Bradley Ambrose filed defamation proceedings in the Auckland High Court against John Key, claiming a total of $1.25m.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11371272
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/bradley-ambrose-sues-pm-125m-ck-166481
In March 2015, a pre-trial telephone conference was held in AKL High Court and
the Court set down a two-week trial to commence on 16 February 2015.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/…/Cameraman-to-take-Prime-Minister-John-Key-to-court
IIRC, a couple of pre-trial hearings have been held over recent months, but can provide no links – merely my memory from checking the daily High Court lists and not reported in the media.
Key has always maintained that he would not settle with Ambrose or resile from his statements etc that led to the defamation claims and “in the end it will go through the court process”.
However, the Auckland High Court list for today shows a listing in Court 15 before Hon Justice Thomas for an Application to Strike Out by Defendant. [The defendant being John Key.]
Watch this space ….
Oops – trial set down for 16 Feb 2016 – not 2015.
Fascinating…
r 15.1. Rule 15.1 provides: 15.1 Dismissing or staying all or part of proceeding (1) The court may strike out all or part of a pleading if it—
(a) discloses no reasonably arguable cause of action, defence, or case appropriate to the nature of the pleading; or
(b) is likely to cause prejudice or delay; or
(c) is frivolous or vexatious; or
(d) is otherwise an abuse of the process of the court
Attorney-General v Prince and Gardner the Court of Appeal said:
“A striking-out application proceeds on the assumption that the facts pleaded in the statement of claim are true. That is so even although they are not or may not be admitted. It is well settled that before the Court may strike out proceedings the causes of action must be so clearly untenable that they cannot possibly succeed (R Lucas & Son (Nelson Mail) Ltd v O’Brien [1978] 2 NZLR 289 at pp 294-295; Takaro Properties Ltd (in receivership) v Rowling [1978] 2 NZLR 314 at pp 316-317); the jurisdiction is one to be exercised sparingly, and only in a clear case where the Court is satisfied it has the requisite material (Gartside v Sheffield, Young & Ellis [1983] NZLR 37 at p 45; Electricity Corporation Ltd v Geotherm Energy Ltd [1992] 2 NZLR 641); but the fact that applications to strike out raise difficult questions of law, and require extensive argument does not exclude jurisdiction (Gartside v Sheffield, Young & Ellis).
The principles referred to above were endorsed by the Supreme Court in Couch v Attorney-General.
The rules on strke out are pretty clear, as are the legal precedents.
The strike out application as listed in the High Court daily list suggested that Key was seeking to have the case dismissed. Here is the High Court daily list for today; see page 4.
https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/business/calendar/daily-lists/3-National%20Court%20List%20-%20Wednesday%20-%2002.12.2015.pdf
However, interestingly, both Stuff and RNZ in their reports refer to it as a preliminary hearing to define issues for trial – with no mention of a strike out application. They cannot report in more detail for legal reasons. We can only presume at this point that strike out was possibly ruled out.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/291107/john-key's-lawyers-in-court-over-defamation-suit
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/74638254/preliminary-hearing-before-john-key-defamation-trial-in-february
It could be part of the issues to be determined at a prelim co ference where it would be timetabled including Lpposition deadlines.
Judge Sharp valiantly coming to the defence of the mouthpiece of the rich, Paul Henry, even going so far as to cover for slack police procedure.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/74634923/protester-guilty-of-paul-henry-assault
Haha, I’d like to witness this session.
What is former National MP Trougher Heatley up to here?
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450&objectid=11554420
I’d say some sort of fashion crime.
That’s one ugly shirt, looks like he wore his pjs to work.
What he is being paid they won’t disclose, so you can take it he is being paid hansomely, it will be a designer shirt, just Heatley has bad taste. No need to advertise the new position it was created just for him, reminds me of Shane Jones and a job made for him. Abit of cronyism here and there is how National roll.
So, the job was created specifically for one person…
This is a prime example of the corruption that happens in NZ.
Someone who has been in the very govt pushing tis agenda.. At least they didnt waste other peoples time by pretending to be open to other candidates.
Yes it smacks of jobs for the boys. The super city model was rejected so the Tories send in one of their own to push Nationals agenda. Be interested to hear what Winston Peters has to say?
From the link:
What a load of neo liberal bullshit! I remember that sort of meaningless language creeping into the Public Service in the late 80s and early 90s. Jobs for the boys is all it is. I can’t see the member for Northland, Winston Peters falling for that clap-trap.
Edit: oops, Skinny has already noted same further down @ 14.3. Well, I agree with him.
‘Russia has ‘more proof’ ISIS oil routed through Turkey, Erdogan says he’ll resign if it’s true’
https://www.rt.com/news/324045-putin-erdogan-su-downing/
( so ISIS does not exist in a vacuum)
‘Erdogan’s blunder’
https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/323904-turkey-russia-jet-syria/
“Crime, and now punishment: So far the Russians are succeeding on all counts. The situation in Syria has stabilized, the Syrian army is on the offensive, and negotiations are underway. Is this why Turkey shot down the Russian jet over Syrian airspace?
CrossTalking with Dmitry Babich, Mark Sleboda, and Stephen Ebert.”
Couple of interesting developments heard on Al Jazeera this morning.
1. US Defence Secretary Ash Carter announcing an Expeditionary Force being sent to Iraq from where it will operate in Iraq & Syria to
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/12027941/US-to-send-elite-expeditionary-force-to-hunt-down-Isil-leaders-in-Syria.html
He indicated the initial initial expeditionary force could be expanded. Shades of Vietnam?
2. Obama stating in a press conference
While he also talked about the problem being Assad needs to step down, while Russia wants him to stay on, and Russia needs to change its view, it seems Putin is winning here on the diplomatic front, and the US is losing.
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/12/turkey-russia-syria-plane-isis/418125/
Whoops, sorry, delete the extra “h” from the “hhttp” for the link to 2nd article.
Fixed.
Cheers r0b.
On that first story (about US special forces deployments:
http://news.yahoo.com/iraqi-shiite-militias-pledge-fight-u-forces-deployed-191053767.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory&soc_trk=tw
Very interesting PB. I don’t see a good outcome here. There are so many competing/feuding opposition forces I don’t see how anyone could hold any kind of opposition coalition together, let alone get them to agree to work with Assad’s forces and US forces.
Al Jazeera also said something about Germany and I think other NATO countries agreeing to commit more aircraft to the conflict. It’s gotta only be a matter of time before someone shoots someone else down either by design or accident, and that situation also gets out of hand, surely? Syria’s airspace must be getting pretty crowded & there’ll be a lot of testosterone flowing up there I imagine.
US military on the ground in Syria without the consent of the Syrian Government and without a UN mandate, are of course little more than an illegal invasion force.
In contrast, Hezbollah fighters and Iranian Republican Guard elements invited by the Assad Government to be in Syria are rightfully there.
The US is opening the door to an escalation in Syria where their troops will be attacked (by whoever) and they will then have justification to pour in tens of thousands of NATO boots on the ground.
Maybe. I don’t think they know what they’re doing. I think they’re making it up as they go. And I don’t think anyone really has any idea what’s going to happen there. It’s out of everybody’s control from what I can see. Just a buggers’ muddle of killing & intrigue. Anyone thinking they’re going to go in there and sort it out permanently is dreaming.
A Rimutaka Prison inmate is in a serious condition at Hutt Hospital after being assaulted by another prisoner
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/74643903/inmate-in-serious-condition-after-being-injured-at-rimutaka-prison
Should the failure to protect prisoners result in victims of such failures being compensated?
Thoughts?
Prisoners you say. They are the non people of NZ and stuff.
Prisoners tend to be the most frowned upon.
However, being bashed into a severely critical condition isn’t what we sentenced them too, hence my question in regards to compensation.
http://www.acc.co.nz/about-acc/media-centre/frequently-asked-questions/aba00105#P14_951
I was referring to being compensated from corrections, not ACC.
Found this. A newspaper report on a bashed prisoner taking a private prosecution seeking punitive damages from Serco (as a claim of criminal negligence couldn’t succeed because of Accident Compensation Act). Taking his case under the BORA.
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11486965
http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/prisoner-to-sue-serco-for-brain-injuries-2015072610#axzz3t8VJfJCt
Haven’t found any update so dunno if it’s been to Court yet.
But yeah, I think a prisoner should be allowed to sue if assaulted in prison. Corrections must surely be obligated to do all they reasonably can to ensure the safety of those in their custody.
Thanks for that (links).
But that is the whole point of ACC – NZers gave up the right to sue to embrace a no fault compensation scheme. I agree with you that being bashed is not part of a custodial sentence and punitive action needs to be taken against those who allowed this attack to take place. But full compensation for all injuries and loss of quality of life etc are fundamentally part and parcel of ACC.
http://www.acc.co.nz/about-acc/media-centre/frequently-asked-questions/aba00105#P7_289
To clarify, I’m not suggesting they have to sue. I’m asking whether compensation (over failure to protect) should automatically be paid on top of any ACC.
This would also act as a further deterrent, encouraging corrections to up their game.
Oh, thanks for the clarification. I dunno. Are there other situations where compensation is automatically paid for failure by some person or entity to protect someone else from harm?
I’m only aware of situations where a prosecution’s been taken and reparation has been ordered. E.g.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/74314257/auckland-company-ordered-to-pay-reparation-after-fall-incident
Edit: Wonder if Worksafe was asked to consider a prosecution?
The terrorism continues.
Allison Kilkenny @allisonkilkenny
Man arrested near hospital after he threatened to shoot surviving Planned Parenthood attack victim https://m.dailykos.com/story/2015/11/30/1455510/-Man-arrested-near-hospital-after-he-threatened-to-shoot-surviving-Planned-Parenthood-attack-victim …
2:56 AM – 2 Dec 2015
https://twitter.com/allisonkilkenny/status/671689375869214720?ref_src=twsrc^tfw
http://gazette.com/lockdowns-at-colorado-springs-hospitals-may-be-linked-to-planned-parenthood-shooting/article/1564599
Was at the airport this morning to meet my son arriving from the States and saw this woman with a pigtail and immediately thought “I hope John Key isn’t also here” 🙂
Some heartening news stateside
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/02/us/politics/wary-of-donald-trump-gop-leaders-are-caught-in-a-standoff.html?ribbon-ad-idx=4&src=trending&module=Ribbon&version=context®ion=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Trending&pgtype=article
Oh for a Donald Trump….
Oh yes we have one… And the sheeple love him.
What does that say about NZ voters?
Is Obama insane?
This statement, quoted in the Grauniad, would suggest that Obama is explicitly stating that Turkey has been supplying Isis and facilitating its finances using smuggled oil but that Russian interdiction of these activities is the bigger problem. How can any sane person believe this?
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/dec/01/us-military-expeditionary-force-isis-iraq-syria
http://members5.boardhost.com/medialens/msg/1449023286.html