Ring in the new year with two months of accumulated news concerning preselections for the next federal election – not counting matters arising from Section 44, which will be dealt with in a separate post during the January lull in opinion poll news.
• After falling short in the Bennelong by-election, Kristina Keneally’s most immediate pathway to federal parliament is the Senate vacancy created by the resignation of Sam Dastyari. However, The Australian reports the position is being eyed by Tony Sheldon, national secretary of the Transport Workers Union, and Tara Moriarty, state secretary of United Voice – either in opposition to Keneally or in her absence, since it is not clear she would not prefer to await a lower house berth. The Canberra Times reports the looming creation of a third electorate for the Australian Capital Territory could present such an opportunity. Other possibilities mentioned for the new seat are Thomas McMahon, economic adviser to Bill Shorten; Taimus Werner-Gibbings, chief-of-staff to Tasmanian Senator Lisa Singh; Jacob Ingram, 23-year-old staffer to Chief Minister Andrew Barr; Jacob White, staffer to Fenner MP and Shadow Assistant Trade Minister Andrew Leigh; and Kim Fischer, former territory ministerial staffer and current communications consultant.
• Another soon-to-be-created seat has been central to factional convulsions in the Victorian ALP in recent months. As in the ACT, population growth has entitled Victoria to an extra seat, which is expected to be established in Melbourne’s booming and strongly Labor-voting north-east. The Construction Mining Forestry and Energy Union wants it to go to Jane Garrett, who recently failed in a bid to move from her state seat of Brunswick to the Legislative Council after losing a Left faction ballot. Garrett feared Brunswick would be lost to the Greens, in part because of the efforts of the United Firefighters Union, whose dispute with Garrett over a pay deal caused her resignation as Emergency Services Minister in 2016. In tandem with other “industrial Left” unions, the CFMEU has walked out of the Left, which is dominated by Senator Kim Carr, and sought an alliance with the Right, which looks likely to proceed with the blessing of Bill Shorten. This will mean an end to the long-standing “stability pact” between the Carr forces and the Right, which has protected members including Jenny Macklin in Jagajaga and Andrew Giles in Scullin. However, Shorten insists he will ensure no sitting members are threatened.
• With George Brandis resigning from his Queensland Senate seat to take up the popular posting of high commissioner in London, The Australian reports a big field of potential successors includes three names from state politics: Scott Emerson, the former Shadow Treasurer who lost his seat of Maiwar to the Greens; John-Paul Langbroek, a former Opposition Leader who remains the state member for Surfers Paradise, but was unsuccessful in the post-election leadership vote; and Lawrence Springborg, repeatedly unsuccessful state Opposition Leader who did not contest the election in November (who would presumably faces a difficulty in being from the Nationals). Also in the mix are Joanna Lindgren, who had an earlier stint in the Senate when she filled Brett Mason’s vacancy in May 2015, but was unsuccessful as the sixth candidate on the Liberal National Party ticket in 2016; Teresa Harding, director of the Queensland government’s open data policy and twice unsuccessful candidate for Blair; and Amanda Stoker, a barrister.
• Surf Coast councillor Libby Coker has again been preselected as Labor’s candidate for the Victorian seat of Corangamite, after winning a local party vote over Geelong businesswoman Diana Taylor by 116 votes to 39. Coker ran unsuccessfully in 2016 against Sarah Henderson, who gained the seat for the Liberals in 2013.
• Mehreen Faruqi, a state upper house member, was preselected to lead the Greens’ New South Wales ticket in late November, winning an online vote of party members by a margin variously identified as 1301 to 843, and 1032 to 742. The preselection took place against a backdrop of conflict between the more moderate environmentalist tendency associated with the parliamentary leadership and Rhiannon’s hard left base in New South Wales. Anne Davies of The Guardian observes that Rhiannon will face “intense pressure to step down early”, so Faruqi can fill her vacancy and raise her profile ahead of the election.
Labor has completed preselections for the brace of Liberal-held seats where it is now reckoned to be competitive in Western Australia, after the resurgence in its fortunes in the state – all of which have gone to women:
• Hannah Beazley, policy adviser to Mark McGowan and daughter of Kim Beazley, will run against Steve Irons in Swan, which her father held from 1980 to 1996 before seeking a safer refuge in Brand. Hannah Beazley ran unsuccessfully for the state seat of Riverton in 2013.
• Lauren Palmer of the Maritime Union of Australia has been selected to run against Ken Wyatt in Hasluck, winning out over the Left-backed Bill Leadbetter, a history lecturer who ran in the seat in 2016, and very briefly served in the state upper house earlier this year. This comes after the MUA threw its lot in with the now dominant Right (“Progressive Labor”) faction in pursuit of its oft-thwarted ambitions to establish a parliamentary power base, together with the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union.
• Decorated police superintendent and Left faction member Kim Travers has been chosen to run against newly anointed Attorney-General Christian Porter in Pearce. Sarah Martin of The West Australian reported Labor’s administrative committee knocked back a nomination from Ann O’Neill, a campaigner against domestic violence whose estranged husband shot her and murdered her two children in 1994, who had not been a party member for the required period and was not granted a waiver.
• A little further up the pendulum, Melita Markey, chief executive of the Asbestos Diseases Society, will run against Michael Keenan in Stirling, and Melissa Teede, former head of the Peel Development Commission, will run against Andrew Hastie in Canning.
DB Cooper
So how goes Obama’s Libya, Yemen , Syria and assorted African ventures ? So much better than Dubya Shrub’s Afghanistan and Iraq efforts eh ?
Poroti,
Your sarcasm and name-calling means more than real data ever could.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/07/world/europe/trump-tweets-american-credibility.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0
Yep. Any moron who claims Trump’s administration is analogous to that of Obama’s has rocks in their heads. Or is a Russian Troll Farm resident. Sad!
“We’ve become so used to the whistle that we’re failing to notice that it’s gone. Now, with our “African gang” moment, we’ve caught up with the United States.”
————
What a hoot.
I always wonder at the total lack of self awareness of “liberals”, despite their endless yoga de-caf self-awareness wanker-i am superior and my shit does not stink – and isn’t islam so cute ism..
I think, we should have “caught up with the United States” Day.
This could replace Anzac Day, Australia Day and of course the Queens Birthday.
To make up for any possible inconvenience, “liberals” could get paid three times on “Caught Up With the United States Day”.
Liberals and liberals will all wear Orange Wigs and stripes and stars on that day.
I can hardly wait.
*Bookmark*
Trump implies he was born in a stable. I can assure you that’s not the case.
Notice our Federal front bench think he is so great they imitate him.
Straight out lies. Distortion of facts. Suppression of contradictory advice. Scream fake news. Maintain a sense of your entitlement. Belittle and intimidate anyone who disagrees with you. Shoot yourself in the hoof as often as possible etc etc
The punters are sitting back with baseball bats just waiting for the chance.
We’re now in global cooling according to the OzStralian.
The loons have been let loose.
@daretoread
I am enjoying your stuff keep it coming.At the end of the day America is a democracy and the American people are conflicted about their empire.
They don’t think it’s worth the blood and treasure and would kind of like to dissolve it but retreat from empire is somewhat humiliating and they don’t want their country humiliated so it staggers on for no rational reason other than pride and the fact the military intelligence industrial complex milks a lot money from US tax payers to keep it going..
That is why ever since the Berlin wall fell we have seen the revolving door of Presidential candidates promising to scale it back and then it;s bombs away once they get into office.
As for catching up with the USA Australia is well ahead of the game in that department.Australia would not have tolerated for five minutes the kind of porous boarders and vast levels of illegal immigration the USA has had over the last fifty years.
Trump was willing to honour the refugee deal, think about that. Australia is asking the USA to take people it is not itself willing to take.Have a look in your own backyard before you worry about America.
DB Cooper says @ Monday, January 8, 2018 at 10:35 pm
Given what everyone is saying about the intellectual and cognitive prowess of Trump, I don’t think he’s so much stacking the courts with conservatives as rubber stamping the stacking of the courts. I doubt he has the ability to make these decisions himself.
bc
I think I have read somewhere that it is Pence doing the court stuff. It is probably the most significant long term negative effect of the Trump Presidency.
However if trump is as much of a moron as is suggested, what does that say about the US system of government and who is really in charge?
imacca says @ Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 1:09 am
That’s entirely consistent with the Bolt definition of global cooling (any year that does not set a new heat record is an example of global cooling according to Bolt).
So, 2016 was the hottest year on record, 2017 was only the second hottest, ergo the Earth is cooling according to these people.
It reminds me of this:
the craig scandal – as he said rocky is an overcharged sexually explicit early 70’s romp – what kind of banter, bumping and exposure went on as part of sheer theatrically on show – off and on stage, as part of show and part of backstage? so he was seen naked? someone felt his penis? he joked about vaginas? what other jokes went on, from females and male cast? suddenly everyone is on high and mighty ladder – now it might be he did wrong things indeed (touching vaginas …) but let’s know more about context and culture of this show … what next, i was kissed without permission, he stroked my face? theatre people are notoriously physical and open in contact, dancers more so.
finally, where is the presumption of innocence??? the news has already made up its mind, on behalf of public. yes he could well be a nuisance big time, but but but ….
The constitution is sovereign in the USA and the supreme court interprets it so they are in charge at least when it comes to domestic policy.
Almost every contentious issue in the USA ends up being decided by the supreme court. FDR was the first to start stacking it and it has been main role of the President ever since if the opportunity arises get a like minded judge on the court.
Charles Kind Of Politics. @ #2807 Monday, January 8th, 2018 – 9:33 pm
Australia has no land borders.
Australia having no land borders is one of the reasons the concept of “racial hygiene” has always been so strong here. and why a few boatloads of illegals is enough to get Australia freaking out
Howard spent three terms terms in office playing to it, Abbott dragged the Liberals out of the wilderness off the back of a few boats.
Lets face the facts, up until the mid sixties the ALP was a white Australia Nationalist Socialist Party, and they were the “left”If you live in a glass house don’t chuck stones.
Trump Tower rooftop fire ‘under control,’ authorities say
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/01/08/authorities-responding-to-fire-on-trump-tower-roof/
Any sign of someone throwing documents on the fire?
Maybe some of the family are burning an effigy of Steve Bannon?
C@tmomma (Block)
Monday, January 8th, 2018 – 9:48 pm
Comment #2781
Labor should just start laughing out loud at Turnbull & Co.’s political stunts. When the Coalition feigns indignation, laugh at them again!
Agree; I do like the Kiwi’s should get more recognition for their efforts (second highest set of stats; forth highest immigration group; they are pulling their weight above their size) and it is unjust the Sudanese are getting so much recognition when there crime performance is so poor.
Luke foley must be smiling
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/09/gladys-berejiklians-coalition-trails-labor-in-guardian-essential-polls
Bushfire, I am sorry to hear you hosted an ice addict.
When you live in or near the bush without a dog or cat in the vicinity you might get macropod and other marsupial visitors.
‘Did he leave his pants there?’ Internet has a field day with news of Trump Tower fire
A fire broke out at President Donald Trump’s iconic Trump Tower on Monday morning — and Twitter wasted no time cracking jokes about it.
Twitter users quickly jumped on news of the fire to speculate that Trump might be burning evidence on past crimes, although neither the president nor any members of his family were in Trump Tower at the time of the blaze.
Christopher Gordon @TwinCitiesChris
Obviously the shredder overheated.
305 Pirate @305Pirate
Does this mean Moscow picked a new American president? #trumptower
Anton Nel @DiasporaCap
Lordy, there goes all those Russian servers!
https://www.rawstory.com/2018/01/did-he-leave-his-pants-there-internet-has-a-field-day-with-news-of-trump-tower-fire/
“Fire and Fury” Author Pushes Back Against Bannon’s Claim That His “Treasonous” Comment Was About Paul Manafort
Michael Wolff, author of the book Fire and Fury covering the behind-the-scenes drama within the White House during the first year of the Trump administration, doubled down on his claim that Steve Bannon described Donald Trump Jr.’s meeting with a Russian lawyer as “treasonous” and “unpatriotic.”
http://www.politicususa.com/2018/01/08/fire-fury-author-pushes-bannons-claim-treasonous-comment-paul-manafort.html
Trump’s Attack On Michael Wolff’s Book Crashes And Burns Thanks To His Own Former Strategist
While trying to discredit Michael Wolff’s book Fire and Fury Sebastian Gorka accidentally blew up Trump’s claim that Wolff never had White House access.
In an op-ed for The Hill, Gorka wrote:
So, when I met Michael Wolff in Reince Priebus’ office, where he was waiting to talk to Steve Bannon, and after I had been told to also speak to him for his book, my attitude was polite but firm: “Thanks but no thanks.”
http://www.politicususa.com/2018/01/08/trumps-attack-michael-wolffs-book-crashes-burns-strategist.html
Donald Trump lawyers hoping to avoid Mueller interview with signed document claiming innocence: report
The president’s outside legal team are discussing a range of potential options and compromises in hopes of avoiding a face-to-face interview, reported NBC News.
Three sources told the network that Trump’s lawyers are seeking clarification on legal standards covering when and where the president can be interviewed, and for how long.
https://www.rawstory.com/2018/01/donald-trump-lawyers-hoping-to-avoid-mueller-interview-with-signed-document-claiming-innocence-report/
Robert Reich: Seriously, how dumb is Donald Trump?
For more than a year now, I’ve been hearing from people in the inner circles of official Washington – GOP lobbyists, Republican pundits, even a few Republican members of Congress – that Donald Trump is remarkably stupid.
https://www.rawstory.com/2018/01/robert-reich-seriously-how-dumb-is-donald-trump/
Happy Birthday, Stephen Hawking. 76 years old.
https://twitter.com/LiveScience/status/950351696659558401
Good morning Dawn Patrollers.
Peter Martin explains why Treasury thought Turnbull was wrong on negative gearing.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2016-opinion/why-treasury-thought-turnbull-was-wrong-on-negative-gearing-20180108-h0f481.html
More than two-thirds of cabinet ministers in the Turnbull government own investment properties, the register of members’ interests reveals. Hmm.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/money/property/2018/01/08/ministers-negative-gearing/
John Birmingham writes on the race baiting going on and makes the point that it is a stain upon us all.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/there-are-votes-in-race-baiting-and-that-s-a-stain-on-us-all-20180108-p4yybs.html
This article form a Climate Council member should be put into pop-up story book form and given to Trump.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/penrith-swelters-while-florida-freezes-climate-disruption-is-to-blame-20180107-h0ewb2.html
Preliminary discussions are under way for Special Counsel Robert Mueller to potentially interview US President Donald Trump.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/robert-mueller-s-team-lawyers-discuss-possible-trump-interview-nbc-20180108-p4yybv.html
Jenna Price urges Americans to tell Trump to grow up or get out.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/americans-be-good-parents-and-tell-trump-to-grow-up-20180108-h0ez4l.html
What a pathetic line of argument from the Minerals Council! If a butcher could claim the cost of his purchased carcasses was a tax then he would pay no company tax.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/mining-and-resources/miners-pay-their-fair-share-of-tax-if-you-count-royalties-report-20180108-h0f0qh.html
The AMA is planning a war on sugar.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/advertising-banned-drinks-taxed-vending-machines-removed-doctors-plan-for-war-on-sugar-20180105-h0duw0.html
This SMH editorial goes right off on the PPP rorts being perpetrated upon us.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/smh-editorial/fast-track-to-a-rort-20180108-h0ewuc.html
Anna Patty writes about the “clueless class system.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace-relations/class-cluelessness-in-australia-20171215-p4yxrq.html
Here’s Tony Wright’s tribute to Ron Tandberg.
http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/ron-tandberg-dies-a-legend-has-drawn-his-last-cartoon-20180108-h0f6kd.html
This lady served in the jury on a long trial about child sexual abuse and relates her fraught experience and concerns. Well worth reading.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/can-juries-deliver-justice-to-sexual-assault-victims-20171220-h0870m.html
Richard Dennis says that an energy policy based on feelings is no use to consumers. Google.
/opinion/columnists/energy-policy-based-on-feelings-doesnt-help-consumers-20180108-h0ez6p
Auto dealers lead the pack with respect to a surge in consumer complaints handled by the ACCC.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/car-dealers-drive-up-consumer-complaints-over-faulty-goods-20180108-p4yyba.html
The ACCC is seeking millions in fines and up to 10 years jail for executives of a series of high-profile companies in first criminal cartel cases. Google.
/business/legal/accc-seeks-jail-time-big-fines-in-cartel-cases-20171219-h07gp4
To see the political narrative at play in Victoria’s alleged African gang crisis, criminologist Mark Wood says, look no further than the surf coast town of Torquay.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/09/victorias-gang-crisis-and-how-the-election-fuels-a-double-standard-on
The Washington Post is concerned that the US is heading for a recession.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/world-business/the-trump-recession-is-coming-20180108-h0f1vm.html
Oh oh! Now we have a second councillor telling the investigator about new allegation against Robert Doyle.
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/second-councillor-tells-investigator-about-new-allegation-against-robert-doyle-20180108-h0f6uk.html
The foreign affairs department spent close to $100,000 of taxpayers’ money on an Australian tour for European journalists which included business class flights.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/public-service/department-of-foreign-affairs-spends-100000-on-junket-for-european-journalists-20180108-h0f3tr.html
The number of Australians dipping into superannuation early to pay for medical bills is rapidly increasing. Google.
/national-affairs/health/superannuation-raids-to-pay-for-health-bills/news-story/fd3ecf93aabc8693ecaece5ac8c90bb8
Prominent Liberal ministers have launched a stinging attack on one of their own – the head of the NSW Young Liberals, Harry Stutchbury – over his stance on housing affordability. They branded him a “private school boy”.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-private-school-boy-liberal-ministers-attack-nsw-young-liberals-president-over-housing-affordability-20180108-h0ewvq
The New South Wales Labor opposition narrowly leads the Berejiklian government 51% to 49%, according to a three-month average of Guardian Essential polls.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/09/gladys-berejiklians-coalition-trails-labor-in-guardian-essential-polls
Only in America. Now Oprah Winfrey is “actively considering” a run at the US presidency.
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/oprah-for-president-winfrey-fans-urge-white-house-run-after-metoo-speech-20180108-h0fcz4.html
Facing defeat at the next election and with a record of failure, Dutton and the Coalition are conjuring up African gangs in a desperate attempt to enlist fear-based support, writes John Passant.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/dutton-and-the-coalition-ramping-up-fear-and-racism,11085
The Coalition government has escaped paying nearly $350 million in wage rises to public servants at the largest agencies after they rejected workplace deal offers amid bitter rows over conditions, figures from the public service commission show.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/govt-pockets-350m-in-unpaid-wage-increases-for-public-servants-amid-turmoil-20180107-h0evo4.html
Telemarketing complaints continue to soar.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/telstra-makes-silent-lines-free-as-telemarketing-complaints-soar-20180108-p4yybh.html
Stephen Koukoulas writes that Sydney house prices are still heading lower.
https://thekouk.com/item/563-sydney-house-prices-still-heading-lower.html
Robert Winder writes that after Brexit, England will have to rethink its identity.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/08/brexit-england-rethink-identity-nation
The Turnbull Government is negligently concealing its massive climate change policy failure, writes Peter Boyer.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/turnbull-government-conceals-damning-climate-data,11087
Cartoon Corner.
Matt Golding farewells Ron Tandberg.
Cathy Wilcox is right on to Turnbull and Co.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/smh-letters/its-irresponsible-to-play-sport-in-50degree-heat-20180107-h0etrp.html
Glen Le Lievre posted one of Tandberg’s best.
Peter Broelman on the Fifth Test.
From Jenny Brockie. Sad.
https://t.co/hRQOSKIxVc
Tandberg’s epitaph to himself.
Another one of his classics.
Paul Zanetti labels Turnbull.
Matt Golding’s work for the day.
Glen Le Lievre is inspired by Fisher-Price for this contribution.
David Pope thinks it’s time to go back to work.
Andrew Dyson continues with the Trump/Kim pissing contest.
RossMCG…I am (very) long time lurker..and seldom poster…However I feel compelled to comment on your link to the KZ NBN speed comparison story…
The tabloid media has done this in the past as well…that is use Kazakhstan as some sort of metric to compare Australian benchmarks…as if it is some 3rd world backwater…
As someone who visits KZ frequently…I can say it is not…KZ has world class tertiary institutions, (especially medicine, science and engineering) good public infrastructure, albeit poor social security services…
Also they are thoroughly nice bunch of people… Interesting mix of central Asian and Russian cultures…just a bit hard to share their appreciation for the national dish… Kazy (boiled horse meat sausages)
BK
Thank you. The Guardian has much of interest in its quarterly polling report.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/09/gladys-berejiklians-coalition-trails-labor-in-guardian-essential-polls
Australians have traditionally avoided voting for far Red parties. I wonder whether the 50 Shades of Red are in the process of killing off the Greens Party vote?
Hard to know what to say.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/public-service/department-of-foreign-affairs-spends-100000-on-junket-for-european-journalists-20180108-h0f3tr.html
#weatheronPB: I was woken by very loud thunder, intense lightning and heavy rain a little after 4:30 this morning. It’s been rumbling, rolling and raining on and off ever since.
Charles Kind Of Politics. @ #2806 Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 – 1:22 am
Except President Obama had to be dragged kicking and screaming to get involved in Syria, would not allow boots on the ground, and pulled America out of Afghanistan and to a very great extent in Iraq.
Facts are messy things to the Far Left perspective, CKoP.
In that CNN interview cut short as a waste of time, did anyone else think Donald Trump’s senior policy adviser, Stephen Miller, had a completely emotionless face at all times? It was devoid of all expression.
Ability to hide emotions, or Botox?
I think Zanetti’s pretty accurately depicted Turnbull’s predicament, apart from getting the position wrong. Malcolm’s caught on the barbed wire fence not in the centre but between what might be called the Moderate Right and the Hard Right of his party.
Vale Tandberg. I enjoyed his cartoons so much.
http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/an-irreplaceable-distiller-of-ideas-ron-tandberg-mourned-by-admirers-20180108-h0fb0e.html
don @ #2795 Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 – 7:26 am
The former, Don. He’s only young but very, very ambitious. Out of California, of all places. A very liberal part of it also, where he used to get mocked for his staunchly conservative views and op eds in the student newspaper.
John Birmingham writes on the race baiting going on and makes the point that it is a stain upon us all.
And somehow I imagine that if Turnbull had a grandchild who was half South Sudanese then everything would be hunky dory, you know?
Another very hot day coming up (34 C, it’s all relative) in normally chilly Armidale, and my A/C is on the blink. It didn’t get below 25 C overnight.
Think I’ll go shopping today, and spend the entire day reading and drinking black coffee in Centro, in the cool.
#weatheronPB
Cat
I actually agree with you that Obama was a restraining influence and had to be dragged kicking and screaming into wars. However he was still pulled there. Those pulling are just so very powerful.
I actually think Kerry was not too bad either – at least not all out for war now. Possibly a bit on the dim side.
C@tmomma says:
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 7:32 am
don @ #2795 Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 – 7:26 am
In that CNN interview cut short as a waste of time, did anyone else think Donald Trump’s senior policy adviser, Stephen Miller, had a completely emotionless face at all times? It was devoid of all expression.
Ability to hide emotions, or Botox?
The former, Don. He’s only young but very, very ambitious. Out of California, of all places. A very liberal part of it also, where he used to get mocked for his staunchly conservative views and op eds in the student newspaper.
I found it very creepy. You can imagine him doing unspeakable things without qualms.
Another member of the old white shoe brigade?
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/investments/ipswich-developer-used-black-market-to-move-millions-in-vietnamese-cash-20180108-p4yybo.html
Morning bludgers
I don’t expect Turnbull will be doing a presser on the latest police drama here in Melbourne. The offender happens to be white after all.
MORE
A 26-year-old woman allegedly stole a car and fled police in Melbourne’s south-east on Monday morning, triggering a 40-minute pursuit that ended when several police cars boxed the stolen car in on the Monash Freeway.
Here is link
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/26yearold-alleged-car-thief-arrested-after-police-pursuit-ends-on-the-monash-freeway-at-endeavour-hills-20180107-h0ew0b.html
vic
No biggie, white people have mental health problems, doncha know.
Insurers are extra cautious now. 😆
One thing that seems very odd about the Mueller investigation is that it so far seems to relate only to Russia ie money/meetings for influence. However if it is treason to trade money etc for influence or policy with Russia then obviously it will set a precedent for it it to be treasonous to do exactly the same for other countries.
Jared therefore may go down not because he or daddy in law had dealings with Russia but because of dealings with Israel.
http://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/07/business/jared-kushner-israel.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
That would be irony triple plus and it is one reason why I think insiders in DC will be looking to close Mueller down. Once a precedent is set then an awful lot of little exchanges with foreigners could get caught in the mesh.
To what extent for example will it be found that money form Ukraine influenced policy decisions by US people in Congress or government (Biden, Trump, Flynn and probably many others)
To what extent for example will it be found that money from Saudi influenced policy decisions by US people in Congress or government (Bushes, Clintons and probably many others)
To what extent for example will it be found that money form Israel influenced policy decisions by US people in Congress or government (Kushner and probably many others)
If people look long and hard enough no doubt there will be many others – even Australian interests may have done a bit of lobbying with cash over Free Trade issues.
It is a giant can of worms. Maybe it would be a good thing to open it up, but the final outcome may surprise and will almost certainly be unpredictable.
Charles Kind
“A dog is allowed one bite”.
Something becomes harassment when you have made it clear you want the behaviour to stop and it continues.
So yes, one unwanted kiss shouldn’t be a problem. From what I’ve read, however, the women concerned did voice their concerns and the behaviour continued.
If you keep doing something – whether it’s clicking your fingers, whistling, or whatever – when you’ve been told it’s annoying to someone else, than at the very, very least, you’re being rude.
The problem for the victim is that, once you’ve made a complaint and it’s been ignored, your options are limited.