Open mike 09/03/2025
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6:00 am, March 9th, 2025 - 56 comments
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- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2025
Open access notables Recent intensified riverine CO2 emission across the Northern Hemisphere permafrost region, Mu et al., Nature Communications: Global warming causes permafrost thawing, transferring large amounts of soil carbon into rivers, which inevitably accelerates riverine CO2 release. However, temporally and spatially explicit variations of riverine CO2 emissions remain unclear, limiting the ...2 hours ago - Whatever Happened to Cactus Kate?
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- Brown unveils unfunded health plan for small NZ
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- World Domination
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After stonewalling requests for information on boot camps, the Government has now offered up a blog post right before Easter weekend rather than provide clarity on the pilot. ...6 hours ago - Release: Inflation rises and families feel the squeeze
Inflation is rising again and it’s landing hardest on families already stretched thin. ...7 hours ago
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Families already stretched by rising costs will struggle with the news food prices are going up again. ...2 days ago
- Release: Mental health staff and patients at risk without plan
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- Release: Driver licensing proposal doesn’t put safety first
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- Release: Students struggling as Govt sits on hands
The Government is continuing to sit on its hands as students struggle to pay rent due to delays with StudyLink. ...6 days ago
- Release: More must be done to stop children going hungry
More children are going hungry and statistics showing children in material hardship continue to get worse. ...6 days ago
- Greens continue to call for Pacific Visa Waiver
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The Government yesterday released its annual child poverty statistics, and by its own admission, more tamariki across Aotearoa are now living in material hardship. ...6 days ago
- Release: Longer wait for treatment under National
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- Ka mate te Pire- Ka ora te mana o Te Tiriti o Waitangi me te iwi Māori
Today, Te Pāti Māori join the motu in celebration as the Treaty Principles Bill is voted down at its second reading. “From the beginning, this Bill was never welcome in this House,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Rawiri Waititi. “Our response to the first reading was one of protest: protesting ...7 days ago
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- Ka mate te Pire, ka ora Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Treaty Principles Bill dead, Te Tiriti o Waitangi m...
The Green Party is proud to have voted down the Coalition Government’s Treaty Principles Bill, an archaic piece of legislation that sought to attack the nation’s founding agreement. ...1 week ago
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A Member’s Bill in the name of Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter which aims to stop coal mining, the Crown Minerals (Prohibition of Mining) Amendment Bill, has been pulled from Parliament’s ‘biscuit tin’ today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Bill to make trading laws fairer passes first hurdle
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- Release: Reserve Bank acts while Govt shrugs
Nicola Willis continues to sit on her hands amid a global economic crisis, leaving the Reserve Bank to act for New Zealanders who are worried about their jobs, mortgages, and KiwiSaver. ...1 week ago
- Release: Property Law Amendment Bill pulled from ballot
A Bill to protect first home buyers and others from bad faith property vendors has been drawn from the Member’s Ballot. ...1 week ago
- Release: More children at risk of losing family connections
Karen Chhour is proposing to scrap Oranga Tamariki targets which aim to connect more children under state care with family and their culture. ...1 week ago
- Release: David Parker made a difference – Hipkins
The Labour Leader today acknowledged and celebrated David Parker’s 23-year contribution to the Labour Party and to Parliament. ...1 week ago
- Release: David Parker to step down from Parliament
Long-serving Labour MP and former Minister David Parker has today announced his intention to leave Parliament. ...1 week ago
- Release: Flaws in Govt’s climate strategy will cost us money
The Government’s plan to achieve our climate goals falls short, and will cost New Zealanders money and jobs. ...1 week ago
- Green Party differing view on the Treaty Principles Bill
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- Release: Abortion care quietly shelved amid staff shortage
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- Release: Govt guts Kāinga Ora, third of workforce under axe
The gutting of Kāinga Ora shows public housing is not a priority for this Government as it removes a third of the roles at the housing agency. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Thousands of submissions excluded from Treaty Principles Bill report
Thousands of New Zealanders’ submissions are missing from the official parliamentary record because the National-dominated Justice Select Committee has rushed work on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Uncertainty remains over the impact of tariffs
Today’s announcement of 10 percent tariffs for New Zealand goods entering the United States is disappointing for exporters and consumers alike, with the long-lasting impact on prices and inflation still unknown. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Worst February for building consents in over a decade
The National Government’s choices have contributed to a slow-down in the building sector, as thousands of people have lost their jobs in construction. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports Willie Apiata’s selfless act
Willie Apiata’s decision to hand over his Victoria Cross to the Minister for Veterans is a powerful and selfless act, made on behalf of all those who have served our country. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori MPs Denied Fundamental Rights in Privileges Committee Hearing
The Privileges Committee has denied fundamental rights to Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, breaching their own standing orders, breaching principles of natural justice, and highlighting systemic prejudice and discrimination within our parliamentary processes. The three MPs were summoned to the privileges committee following their performance of a haka ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt health and safety changes put workers at risk
Changes to New Zealand’s health and safety laws will strip back key protections for small businesses and put working Kiwis at greater risk. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Kiwis worse off this April thanks to Govt choices
April 1 used to be a day when workers could count on a pay rise with stronger support for those doing it tough, but that’s not the case under this Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Three more years for Interislander ferries
Winston Peters is shopping for smaller ferries after Nicola Willis torpedoed the original deal, which would have delivered new rail enabled ferries next year. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Myanmar junta must stop the airstrikes
The Government should work with other countries to press the Myanmar military regime to stop its bombing campaign especially while the country recovers from the devastating earthquake. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National failing to deliver on supermarkets
National is paying lip service to its promises to bring down the cost of living, failing to make any meaningful change in the grocery sector. ...3 weeks ago
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- Bad news – why Australia is losing a generation of journalists
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We are looking at getting an EV and electic motorbike. Using one of the banks 0 or 1-2% loans for 'Green' initiatives.
I would love to support the FTN company with their Streetdog 80. Aotearoa designed and made with a few foreign parts. Unfortunately it is a small framed motorbike and I would overwhelm it. A 15km commute, 10km open road 5 km urban. $14,000 is an expensive commute.
I am finding a lot of resistance from salesmen that stock electric motorbikes. Talking to a Wellingtonian that has a You Tube channel showcasing electric bikes ('scuse the shorthand but I do mean motorbike) , he was talking about feeling despondent partly because of resistance from these people. It potentially ruins their business model. Very little maintenance and repairs for them to benefit from once the sale is made.
I see a Switch Scrambler which is a Kiwi product but very little on the net about it. Harley Davidson appear to be looking to distance themselves from their Livewire product which is unfortunate as it ticks all the boxes except the price. $40,000 is a premium pricetag.
I feel we are a long way from being early adopters in this tech and I am surprised their isn't more demand from two wheeled enthusiasts- the 0-50kph is exhilirating which is why I enjoy them so much.
Also looking for an EV for a 25km commute. 20km open road and 5 km urban.
Anyone got any leads, experience etc on electric motorbikes? Similarly on EVs?
Being off grid with a healthy new system, this is a no-brainer.
Switch's website is offline only found this reddit thread
https://www.reddit.com/r/Electricmotorcycles/comments/1fhto07/switch_scrambler/
I've been looking myself, can't give a recommendation yet.
The Switch Scrambler looks to be the go.
Size, performance, Kiwi initiative and looks grouse.
I always look in the windows of this dealership.
I found this
https://scooterazzi.co.nz/collections/scooter-you-can-ride-on-a-car-licence/products/go-charged-velociraptor-electric-moped
I am not sure if it is small framed. I have seen this in person and it looks bulky, not sure if it is heavy or how tall it is (above ground) a bane for short people. The bulky look for me is probably from unfamiliarity
I also saw this Ural with a side car in Khaki at that same shop…..included for the aaaah factor.
https://www.ural.com/new-zealand
Thanks Shanreagh, a lot of those scooter types are 'governed' to 50 kph. You can unlock them but then the companies economy/ battery range claims go out the window.
Also getting faster than 50kph on 2 small wheels is a new level of excitement than I'm too old for…
Oh I hadn't realised it had a governor. In the olden days we used to travel (for two years) huge long distances on an 80cc Suzuki like this
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2974390052674743&set=pcb.2974395786007503
Akl/Napier, Nap/Wairoa, Nap/Wgtn, Nap/Waiouru, commute Nap/Hastings/Nap.
I wonder if getting an EV car for long distance travel and something like a smaller motrobike that has fuel coughed into it every now and then. I would be wary of travelling on the open highway on an electric bike, from the under powered point of view and manoeuvrability on road edges.
I think go as green as you can but if the items are not truly green or green with awkwardness, then I’d get something low fossil fuel and wait till we catch up. When I look at my household we are as green as we can be. For me the benefits of an engine, any engine come far above the need to stay restricted to one’s home/surrounds by feet or pedals.
Years ago, also in the olden days we did look at getting a bigger bike and looked at a Harley. My ex took it for several huge long rides and the dealer was fair slavering by the time he came back. My ex said quietly to me 'it handles like a pig in gravel' As we were heavily into touring including on gravel roads this was an immediate put off.
Open road travel does mean you have to be sensible and if the EV motorbikes are not up to it whether by speed or design I'd give them a miss.
That image is a blast from the past. Reminds me of my old man's Yamaha 100 he used to commute to the freezing works on and what I cut my teeth on.
We (I) plan to keep the 4WD Ranger for fishing trips, firewood and any long range jaunts (Auckland, Wellies Sth Island). Me on the bike and 'er indoors in an EV.
There is no problem with power, manoeuvrability etc on modern e motorbikes.
Entry level Zero;https://zeromotorcycles.com/model/zero-ds
Kiwi efforts; https://australianelectricmotorco.com/switch-escrambler-launch-edition/
The one that's a bit wee for me and pricey:
https://www.ftnmotion.com/pages/streetdog-80-electric-motorbike
The problem is companies staying afloat (UBCO and Energica) and availability in Aotearoa.
I cut mine on my mate's old man's single pot Matchless G80 and it's twin, an AJS 18.
They were great lumbering beasts that skinny fourteen year old me couldn't kick over but they did set me up with expert level crash-start skills. Plug fouling, electrical faults, road side carburettor issues, central NI winter, tank slap, near misses, a couple of offs and by sixteen I was done with motorcycles.
Mine was a Matchless 350cc single to start then a Matchless G11 (600cc twin) – still have my 1957 BMW R50 (500cc horizontally opposed twin) shaft drive.
That is a lovely looking machine.
It hasn't been an easy decision but I've decided to part ways with my 1986 K 75S.
This Flying Brick has less than 10,000 kms on the clock. Possibly the lowest kms of any in the Southern Hemisphere.
It was originally sold in Pretoria SA and the original owner rode it up thru Africa around Europe then the middle east and had it shipped over to WA and across the Nullabour to Melbourne where the engine was rebuilt – across to NZ where he sold it to me. Have owned it since late 1960's and rode it all over the NI before rebuilding it again.
'couldn't kick over.'
My son inherited his uncle's CR 500 when he was around 11 or 12. A skinny young fella , it was funny watching him work up a sweat trying and trying.
Now a strapping 23 yr old, he loves to thrash it, although there is more joy in the mana that comes with owning the beastie.
Also, as an ex-motorbiker & having driven scooters, to me, those moped small wheels and the backward slant of the handlebar forks from the front wheel, make it look to have poor maneuverability – as do scooters usually compared with motorbikes. Going very fast would be pretty risky, IMO.
Morale on the Ukraine front in this proxy war is nonexistent. They’re dying for the likes of Senator Lindsey Graham, Boris Johnson, and the shareholders of weapons manufacturing companies like B.A.E. Systems.
https://x.com/stillgray/status/1871333584944181585
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/sep/01/british-arms-maker-bae-systems-sets-up-in-ukraine
A Russian propaganda account amplified by magat Ian Miles Cheong from the safety of his bedroom in Malaysia.
lol
/
Oh yes, "Russian propaganda" AKA "Kremlin talking points." So how are those cunning Moscow masterminds moving money to Malaysia?
Are you Joe 90 or Joe "Russia Russia Russia" Scarborough?
Yes Morrissey those poor Russians – Morale
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/morale-tanks-discontent-plagues-russias-military-ukraine-war-213941/
Now for transport those Russians have nailed it- Yup Donkeys!
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/russian-troops-rely-on-donkeys-to-move-ammunition-supplies-amid-equipment-shortages-101739386870074.html
Yes, the Russians are suffering too. They are often hopelessly inept and poorly organised, just as Russian troops were in 1812 and in 1941. But they prevailed, and their French and German enemies were vanquished. Do you think things will miraculously change this time?
And remember: Russian soldiers haven't been used as pawns by foreign "sponsors" like the U.S. and its European vassals.
The grief of that young man, and his anger at the people who have used him and his country, multiplied by millions of Ukrainians, is the inevitable outcome of the Washington-instigated coup in 2014.
The Russian front collapsed and the Tsar abdicated in 1917.
No one has invaded Russia since 1941.
Serious question do you believe the Holodomor was real?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holodomor
Yes. But that was not a serious question: you're trying to position me as some sort of extremist, and atrocity denier.
By the way, using Wikipedia as your only source reflects poorly on your standards of scholarship and the depth of your understanding. Two seconds of Google searching is no replacement for serious and sustained reading. Books, that is, not Grauniad articles by British security assets like Frank Gardner and Luke Harding..
No Morrissey I'm not trying to position you as some sort of extremist – I'm trying to measure your beliefs to understand your Russophilia.
"By the way, using Wikipedia as your only source reflects poorly on your standards of scholarship"
Really? You need multiple sources regarding the Holodomor?
It seems Russia isn't as admitting that you are and indeed are still saying
"No not real"
https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/russia-slams-french-parliament-for-calling-holodomor-genocide/
As you have conceded the Holodomor was real do you have any discomfort that Russia is still denying it?
My "beliefs"? My "Russophobia"? You really don't have a clue.
As you have conceded the Holodomor was real do you have any discomfort that Russia is still denying it?
Yes of course. I'm not some kind of "Russophiliac" as you sleazily insinuated. Of course, the Russian establishment is as shameless as the establishments of other nations in its desire to distort and hide the facts of history. We saw the same behaviour in the 1950s and 60s from West German politicians regarding their country's crimes, from the Turkish political class re the Armenian genocide a century ago, from the British political class which insists on the continued veneration of Churchill, who was responsible for the famine which killed millions of Bengalis in 1943. We see it from wealthy Indonesians, who get either very angry or dismissive when reminded of the American-sponsored genocide that was unleashed there in 1965.
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/indonesia/2017-10-17/indonesia-mass-murder-1965-us-embassy-files
And of course, for the last year and a half, we have been subjected to the daily spectacle of holocaust denial, downplaying, and excusing from the American, the British, and (most disgustingly of all considering their history) the German political classes.
https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/video-germany-must-stop-making-palestinians-pay-its-nazi-crimes
So, yes, the Russian political class is as irresponsible and as repulsive as any other political class.
TS is a blog site, not an institution that requires scholarship or necessitates deep understanding – informed debate makes for good debate, IMO, and better-informed participants ought to result in better debate for all, incl. the audience – the catch here is ‘the burden of proof’, the starting point and common ground in and on which a constructive public debate can take place.
Your generalised assertion is outdated – it’ll depend on the context & topic, just as all academic textbooks are not equal. You may wish to adjust your bias setting with regard to Wikipedia.
https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/08/wikipedia-a-surprising-repository-of-fact/
Fair enough.
By the way, Mr. Incognito, would you be so kind as to change the second sentence in the first line of my 12:47 pm post above your own from 'My "Russophobia"?' to 'My "Russophilia"?'
I've tried to edit it, but there's a spinning wheel which makes it impossible.
How a libertarian justifies this government.
Arguing that a run down food in schools programme is good enough, if it costs taxpayers less – with a who cares if there is one anyway back up tactic.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360606674/forget-noise-school-lunch-scheme-working-incredibly-well-writes-damien-grant
If the economy is based on the well-being of its citizens, altruism is wisdom, as it advantages all.
Does the USA have a future with their direction towards broligarchy?
Thanks for the summary. I refuse to give him the clicks anymore.
Me too Kay. Not worth the rise in my blood pressure.
Coalitions resident apologist isn't helping his redemption arc with the BS littered through that article.
Ask any parent about public education, it's far from free with fees, uniform rackets and all the extras.
As for dental thats another frontline service that's been reduced under the razor gang so I feel for the kids, they don't deserve this.
When wealthy libertarians (broligarchy) and Christians form a power axis what happens?
The USA has been prepared to do an experiment to find out.
https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/elon-musk-is-wrong-to-spurn-empathy-is-to-spur-evil-20250307-p5lhpr.html
https://bsky.app/profile/ihatemaga.bsky.social/post/3ljryl4cdlc25
Yes, but most of these Christianists only read the bits that they like – the ones that justify their patriarchal privileges, their racism and their claims for world domination.
I'd been assuming Musk's social ineptitude was because of maladaption to his Aspergers. But reading that snip about empathy, now I'm wondering if he's a high functioning sociopath.
Yes – they appear to be Christian heretics, not Christians.
That or some sort of weird post-Christian “American Religion” as I believe Harold Bloom called it.
Yep – their values are far removed from those of Christianity. The so called "religious right" are even turning against one of their own who appears to hold some fundamental christian principles.
The really telling factor is that there is not the same criticism of the Chief Justice Roberts for his vote.
That reminds one of the attacks on Pelosi by those of her church, but not on Joe Biden.
This is something Catholic and evangelical/pentecostal/fundamentalist Protestants have in common.
The age of the Pisces Christian brotherhood patriarchy reasserting itself in a war against DEI – where those without wealth, white race religion heritage conformity and women are supposed to know their place. The return to a god and mammon broligarchy is the driving force in the attack on equal citizenship of the democratic era.
Very true.
Yes but empathy is also dead in the Democratic Party….50,000 dead Gazans most killed by USA supplied arms under Biden. Over a million people displaced, thousands of buildings destroyed. Genocide…ethnic cleansing….call it what you will
The highest level of child amputees ever are now in Gaza I think I heard the other day.
Well done Joe(sarc)
No Other Land
You may perceive it that way, but they do not claim it.
That is, of itself, one difference.
Less than perfect, does not mean moral equivalence.
The GOP has recognised the annexation of the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem and seems to want Gaza ethnically cleansed.
Trump is due to make decisions that will show the next difference.
What other way is there to perceive it?
I'm seeing a bit of discussion in various places that high tech modern weapons are sometimes controlled by the country that supplied them. eg Trident in the UK is reliant on US tech and the US have the power to control it. Likewise with some of the weapons the US has supplied to the Ukraine.
Is this true, and how widespread is it?
Usually the control is less direct. The UK could launch Trident autonomously at targets they select, but are dependent on parts keeping it operating. Most of the hardware used in Ukraine needs a connection to targeting, guidance systems making its military dependent on Starlink tech. Would say it's possible for Ukraine to select targets beyond the scope of that allowed by the US. The US could probably shut tech off making those inoperative at that point, but not just directly shut these systems off.
There are definitely US personal supporting military aid in Ukraine at the same time.
could the UK (or Europe) manufacture those parts themselves?
Can Starlink remove Ukraine's ability to target their weapons?
Do you mean the US doesn't control targeting, but they have higher level control that makes the targeting redundant?
From what I know, which is somewhat limited, in Ukraine the weapons systems need network connectivity. This could be replaced by a system other than Starlink but in the near term would need to be another country stepping in rather than something Ukraine could do for themselves. I think the targeting systems are under Ukraine control but are located elsewhere in the country or need to remain connected to the launch site.
For the more general question of disabling the weapons it depends on their nature. Removing the parts chain will disable Israel's fighter jets, no doubt, but they could replace that with domestic production of parts and repairs over years. I don't think Ukraine has that level of tech and is also highly reliant on their tech just to maintain resistance. If a treaty isn't resolved including US security guarantees I don't think anywhere in Europe can replace that even with troops involved.
Yes. And afaik it's a condition of sale.
Third Party Transfers
Pursuant to Section 3 of the Arms Export Control Act, if a country to which the United States has provided an item of military equipment wants to transfer that item to another country, to dispose of the item, or to use that item for a purpose other than that originally approved, the country must first obtain permission from the U.S. Government to do so. The Third Party Transfers team coordinates approvals of such requests from countries for equipment provided under the Foreign Military Sales program or other grant military aid programs. PM/DDTC is responsible for coordinating authorization for transfers of equipment acquired through Direct Commercial Sales. All third-party transfer cases undergo an interagency review prior to being recommended for approval or denial to the Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs or the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security
https://www.state.gov/key-topics-office-of-regional-security-and-arms-transfers/
WASHINGTON – The United States is still blocking the sale of the Air Force's former fighter jets, though the reason has nothing to do with New Zealand's policies, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.
An American company wants to buy the 17 Skyhawks and 17 Aermacchi jets for $155 million, but the deal cannot be finalised until it has US Government approval.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/us-continues-to-stall-rnzaf-skyhawks-sale/3FLH2E72R5KRMMFSYFWXPIDEVE/
Mob president goes full gangster, punishing not only a law firm that took clients and cases he didn’t like, but anyone doing business with them.
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump's executive orders terminating security clearances and taking other actions against two prominent law firms may violate constitutional protections and represent exceptional acts of retribution against lawyers who have crossed him in the past, according to legal experts.
The two firms targeted by the Republican president have represented Trump adversaries. Perkins Coie represented the campaign of 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, who Trump defeated in his first presidential run. Covington & Burling currently represents Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed during Democratic former President Joe Biden's administration who brought criminal charges against Trump in two cases.
[…]
In his separate executive orders concerning the firms, Trump ordered reviews intended to end contracts they currently hold with various federal agencies. Trump also initiated a review intended to end the government contracts of Perkins Coie clients.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trumps-orders-targeting-law-firms-113029239.html
Sec. 3. Contracting. (a) To prevent the transfer of taxpayer dollars to Federal contractors whose earnings subsidize, among other things, racial discrimination, falsified documents designed to weaponize the Government against candidates for office, and anti-democratic election changes that invite fraud and distrust, Government contracting agencies shall, to the extent permissible by law, require Government contractors to disclose any business they do with Perkins Coie and whether that business is related to the subject of the Government contract.
(b) The heads of all agencies shall review all contracts with Perkins Coie or with entities that disclose doing business with Perkins Coie under subsection (a) of this section. To the extent permitted by law, the heads of agencies shall:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/addressing-risks-from-perkins-coie-llp/
What a greedy, vindictive, mean spirited, mendacious, nasty piece of work he is. How anyone in their right mind could vote for such a piece of work I fail to understand.
The world has a lot of stupid shitty people sadly
He's one of their own.
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A high-ranking NASA official warned his employees Friday to “use discretion” in public when displaying badges or emblems that identify them as federal workers — part of an effort, the agency says, to protect its employees amid “stories of possible harassment” outside of work.
“We are all very proud to work for the space program,” wrote Dr. James Polk, NASA’s chief health and medical officer. “But in the current environment, with a lot of negative rhetoric coming in our direction, I want you all to please use caution.”
Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump and his administration and allies have used strong language to disparage federal workers, whom they have been firing en masse. “We’re bloated. We’re sloppy. We have a lot of people that aren’t doing their job,” the president said on Feb. 26 during his first Cabinet meeting.
Polk’s warning to employees came two days later, after receiving a report about an employee who was “assaulted” at a Starbucks. “This is probably one of the saddest emails I have had to write of late,” he said in the email, which was obtained by ProPublica.
https://www.propublica.org/article/nasa-official-warns-staff-trump-harassment-federal-workers?
Bills of attainder – which is what this is – are specificly banned in Article 1 of the US Constitution at both federal and state level.
Our own Labour Party is still too heavily influenced by the public sector unions for Hipkins to be able to do a Starmer onto our own public service:
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/mar/08/unions-on-alert-as-labour-prepares-to-unveil-trumpian-plan-for-civil-service
But it is very, very hard to see the 2026-29 public service delivering the scale and speed of reform needed in delivering public services here unless something similar happens here.
You are presumably aware that the DOGE rampage tactics are highly destructive to public sector productivity. Other countries are getting relatively ahead of the US by just not stuffing up their own public sectors.
Our own Labour Party is still too heavily influenced by the public sector unions for Hipkins to be able to do a
StarmerTrump onto our own public service:Elmo, not really a Nazi, amplifying 'Murica first antisemitism.
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:cmvc2f5b5fou3ijbgagiovlj/post/3ljsz3dc3hk2o?
Russia and friends claim Soros and USAid are in lockstep in colour revolutions.
Now it is Russia and GOP against Soros/DEI in America and the EU.
Authoritarian fascism flocks together.
Unsurprising.
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https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:nb6uhiglzowsdcbgwv2itwa7/post/3ljt4jwxmhk2p?