| IndyWatch National News AU Feed Archiver | |
 |
Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day |
|
IndyWatch National News AU Feed was generated at Australian News IndyWatch. |
|
Tuesday, 20 June
17:37
Albanese auctions off game of tennis or snooker with him at The Lodge. Our Lodge. Michael Smith News
The taxpayer funded lodge. How far up himself is this bloke?
17:12
FixedIt: Rape is about people Jane Gilmore
All headlines that erase victims and perpetrators are dehumanising, misleading, and lazy. This one is even worse because the article reports something everyone should read.
A man raped a woman. This is abhorrent, but not uncommon. The woman was able to report the rape to police. The police believed her, investigated and charged the rapist. The DPP took the case to trial and the man was convicted of rape. This series of events is remarkable.
The defence lawyer claimed the rapist was a vulnerable man who had experienced a great deal of psychological distress. This is entirely unremarkable.
Judge Gaynors response: It is not for men, such as your client, to take out their own emotional anguish and difficulties by the sexual assault of a young woman.
Some men see women as an object to assist them, or something to help themselves to in a time of personal difficulty.
(There is) this notion of a man in turmoil something clicks over in his head and the way to relieve that is by sexually assaulting a woman. Men cannot and must not, and if they do there will be very strong consequences.
In addition to the rape, the woman also told the court about the online comments shes seen making jokes and memes about the rape, and blaming her for the rapists choice to rape her.
Judge Gaynor, who clearly doesnt spend much time online, said this was extraordinary I cannot believe people can be so hideously cruel.
Judge Gaynors comments might be more incisive than most, but they are far more typical of the things said court than you might believe if you only ever read news reports.
Public institutions, such as courts, media, parliament, and police are structured to protect men from consequences of committing sexual violence and punish women for being victims of sexually violent men. Sometimes, when I see or hear a judge say the things Judge Gaynor said, I start to believe we can change those structures. Then I remember that you could fill the MCG twice over with all the women who have been sexually assaulted in a single year in Australia and the men convicted would fit in the members bars with room to spare.
and I think of the endless media articles implicitly or explicitly blaming victims and defending perpetrators, and the parliaments that make laws to enforce this behaviour. One exceptional judge and one remarkable outcome is not change.
Not yet.
16:51
The Benefits of Aluminium Plantation Shutters: A Stylish and Durable Choice The Situation
When it comes to window treatments, plantation shutters have long been favoured for their timeless elegance and versatility. Among the various materials available, aluminium plantation shutters stand out as an exceptional choice, offering a range of benefits that set them apart from other options.
In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of aluminium plantation shutters and shed light on the differences between aluminium and PVC or wood shutters.
- Affordability
Aluminium plantation shutters offer excellent value for your investment. While they may have a slightly higher upfront cost compared to some other materials, their long-term benefits and durability make them a cost-effective choice. With their resistance to wear and tear, you wont need to replace them as frequently as other window treatments, saving you money in the long run. - Ease of Installation
One of the advantages of aluminium plantation shutters is their ease of installation. They are typically designed to fit a variety of window sizes and can be custom-made to your specifications. Many manufacturers provide detailed installation instructions, and if you prefer professional assistance, there are experienced installers available. With their lightweight construction, aluminium shutters are relatively easy to handle and install, making the process smooth and hassle-free. - Insulation Performance
Up to 40% of your homes heating energy is lost through the windows, while, in summer, up to 87% of heat is gained through the windows. Aluminium plantation shutters offer excellent insulation properties, helping to regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption.The air pockets created by the louvred design of the shutters act as a buffer between the window and the interior space, providing an additional layer of insulation. This insulation helps to block out heat during the hot summer months and retain warmth in colder seasons, allowing for better control over your indoor climate. As a result, you can save money on heating and cooling costs. This makes aluminium the perfect material for living room or bedroom plantation shutters. - Durability
Aluminium plantation shutters are highly durable and built to withstand various environmental conditions. Unlike other materials prone to warping, cracking, or fading, aluminium shutters are resistant to moisture, corrosion, and UV rays. This durability ensures that your shutters will maintain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for years to come. With only minimal maintenance requirements, aluminium shutters offer a long-lasting solution that can handle the demands of daily u...
16:25
16:07
Combat roles? Equality? Watch this female v. male marine match-up. Michael Smith News
Equality doesnt pan out in real life like it does in the movies. pic.twitter.com/oCMwKLmjx3 Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) June 19, 2023
13:40
Great research from Seeker of Truth on The Voice architect Thomas Mayo & his communist roots. Michael Smith News
How do you say thank you to Seeker of Truth? Magnificent work, as always. Here's the Truth Seeker! Thomas Mayo (aka Thomas Mayor) was a protege of Brian Manning, a MUA activist working on the Darwin wharves when young Thomas put his hand up to be an Organiser for the...
12:32
12:02
Populist Quiz: Is Green The New Brown? New Matilda
Properly tackling climate change requires open discussions and hard questions, in particular of people who might have already made up their minds about the best way forward. Geoff Russell explains.
I attended a Greens Party fundraiser recently in Adelaide. I didnt do a head-count of Animal Justice Party (AJP) members in attendance, but I know I wasnt alone. Many AJP members have a complex relationship with the Greens. Tammy Franks, Greens Member of the South Australian Legislative Council, has been a terrific advocate on animal issues in State Parliament and Ive worked with her on many occasions, either campaigning on shared concerns or arranging preferences during elections, and the like.
The night was full of all the things I love about the Greens, quiz questions about critters, pictures of just the eye of an animal asking you to name the species, or, even harder, having to tag a sound with its species name. Can anybody think of another quiz night where tables would nominate a representative to get up on stage and perform their favourite animal sound?
Environmental politics is full of warm touchy feely issues about cute or rare animals; as well as the not so cute. Interest in wildlife is deep and emotional for many of us, even if we are ignorant of the facts and analysis that a professional ecologist would bring to the table.
But however strong an emotional connection to land or its wild plants or animals might be, it doesnt guarantee sensible policy; not on its own. So Id have had a smattering of challenging educational questions. The kind of questions that expand your horizons, shrink your comfort zone and allow you to make truly rational policy decisions.
For example, how many tonnes of mined quartz do Uyghurs have to crush with big hammers to make a thousand megawatts of solar panels? Where does most of the worlds polysilicon in solar photovoltaic (PV) panels come from? You might like to read this for clues.
In the fie...
12:02
This Machine Kills tackles The Palestine Laboratory Antony Loewenstein
This Machine Kills is a fascinating podcast that tackles techno-dystopia and political economy. I was interviewed on its latest episode about my new book, The Palestine Laboratory:
The post This Machine Kills tackles The Palestine Laboratory appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.
11:54
Professional, hard-hitting & unforgettable video on The Architect Behind The Voice Michael Smith News
Great work from the team at Advance Australia. Magnificent work. https://www.advanceaustralia.org.au Send this to your friends. NB - the Maritime Union of Australia shirt is a bit of a giveaway!
11:12
When TikTok welcomes The Palestine Laboratory Antony Loewenstein
TikTok is one of the biggest apps in the world so its pleasing to see this pro-Palestine account, with a large following, talking positively about my new book, The Palestine Laboratory:
@anat_international Thank you @VersoBooks ???????? #palestine #books #palestinebooks #booktok #bookmail original sound anat_international
The post When TikTok welcomes The Palestine Laboratory appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.
10:44
Lovely memories of my childhood and Queensland's Gold Coast Michael Smith News
Real old style tin and fibro Australia!
10:31
AFTINET updated briefing paper calls for the urgent review and removal of ISDS in existing trade agreements AFTINET
June 20, 2023 : AFTINET has produced an updated briefing paper on Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) with the latest case studies.
Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) is a mechanism within some trade agreements which enables foreign (but not local) investors to sue governments for millions and even billions of dollars of compensation if they can argue that a change in domestic law or policy has reduced the value of their investment, and/or that they were not consulted fairly about the change, and/or that it did not meet their expectations of the regulatory environment at the time of their investment.
ISDS is a flawed system which gives additional legal rights to international investors which already have enormous market power. ISDS cases have been used to claim compensation for legitimate public interest laws and policies on health, environment, indigenous land rights, minimum wages and government action to reduce carbon emissions. This has a freezing effect on essential regulation and undermines the democratic right of governments to regulate in the public interest. Even if governments win ISDS cases, they cost tens of millions to defend.
ISDS flawed processes include: use of ad hoc tribunals, a lack of transparency; lengthy proceedings; high legal and arbitration costs and inconsistent decisions caused by the lack of precedents and appeals. Arbitrators are not independent judges, but instead remain practising advocates with potential or actual conflicts of interest.
Clive Palmer's claim to be a Singaporean investor in order to use ISDS in the Australia-New Zealand ASEAN FTA to sue the Australian government is just the latest example of international investors manipulation of ISDS in trade and investment agreements. The US Philip Morris tobacco company in 2012 also moved assets to Hong Kong and used ISDS in an Australia-Hong Kong investment agreement to sue Australia over our plain packaging laws. Australias large number of previous agreements with ISDS have also enabled international mining companies to use Australian subsidiaries in forum shopping exercises.
ISDS also enables excessively high awards based on dubious and inconsistent calculations of expected future profits, which can reduce significantly government funds for essential services, as occurred with the US $5.8 billion award against Pakistan. Third-party funding for cases as speculative investments which receive a percentage of the award encourages excessive claims, which are more about making money than obtaining justice.
Governments are responding to global movements against ISDS by...
10:20
Great take on ADF's bodyworn camera idea for battlefield soldiers from Long Tan Platoon Commander Dave Sabben MG Michael Smith News
Fantastic Dave - fair enough - well said mate.
10:12
10:07
09:55
Daniel Ellsberg Left us a message The Pen
Daniel Ellsberg, the defence analyst and whistleblower, made famous for his role in the exposure of President Nixons 1972 Watergate scandal, and who more recently, was a leading supporter of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, passed away from pancreatic cancer last Friday. He was 92. Elsberg was the real-life character behind the film all the Presidents Men. Norman Solomon is the national director of RootsAction.org and executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy wrote the following tribute to the great man (LA Progressive 19 June 2023).
When Daniel Ellsberg died on Friday, the world lost a transcendent whistleblower with a powerful ethos of compassion and resolve.
Ellsbergs renown for openly challenging the mentalities of militarism began on June 23, 1971, when he appeared on CBS Evening News ten days after news broke about the Pentagon Papers that hed provided to journalists. Ellsberg pointedly said that in the 7,000 pages of top-secret documents, I dont think there is a line in them that contains an estimate of the likely impact of our policy on the overall casualties among Vietnamese or the refugees to be caused, the effects of defoliation in an ecological sense. Theres neither an estimate nor a calculation of past effects, ever.
Video from KTLA
And he added: The documents simply reflect the internal concerns of our officials. That says nothing more nor less that that our o gficials never did concern themselves with the effect of our policies on the Vietnamese.
Ellsberg told anchor Walter Cronkite: I think we cannot let the officials of the Executive Branch determine for us what it is that the public needs to know about how well and how they are discharging their functions.
The functions of overseeing the war on Vietnam had become repugnant to Ellsberg a...
08:47
Manufacturers profits before environment Corporate Australia
We (the consumers/shoppers according to their labels) are told/enticed/guilted/taxed into devoting a lot of resources in order to (allegedly) save the planet.
The problem there is that the manufacturers, corporations and governments are realistically in charge of this.
E-waste is a huge problem, both financially for the consumers and a burden on the environment which could have been being solved a few decades ago, but the corporations profits are of utmost priority or importance where governments 'support' this as, it's all about the economy.
For example, proprietary phone chargers could have been dealt with a couple of decades ago, but the manufacturers deliberately have not agreed on a so called standard, where the alleged pressure form governments now is too little too late.
In the case of printers, cartridges are deliberately priced where they can be more expensive than a purchase of a new printer with cartridges, where even manufactures chip the ink cartridge in order to gouge the customer for the consumable, another government 'supported' action against the consumer.
08:39
Privileged Penny and the Privileged Voice People Michael Smith News
The Voice. For a Privileged few.
08:11
In their own words - the simple truth behind Albanese's Vanity Voice Michael Smith News
Thank you Advance Australia for this excellent summary. THE DIVISIVE VOICE, IN THE WORDS OF THOMAS MAYO What is this Voice to Parliament really about? Lets ask Thomas Mayo, the union official and self-described militant who wrote the book on the proposed constitutional change. He sits on Prime Minister Anthony...
Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day
Monday, 19 June
23:03
Guest post: How Chinas rural solar policy could also boost heat pumps "IndyWatch Feed Enviro"
Since 2021, Chinas Whole County PV programme has been dramatically expanding the use of solar power in rural areas, by building on government, commercial, industrial and residential rooftops.
However, the programme faces a number of obstacles, with problems reported, for example, in the rollout in the province of Shandong in eastern China.
Yet it also offers advantages that can overcome the problem of scale. Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops over a large area can clear out administrative burdens and reduce soft costs, which are inherent in marketing and installing solar to households or businesses one by one.
This raises an intriguing possibility: could such a programme work for other clean energy improvements, such as energy efficiency or clean heating?
Based on my new analysis for the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies of the Chinese counties participating in the Whole County PV programme, the answer appears to be yes.
Moreover, I found that the solar programme would pair surprisingly well with electric heat pumps.
This is an important finding, given the huge scale of rural China, which is home to hundreds of millions of people and is larger than many world regions. And it could also help to address another challenge: Chinas rural residents currently suffer a high burden of health issues due to the use of coal for heat and power.
- What is Chinas Whole County PV programme?
- Could the Whole County PV programme be expanded to heat pumps?
- What are the barriers to rural heat pump use?
- What does the future hold for the programme?
What is Chinas Whole County PV programme?
Up until recently, most solar PV in China was installed in remote western regions, requiring costly transmission lines to bring the electricity to eastern provinces that use the most power.
A series of huge clean energy bases......
22:00
If Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Were President, How Safe Would We Be? "IndyWatch Feed Nthamerica"
Since I published what so far is a series of five columns exploring RFK Jr.s positions and claims, almost the entirety of the media, it seems, has jumped in, each offering another variation on why you wouldnt want this guy anywhere near the White House. Most have stuck to a general recitation of his well-cataloged history of controversies, and the pros and cons of having the Kennedy name.
There are certainly some pros. First off, we should all remember the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of his early years. When he was not engaging in foolhardy personal behavior, he was trying to be a good citizen, doing praiseworthy work to promote environmental consciousness and oppose large good deeds.
That was then; this is now. He seems to have changed, in many ways, and not for the better. Hes hardly the only person who has gotten worse much worse over the years. Sadly, the debasement of lofty principles and the degradation of the discourse is a trend.
Still, Ive seen few media drill-downs into his core beliefs, or detailed scrutiny of the claims hes made that are either scientifically dicey or simply false which has thus far been my principal focus.
And theres something else I havent yet seen: a rumination on what it would actually be like if he, against all odds, actually won. What would a Robert F. Kennedy presidency look like based on his public positions and statements over the years, and on the apparent mindsets and beliefs of a vocal segment of his backers?
What kind of people would he listen to? What kind would he appoint?
Answering that requires some sense of his own grasp of matters at the core of policymaking. Bright as he is, he may not understand science as much as he thinks he does. That may explain why he seemingly takes the word of so-called experts who challenge the establishment, many of whom have been discredited.
And he apparently accepts their own self-serving and outright wrong explanations for why they have been discredited. This goes to the heart of what makes him so untrustworthy as a prospective leader. (More on his health views below.)
Had Kennedy been president during COVID-19, there would have been no serious effort at containment, but rather it would have been allowed to spread until it burned itself out. One assumes that with...
20:09
Depopulation The Deagel Forecast and Birthgap Gumshoe News
Introduction by DM
No government wants to deal with the excess deaths in 2022.
Lets refer to the FACTS. We have just the organisation to do just that the ABC.
CheckMate is a weekly newsletter from RMIT FactLab which recaps the latest in the world of fact-checking and misinformation, drawing on the work of FactLab and its sister organisation, RMIT ABC Fact Check. (ABC report)
Stating No credible evidence vaccines are behind a rise in Australian deaths.
Really!!!! At least the media is forced to report it. This is from News.com.au:
...
19:12
Crikey's Editor Sophie Black confirms, only leftist group-think welcome. Michael Smith News
Sophie Black is straight from central-casting for the Crikey editorship. A committed leftist. Employment history of a bit of human rights journalism, a dabble in the academic journalism world, did some writing for The Guardian - classic inner suburban (read: Greens) values. Typically like the Left, shes intolerant of other...
18:09
Property Negotiation Tips to Maximise Your Sale Price The Situation
Negotiating the purchase of a property can be a challenge, no matter what side of the equation youre on. Whether youre a buyer trying to secure a fair deal or a seller hoping to maximise your profit, mastering the art of negotiating is a delicate balance. In this blog post, well explore 5 essential tips to help you navigate property negotiations successfully in the tough Australian market.
Research and Market Knowledge
Before you enter into any negotiation, make sure youve conducted plenty of research and have a deep understanding of the current market conditions in Australia and the specific neighbourhood the property is located in.
You can do this by analysing recent property sales in the area, considering the average sales prices and staying on top of any local market trends. With this knowledge in your back pocket, youll be in the best position to make informed decisions and negotiate from an ideal position.
Set Clear Goals and Prioritise
Having clearly defined goals and objectives is key to a successful negotiation. Regardless of whether youre a buyer or a seller, make sure you determine what your non-negotiables are. This might be the maximum price youre willing to pay or the minimum youre willing to accept, but can also include location, property condition, potential for future growth and more.
Once you have your objectives prioritised, you can stand firm during negotiations and remain confident in both where you stand firm and where youre willing to compromise.
Understand a Sellers Motivations
If youre a buyer, then its in your best interest to try and uncover the sellers motivations during negotiations. Are they in a hurry to sell due to a tight deadline? Or maybe theyre experiencing financial difficulties? Whatever the case, having insight into their situation can help provide you with an advantage during negotiations and allow you to make smarter decisions.
If the seller is motivated, then you have a good chance of securing a better deal or negotiating more favourable terms. Dont be afraid to engage in conversations and ask plenty of open-ended questions to gather insights that can help inform your negotiation strategy going forward.
Leverage Professional Representation
Working with a qualified and experienced real estate agent or buyers or...
17:55
Masterpiece. An instant classic. Michael Smith News
Thank you 'Rhodesian' for this masterpiece - and Underminder for the tip.
17:25
Pauline Hanson on saying NO to Albanese's Vanity Voice Michael Smith News
To the people of Australia: we are one people, one nation, and should be under one flag. I asking you to please vote no to Albaneses divisive and risky race-based Voice in Canberra. This will probably be one of the most momentous days in the history of our nation and...
17:07
More Albanese bullshit - now the referendum is a chance to say YES to reconciliation Michael Smith News
He is all over the place. Parliaments pass laws. People make history. This is your chance to change our country for the better. pic.twitter.com/Haijepunz8 Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) June 19, 2023
17:00
'Silent' killer in cholesterol more firmly linked to heart disease? "IndyWatch Feed World"
otherwise, i would like to have far better answers than any of this which assumes the association is significant when it may well not be. Far too often meta stats throw up indications that are simply that and certainly no proof of causation..
16:55
Every Human Being is Dealing With or Not Dealing With or Entirely Ignorant of The Same Force. "IndyWatch Feed War"
Visible Origami June 16, 2023
God Poet Transmitting.
I had an experience yesterday morning that almost turned it upside down for me. As I was logging into my computer I saw something I had not seen before, and in a moment of disconnect, I clicked it previous to logging on and it immediately started to install Windows 11, (or so I was led to believe) which I did not want. I didnt want Windows 10 either, but knowing I could use a Windows 7 Shell, I got 10 when support for 7 ended.
Anyway, I could not stop this thing and the next thing I knew, (It was only a few minutes) my desktop was changed. My Documents was empty, as was Downloads, and I guess much of the rest of what I use each day, and I did not have my two Notepad HTML files which are always on the desktop.
This was early before 6 AM and I did all sorts of things including a System Restore. Nothing worked, and I kept getting error messages. It didnt make sense, and I am not a computer Luddite.
I am set to meditate before 7AM as The Sun is rising. I went and sat in my meditation chair but could not meditate. Before going out there was this discomfort and pressing anxiety. I could not understand it. I KNEW none of this matters. I knew it would be fixed, but the agitation was constant. I managed it without reacting.
I called my fix-it computer guy and he came over around noon. Instantly he located the problem and all was exactly as it had been. I had created another User ID and that was a kind of clear slate that didnt recognize what the main.. previous User had going on. It never even occurred to me that such a thing could happen. Note the word User. (grin) A sign of the times of Material Darkness and selfish intent.
The reason I write about it has to do with those emotional winds blowing through me the discomfort and anxiety for which I got no answers at the time. I wasnt personally feeling any of this. It was just passing through me, though I was free to identify with it if I chose to. I could let the wavy vibrations translate into Wrath if I wanted them to, or I could just let them go. Once you are established in this understanding in a visceral sense, your whole world will change.
Later in the day, I was told it was during moments like this that these subconscious forces were being bled out of me provided that I allowed it. The Temperance card came instantly into my mind. Its quality is Wrath. That has to do with the wavy vibration of the angel pouring forth the neutralizing agents upon The Lion and The Eagle; Leo and Scorpio.
The Eagle is the sexual force transformed into spiritual vision. Otherwise, you get the scorpion, with the stinger poised above itself. Sex is life and form-giving. It is also death-dealing to lif...
16:53
Proposed reforms to strengthen democracy could have major unintended consequences for charities and community groups Media Release Archive | Human Rights Law Centre
The recommendations from an inquiry into the 2022 federal election could strengthen Australias democracy, the Human Rights Law Centre said today, but they could also have the unintended consequence of silencing civil society voices in election debates.
The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters interim report recommends long overdue reforms to make political donations transparent, to cap election spending and to ban large donations to politicians altogether. Important detail is yet to be finalised, but done well, these reforms could help protect Australian parliament from the undue influence of wealthy individuals and harmful industries like fossil fuels and gambling.
A key concern emerging from the report, though, is that it also recommends donation caps be imposed on charities and community groups that qualify as third parties under the Commonwealth Electoral Act. Extending donation caps to charities and community groups will suppress advocacy on important issues like the climate and public housing, but do nothing to stop distorting public campaigns from industry peaks like the Minerals Council of Australia.
Alice Drury, Senior Lawyer at the Human Rights
Law Centre, said:
Without limits on political donations and election spending,
politicians will respond to those with the biggest bank balance,
instead of those with the best ideas. Australians are fed up with
the status quo. We need a level playing field. Elections should be
a time when people with important things to say on matters of
public interest can be heard, not just those with enough cash to
buy a national platform.
Limits on political donations and election spending are the reforms we need to get the influence of big money out of Australian politics. But its equally important that we protect the rights of ordinary people to have their voices heard on issues they care deeply about, be it through charities or local community groups. It is vital that the Albanese Government sit down with civil society groups before this proposal becomes law to work through the unintended consequences for advocacy.
As they currently stand, the recommendations of this report are discriminatory and anti-charity: they would prevent charities and not-for-profits from raising large donations to use on advocacy on health and the environment in the lead up to elections, but wouldnt do anything to stop industry peaks relying on corporate membership fees for pro-tobacco and pro-mining election advertising.
Media contact:
Thomas
Feng
Human Rights Law Centre
Media and Communications Manager
0431 285 275
thomas.feng@hrlc.org.au
16:15
You've forgotten something Mr Albanese - we also have a chance to say NO Michael Smith News
Don't get too far up yourself Therapeutic Albanese.
15:09
Coinbase blasts SEC for no straight answers following court order "IndyWatch Feed Crypto"
The comment from the crypto exchange came after the SEC asked for more time to respond to Coinbase's rulemaking petition.
13:53
Statement at the 53rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council Media Release Archive | Human Rights Law Centre
June 2023
Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls
Statement by the Human Rights Law Centre, Australia
Thank you, Mr President. I am Sitarah Mohammadi.
Since the Talibans return in 2021, they have launched a systematic campaign against human rights in Afghanistan that affects all liberal groups, women, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Hazaras, Pashtuns, and minorities.
While Afghanistan is a land of ethnic minorities among the various victims of the Talibans repressive rule, it is important to recognise the genocidal and systematic persecution endured by the Hazara people, a religious minority. Recognising the systematic persecution of Hazaras should lead to meaningful steps to document these abuses and protect the Hazaras from further repression, dispossession, and marginalisation.
The systematic persecution of the Hazara people illustrates a complex combination of factors such as ethnicity, religion, predominantly Shia Muslims, and the suppression of democratic and progressive values. Consequently, the situation of Hazaras further reflects the broader human rights violations and atrocities committed by Taliban rule.
At the national level, Hazaras are excluded entirely from the Talibans governance system. The systematic and structural discrimination against the Hazaras at the micro and local levels is deeply concerning. The Taliban actively divert international humanitarian aid from Hazara areas to reward their supporters in other areas.
Several Hazara communities in several provinces have been forcefully displaced from their ancestral lands.
This is genocidal displacement.
Hazaras face active discrimination in the judicial system at the administrative and district levels. Locally, the return of the Taliban has created a situation whereby one group, primarily the Pashtun people, completely dominates the Hazaras politically, economically, and culturally.
The Taliban have entirely removed all Hazaras from the courts across Afghanistan, including in areas where the Hazaras form the majority of the population.
Hazara women experience extra layers of vulnerability due to the intersectional factors of gender, religion, and ethnicity.
Hazaras face widespread and all-encompassing discrimination that affects them in various aspects of their lives.
The mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) was renewed by UN Security Council Resolution 2678 on March 16, 2023. On the same day, the Council approved Resolution 2679, mandating an ongoing human rights assessment of Afghanistan.
The UN must go beyond tepid verbal condemn...
12:35
Why we excuse Australian war crimes Overland literary journal
The long history of Australian militarism reminds us that the necessary condemnations of Ben Roberts-Smith and the SAS need to be situated in relation to the countrys sub-imperial ambitions. Are we a part of the Empire / Close welded as hilt and blade? AG Hales asked. As the tensions between the United States and China grow, that determination to weld Australia into Empire only becomes more dangerous.
The post Why we excuse Australian war crimes appeared first on Overland literary journal.
12:01
Albanese government makes some concessions on affordable housing policy The Pen
Contributed by Joe Montero
Theres no to ways to look at it, the Albanese government has had no other choice but to offer more than what it had offered in Mays budget to extend social housing. It has not only been about the Greens holding out for more in the senate. A steep rise in the cost having a roof over ones head has become a huge issue with an electorate facing difficulty as the cost of living overall continues to rise.
Under these circumstances, the cost of housing has the potential of being a make or break for any government. The May budgets provision on this score was criticised as inadequate by organisations dealing with those falling through the holes, for not being nearly ambitious enough and that it would not start until 2026. It said it would do little to make a difference.
Cartoon by Simon Kneebone
Anthony Albanese government had no other choice but to offer more and did so on Saturday. The initial offer of $10 billion or $500 million a year over a decade, was added to by a once off top up of $575 new funding for the states, with $610m for New South Wales will, $496 million for Victoria, and $398 million for Queensland. $209 million for Western Australia, and $135 million for South Australia with the rest divided between Tasmania, the Northern Territory. The Australian Capital Territory, who will receive a minimum $50 million.
A further $200 million will be allocated to repair, maintain, and improve housing in remote Frist Nations communities.
The original promise was supposed to build 30,000 new homes in the first 5 years of the program. This number was always questionable and has now been downgraded to 20,000. It still seems a lot with the promised outlay. This has inevitably led to suspicion that a significant part of new builds will be sold in the private market and that there be far less going into social housing than the impression given.
Aware of this the potential fallout, Anthony Albanese has countered with a promise this isnt going to happen. were not going to have public housing built and then flogged off, he said. time will tell whether the government is going to honour this.
Another problem is the question mark over trusting the Housing Australia Future Fund (also known as the Haff). It will be managed as a...
11:51
10:58
SACOSS welcomes 'biggest social housing investment for decades' to address rental affordability crisis SACOSS - Justice, Opportunity and Shared Wealth for all South Australians
The South Australian Council of Social Service and its members welcome the Federal Governments announcement of immediate and significant funding to state and territory governments for social housing.
10:31
Joe Biden feels up actress Eva Longoria - makes her cry - and no one says anything. Michael Smith News
Thanks to Washington Free Beacon for these graphics of Biden trapping then copping a feel from actress Eva Longoria. https://freebeacon.com/biden-administration/creepy-joe-strikes-again/ And who wouldn't be upset and cry over a lecherous old creep feeling you up in public? Here's the whole thing as it happened.
09:00
Activists block facilitation of the climate crisis at ports in Newcastle, Brisbane and Melbourne National News Echonetdaily
As part of a coordinated mobilisation of actions in response to what they say is Australias facilitation of the climate and ecological crisis, activist Raffi is on a bipod, halting all operations at Newcastle, the most significant economic bottleneck of the worlds largest coal port.
Raffi is on Kooragang Rail Bridge blocking the coal rail line on what they say is stolen, unceded Awabakal and Worimi Country in an active blocking of impactful action towards a safe climate.
09:00
Grow Your Own Herbal First Aid Kit Pip Magazine Sustainability and Permaculture
We bring you the herbs and plants you will need to grow to create your own herbal first aid kit.
07:29
06:27
Whats Wrong With This Study? CDC Finds COVID Shots Safe and Effective for Kids Under 4 "IndyWatch Feed War"
By Angelo DePalma, Ph.D. | The Defender | June 16, 2023
An analysis published earlier this month in Pediatrics concluded the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe and effective in preschool-age children a conclusion trumpeted by media outlets such as Parents and Medscape.
But the study, conducted by Kaiser Permanente researchers with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raises more questions than it answers.
Researchers followed children (mostly 4 years old or younger) who collectively received more than 245,000 doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA products and found no indications of serious side effects, according to a Kaiser Permanente news release.
Using a form of surveillance monitoring known as rapid cycle analysis, investigators performed weekly sequential analyses for 19 safety signals, including myocarditis, pericarditis, seizures, heart attack, Bells palsy, neurological inflammatory conditions, anaphylaxis and several others.
The study period was from June 2022 to March 2023.
Instead of using a comparable group of unvaccinated children as the control, the authors compared adverse events occurring 1-21 days after vaccination in one group, with outcomes among children in another group who had received the shot at some point between 22 and 42 days previously.
Time since inoculation was the only distinguishing feature, and the only factor that might account for inter-group differences.
The study, therefore, boils down to the question of whether children who received an mRNA shot about 10 days previously experienced more or fewer adverse events than children who received their jab about 32 days previously.
Data were mined from the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), a repository of patient data from eight private healthcare systems, which included five Kaiser Permanente regions and three other large health entities....
Sunday, 18 June
20:55
Maybe Republicans Are Just Bad at Investigating "IndyWatch Feed Nthamerica"
If you watch Fox News (or adjacent propaganda outlets) and listen to any number of Republicans, it is painfully obvious that prominent Democrats have been engaging in a multiyear crime spree in plain sight. And we are not talking about petty offenses but rather some pretty serious stuff: accepting bribes, high-level corruption, witch hunts, government weaponization, mishandling classified documents (actually, that one is apparently OK now), and possibly being involved in an international network of blood-drinking pedophiles.
Well, maybe. Well keep an open mind for now.
For example, it is conceivable that Joe Biden accepted $10 million from some Ukrainian. And, maybe, Hillary Clinton did all the things. Admittedly, that entire Democrats are grooming kids in pizza restaurants and drinking their blood thing is more difficult to swallow, but you never know what they are into when they are not ruining America.
Finally, theres Hunter Biden. That guy is a screwup, and were willing to believe just about any accusation leveled against him. That being said, he isnt a Democratic official and therefore doesnt really belong on this list, but Republicans are trying sooo hard, which is why we included him as well.
Now, imagine that you are part of a group of god-fearing patriots who are not only aware of all of these crimes being committed, but also have nearly unlimited resources to investigate them.
That would be pretty neat, right?
Surely, with million-dollar budgets, subpoena power, loads of amenable judges you installed, and control of the Department of Justice (DOJ) for four years, you could round up these rogues and put them away for good. You know, tough on crime, law and order and such especially if a central theme of your partys platform is to lock one of them up. After all, your supporters expect you to put an end to all that criming.
That just leaves one question: Why arent any of these Democrats and their allies in prison?
There really are only two possible answers. The first is that most of these allegations are complete BS (probably not the Hunter Biden stuff, though. That guy is a grifter). The second is that Republicans are epically bad at investigating.
There isnt a day without a Republican trotting out on Fox News to proclaim that they have ironclad evidence that will nail the Bidens for good.
Take Hillary C......
20:42
WA Mother Battles Therapeutic Totalitarian Horror Story "IndyWatch Feed World"
READ MORE AT CALDRON POOL West Australian authorities
have stripped a desperate mum of her...
18:16
mRNA vaccines fast-tracked for Australian agriculture "IndyWatch Feed World"
After the spectacular failure of mRNA vaccines in human trials, the agricultural industry is pushing ahead with mRNA vaccines for livestock engaged in the food industry. Whispers of stock 'dying suddenly' will no doubt become a complaint of farmers in the future, summarily ignored by government in the same way officials refuse to listen to serious concerns about dam-building restrictions, price hikes on Ag products, ridiculous fees and charges, incomprehensible red and green tape, biosecurity regulations that do nothing, and - fresh out of Western Australia - expensive negotiations with Indigenous groups who have never set foot on the land they claim to 'own'. In one example that mRNA is on its way Down Under, on May 2, 2023, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) announced funding for a project to 'test mRNA vaccines that can be rapidly mass-produced in Australia in the event of a lumpy skin disease or other exotic disease outbreak'.
17:25
Anglophobia Down Under: Whites Are Demonized In 90% White Australia "IndyWatch Feed War"
Edward Dutton The Unz Review June 16, 2023
Reviewed: Anglophobia: The Unrecognised Hatred, by Harry Richardson and Frank Alter. Social Technologies. 2023.
In the relentless Machiavellian Leftist attack on European culture, we hear much about Bad Whites in Canada, England, and the United States. Yet we hear little about whites in the other large English-speaking nation, Australia. Tucked away Down Under, with just 26 million inhabitants, the continent maintained a White Australia immigration policy until 1973 that kept the country overwhelmingly white. Even today, it is 90 percent white, and 81 percent ethnically British, about the same as the Mother Country whose convicts settled it. But as Anglophobia: The Unrecognised Hatred reveals in great detail, Anglo-Australia is under sustained racial and cultural attack. Leftists, particularly organized Jewish leftists, have mounted a propaganda campaign that says Anglo-Australians are racists who should be ashamed of their history.
Top Australian TV host Stan Grant steps down after enduring racist abuse https://t.co/F3hJ5xPyzy
BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) May 19, 2023
A recent example: Stan Grant, a top television host for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, quit the job because he suffered, he claimed, a torrent of racist abuse after his comments about Australias history when he covered the coronation of King Charles III:
During the segment, he said the symbol of the Crown represented the invasion, the theft of landand in our casethe exterminating war, referring to a period of martial law in 1820s New South Wales th...
07:37
The Tale of the City: Gentrification in London Part 2 "IndyWatch Feed Nthamerica"
The Guns of Brixton sung by the Clash in 1979 made Brixton synonymous with resistance, anti-oppression, and anti-racism beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. The song presaged the riots of 1981 which rose Brixton into a symbol even as they spread all over England* that summer. The emblematic city of Brixton is currently at a crucial crossroad, struggling not to lose its character as gentrification spreads across London.
With a vibrance of ethnic identities represented, Brixtons main market on Popes Road in the heart of the city is the where activists and campaigners have launched their wide-reaching #FightTheTower campaign. The anti-gentrification campaign is aimed at stopping the construction of Taylor Tower, a 20-story building that will alter the landscape of the market. Brixton will either keep its soul, or it will become an empty shell in a gentrified area. This article is the second in our three-part series, Tale of the City: Gentrification in London.
This article is a commentary piece reflecting lived experience, research and/or perspectives of the author. The views and opinions expressed dont necessarily represent those of Unicorn Riot.
In the 1980s, Brixton symbolized the heavily policed racially discriminated communities answer to the exclusion, austerity, and repression of the UKs former Prime Minister Margaret Thatchers regime. Thatcherism was the main pillar along with Reaganomics in the neoliberal narrative in the 80s.
Neoliberalism is a political, economical and philosophical current achieved mainly through austerity and privatization. Its aim is the deterioration of the welfare state and governments social and financial intervention in order to achieve economic prosperity and well-being through the reign of the free market competition in the modern capitalist societies.
Neoliberalism targets not only the social state but society itself. It was presented to the UK as the only alternative by Thatcher who phrased it as there is no alternative (TINA). It was complemented by former U.S. President Ronald Reagans economic policies called Reaganomics, which implemented tax reduction, decreased government spending and deregulation of the markets. Thatchers other well known phrase in the early 80s, there is no society but families and individuals is indicative of neoliberalisms effort to suppress and deconstruct societys ability to self institute, decide and act.
Drowning in Neoliberal Waters
Forty years later, Brixton is floating in deep neoliberal waters, facing the biggest danger ever as a community repeated waves of gentrification. A continuous phenomenon w...
06:02
Link "IndyWatch Feed Nthamerica"
Welcome to The Daily Wrap
Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant
independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours
(6/17/23).
As always, take the information discussed in the video below and
research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone
telling you what the truth is, or claiming they have the answer, is
likely leading you astray, for one reason or another. Stay
Vigilant.
(https://www.rokfin.com/TLAVagabond)(https://www.bitchute.com/channel/24yVcta8zEjY/)
!function(r,u,m,b,l,e){r._Rumble=b,r[b]||(r[b]=function(){(r[b]._=r[b]._||[]).push(arguments);if(r[b]._.length==1){l=u.createElement(m),e=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0],l.async=1,l.src="https://rumble.com/embedJS/u2q643"+(arguments[1].video?'.'+arguments[1].video:'')+"/?url="+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+"&args="+encodeURIComponent(JSON.stringify([].slice.apply(arguments))),e.parentNode.insertBefore(l,e)}})}(window,
document, "script", "Rumble");
Rumble("play", {"video":"v2s8fnv","div":"rumble_v2s8fnv"});
Video Source Links (In Chronological Order)
The
Fluoride Infowar: Newly Released Emails Show California Dental
Director Alter Study to Remove Negative Conclusions
Five charges against SBF dropped by US prosecutors for now
SBF seeks to sever new charges from trial, says proceedings may
take years
(77)
LastAmericanVagabond on Twitter: "Exactly what many of us have been
warning about, and that applies in multiple ways to this situation.
The technocratic lock out from your own home/devices - that by
itself should be enough - then add that this was based on perceived
(incorrectly) racism. https://t.co/QT6YGvwZGq
https://t.co/SZpt98wott" / Twitter
Wayback Machine
...
05:27
Is Africa splitting into two continents? "IndyWatch Feed Africa"
Will the East African Rift split the continent and create a new ocean, or will it fizzle out? A giant rift is slowly tearing Africa, the second-largest continent, apart. This depression known as the East African Rift is a network of valleys that stretches about 2,175 miles (3,500 kilometers) long, from the Red Sea to Mozambique, according to the Geological Society of London. So will Africa rip apart completely, and if so, when will it split? To answer this question, let's look at the region's tectonic plates, the outer parts of the planet's surface that can collide with each other, making mountains, or pull apart, creating vast basins. Along this colossal tear in eastern Africa, the Somalian tectonic plate is pulling eastward from the larger, older part of the continent, the Nubian tectonic plate, according to NASA's Earth Observatory. (The Somalian plate is also known as the Somali plate, and the Nubian plate is also sometimes called the African plate.) The Somalian and Nubian...
01:14
Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out ChatGPT For 900,000 US Vehicles To Answer Complex Questions While Driving "IndyWatch Feed Nthamerica"
By Tyler Durden Mercedes-Benz rolled out a new beta program for over 900,000 US vehicles equipped with the MBUX infotainment system. Drivers can activate the...
Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out ChatGPT For 900,000 US Vehicles To Answer Complex Questions While Driving