Some men just want to see the World burn

Written By: - Date published: 8:24 am, November 12th, 2020 - 58 comments
Categories: Donald Trump, politicans, uncategorized, us politics - Tags: ,

Normally when you lose an election you say nice things about the winner and make way for them.

But is Trump doing this in the US of A? No sirree.

The last thing that was seen of him publicly was his playing golf as the election result was finally called by media.  How appropriate.

But yesterday was rather disturbing.  The election result is pretty clear.  For Biden to lose there would have to be significant upheavals in a number of States’s results.   The convention is that the existing regime makes sure that Biden and Harris have sufficient resources to start putting their team together and getting ready to lead.

But something happened.  Like everything imaginable.

The funding for Biden to start to prepare has not been released and Biden has had to seek private donations to support organising the transition.  I cannot imagine anything more petty, obstructive or destructive of America’s interests.  Why am I not surprised.  From Gene Maddaus at Variety:

Major donors to President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign are being asked this week to contribute to his transition effort, as the Trump administration has refused to turn over millions in federal funding.

The Biden-Harris transition is holding a Zoom event for donors on Thursday with Evan Ryan, a Biden adviser and former assistant secretary of state. Donors are being asked to contribute $5,000, the legal maximum.

Chris Korge, national finance chair for the Democratic National Committee, and Heather Murren, finance chair of the Biden campaign, sent an email on Monday to donors thanking them for their help in getting Biden elected.

“Unfortunately what we have seen from President Trump since he clearly and undisputably lost his bid for reelection as President of the United States is nothing less than total obstruction,” they wrote. “He has refused to accept defeat like Hillary Clinton, Mitt Romney, John McCain, John Kerry, Al Gore and every other person who has lost the race for president in our lifetime. To make matters worse the Trump administration has also refused to date to give the Biden Harris Transition Team the federal dollars that are supposed to be given for the transition. Quite frankly this is just flat out WRONG and the American people will be the big losers if we don’t immediately step up and do something about it!”

As if this was not enough the Trump White House has instructed senior Government leaders not to cooperate.  From the Washington Post:

The Trump White House on Monday instructed senior government leaders to block cooperation with President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team, escalating a standoff that threatens to impede the transfer of power and prompting the Biden team to consider legal action.

Officials at agencies across the government who had prepared briefing books and carved out office space for the incoming Biden team to use as soon as this week were told instead that the transition would not be recognized until the Democrat’s election was confirmed by the General Services Administration, the low-profile agency that officially starts the transition.

While media outlets on Saturday projected Biden as the winner, President Trump has not conceded the election.

“We have been told: Ignore the media, wait for it to be official from the government,” said a senior administration official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly.

Of even more concern is the firing of the Defense Secretary Mark Esper as well as a number of senior Defense officials. From CNN:

The Trump administration has carried out sweeping changes atop the Defense Department’s civilian leadership structure, removing several of its most senior officials and replacing them with perceived loyalists to the President.

The flurry of changes, announced by the Department of Defense in a statement roughly 24 hours after President Donald Trump fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper, have put officials inside the Pentagon on edge and fueled a growing sense of alarm among military and civilian officials, who are concerned about what could come next.

Four senior civilian officials have been fired or have resigned since Monday, including Esper, his chief of staff and the top officials overseeing policy and intelligence. They were replaced by perceived Trump loyalists, including a controversial figure who promoted fringe conspiracy theories and called former President Barack Obama a terrorist.

A senior defense official told CNN late Tuesday that “it appears we are done with the beheadings for now,” referring to the wave of ousted civilian leaders, including Esper.

Esper’s crime?  Resisting the deployment of troops on US streets to oppose Black Lives Matter protesters.  The reasons offered for these changes could be anything from spiting Biden to ensuring that Trump can return all soldiers from Afghanistan before he leaves to getting the Military ready to handle protests should Trump stay.  These are dark times …

Meanwhile in Court Trump’s voter fraud theatrics are not working.  As various cases are heard they are being shown up as lacking that one particular feature which is pretty important, hard evidence.

It is not as if Trump is a stranger to legal matters.  USA Today estimated in 2016 that Trump or Trump entities had been involved in 3,500 law suits, everything from conventional real estate litigation to settling fraud claims relating to Trump University or paying off a porn star.  From the USA Today article:

As he campaigns, Trump often touts his skills as a negotiator. The analysis shows that lawsuits are one of his primary negotiating tools. He turns to litigation to distance himself from failing projects that relied on the Trump brand to secure investments. As USA TODAY previously reported, he also uses the legal system to haggle over his property tax bills. His companies have been involved in more than 100 tax disputes, and the New York State Department of Finance has obtained liens on Trump properties for unpaid tax bills at least three dozen times.

The latest batch of litigation has not gone well with Trump 0-6 so far.  From the Murdoch owned Washington Post:

Since Election Day, President Trump has repeatedly claimed that a broad conspiracy of misdeeds — apparently committed in both Republican and Democratic states — had cost him the election.

“WATCH FOR MASSIVE BALLOT COUNTING ABUSE,” Trump tweeted Tuesday, the latest in a series of missives in which he has made misleading claims about the vote. Trump’s campaign has encouraged donors to contribute to a legal-defense fund so he can fight the cases in court.

But in the lawsuits themselves, even Trump’s campaign and allies do not allege widespread fraud or an election-changing conspiracy.

Instead, GOP groups for the most part have focused on smaller-bore complaints in an effort to delay the counting of ballots or claims that would affect a small fraction of votes, at best.

And, even then, they have largely lost in court.

The reason: Judges have said the Republicans did not provide evidence to back up their assertions — just speculation, rumors or hearsay. Or in one case, hearsay written on a sticky note.

The cases have been bizarre, like the claim that Republican observers had been barred from witnessing the vote count in Philadelphia which suffered from the fatal flaw that this was not actually true.  Again from the Washington Post:

Republican observers were there, after all. Trump had “a nonzero number of people in the room,” one of his attorneys conceded in federal court Thursday evening.

“I’m sorry, then what’s your problem?” asked U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond, who denied the request to halt the count.

And to top off the sense of foreboding Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said publicly that there will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.  He may have been joking.  Time will tell.

The only rational conclusion I can draw from all that is happening is this:

58 comments on “Some men just want to see the World burn ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Tricledrown 1
    12 November 2020 at 8:37 am

    Trump is a spoilt entitled brat money = power and power corrupts absolute power = more corruption.

    Trump knows this so he is sending a message to all the prosecutors lining up when he leaves office that he is going to make as difficult as possible.

    People as powerful as Trump don't face the consequences of their actions as every day people ,That's why he gets away with predatory sexual behaviour,Tax fraud,treason,associating with the mafias.

  2. Ad 2
    12 November 2020 at 8:40 am

    There's plenty who still call for revolution from the hard left.

    But the revolution is already here from the right. Trump is but one name for it.

    The result is chaos and anomie – no matter who does it.

    The golfers who finished their round while a forest burned - BBC Culture

    Small countries, weaker groups in society, the poorer, the small business owner, the renter: these are the things that need rules that the rest of society abide by. They are rules that only states banding together can sustain.

    The super-rich don't need order; they game crisis. Nor do the top handful of countries. They make the rules. Witness China crushing Hong Kong's Parliament yesterday through arrests.

    As Robert Putnam argued recently, small and non-aligned states need to work harder together if a rules-based order to the world is to survive.

    And Prime Minister Ardern has a place to play in that if she can start conceiving of New Zealand as less a minor state and more a small power with Pacific influence.

    This chaos about to hit the United States over two months needs voices of conscience from good states to stand up and be heard loud.

    • Anne 2.1
      12 November 2020 at 9:57 am

      And Prime Minister Ardern has a place to play in that if she can start conceiving of New Zealand as less a minor state and more a small power with Pacific influence.

      Actually its my perception that is exactly what she is doing. For example, only yesterday she made it clear that any decisions on a Covid vaccine would take into account the needs of our Pacific neighbours.

      Yes, it is time for the good states to stand up and be heard aloud. Too much bowing and scraping towards the current regime and a scaredy-cat attitude has allowed the US situation to deteriorate to an alarming level.

      It's also time for other western governments to do likewise because the antics of Trump and his lackeys affects all of us and will continue to do so if they are not reined in.

      • Ad 2.1.1
        12 November 2020 at 11:37 am

        She's required to take into account New Zealand Realm countries.

        Remember in the previous term she stood in the UN and made some actual global noise?

        Now's the time to start again.

    • SPC 2.2
      12 November 2020 at 10:30 am

      The US of A is not a democracy – but an order of rule over the people. A constitutional republic.

      The GOP takes this to heart, it regards popular democracy as a form of socialism, something to be suppresssed. They probably view the increased voter turnout with alarm, so we can expect to see them leverage Trump's charges to obstruct future voting.

  3. Dennis Frank 3
    12 November 2020 at 8:42 am

    Remember that Trump got elected on an anti-establishment platform four years ago. No surprise that he keeps recycling that stance. Time to moderate was mid-term but he surprised me by not being that sensible. He's likely to tough it out now.

    So the question is the extent to which the establishment permits his stone-walling. If the Republicans stay onside & litigate to the max with him, that will test the resilience of the establishment. Believers of the principles of democracy will be sidelined by those who think democracy is won by whoever games the system best.

    So you, as a lawyer, wonder why he's using his lawyers now. You feel he ought to defer to convention and admit defeat already. That's not in his nature. He self-identified as a winner by being unconventional long ago & too late to stop now. He's providing us with excellent case analysis of why political psychology is a key frame to use.

    • Tricledrown 3.1
      12 November 2020 at 8:57 am

      The republicans can't afford to be negative like Trump as there are 2 Senate seats up for grabs in run offs in Georgia.

      Bob Dylan the rich man who does a crime he does no time.

  4. Andre 4
    12 November 2020 at 8:44 am

    Err, WaPo is owned by Bezos, not Murdoch. Which is the probable basis for The $750 Man's vendetta against Amazon.

    [Right you are Andre. Now corrected – MS]

    • SPC 4.1
      12 November 2020 at 10:17 am

      And the goon hired by Trump to run down the US mail service, his original job was to reduce the speed of delivery for Amazon.

  5. Stephen D 5
    12 November 2020 at 9:34 am

    https://mailchi.mp/85e0495769d8/bulletin-world-weekly-a-weather-report-for-the-world-2458370?e=4d18001d77

    This week in dystopia – or the United States of America

    Coup or conniption? That’s the question over Donald Trump replacing the civilian leadership of the Pentagon as he pushes the idea a “rigged” election robbed him of a second term.

    A historian of totalitarianism at Yale, Timothy Snyder, went there this week, tweeting: ‘What Donald Trump is attempting to do has a name: coup d'état. Poorly organized though it might seem, it is not bound to fail. It must be made to fail.’

  6. greywarshark 6
    12 November 2020 at 10:24 am

    A Radionz report.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018772375/what-powers-does-trump-still-have-us-law-expert-explains

    What powers does Trump still have? US law expert explains
    University of Wisconsin-Madison law school professor Robert Yablon told Checkpoint that Trump has the same power he always has had as president and can do what he wants, “within the standard bounds of the US Constitution and the law”.

    "… but in terms of running the government, issuing executive orders, issuing pardons, any of that kind of thing. He can do the day after the election what he could do the day before the election.

    "Executive orders can be fairly significant. The president has quite a bit of leeway to act unilaterally. When we're creating law in the United States, Congress needs to be involved. But the president, in the interstices of the law, can do a lot to direct how the government functions….

    "By law in the United States, there is a presidential transition process. Now, the current president has to facilitate that process and so far President Trump has refused to do so.

    "But normally as soon as the election is over the incoming president will form a transition team. That transition team will have access to the existing government and this is meant to facilitate a smooth transfer of power, so we do have that legal device.

  7. woodart 7
    12 November 2020 at 11:11 am

    maybe some on this site forget piggy muldoon doing the same sort of thing.

  8. Andre 8
    12 November 2020 at 12:48 pm

    If you're looking for rational explanations for the refusal to concede, well, conceding would cut off one of the grifts he's currently got going. As always, follow the money.

    He's duping his cultists to donate to a PAC called Save America, which is being sold as fighting against fraud in this election. But the fine print says most of the money is going elsewhere, basically to a CovidCamacho slush fund.

    Save America, however, gets an early cut of the funds raised. The fine print shows that 60% of the funds go first to Save America — up to the $5,000 legal donation limit — and then to the Trump campaign's recount account. Forty percent will go to the Republican National Committee's operating account.

    Campaign finance experts say Trump is engaging in a bait-and-switch tactic with his supporters.

    "He's saying that he needs donors' money for election-challenge litigation, but he's putting the money into an account to be used for his political future," said Paul Ryan, the vice president for policy and litigation at Common Cause.

    […]

    The rules on spending by leadership PACs also are far more relaxed than those for campaign committees and do not restrict politicians from using donors' funds for personal expenses — a use forbidden in a presidential campaign account.

    "Leadership PACs are notoriously abused by politicians as slush funds without violating any laws," Ryan said.

    https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/10/politics/donald-trump-leadership-pac-republicans/index.html

    https://time.com/5910426/donald-trump-fights-election-results/

    • Dennis Frank 8.1
      12 November 2020 at 3:26 pm

      Yes, I saw news of that con too. Implementation of the Barnum theory (one born every minute). Rational self-interest perhaps, however clinging to power if no viable evidence of electoral fraud is available to fuel court cases isn't rational.

      Incidentally I reported the Georgia recount decision on OM whereas I probably ought to have put it here. It's due to Republican infighting.

    • mickysavage 8.2
      12 November 2020 at 7:42 pm

      Fark that is such a brutal comment but with the background so accurate …

  9. velcro 9
    12 November 2020 at 1:17 pm

    Its very clear there was industrial scale electoral fraud – sufficient to swing the result in Trump's favour. He is perfectly entitled to legally challenge the vote in the key swing states. After all, Al Gore did against Bush. Having said that, the legal hurdles are very high, and personally I don't think Trump will be successful. Just have patience and stop wild suppositions – it will work out in Biden's favour in due course

    • Andre 9.1
      12 November 2020 at 1:35 pm

      It's not that the hurdles are high, particularly for cases in front of a Repug judge. It's that even the most partisan judges still need a teeny-tiny bit of evidence to hang a prejudgement onto, and precisely zero evidence for dodgy votes, or dodgy vote processing and counting, has been forthcoming. Except for a couple of Repug munters, one of whom tried to submit a ballot for his dead mother IIRC.

      Because even though judges get lifetime appointments, they're still subject to impeachment. And handing down an electorally significant judgement with absolutely no evidence to back it up would certainly be grounds for impeachment.

  10. ianmac 10
    12 November 2020 at 2:38 pm

    The Inquiry into the 9/11 attack found that a major problem was that the long delay in settling the 2000 Election meant that the Transition being halted, caused big gaps in US security. There wasn't a proper connection between those who knew stuff and the ones who were supposed to be finding out and dealing to threats.

    Now the Federal funds have been with-held and the lack of exchange of info again poses the threat of another 9/11.

  11. Gyrogearloose 11
    12 November 2020 at 5:22 pm

    Since the democrats and MSM are so adamant there was no fraud in the election process they should move fully to support Trumps efforts to find any….

    Going hard out trying to play down any irregularities plays into trumps hands…

    Like Twitter and MSM trying to censor the Hunter Biden hard drive revelations, it just made them look guilty and enraged Trump supporters.

    • Andre 11.1
      12 November 2020 at 5:51 pm

      Nobody is trying to play down any irregularities or impede idiot Repug efforts to take their allegations to court.

      Quite the contrary. The sooner the allegations get to court, the sooner a Repug lawyer has to admit in front of a judge there is zero evidence for the allegation, and admit they are just blowing smoke and wasting everybody's time.

      Nobody censored the allegations around Hunter Biden's hard drive. The allegations were looked into, and were concluded to be a laughably inept attempt at a smear by bumbling idiot Palputin stooges (ie Ghouliani and Bannon) after Ghouliani refused to provide copies for anyone else to examine.

      Even funnier, even if the worst allegations (which have zero credibility, remember) were taken completely at face value, they didn't show anything dodgy on Joe Biden's part. They merely allegedly showed what everybody already knew – that Hunter sometimes traded on his surname for easy money and didn't actually deliver anything in return.

      https://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2020/10/the-media-has-not-ignored-the-hunter-biden-story/

      • mickysavage 11.1.1
        12 November 2020 at 7:46 pm

        "Quite the contrary. The sooner the allegations get to court, the sooner a Repug lawyer has to admit in front of a judge there is zero evidence for the allegation, and admit they are just blowing smoke and wasting everybody's time."

        I dream of these sorts of cases in court. If it was a local Court with local Judges they would hand you your arse on a plate and tell you to stop wasting their time.

        • Dennis Frank 11.1.1.1
          12 November 2020 at 7:59 pm

          You might like the legal manoeuvres explored here: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/11/can-donald-trump-stay-in-office-second-term-president-coup

          “There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration,” Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, said on Tuesday.

          Just joking? So the

          certification timeline is important because federal law says that as long as election results are finalized by 8 December this year, the result is “conclusive”. That provides a safeguard against Congress, which is responsible for counting the electoral college votes, from second-guessing election results. By dragging out the process, the Trump campaign may be seeking to blow past that deadline and create more wiggle room to second-guess the results.

          Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Nevada all have Democratic governors who would refuse to approve a set of Trump electors with the popular vote clearly showing Biden winning their state. Instead, they would submit the electors Biden is entitled to as the winner of the popular vote.

          It would then fall to Congress, which is charged with counting the votes from the electoral college, to decide what to do. The law that outlines the process for how Congress should handle a dispute in electors from a state is extremely confusing, but experts believe the slate backed by a state’s governor is the legally sound one. There is a rival theory that the president of the Senate, Mike Pence, could have control over the process. A dispute over electors between the US House and Senate is a worst-case scenario and the US supreme court would probably be asked to step in.

      • Gyrogearloose 11.1.2
        13 November 2020 at 11:32 pm

        "Nobody censored the allegations around Hunter Biden's hard drive. The allegations were looked into, and were concluded to be a laughably inept attempt at a smear by bumbling idiot Palputin stooges"

        Guess you must live in one of those echo chambers…

        "Its the russians"…….. what more to say….

        NZ msm media shows similar biases as USA msm

        From your link " should be confirmed before they’re splashed on the front page. "

        I guess The Washington post never got the memo…. and wrote an arricle with headline

        "Postal worker recanted allegations of ballot tampering"

        In reply to that headline this was published

        "Veritas posted a video of Hopkins explicitly saying "I do not recant."

        Hmmmmm……

        Read from both the MSM and the alternative media, and somewhere between is more likely where the true story lies.

        [Fixed typo in user name]

        • Macro 11.1.2.1
          14 November 2020 at 7:56 am

          Guess you must live in one of those echo chambers…

          And you're not??

          • Gyrogearloose 11.1.2.1.1
            14 November 2020 at 12:59 pm

            What echo chamber am I supposedly in?

            Does my questioning of the 'its Russia' narrative make you belive I live in an echo chamber.

            If so, how ironic as I see blaming Russia as proof you live in an ech chamber.

            If not how am i in an echo chamber.

            Please let me know as I am philosophically against echo chambers, and if I could not see I was in one I would like to know.

            • Incognito 11.1.2.1.1.1
              14 November 2020 at 1:32 pm

              How would we know? How could we tell?

              Interestingly, the only two times you linked here were to the same site that is not known for being un-biased, balanced, non-partisan, or politically neutral and objective. What is that telling us?

              • Gyrogearloose …
                14 November 2020 at 9:54 pm

                Yes I read zerohedge.

                Yes it has clear biases in the opposite direction, and some of the articles come across as pure conspiracy theory.

                And sometimes articles in the msm are pure bulshit.

                Is the motherjones.com website linked by Andre is given as example objectivity?

                As i specifically mentioned, I read both msm and alternative…..

            • Macro 11.1.2.1.1.2
              14 November 2020 at 2:17 pm

              Well, some one on this thread keeps repeating the phrase "it's Russia". And it's not me, and it's not Andre, and it's not incognito. So someone who claims to be "philosophically opposed to echo chambers" continues to echo an accusation that no one else on here has made.

              BTW, Hunter Biden was in Ukraine not Russia.

              • Gyrogearloose …
                14 November 2020 at 9:36 pm

                Quote Andre "laughably inept attempt at a smear by bumbling idiot Palputin stooges"

                I read that as 'its tussian interfretence"

                If it is something else please explain what it was supposed to mean.

                • Andre …
                  15 November 2020 at 7:09 am

                  "Palputin" refers to the rotting halloween pumpkin currently rage-tweeting with stubby thumbs from the White Supremacist House.

                  Of the hundreds of nicknames I could have used, choosing that one was bait to draw out your background views on some of the various disinformation efforts flying around. The way you took the bait successfully clarified that for me, thank you.

    • Andre 11.2
      12 November 2020 at 6:40 pm

      BTW, if anyone's interested in a brief summary of the various lawsuits, Associated Press has put together a good one:

      https://apnews.com/article/ap-explains-fail-prove-election-fraud-d0f13ae6ca370c8716706d3f7d85659e

    • joe90 11.3
      12 November 2020 at 6:57 pm

      When you've lost Bush's brain…

      https://twitter.com/CNN/status/1326726533491412993

      edit: and you’re too toxic to handle..

      The largest law firm representing the Trump campaign or its allies in post-election litigation challenging votes in key states has withdrawn from an election lawsuit in Maricopa County, Arizona.

      Associate Presiding Civil Judge Daniel Kiley on Tuesday granted Snell & Wilmer’s request to withdraw as counsel of record for the Republican National Committee. The RNC had teamed-up with the Trump campaign and the Arizona Republican Party in the case, which alleges that Maricopa County incorrectly rejected some votes cast on Election Day.
      https://www.reuters.com/article/snell-maricopa-idUSL1N2HY005

    • Dick Michaels 11.4
      12 November 2020 at 8:01 pm

      Ironic that it's now the right exposing election irregularities and fighting for democracy, while the left couldn't care less and just wants to install their new dictator.

      • Stuart Munro 11.4.1
        12 November 2020 at 11:43 pm

        Nothing ironic about systematic fraud.

        And the Right never have and never will fight for democracy.

      • Wensleydale 11.4.2
        13 November 2020 at 1:38 am

        You kind of have to 'prove' the alleged irregularities though. That's the crux of the matter. They've yet to produce any evidence that hasn't been laughed out of a courtroom. It's all crap someone's cousin's neighbour's dog-walker's best friend read on Facebook. Meanwhile, the Orange Toddler continues skulking about the White House, randomly firing people he feels aren't sufficiently loyal. He's finally discovered what it's like to be told "No!", and his malignant narcissism impedes his ability to accept it.

  12. Maurice 12
    13 November 2020 at 4:11 am

    "Light touchpaper"

    "Stand well clear"

    70 million rednecks with Pickup Trucks may attend the inauguration …. but will they have their guns with them?

    • Velcro 12.1
      14 November 2020 at 8:27 am

      Virtually all the rioting and mayhem so far has been from the left – Antifa, BLM and the like. So far your 'rednecks' have been pretty restrained. And if Biden had won fair and square they would continue to be so

      • NZJester 12.1.1
        14 November 2020 at 2:40 pm

        So running over people with vehicles and shooting people is "pretty restrained"?

        Did you know that Antifa is just a shortened form of the words "Anti Fascist". If you are not Anti Fascist then you are one. The only formal Antifa organization was the Allies during WW2 who fought against them.

        Antifa = Anti Nazi / Anti Neo Nazi.

        Most of the so called rioting and mayhem was declared that by the police while peaceful demonstrations where taking place and only became violent after the police started shooting tear-gas and rubber bullets. And most of that violence was by the police themselves.

  13. Velcro 13
    21 November 2020 at 8:10 am

    In their violent tactics against anyone who remotely disagrees with their extremist views Antifa resembles nothing so much as the Nazi Brownshirts. No big surprise there, national socialism and communism are just two sides of the same totalitarian coin – controlling the populace through intimidation, lies and brainwashing. Socialism used to be the Kinder version of communism. Today, as the cancel culture demonstrates – not so much.

    the two tragic incidents you refer to have back details which you should familiarise yourself with, which put a different perspective on them than that which you are trying to impose. They were sad individual events, and in no way counterbalance the indiscriminate mob violence of Antifa and BLM

    • joe90 13.1
      21 November 2020 at 8:31 am

      Antifa resembles nothing so much as the Nazi Brownshirts

      And self titled patriots resemble nothing so much as the barbaric Daesh.

      New filings claim there was a Plan B the militiamen had drawn up, that involved a takeover of the Michigan capitol building by 200 combatants who would stage a week-long series of televised executions of public officials.

      And, according to government documents now on file in lower Michigan court, there was also a Plan C — burning down the state house, leaving no survivors.

      […]

      Despite the violent nature of the charges, including an alleged plan to hold a mock treason trial for the governor of Michigan once she was kidnapped, several of the defendants have had bond reductions and are now free.

      https://abc7chicago.com/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-kidnapping-plot-militia/8079861/

  14. Velcro 14
    21 November 2020 at 8:44 am

    The plot never occurred – it was foiled by the FBI. The anti government anarchists concerned were most akin to parts of the BLM movement

    • joe90 14.1
      21 November 2020 at 9:02 am

      Foiled or not, their motives were clear. At least four of the 13 suspects had turned up at the state capitol armed with AR-15s in an attempt to intimidate the state legislature and the Governor. When that failed, they escalated by plotting to emulate the murderous thugs they admired. And your attempt to minimise their actions leads one to think that you agree with them.

      btw, use the fucking reply function.

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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 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    14 hours ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    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 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    15 hours ago

  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    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 ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    15 hours ago

  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People 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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    17 hours ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    19 hours ago

  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    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 ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    21 hours ago

  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    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 ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    21 hours ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     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 ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Just trying to stay upright
    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 ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    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 ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    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 ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    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. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    2 days ago

  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    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 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An announcement about an announcement
    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 ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • All the Green Tech in China.
    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 ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Western Express Success
    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 ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    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 ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    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 ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Thank you
    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 ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    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 Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    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, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 days ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    4 days ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
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