Trump survives
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9:18 am, February 7th, 2020 - 35 comments
Categories: crime, Donald Trump, politicans, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, uncategorized, us politics -
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It was utterly predictable that the US Senate would vote to acquit Donald Trump after the House of Representative’s impeachment motion. But I still held out hope that he would not be exonerated.
Unfortunately the Republican Party had to trash the US constitution and the English Language to do so.
Article II, Section 4 of the US constitution says:
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
Whether or not Trump’s behaviour was a high crime, and I would classify it as one, it must have been a misdemeanour.
Before the trial started each of the Senators had to take an oath in these terms:
I solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of (Donald John Trump), President of the United States, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: so help me God.
That so many Republican Senators, who had before the hearing even started pledged unwavering support for the President, could take such an oath shows what hypocrites they are.
That they then blocked the hearing of new evidence, including that of John Bolton, life long Republican and Defence Hawk. Bolton was apparently ready to testify that Trump told him in August 2019 to keep withholding nearly $400m of security aid to Ukraine until its officials helped investigate Trump’s political rivals.
The vote was predictable, apart from Mitt Romney breaking ranks and voting in opposition to his fellow Republican senators on one of the impeachment counts. His brave action meant that Trump was robbed of the ability to claim that his impeachment was a purely partisan exercise.
Romney said this to the Senate:
The grave question the Constitution tasks senators to answer is whether the President committed an act so extreme and egregious that it rises to the level of a “high crime and misdemeanor.”
Yes, he did.
The President asked a foreign government to investigate his political rival.
The President withheld vital military funds from that government to press it to do so.
The President delayed funds for an American ally at war with Russian invaders.
The President’s purpose was personal and political.Accordingly, the President is guilty of an appalling abuse of the public trust.
What he did was not “perfect”— No, it was a flagrant assault on our electoral rights, our national security interests, and our fundamental values. Corrupting an election to keep oneself in office is perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of one’s oath of office that I can imagine.
Romney expected payback. He did not have to wait long.
Trump Junior thought Romney should be expelled from the Republican Party.
In anticipation of his vindication Trump trashed a number of conventions by delivering a State of the Union speech which was more of a Trump Rally than a sombre assessment of United State’s situation.
Nancy Pelosi chose to respond at the end of the speech by tearing up her copy, live on National TV.
Matt Gaetz showed what an idiot he is by filing a complaint against her.
It is incomprehensible that Republicans can be so indifferent to the withholding of aid for political purposes and the subsequent refusal to cooperate with the investigation but be so upset by the tearing up of a copy of a speech.
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- Healthy Ocean Act – Marama Davidson SpeechHe mōhio ō tātou tīpuna ki te tirotiro taiao. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens will demand Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to lead ocean rescue planThe Green Party will protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, create an independent Ocean Commission to advise the government, and put a Green Minister for Oceans and Fisheries in charge of making it happen. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National's dodgy tax scheme couldn't be done – according to John KeyNational's shaky tax scheme has received a further blow after it’s been revealed that John Key received advice when he was Prime Minister that the scheme being proposed by National couldn’t be done, Labour Finance Spokesperson Grant Robertson says. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: No new funding, no timelines – National’s empty housing policyThe National Party’s housing policy is vacant; with no new funding and no timelines attached to its delivery says Labour Housing Spokesperson Megan Woods. ...2 weeks ago
- Bills lower, climate happier under Green Party planLabour’s announcement of an energy rebate is a step in the right direction, but the Greens’ Clean Power Payment would do much more for households. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Household rebates for energy efficient homes under LabourA re-elected Labour Government will help Kiwi households to be more energy efficient and reduce emissions from household energy use, Labour Spokesperson for Building and Construction and Energy and Resources, Megan Woods, announced today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour will deliver largest Police service in historyA Labour Government will deliver a further increase of 300 additional frontline Police officers, new ways to crackdown on gangs and strengthen legal protections against stalking and harassment. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens welcome launch of Te Ohu Tāmaki and challenges other parties on housingThe Green Party is welcoming the launch of Te Ohu Tāmaki, and affirms its commitment to clear the social housing waitlist in 5 years - and challenges other parties to say they will do the same. ...2 weeks ago
- National put climate action into reverse gearThe National Party’s plan to install EV chargers while at the same time making it harder for people to buy an EV is bizarre and ridiculous. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Hipkins sets out plan to grow NZ economyLabour leader Chris Hipkins has set out his top five priorities for growing the economy which include ambition for New Zealand to be a global leader in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. ...2 weeks ago
- Former Wellington Mayor Andy Foster To Stand For New Zealand FirstFormer Wellington Mayor Andy Foster has announced he is standing for New Zealand First in the Mana electorate for the upcoming election. “As a former Mayor of our Capital City, Andy has an exceptional resume and level of professional and governance experience that will be an asset to the team.” ...2 weeks ago
- 10 of our favourite Chris Hipkins momentsIt’s Chris Hipkins’ birthday today, and to celebrate we’re taking a look back at some of his most defining moments. During his time at Parliament, he’s led New Zealand through some difficult times, delivered change that will make a real difference to Kiwis' lives, and given us a few laughs. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Show us your costingsRevelations on Newshub tonight that National only got an expert to review their tax plan two days after it was released adds further fuel to the call for Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis to release all costings and advice they have received on it, Labour Finance Spokesperson Grant Robertson said. ...3 weeks ago
- National’s climate pledge a jokeToday’s pledge from the National Party to deliver net zero carbon by 2050 is a bad-faith, disingenuous, and empty promise. ...3 weeks ago
- Glenfield Policy AnnouncementNo MP pay rises until essential workers get one first. The pay freeze for parliamentarians is due to end this year, with a hefty pay rise forecasted. The fact is when this announcement was made that Members of Parliament would receive a pay rise, in the middle of an ...3 weeks ago
- Government invests further in Central Hawke’s Bay resilience
The Government has today confirmed $2.5 million to fund a replace and upgrade a stopbank to protect the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant. “As a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, the original stopbank protecting the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant was destroyed. The plant was operational within 6 weeks of the ...16 hours ago - Govt boost for Hawke’s Bay cyclone waste clean-upAnother $2.1 million to boost capacity to deal with waste left in Cyclone Gabrielle’s wake. Funds for Hastings District Council, Phoenix Contracting and Hog Fuel NZ to increase local waste-processing infrastructure. The Government is beefing up Hawke’s Bay’s Cyclone Gabrielle clean-up capacity with more support dealing with the massive amount ...18 hours ago
- Taupō Supercars revs up with Government supportThe future of Supercars events in New Zealand has been secured with new Government support. The Government is getting engines started through the Major Events Fund, a special fund to support high profile events in New Zealand that provide long-term economic, social and cultural benefits. “The Repco Supercars Championship is ...18 hours ago
- There is no recession in NZ, economy grows nearly 1 percent in June quarterThe economy has turned a corner with confirmation today New Zealand never was in recession and stronger than expected growth in the June quarter, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said. “The New Zealand economy is doing better than expected,” Grant Robertson said. “It’s continuing to grow, with the latest figures showing ...20 hours ago
- Highest legal protection for New Zealand’s largest freshwater springsThe Government has accepted the Environment Court’s recommendation to give special legal protection to New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs, Te Waikoropupū Springs (also known as Pupū Springs), Environment Minister David Parker announced today. “Te Waikoropupū Springs, near Takaka in Golden Bay, have the second clearest water in New Zealand after ...21 hours ago
- More support for victims of migrant exploitationTemporary package of funding for accommodation and essential living support for victims of migrant exploitation Exploited migrant workers able to apply for a further Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV), giving people more time to find a job Free job search assistance to get people back into work Use of 90-day ...2 days ago
- Strong export boost as NZ economy turns cornerAn export boost is supporting New Zealand’s economy to grow, adding to signs that the economy has turned a corner and is on a stronger footing as we rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle and lock in the benefits of multiple new trade deals, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. “The economy is ...2 days ago
- Funding approved for flood resilience work in Te KarakaThe Government has approved $15 million to raise about 200 homes at risk of future flooding. More than half of this is expected to be spent in the Tairāwhiti settlement of Te Karaka, lifting about 100 homes there. “Te Karaka was badly hit during Cyclone Gabrielle when the Waipāoa River ...2 days ago
- Further business support for cyclone-affected regionsThe Government is helping businesses recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and attract more people back into their regions. “Cyclone Gabrielle has caused considerable damage across North Island regions with impacts continuing to be felt by businesses and communities,” Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Building on our earlier business support, this ...2 days ago
- New maintenance facility at Burnham Military Camp underwayDefence Minister Andrew Little has turned the first sod to start construction of a new Maintenance Support Facility (MSF) at Burnham Military Camp today. “This new state-of-art facility replaces Second World War-era buildings and will enable our Defence Force to better maintain and repair equipment,” Andrew Little said. “This Government ...2 days ago
- Foreign Minister to attend United Nations General AssemblyForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will represent New Zealand at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week, before visiting Washington DC for further Pacific focussed meetings. Nanaia Mahuta will be in New York from Wednesday 20 September, and will participate in UNGA leaders ...3 days ago
- Midwives’ pay equity offer reachedAround 1,700 Te Whatu Ora employed midwives and maternity care assistants will soon vote on a proposed pay equity settlement agreed by Te Whatu Ora, the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service (MERAS) and New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO), Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. “Addressing historical pay ...7 days ago
- New Zealand provides support to MoroccoAotearoa New Zealand will provide humanitarian support to those affected by last week’s earthquake in Morocco, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “We are making a contribution of $1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help meet humanitarian needs,” Nanaia Mahuta said. ...1 week ago
- Government invests in West Coast’s roading resilienceThe Government is investing over $22 million across 18 projects to improve the resilience of roads in the West Coast that have been affected by recent extreme weather, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today. A dedicated Transport Resilience Fund has been established for early preventative works to protect the state ...1 week ago
- Government invests in Greymouth’s futureThe Government has today confirmed a $2 million grant towards the regeneration of Greymouth’s CBD with construction of a new two-level commercial and public facility. “It will include a visitor facility centred around a new library. Additionally, it will include retail outlets on the ground floor, and both outdoor and ...1 week ago
- Nanaia Mahuta to attend PIF Foreign Ministers’ MeetingForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in Suva, Fiji alongside New Zealand’s regional counterparts. “Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply committed to working with our pacific whanau to strengthen our cooperation, and share ways to combat the challenges facing the Blue Pacific Continent,” ...1 week ago
- PREFU shows no recession, growing economy, more jobs and wages ahead of inflationEconomy to grow 2.6 percent on average over forecast period Treasury not forecasting a recession Inflation to return to the 1-3 percent target band next year Wages set to grow 4.8 percent a year over forecast period Unemployment to peak below the long-term average Fiscal Rules met - Net debt ...1 week ago
- New cancer centre opens in ChristchurchPrime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall proudly opened the Canterbury Cancer Centre in Christchurch today. The new facility is the first of its kind and was built with $6.5 million of funding from the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group scheme for shovel-ready projects allocated in 2020. ...1 week ago
- Government invests in top of the south’s roading resilience$12 million to improve the resilience of roads in the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions Hope Bypass earmarked in draft Government Policy Statement on land transport $127 million invested in the top of the south’s roads since flooding in 2021 and 2022 The Government is investing over $12 million to ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealanders continue to support the revitalisation of te reo as we celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Mā...Ko tēnei te wiki e whakanui ana i tō tātou reo rangatira. Ko te wā tuku reo Māori, e whakanuia tahitia ai te reo ahakoa kei hea ake tēnā me tēnā o tātou, ka tū ā te Rātū te 14 o Mahuru, ā te 12 o ngā hāora i te ahiahi. ...2 weeks ago
- New Wildlife Act to better protect native speciesThe 70-year-old Wildlife Act will be replaced with modern, fit-for-purpose legislation to better protect native species and improve biodiversity, Minister of Conservation Willow-Jean Prime has announced. “New species legislation is urgently needed to address New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis,” Willow-Jean Prime said. “More than 4,000 of our native species are currently ...2 weeks ago
- Further safety initiatives for Auckland City CentreCentral and Local Government are today announcing a range of new measures to tackle low-level crime and anti-social behaviour in the Auckland CBD to complement Police scaling up their presence in the area. “Police have an important role to play in preventing and responding to crime, but there is more ...2 weeks ago
- Govt confirms additional support for Enabling Good LivesThe Government has confirmed $73.7 million over the next four years and a further $40.5m in outyears to continue to transform the disability support system, Minister for Disability Issues Priyanca Radhakrishnan has announced. “The Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach is a framework which guides positive change for disabled people, ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand gets AAA credit rating from S&PStandard and Poor’s is the latest independent credit rating agency to endorse the Government’s economic management in the face of a deteriorating global economy. S&P affirmed New Zealand’s long term local currency rating at AAA and foreign currency rating at AA+ with a stable outlook. It follows Fitch affirming New ...2 weeks ago
- Appointment of Environment Court JudgeChristchurch barrister Kelvin Reid has been appointed as a Judge of the Environment Court and the District Court, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. Mr Reid has extensive experience in Resource Management Act issues, including water quality throughout the South Island. He was appointed to the Technical Advisory Group advising the ...2 weeks ago
- NZ’s biggest ever emissions reduction project hits milestoneNew Zealand is on track to have greener steel as soon as 2026 with New Zealand Steel’s electric arc furnace project reaching a major milestone today. The Government announced a conditional partnership with New Zealand Steel in May to deliver the country’s largest emissions reduction project to date. Half of ...2 weeks ago
- Poroporoaki: Paki Leslie Māngai NikoraPokia ana te tihi Taiarahia e Hine-Pūkohu-rangi Hotu kau ana te manawa! Horahia ana te whārua o Ruātoki e te kapua pouri Tikaro rawahia ko te whatumanawa! Rere whakamuri kau ana te awa o Hinemataroa Ki te kawe i te rongo ki te mātāpuna i nga pōngaihu Maungapōhatu, tuohu ...2 weeks ago
- 50,000 charges laid in crack down on gangsPolice Minister Ginny Andersen has today congratulated Police in their efforts to crack down on gangs, after laying 50,000 charges against gang members and their associates through the hugely successful Operation Cobalt. As at 31 August, Police have: Laid 50,396 criminal charges against gang members and their associates Issued 64,524 ...2 weeks ago
- Farmers and cyclone-affected properties supported with tax rule changesThe Government has confirmed details of the tax changes to the bright-line test for cyclone-damaged properties, with the release of the required legislative amendments. Revenue Minister Barbara Edmonds has released a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) to be considered by the Finance and Expenditure Committee in the next Parliament, as it ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand wins CPTPP dispute against CanadaMinister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor has welcomed the CPTPP Panel’s ruling in favour of New Zealand in our dispute against Canada, a significant win for our primary sector exporters. The Panel found that Canada’s dairy quota administration is inconsistent with its obligations under the Comprehensive and Progressive ...2 weeks ago
- New intensive turnaround programme launched to break the cycle of offendingThe next phase of the Government’s response to youth crime is underway, with an intensive programme for the country’s most prolific young offenders launched today in Auckland, Minister for Children Kelvin Davis said. The programme, announced by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in July, will see up to 60 recidivist young ...2 weeks ago
- Government extends report date for COVID inquiryThe Government has agreed to a request from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 for extra three months to deliver its final report. The Royal Commission was established in 2022 to strengthen New Zealand’s preparedness for any future pandemics. It was originally due to conclude mid-2024. “The Commission has ...2 weeks ago
- Wainuiomata school property upgrade making great progressThe Wainuiomata High School redevelopment is making great progress, with two more classroom blocks set to be complete by the end of the month, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. The Prime Minister visited today to see first-hand the progress of the redevelopment which is continuing at pace and is ...2 weeks ago
- Language week focuses on sustaining Lea Faka-TongaNew Zealand’s Tongan community are coming together to promote language sustainability this week, as Uike Lea Faka-Tonga – Tongan Language Week begins. “For our Pacific communities, language is more than just a means of communication. It’s an important way to link generations and maintain connections to our ancestral roots,” Barbara ...3 weeks ago
- Raw Politics: Hipkins' strange failure to fire
This week on the Raw Politics podcast: We ask why Labour leader Chris Hipkins has failed to fire, as his party would have hoped, in this campaign so far. Plus: this week's debate, the latest polls and how relatively good economic news changes things in the run-up to election day. ...1 hour ago - Minor parties get fired up over crime and punishment
Crime has been one of the dominant themes of this election campaign and it proved to be the hot button in the second televised debate this week. As Mark Jennings writes, the leaders of the minor parties were taking no prisoners in their battle for crucial votes. TV Viewers interested ...2 hours ago - Electorates to watch: Candidates fight for face time in Whanganui
Candidates are working hard to get better known ahead of the election ...2 hours ago - Return of the Ferns
Football, netball, cricket and rugby - it's all on for Kiwi women's sports teams across the globe this weekend. Merryn Anderson gives the lowdown on all the Ferns action. Did you think, with the wave of World Cups receding from our shores, women's sport was about ...2 hours ago - A bright idea for Naseby
A tiny town in Central Otago that's already on the world map – for something a little different – is set to notch up another first in a few weeks if its sky high ambitions go to plan. Not content with its world famous curling rink to draw visitors, Naseby, population ...2 hours ago - I don't want Te Pāti Māori choosing my electoral roll
The Māori party is attempting to take us back to 1975 when Māori did not have a choice ...2 hours ago - The major health crisis ignored by election campaigns
Former MP laments lack of aged care policy in the 2023 election ...2 hours ago - The Prime Ministerial peril of changing horses mid-stream
To lead Labour to victory, Chris Hipkins would have to repeat a unique feat ...2 hours ago - Mayor Brown's Auckland Deal is the real deal
Mayor is right when he says a new relationship between government and the council is required ...2 hours ago - Govt suggests barring development in climate-exposed areas
New National Policy Statement prioritises nature-based adaptation. ...2 hours ago - Daily crossword, Friday 22 September
...2 hours ago - Peters predicts being in government and a pre-Xmas mini-Budget
Winston Peters is predicting a mini-Budget before Christmas and says it will come from a government his party will help form with 'like-minded parties' after the election It was an eclectic and unexpected mix of current and former politicians who fronted the Business North Harbour finance debate on Thursday. Initially billed ...2 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 22 September
Loading...(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...3 hours ago - Ikaroa-Rāwhiti: Labour defector Meka Whaitiri trails in latest poll
A third of voters remain undecided in the Māori electorate of Ikaroa-Rāwhiti, a new poll is showing. ...7 hours ago - Grattan on Friday: Albanese government faces an uphill road and angry locals as it drives change to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Fire fear is gripping many Australians, with extremely high temperatures for September. One day this week some 20 schools on the New South Wales south coast were closed, amid rising weather risk. Sydney national parks ...8 hours ago - Cracks appear soon after show of unity from ACT, NZ First leadersAnalysis: David Seymour and Winston Peters indicated they could work together in government, but then went on to undermine each other in a lively debate. ...9 hours ago
- A Game Of Two Halves In Ikaroa-Rāwhiti
The Māori electorate of Ikaroa-Rāwhiti is anyone’s game where a third of voters are yet to choose their candidate. Ikaroa-Rāwhiti was flung open when former Labour minister, Meka Whaitiri, switched to Te Pāti Māori in May. A Whakaata Māori exclusive ...10 hours ago - Marama battles a fly, Winston gets heckled
While I’m sure the live broadcast is absolutely riveting, there’s something fun about sitting on a truly uncomfortable bench to watch the debate live. And there have already been a few moments that might not have made the telly. First up: Marama Davidson had a brief run in with a ...11 hours ago - Courts clogged by self-represented litigants, lawyers say; solutions proposedThe number of people representing themselves in civil cases has grown enormously in the past decade, prompting calls to relieve pressure on the court system. ...11 hours ago
- The Act-NZ First grand coalitionThe first section of tonight’s Newshub Nation Powerbrokers debate focused on co-governance, proving that mortal enemies David Seymour and Winston Peters may have more in common than they once thought. An early answer from Seymour prompted a quick eye roll from the Greens’ Marama Davidson, with Te Pāti Māori’s Debbie ...11 hours ago
- Coming up: The minor parties go head to headNewshub’s live Powerbrokers debate is at 7.30pm – and we couldn’t be more excited. A couple of us are in the studio as it all plays out and we’ll keep you up to date on any important moments. Because we’ve heard a lot from the Chrises on this campaign, but ...12 hours ago
- View from The Hill: Josh Frydenberg puts political ambition aside to remain in businessSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s decision to put a business future before an attempted political revival is a blow for the Liberal Party, but a relief for the teal member for Kooyong, Monique Ryan. Opposition ...12 hours ago
- Election 2023: Sarah Pallett, Hamish Campbell and Raf Manji vye for Ilam's voteIlam's candidates are out campaigning for the public's vote, an electorate with a split voter base. ...13 hours ago
- Chris Luxon stands firm on spilling any more beans on policy trade-offs ahead of electionNational's leader won't make clear post-election negotiation trade-offs his party might make beyond what's already been indicated. ...14 hours ago
- 'Shattered': Māori health board head says National plans a huge step backThe head of Te Punanga Ora says National's policies for changes to Māori health partnership boards would 'lock in' poorer health for whānau. ...14 hours ago
- How did Taylor Swift get so popular? She never goes out of styleSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Pattison, PhD Candidate, RMIT University Last week, USA Today/Gannett posted a job ad for a Taylor Swift reporter, seeking an experienced journalist and content creator to “capture the music and cultural impact of Taylor Swift”. It’s not the first time ...14 hours ago
- Excessive screen time can affect young people’s emotional developmentSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachael Sharman, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of the Sunshine Coast Shutterstock A recent Beyond Blue survey of more than 2,000 teachers identified mental ill-health and excessive screen time as the biggest problems facing their students. Comments from teachers ...14 hours ago
- A COVID inquiry has been announced. But is COVID still a thing? Do I need a booster?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Toole, Associate Principal Research Fellow, Burnet Institute Shutterstock Today’s announcement of an independent inquiry into Australia’s COVID response will examine how we’ve handled the pandemic and how we could better prepare for the next one.But ...15 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: ANU Vice-Chancellor Brian Schmidt on the challenges universities fac...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Australia’s higher education sector is under heavy scrutiny. Still recovering from the impact of COVID and criticised for its treatment of staff, it faces strong pressures to step up its performance. The government launched a ...15 hours ago- NZ election 2023: Dear NZ, our foundations are in ruin and there’s no political courage for tomor...
COMMENTARY: By Martyn Bradbury Aotearoa New Zealand’s opposition – and poll leader — National Party’s three biggest donors have a combined net worth of $15 billion. The bottom 50 percent of NZ has $23 billion. The top 5 percent of New Zealanders own roughly 50 percent of New Zealand’s wealth, ...15 hours ago- Australia has officially given up on eradicating the Varroa mite. Now what?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cooper Schouten, Project Manager – Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods, Southern Cross University Varroa mites on drone pupae. Cooper Schouten/Southern Cross University, CC BY-SA The federal government body in charge of pest control has announced Australia will abandon efforts on eradicating the Varroa ...15 hours ago- Taxpayers' Union Welcomes ACTs Revised Alternative Budget
Commenting on the updates to ACT’s alternative budget, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “The only true tax cut is a spending cut, and we welcome ACT’s commitment to tackling the damage caused by 6 years of Labour’s dangerous ...15 hours ago- Moana Maniapoto challenges Winston Peters on campaign rhetoric
An interview that I missed earlier in the week that’s been doing the rounds on social media today. It’s a good watch. ...16 hours ago- Christmas Presents Head Off To Deployed New Zealand Defence Force Personnel
Thanks to the RNZRSA, a small piece of New Zealand is on its way to every member of the New Zealand Defence Force that will be deployed overseas this Christmas. <img src="https://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/2309/f4d24df4a1eb9d163b51.jpeg" ...16 hours ago- From ‘pebble in the shoe’ to future power broker – the rise and rise of te Pāti Māori
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Annie Te One, Lecturer in Māori Studies, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington In his maiden speech to parliament in 2020, te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi told his fellow MPs: You know what it feels like to have ...16 hours ago- Net zero by 2050? Too late. Australia must aim for 2035
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Howden, Director, ANU Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions, Australian National University Shutterstock This year’s heightened drumbeat of extreme weather shows us how little time we actually have to slash emissions. It is now clear that going ...16 hours ago- PNG’s immigration boss warns foreigners after arrest of NZ citizen
PNG Post-Courier Papua New Guinea’s chief Immigration boss Stanis Hulahau has warned all foreign nationals in the country that the office will not hesitate to detain and expel them if found engaging in criminal and illegal activities. Chief executive Hulahau issued the stern warning to all foreign nationals in the ...16 hours ago- The door knocking experience that made Hinurewa te Hau smile
In the build up to October 14, we’ve asked a smattering of MPs and candidates from across the country for their favourite door knocking story from the campaign. Today: National’s candidate for the Māori seat of Tāmaki Makaurau, Hinurewa te Hau. We are door knocking the Māori seat of Tāmaki ...16 hours ago- Newsletter: September 21 2023 – Items of interest and importance today
New Zealand Politics Daily is a collation of the most prominent issues being discussed in New Zealand. It is edited by Dr Bryce Edwards of The Democracy Project. NZ Politics Daily: 21 September 2023 COALITION ARRANGEMENTS Felix Desmarais (1News): Kiwis want to know if Luxon will work with Peters Chris Trotter: Calling the ...16 hours ago- Orange Roughy Catch Limit A Good Start, But Seamount Trawling Ban Necessary, Say Environmentalists
Environmentalists have welcomed news that the orange roughy catch will be cut by 40%, but say the need for a bottom trawling ban on seamounts is more urgent than ever. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Rachel Brooking announced a cut to the orange ...16 hours ago- WorkSafe Job Losses Another Reminder Of Risks To Public Services This Election
Working people will bear the brunt of WorkSafe’s proposal for a deep and wide restructuring that was announced today said the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. “Reducing WorkSafe’s capacity and capability is the wrong thing to be undertaking ...17 hours ago- Curious Kids: what came first, the chicken or the egg?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ellen K. Mather, Adjunct Associate Lecturer in Palaeontology, Flinders University Shutterstock/Edited by The Conversation What came first, the chicken or the egg? — Grace, age 12, Melbourne Hi Grace! Thanks for this great question. It’s an age-old dilemma ...17 hours ago- Government Penalises Sustainable Forestry In The ETS
The government announced today that it will impose an annual $30 per hectare charge on forestry projects that use exotic trees in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). This will be another nail in the coffin of sustainable forestry and climate action ...17 hours ago- Health And Safety Of Workers At Risk With WorkSafe Restructuring Proposal
Workplaces will be less safe following WorkSafe’s decision to significantly restructure the organisation, says the Public Service Association. WorkSafe today unveiled restructuring plans which, if implemented, would significantly impact the organisation’s workforce, ...17 hours ago- I started reading Dan Carter’s self-help book for a joke. I finished it a changed man
The Art of Winning has been on the bestseller list for over a month now. Sam Brooks, who is only vaguely familiar with the concept of Dan Carter, reviews – and is surprised by what he finds. I have never, in my life, seen a minute of Dan Carter playing ...17 hours ago- I started reading Dan Carter’s self-help book for a joke. I finished it a changed man
The Art of Winning has been on the bestseller list for over a month now. Sam Brooks, who is only vaguely familiar with the concept of Dan Carter, reviews – and is surprised by what he finds. I have never, in my life, seen a minute of Dan Carter playing ...17 hours ago- Act revises proposed tax cuts after Prefu
The Act Party has adjusted its alternative budget after last week’s pre-election fiscal update (Prefu). It’s seen the party amend its proposed tax cuts, which would now be phased in over a period between 2023 and 2027. The lowest tax rate would still be adjusted to 17.5%, applying to all ...17 hours ago- Act revises proposed tax cuts after Prefu
The Act Party has adjusted its alternative budget after last week’s pre-election fiscal update (Prefu). It’s seen the party amend its proposed tax cuts, which would now be phased in over a period between 2023 and 2027. The lowest tax rate would still be adjusted to 17.5%, applying to all ...17 hours ago- Stripping Russia’s veto power on the Security Council is all but impossible. Perhaps we should exp...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tamsin Phillipa Paige, Senior Lecturer, Deakin University Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has lambasted the UN Security Council yet again, saying in a speech this week that as long as Russia has veto power on the body, it will remain powerless to do ...17 hours ago- Watch: ACT leader David Seymour reveals alternative budget
ACT has unveiled changes to its alternative budget, including softening its tax cuts, delaying its defence funding boost, and speeding up superannuation age rises. ...17 hours ago- Watch: ACT leader David Seymour reveals alternative budget
ACT has unveiled changes to its alternative budget, including softening its tax cuts, delaying its defence funding boost, and speeding up superannuation age rises. ...17 hours ago- National’s peaked in the polls, claims Hipkins
Chris Hipkins has conjured up a new attack line related to National’s poll performance: they’ve peaked. Speaking to reporters in Napier, the Labour leader was asked to comment on the latest 1News Verian poll released last night. It showed National 10 points ahead of Labour on 37% to 27%. But ...17 hours ago- National’s peaked in the polls, claims Hipkins
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What are "high crimes and misdemeanours"?
Alexander Hamilton, one of the authors of the Constitution, wrote in Federalist 65 * that they are:
This piece goes into more depth on what people understood to be the meaning of "high crimes and misdemeanours" at the time of writing the Constitution.
https://time.com/5745616/high-crimes-and-misdemeanors/
Withholding aid specifically allocated by congress and funded by the taxpayer to try to extort of foreign country into smearing a political rival for pure petty personal political benefit clearly falls under "high crimes and misdemeanours". All the more so since the Constitution very clearly gives "the power of the purse" to Congress and not the president.
*The Federalist Papers are a series of essays written by the Constitution's authors explaining the hows and whys and arguments behind various clauses in the Constitution.
That was utterly predictable and pointless (unless the intent was to have trump re-elected)
On the other hand holding back the results of the Iowa election so that an early leader can claim victory over Sanders will surely work to undermine Sanders just like in 2016. what could possibly go wrong?
I reckon that after all that process, the odds have increased that dolt45 will see the inside of a jail cell. Eventually. Not certain, but there's a batter chance now than before Mueller.
was that a "quote" from mueller? or your own opinion
"I reckon". Sort of gives the answer, no?
I base it on all the additional stuff that came out, all the convictions of his henchmen from that stuff, and the likelihood that state prosecutors will be just as interested in his goings-on as the repugs aren't.
oh yes it does. I was confused by mueller being on newline.
there must be quite a few senators and congresspersons who might feel jailing Trump for his illegal predatory behavior could set an uneasy precedent. not to mention the bankers and "investment" wallahs who so far have had a free ride . I really dont think holding trump accountable is any part of why all this is happening. Its just an attempt to overturn the 2016 vote.
Replacing an orange demagogue with the american taliban would be a pyrrhic victory.
I think any elected official who genuinely believes in democracy and the US ideals (Constitution, etc) would be genuinely aghast at his behaviour, this case in particular.
A bit like the response to Nixon's behaviour.
US politics has always been dirty to greater or lesser degrees, and politics relating to geostrategy is dirty as hell, but this is outright abuse of national power for personal gain. There is no "greater good" rationalisation, there is no way it can be interpreted of furthering the nation's international position. It's a two-bit Brando impersonator squeezing the job for all it's worth in his personal gain.
Sure, there's a revolving door of representatives and lobbyists/corporate directors, but this is daylight extortion.
perhaps you could read this for some perspective on Ukraine and then we discuss further?
https://off-guardian.org/2017/03/24/what-americas-coup-in-ukraine-did/
Perhaps you could consider the idea that the geopolitics relating to the Ukraine, regardless of who did what or the ethics thereof, involved US national interest, whereas dolt45's intervention involved his personal interest?
The ethics of any US intervention in the Ukraine is a different issue to whether dolt45 compromised his public office for private gain.
Render unto US Federal and State judiciaries what belongs to their jurisdiction, render unto the Hague what belongs to the Hague.
Perhaps the US intervention in Ukraine was not in the national interest at all but rather to enable a corrupt personal grab for control of resources by Hunter Biden among others
https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/436816-joe-bidens-2020-ukrainian-nightmare-a-closed-probe-is-revived
……"In his own words, with video cameras rolling, Biden described how he threatened Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in March 2016 that the Obama administration would pull $1 billion in U.S. loan guarantees, sending the former Soviet republic toward insolvency, if it didn’t immediately fire Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin."
There were national interest justifications presented for it: stabilise the Ukraine against Russia but reducing corruption, and the prosecutor was not doing that to US satisfaction.
Whether or not that holds water, or there was some personal benefit in it for Biden (and I'm not saying there was), there was a plausible national interest in that action.
Where is that plausible national interest justification for the dolt45 quid pro quo?
You’ve presented an argument for a personal interest by Biden. But there was also a national interest. There is an obvious personal interest for dolt45, but where is the national interest?
The writer of your link, was it this John Solomon? Discredited notorious liar that's been spreading smears on Drumpf's behalf for at least the last four years?
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/11/19/20971075/rudy-giuliani-john-solomon-ukraine-impeachment-trump
I’ve lost count of how many times it's been said and linked to here, but Biden's work to get Shokin fired was the result of public bipartisan and international agreement to do so because Shokin was not pursuing corruption cases.
Whereas the Combover Con tried to keep his extortion of Ukraine secret. Because there was zero national interest justification for his actions, and bipartisan agreement that there were no legitimate grounds to withhold the aid. Which is why the aid was released as soon as the hold on it became public information.
What a silly one you are with words Xanthe. About seventy of them when all you wanted to do was repeat the Trump talking point: "subverting freedom, right, justice, democracy, 2016, and (poor little) me".
Interpretation of the law is inherently subjective. Opinions differ. So in a political process that presumes ethical decision-making we will always get a mix of motivations coming into play to produce decisions. Principled conservatives sometimes see their common interests prevailing over their principles! Trump survives because impeachment was initiated on a flawed basis.
Doesn't matter that there was a moral basis for it. The flaw was in assuming senators would do the right thing. To err is human. The saying is traditional. We've always known that. When people profit by erring, the error becomes likely. When ethical errors produce sensible politics, guess what a politician will do…
law v lore
This was never about Trump, it was about taking back control of the Senate. The targets are the GOP Senators up for re-election later this year.
"The targets are the GOP Senators up for re-election later this year."
thats quite possibly true
Matt Gaetz took part in the charade and is concerned about the 'dignity' of the House?
That's all so crapping all over the floor and complaining about the smell and look of the place. His blindness prevents him not just from seeing how blind he is but even sensing the possibility that he might have a problem.
People like Gaetz being there instantly ensures dignity an impossibility.
At least some of those Republican senators were too frightened to vote against Trump for fear of reprisals against them. That is how Hitler and other deranged bully-boy leaders maintained loyalty to them and their repulsive causes.
Some of them? Almost all of them. They've seen the examples made of Jeff Flake, Bob Corker, Mark Sanford etc and really don't want to be next. What Romney’s getting right now shows it to be a completely reasonable fear.
What Romney’s getting right now shows it to be a completely reasonable fear.
Romney is a Senator for overwhelmingly-Mormon Utah. Trumps approval ratings among Mormon's is very poor and Romney is (a) their poster boy, and (b) not up for re-election until 2024. He's on solid ground to vote against Trump, but I can see why Collins/Murkowski etal couldn't this time.
Romney will also be 77 in November 2024 so he might not be that bothered about going for another term.
True, but Dianne Feinstein is currently 86 and still a sitting senator for California.
… land of fruits and nuts and the undead.
They might well remain the GOP candidate, and get promises of Trump support, but the Democrats are counting on that delivering them the Senate.
Survives?
Thrives more like it.
The Democrats are 5 months from Conference and look less coherent every month. Both in process and in result the Iowa caucus was a mess.
Trump is doing victory speeches to his base.
It got much harder for Trump to be unseated this week.
The bond tying Trump to GOP Senators is tighter. They are less likely to survive if he loses. Which is good news for any Democrat defeating Trump. Any incoming POTUS wants to have the votes on Capitol Hill.
Jim Wright on why the GOP backs tRump.
What do Republicans lose if they own impeachment and remove Trump from office?
They lose Trump.
Trump. They lose Trump. They lose an amoral bombastic fool, a patsy, that can be easily manipulated into implementing the very worst of their agenda without getting their own hands dirty.
They know this guy is a fool.
Those with their hands on the real levers of power? In this country and beyond? You know they look down on Trump with nothing but utter contempt, you can see it in every sneer, every smirk, every roll of the eyes.
But that’s the key to it.
Because Trump is so desperate to prove himself their equal, so desperate for their attention and acceptance, that he’ll do anything to get it. Trump is so pitiful, so utterly in need of praise, that he can be openly manipulated by news broadcasters and baited by a tweet.
Hillary Clinton, love her or hate her, had that part right: A man you can bait with a tweet isn’t someone we can trust with nuclear weapons.
And that’s the thing, right there.
That’s what Republican have to lose.
Trump is the guy who makes it okay to say those things out loud. They remember when they could call a black man a nigger to his face. They remember when they could tell a gay joke and laugh at the fags in the middle of a board meeting without worrying about a visit from Human Resources. They remember when, as a teacher, hating some towelheads in front of their sixth grade classroom was considered “patriotic.” That’s what they love about Trump, he says the words out loud. They remember. And they miss those days. And when Trump says “Make America Great Again,” well, that’s what they’re expecting. Those days, when they didn’t have to be embarrassed or ashamed of their hate – not that many of them were, mind you, but now with Trump, they don’t have to hide it any more.
Trump is the guy who told them they don’t have to be ashamed of being a horrible person. If they lose Trump, then they lose an excuse for their hate, their selfishness, their racism, their misogyny, their homophobia, their horrible religion, their wars, their greed, their fear, all of it. Trump is the guy who makes it okay to stand shoulder to shoulder with Nazis, with Confederates, with the Klan, with the Proud Boys, and still pretend that you’re standing up for “The American Way of Life.”
If they lose Trump, they lose a chump to blame for it all when the bill comes due.
That’s what they lose.
https://www.stonekettle.com/2020/01/stalking-horse.html
In that sense Trump is a lot like Roger Douglas – he ended up little more than a right wing applause junky, and pretending like them that market centred policy was good for the people.
The parallels with the 1930’s are also close, when the German establishment threatened by the rise of the political left in the Weimar Republic resorted to the National Socialist Party as a means to an end (corporatist control of the economy and return to junker land in Poland).
…erm, in the US political parties hold a convention to nominate a candidate for president, not a conference.
What's the jab about "less coherent" supposed to be about anyway? Examples please of this incoherence.
An excellent Op Ed here byAndy Gawthorpe an historian of the United States at Leiden University:
This piece I quote for truth:
Meanwhile:
Attorney General William Barr issued new restrictions on investigations into politically sensitive individuals or entities, including a requirement that he approve any inquiry into a presidential candidate or campaign. The memo said the Justice Department had a duty to ensure that elections are “free from improper activity or influences” and that investigations, including preliminary ones, into a presidential or vice presidential candidate, their campaigns or staff cannot be opened without the written approval of the attorney general. The new rules were issued on the same day that Trump was acquitted on charges that he had abused his office to push a foreign power to publicly announce investigations into his political rivals
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/05/us/politics/barr-2020-investigations.html
You could drop Barr in a vat of hospital-grade disinfectant and he'd still come out stinking of faeces.
Oh well, no one could have foreseen this. No one. Not ever. Goodwin. Bullshit. yada yada.
Honestly, did anyone who knew D. Trump, who knows the Republican Party and its sitting senators and congress critters expect anything else?
As for November, the republican Party will simply posit that it is in the interest of the Nation that they hold Congress, Senate and Presidency and your vote is well not important, dear Voter.
But yeah, her emails.