@ Craig H If they donated the $100,000 AFTER the government contract was awarded, instead of ONE month before, bribery would be less of an issue. Why didn't they? Our wonderful capitalist government is always for sale to the highest bidder. The long term ...
If the Hagemans had made their $100,000 donation to National anonymously, there could not have been any question of bribery. They didn't. Why not?
+1 It was all for show. If you want to "take out the Syrian air force" you destroy their communications and command and control. This was pure macho b.s. . . . . at very high stakes
+1
Study history and learn something, Number Forty-five. Civil wars are the bloodiest types of wars. In other types of wars a country will almost always quit if 20% or more of its population is killed. In civil wars 50% of the population can die before it ...
I interpret English's "not going to be rushed" comment as admission he has joined the cover-up. Thanks for clarifying that, Bill. I'm glad some NZDF officer is not going to have to fall on his sword to cover up for Key & Co.
@ Robert Glennie Surprise! NZ set up this policy for the Cook Islands. Foreigners can lease land for a maximum of 99 years, but they can NEVER own it. Only native Cook Islanders can own the land. Similar laws are common in many nations around the world. ...
@ James You are wrong. Human nature: "The devil you know is better than the devil you don't know." Governments are ousted when the devil we know is a disaster. In 2008, Helen was ousted because share markets were crashing in the global financial crisis. ...
You oust incumbents by telling people how horrible the incumbents are. But don't be overly specific about your solutions or the incumbents will attack your proposals. By these criteria I rate this an excellent speech. Specific about National's failures. ...
As important as "life expectancy" is "reduced quality of life." A good healthcare system helps people to be productive and self-maintaining until shortly before they die. A bad healthcare system has many people bed-ridden and/or disabled for many years ...
The rich would make sure waiting times disappeared if they did not have the fall back position of going privately.
Draco, you're spot on. Follow the money. Obama Care had to make huge compromises to be enacted. Add together the lobby bribes of the insurance companies, drug companies, and private hospital industry and you have mountains of money buying the legislators. ...
The way to defeat Gerry Brownlee is to NOT split the vote. Dumb move, Labour.
tc - "The MSM is mostly an extension of govt PR and spin" The MSM headline should have been, "Government moves goal post. Magic! Smith claims polluted water is instantly safe."
Is this supposed to be alternative fact? "Russell is an outstanding candidate for New Lynn." She has no experience as an elected representative. Do you remember, "He's a great guy. He did brilliant work at the UN and was voted New Zealander of the Year. ...
The Labour caucus learns zero about democracy. What the locals want counts for nothing. OK. If the caucus don't need me I don't need them either. I'll have a closer look at the Greens.
The Labour caucus learns zero about democracy. What the locals want counts for nothing. OK. If the caucus don't need me I don't need them either. I'll have a closer look at the Greens.
Hillary, it is not 3-0. It's more like 6 or 7 to 0. The Supreme Court is unlikely to reverse decisions of so many other federal judges. Nor are they likely to forget millions in the streets worldwide. They, too, are political animals. They know the ...
This not an right-wing government. It is a fascist government. Fascist is an nationalistic authoritarian government. Trump is a fascist.
The Labour caucus is confused. The position is "Representative for New Lynn." It is NOT "representative of the party leadership", which is what Russell is. I have worked hard for the New Lynn LEC, Greg Pressland, and David Cunliffe for more than 12 years. ...
+1 "more direct democracy" Change what can be changed, accept what can't, and the wisdom to know the difference. Those who don't vote are wise. We live in an elected dictatorship. Elections come down to, "My candidate will be a better dictator than yours."...
Point of Information: If claims the Russians have blackmail material on ANYONE in the US government, that person is immediately isolated and not allowed access to ANY sensitive information. It was standard operating procedure for anyone SUSPECTED of being ...
Rule #1 - Never believe anything Trump says.
@ Ad Agreed about Clinton. Trump has concealed everything about his financial affairs. A interestingly uncovered set of facts from the Washington Post: Trump owes $3 BILLION dollars to huge foreign lenders in more than a dozen countries. Real or imagined ...
"We are on our own?" No. We are a mouse that sleeps in bed with an elephant.
Trump is the most corrupt US president in memory. He makes Hillary look like an angel.
Not one about the environment.
@ Wensleydale Any Israeli will tell you Israel can NEVER afford to lose a war, because they will be obliterated by their neighbors. I suspect that all Israelis know someday they will lose a war. It may not be in their lifetime but it will almost surely ...
When the Israeli government calls in our ambassador for a dressing down, I would say, "The NZ government has condemned the policy of "Labensraum" since 1939, when it was Hitler's rationale for taking Poland so the Germans could dispossess Poles and have ...
In my family of origin, the minute school got out for the holidays we piled into the car and headed for a bach. That's my idea of Christmas, get out of town ASAP. It avoids a lot of problems with unwanted gifts, fancy meals, and awkward relatives.
+ 100
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