Open mike 27/09/2019

32 comments on “Open mike 27/09/2019 ”

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1. Adrian Thornton 1

   27 September 2019 at 7:42 am

   While the style of this clip is not really my bag, Krystal Ball does a pretty good job of succinctly outlining the many reasons why the Dems impeachment is going to be a disaster and go nowhere, just like the insane Russian Conspirisory that got pushed all the way to the that big hole at the back of the dump it was always heading for.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQLmz-YP49U
   • aj 1.1

     27 September 2019 at 9:46 am

     In the video, watch the exchange with Warren at 6 minutes. The hosts nail the consequences of those careless and thoughtless comments perfectly.
   • McFlock 1.2

     27 September 2019 at 1:28 pm

     Not really.

     I suspect the Ukrainians paid more for overseas board members because the board members would have a bigger job on their hands – overseeing a monolith that's headed in the right path governance-wise is less of a job than trying to change the course of a small one. And HB does seem to have some pretty good consulting experience. Sure, the name helps, but he probably had to do more of a job than any former tory cabinet ministers in their post-government sinecures.
   • gsays 1.3

     27 September 2019 at 4:42 pm

     I will watch the clip later.

     Listening to a RNZ guest, he said that the anonymous whistleblower didn't witness said events, but was told about the events.

     https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/399716/trump-impeachment-inquiry-white-house-tried-to-cover-up-details-of-trump-ukraine-call

     I don't doubt the accusations, but can't help feel this will go the same way of the Russian poisoners/election stealers etc.

     Just cause lots of folk feel real strong about this and want it to happen, that normally meet the standard that convicts in the legal system.
     • McFlock 1.3.1

       27 September 2019 at 7:41 pm

       Yeah, people forget that Nixon got re-elected by a landslide.

       But… I'm hopeful. Not that it will make mcconnell grow integrity, but that enough shit will come out in the investigation that dolt45'll be dodging state and federal court cases for the rest of his miserable life.
   • The Al1en 1.4

     28 September 2019 at 9:11 am

     You should watch the latest Colbert interview with Saunders on the late show. Bernie was all in favour for impeachment. 100% backing.

     Looks like your singing from the wrong democratic socialist song sheet.
2. Sacha 2

   27 September 2019 at 7:46 am

   Australian service company cut staff for Canterbury student residences in June: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/116119736/concerns-about-student-found-dead-at-university-hall-raised-months-earlier
3. ScottGN 3

   27 September 2019 at 7:53 am

   National are going to comply with the Speaker’s ruling on the use of parliamentary video in their attack ads – how could they not? – all the while making as much noise as they can to mask the fact that they are doing so.
   Classic retreat tactics.
4. Andre 4

   27 September 2019 at 8:07 am

   This morning's edition of the Freak Show Report:

   Devin Nunes thinks Dems want nude pics of the Terracotta Turdface. Uhhh, thanks but no thanks, Stormy's description was already waaaay too much information.

   About that pee tape … https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/09/inside-the-convincing-fake-trump-pee-tape.html
5. Ad 5

   27 September 2019 at 10:36 am

   My bet the whistleblower is Bolton.
   • OnceWasTim 5.1

     27 September 2019 at 2:18 pm

     Funny you should say that @ Ad. It kind of points in that direction.

     I hope like fuck it is. But then there are one or two that the Great Orange Blubber Boi sees as his allies that each have an interest in becoming the New Master of the Universe, so grab the popcorn.

     If it wasn't so potentially catastrophic, it'd be mildly amusing (watching them all kill each other off)
     • Ad 5.1.1

       27 September 2019 at 3:08 pm

       So many rats in there surviving for so long on so little that all they know to eat is rat.

       It's going to need more than one whistle blower to do it.

       Also, so close to full election season the Impeachment process detracts from the state-by-state Democrat mandating contests, and brings it all back to Washington.

       Warren was on the upsurge when fresh powerful policy was more the flavour.

       Bringing it back to Biden v Trump, the whole election framing is about: who is the Democrat who can just get rid of him?"

       I think that favours the incumbent pretty strongly.
   • Macro 5.2

     27 September 2019 at 5:06 pm

     According to the NY Times

     The whistleblower is a C.I.A. officer who was detailed in the White House at one point. The man has since returned to the C.I.A., but his complaint suggests he was an analyst by training with an understanding of Ukrainian politics. The C.I.A. officer did not work on the communications team that handles calls with foreign leaders, but learned about Trump's conduct "in the course of official interagency business."

     And according to CNN

     The whistleblower agreed to testify about the complaint to Congress, but only if Maguire gives the whistleblower's attorney the proper clearances to accompany their client. "This is a reasonable request that the Committee strongly supports and expects your office to fulfill immediately," Adam Schiff wrote in a letter to Maguire.

     And according to the Washington Post

     Zelensky told Trump during the July phone call that he had stayed at Trump Tower in New York. "Actually, last time I traveled to the United States, I stayed in New York near Central Park, and I stayed at the Trump Tower," Zelensky told Trump, according to a rough transcript of the July 25 call. It's the first known example of a foreign leader trying to influence Trump by spending money at his properties and telling him about it. Other Ukrainian officials have also patronized Trump properties: A top Zelensky aide met Rudy Giuliani at Trump's D.C. hotel in July. A lobbyist who registered as an agent of Zelensky's with the U.S. government hosted a $1,900 event at the D.C. hotel in April.

     Then there is this fascination piece of information:

     Trump's part-time envoy for Ukraine set up an introduction between Giuliani and Zelensky so they could talk about having Ukraine investigate Joe Biden and his son. Ambassador Kurt Volker, who also worked at a lobbying firm that continued to represent the Government of Ukraine for almost two years after he started as special envoy, contacted Giuliani and put him "in direct contact" with Andriy Yermak, a top adviser to Zelensky. The two eventually met face-to-face in Spain. Giuliani said he never received a security clearance to meet with Yermak in Spain.

     This is moving at a rapid rate now as more and more info begins to surface:

     A majority of the 435 members of the House of Representatives support impeachment proceedings against Trump. 218 lawmakers — 217 Democrats and Rep. Justin Amash — have indicated their support for some form of impeachment action.

     and

     43% of voters support beginning impeachment proceedings to remove Trump from office – up 7 points since last week. Among those voters who support impeachment now, 59% said Trump committed an impeachable offense.
     • Anne 5.2.1

       27 September 2019 at 6:23 pm

       Excellent. Thanks Macro.

       "The movement is rapid now as more and more info begins to surface":

       Indeed. I'm having trouble keeping up.

       A good editorial from the Guardian:

       https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/25/the-guardian-view-on-impeaching-trump-a-necessary-risk
     • McFlock 5.2.2

       27 September 2019 at 7:49 pm

       217 Democrats and Rep. Justin Amash

       so 92% of dems in favour and 100% of repugs against.

       That's what makes a conviction unlikely. But the fruits of the investigation are more than just a senate trial.
       • Macro 5.2.2.1

         27 September 2019 at 10:00 pm

         Yes I don't think that there is any chance of successful impeachment with a spineless GOP in the majority in the Senate. But the timing of any call for impeachment is entirely in the hands of the Democrats in the House. They can string this out as long as they like with more negative illumination of Trump transgressions right up to Nov next year.
6. Jimmy 6

   27 September 2019 at 10:44 am

   I think this guy needs to be sent back to where he came from.

   https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/111480343/judges-difficult-sentencing-of-a-refugee-who-wont-stop-offending
   • Treetop 6.1

     27 September 2019 at 11:22 am

     I would like to know what intensive supervision is?

     Prison has not worked, neither has psychiatric incarceration. The man has trauma, probably a head injury and urges which he cannot control. 24 hour supervision in a flat on land which is neither public nor corrections, is secure, only allowed to leave the property if escorted and CCTV and an electronic ankle band. Weekly psychological sessions and help from a leader from his ethnic community.

     If this is not enough a purpose built facility run by corrections and some time in the community supervised.
     • greywarshark 6.1.1

       27 September 2019 at 11:35 am

       Too many men admitted back into the community after being set aside from it for a period who have chronic habits of attacks against females, children and men. What sort of protection, safety and freedom is that for the community? And they may continue to prey on victims and family even without violence. It's a mania which is a sort of madness, and the authorities 'thinking' that somehow they will magically change is also madness.

       If the authorities are not mad, then they are callous and undeserving of any respect in considering their stupid ideas to appear to be controlling these madmen criminals, including some women, and the new approaches are very expensive. So they don't help, they don't cure, they are not effective. But right wing neanderthals cannot cope with change of heart, mind and action; they must stomp on in the same rut over the edges of which they cannot see the real world.

       There should be a guarded farm facility where they can live out their days under control. And be allowed visitors and some comforts. But society becoming guinea pigs in an experiment to see if these people are cured, is disgraceful lazy thinking by unimaginative authority, and uncaring about the vulnerable in society. Now has to pass the 'is their money and profit in it' barrier before any iniatitves are considered.

       (And I apologise to neanderthals apparently they were a lot brighter and more adaptable and effective than we have been led to believe. Perhaps I should substitute Randians as a description of the type we despise as lacking any value; we who try to be good humans and thoughtful.)
       • Treetop 6.1.1.1

         27 September 2019 at 12:44 pm

         Humane, protecting society and worthwhile structure in the life of the perpetrator.

         Did you see the comment I left you Open Mike 25/9/19?

         Money needs to be found for the topics raised.
         • greywarshark 6.1.1.1.1

           27 September 2019 at 5:56 pm

           We haven't got money or time to put into saving the vestiges of personalities of chronic perpetrators. But they can have a sort of peace if kept in enclosed conditions able to work and have a life, while outside the public have peace and safety as well.

           And no haven't had time to study 25/9 comment. Was it offering something practical, or something idealistic and utopian?
           • Treetop 6.1.1.1.1.1

             27 September 2019 at 6:44 pm

             I replied today to a big question you asked. I do not want to re raise what I wrote on this thread and have no more to add.
7. JohnP 7

   27 September 2019 at 11:04 am

   I've noticed Fortress Aotearoa popping up as a repeated theme advocated by MB over at TBD. Here's a rather lengthy unpicking of his ideas for an isolationist Aotearoa under climate crisis: https://medium.com/@themonkey/the-hollow-fortress-504f331d240b
8. A 8

   27 September 2019 at 12:03 pm

   It’s not JUST mothers but good to see this getting more coverage, especially as this is a worker who receives Accommodation Supplement.

   #reformwelfare

   https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/116122931/mothers-kept-single-by-government-rules-about-relationships-for-beneficiaries
   • greywarshark 8.1

     27 September 2019 at 6:02 pm

     The moralistic and narrow-minded, purse-lipped government 'social' policies, with prejudice about women who aren't married and having babies, and thinking of them as probably promiscuous with the word 'sluts' in their minds, is embedded in the snotty-nosed National Party and RW women. These women did not join in the feminist movement but have been happy to advance themselves in the climate that the thinking and acting women who worked for betterment, were able to initiate.
9. joe90 9

   27 September 2019 at 1:52 pm

   Bugger.

   https://twitter.com/GingerBDrums/status/1176944810986549248
   • gsays 9.1

     27 September 2019 at 4:32 pm

     Great drummer, an enigmatic human.

     He was the first to go to Africa and record the locals with gear he imported.

     I heartily recommend Beware of Mr. Baker, a doco on the jazz influenced drummer.
10. Anne 10

    27 September 2019 at 3:41 pm

    It was called Watergate in the 70s. Now it's Whistlegate.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/sep/26/whistleblower-report-reveals-how-far-trumps-ethical-rot-has-spread

    Oh my, it's spreading….
    • joe90 10.1

      27 September 2019 at 4:01 pm

      Absurder by the hour.

      https://twitter.com/JuddLegum/status/1177216826671022080
11. Treetop 11

    27 September 2019 at 4:14 pm

    Mueller and Comey would have known that the Trump swamp needed draining.

    Another Edward Snowden moment. This time multiple internal whistle blowers and a messenger.
12. greywarshark 12

    27 September 2019 at 6:04 pm

    Some concerned thoughts from Chris Trotter considering the hostile reception of Greta's impassioned truths.

    Ah, yes – the money. And more than the money. The dream of wealth without consequences; power without restraint. That is the spell, Greta. That has always been the spell. And we cannot break it.

    The Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet, Edward Arlington Robinson (1869-1935) was also captivated by the legend of Cassandra. In his eponymous poem he writes:

    The power is yours, but not the sight;
    You see not upon what you tread;
    You have the ages for your guide,
    But not the wisdom to be led.
13. Blazer 13

    27 September 2019 at 6:05 pm

    Talk about 'believe it or not'!Thai military govt has this guy in cabinet.

    https://www.smh.com.au/national/from-sinister-to-minister-politician-s-drug-trafficking-jail-time-revealed-20190906-p52opz.html

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