Author: peterimrich

LNP Corruption, LNP Government

‘Honest’ Christian Porter’s mystery donation is totally not suspicious

So, to recap: the former chief legal officer of Australia took unspecified amounts of money in donations from unknown sources in order to pay the legal fees for his abandoned defamation suit in a court over which he until recently had authority. Over, let’s not forget, unresolved rape allegations. Say what you will about the circumstances of Porter’s plummet from grace — for a man with nothing to hide, he certainly goes to extraordinary lengths to keep things hidden.

Source: ‘Honest’ Christian Porter’s mystery donation is totally not suspicious

Uncategorized

COVID in Wilcannia: a national disgrace we all saw coming

The forgotten nation after 220 years and years of generational cultural and systemic racism

The COVID-19 crisis in Wilcannia demonstrates how entrenched neglect, combined with a global pandemic, have created a perfect storm impacting the most marginalised people in society. The treatment of the Barkindji people of Wilcannia is appalling by anyone’s standards and should be unacceptable to every Australian. The stories flooding out of Wilcannia of mistreatment of Aboriginal people should make every person stand up and demand immediate action. The government needs to take immediate action to address the conditions in which the people in Wilcannia are forced to live, and by providing vaccinations immediately to all those who want to be vaccinated.

Source: COVID in Wilcannia: a national disgrace we all saw coming

Informed Comment

Which major political party is more qualified to embrace urgent change? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Socialism comprehends empathy; conservatism and its partner capitalism do not.

Source: Which major political party is more qualified to embrace urgent change? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

LNP

Pentecostal church given $660,000 in jobkeeper, then returns 3,620% increase in profit | Welfare | The Guardian

A crucifixHope Unlimited church reported a profit of $43,355 in 2019, which increased dramatically to $1.6m in 2020 in part with government pandemic payments

Source: Pentecostal church given $660,000 in jobkeeper, then returns 3,620% increase in profit | Welfare | The Guardian

Fight against Fake News, Fighting Fake News

Old Dog Thought-Biden’s ” little mate down under” has handed the Pacific over to an Anglo/American industrial-military trade deal and said FU EU and Asia
A US nuclear submarine in the water

Fighting Fake News with REAL 16/9/21; Morrison has handed the Pacific over for an Anglo/American Industrial Military bag of beans for which we will pay, News Corp the new Climate Change crusader. An Informed Comment, The world of alternative facts

Australia's Shame

Australia to acquire nuclear submarine fleet in historic deal with US and UK to counter China’s influence – ABC News

A US nuclear submarine in the water

The Anglo-Speaking White, Christian, covered wagons have circled in the Asia- Pacific. The EU has been dumped unceremoniously and the region’s Asian nations totally ignored in a nuclear agreement declared not to be a nuclear agreement. Morrison, Biden’s  “little mate down under, announced this morning. Basically, he’s given pride of place and handed Australia over to the US and UK turning us into the most significant Anglo-American & British nuclear military base, no target, on the planet. One which we have to pay for and build. Now that’s leadership. We are in effect the Mexicans and we are paying for the Biden/Johnson wall.

Can you believe Morrison is building an absolutely new nuclear submarine fleet that’s not a nuclear submarine fleet? He’s torn up the contract the LNP signed with the French less than a decade ago now that’s fucked good-will and future trust all for an Industrial Military trade deal. It does nothing other than in the short term and on the surface make us look and sound more like Kim Jong-un than the “goodies” to the rest of the world and definitely the 51rst State of America. In effect, the LNP have given the keys to the US and UK to invade the nation, have made us their worker bees in their new trade agreement that’s very very different from China’s Silk Belt road

“Australia is not seeking to establish nuclear weapons or establish a civil nuclear capability,” Mr Morrison said.

Morrison sounds like the head of Phillip Morris who declared they were becoming the world’s foremost anti- smoking organization bringing “iQos technology and heat sticks” to the world. Or was that Rupert Murdoch who said his Media had turned the corner and become the world’s foremost media spruiker for Climate Change?

Source: Australia to acquire nuclear submarine fleet in historic deal with US and UK to counter China’s influence – ABC News

Trump

Trump Threatened To Withhold Friendship From Pence Over Election Certification: Book | HuffPost

A new book shines fresh light on the final days of the Trump administration when a top general feared the president had gone into “serious mental decline.”

Source: Trump Threatened To Withhold Friendship From Pence Over Election Certification: Book | HuffPost

Climate Change

Miami’s best real estate is under threat from rising sea levels, so the wealthy are moving to higher ground – ABC News

A big white house sits right near the water with palm trees behind it

When an apartment building collapsed just 25 minutes from his home, Ivory Artis was grappling with the potential loss of his own apartment in Miami. As sea levels rise, prime beach real estate has been losing its cachet. Developers have started looking inland, in marginalised communities like Ivory’s, to build luxury homes for the coastal elite.

Source: Miami’s best real estate is under threat from rising sea levels, so the wealthy are moving to higher ground – ABC News

Uncategorized

Rain fell on Greenland’s ice sheet for the first time ever known. Alarms should ring | Kim Heacox

‘If the people of Miami, Shanghai, Tokyo, Mumbai, Lagos, Bangkok and New York are not concerned, they should be.’

Climate scientists believe that if Greenland continues to rapidly melt, tens of millions of people around the world could face yearly flooding and displacement by 2030

Source: Rain fell on Greenland’s ice sheet for the first time ever known. Alarms should ring | Kim Heacox

NSW

NSW Labor opposition leader makes sense in daily pressers – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Opposition leaders and shadow ministries not getting enough air-time in traditional media, means that they’re unable to do their job keeping governments, ministers, and portfolios to account. We aren’t a democracy without their contributions. A prime example of this is NSW Opposition leader Chris Minns. Last week when NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, made the shock announcement about the daily Covid pressers, Minns announced his own presser for the vacated timeslot. Despite Berejiklian saying that Sunday was her last presser she held another one yesterday. Minns held his short presser yesterday at 11am via Facebook with his Shadow Health Minister, Ryan Park. The lack of dead corporate language used as well as their to-the-point communication style was refreshing. Key points made were about the need for the NSW government to do daily pressers with clear communication, and the need for the opportunity to scrutinise decisions that they make. Other points made were about our healthcare system being in crisis, for Berejiklian to be accountable, and for other people in her Covid management team to do the pressers if she can not.

Source: NSW Labor opposition leader makes sense in daily pressers – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Uncategorized

Mystery donors pay some of Christian Porter’s legal fees for defamation action against ABC – ABC News

Christian Porter stands in front of an Australian flag

Mr Blind Trust is what we get with Christian Porter. No need asking.May be an image of text that says 'Tweet The Shovel @TheShovel Snipe all you want. But who here among us can honestly say that they haven't had someone anonymously pay them to cover $1 million in legal fees for a law suit they initiated? 1:35 PM Sep 14, 2021 Twitter Web App View Tweet activity 261 Retweets 12 Quote Tweets 1,492 Likes'

Mr Porter says a blind trust has made a contribution to his legal fees A blind trust means the beneficiary is shielded from knowing who donated the money The federal opposition says Mr Porter should not have accepted the money without knowing who it came from

Source: Mystery donors pay some of Christian Porter’s legal fees for defamation action against ABC – ABC News

charity

Why are ‘religious’ organisations given tax free status? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

We have to stop living in the past, teach science properly in all schools, let people follow any beliefs they choose – as long as they do not harm others in so doing – and teach ethics in all schools, while the money saved from ceasing to give tax benefits to existing bodies – except for genuinely philanthropic activities – should be used to help all the people who are currently struggling to survive. Far more important than religion, is ensuring that all can survive, and that demands attention to climate change!

Source: Why are ‘religious’ organisations given tax free status? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Fight against Fake News, Fighting Fake News

Old Dog Thought- Truth in Humour & it scares Conservatives
May be a cartoon of text that says 'NOW, THAT WE CAN SIGN UP TO UK AUST FREE TRADE AGREEMENT AUST TO MEET ITS COP26OUT TEMP. GOALS c0'
May be a cartoon of 1 person and text that says 'THE POLITICS OF ENVY... ROBODEBT d JOBKEEPER moi'
Saudi Arabia

No, Saudi Arabia wasn’t behind the 9/11 Attacks; That is a conspiracy Theory

The eagerness to tag the Saudi government with 9/11 comes from many quarters. The victims want someone rich to sue for damages. Rivals for influence in Washington like the Israelis and the Turks and their lobbies in DC have an interest in taking the Saudis down a peg. The Saudis are widely disliked because of their brand of Wahhabi fundamentalism. Islamophobia plays into it. That you have someone like Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman at the helm of the kingdom now probably hurts after the CIA leaked their conclusion that he was behind the murder of dissident Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But the case against the Saudi government of being involved in 9/11 is non-existent.

Source: No, Saudi Arabia wasn’t behind the 9/11 Attacks; That is a conspiracy Theory

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defends ‘tax the rich’ gown

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in her controversial “tax the rich” gown, pictured alongside fashion designer Aurora James.

New York congresswoman and progressive champion Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has defended wearing a gown emblazoned with the slogan “tax the rich” to the lavish Met Gala, saying she has elevated the debate about wealth redistribution in America.

Source: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defends ‘tax the rich’ gown

Trump

Trump on defensive after Bush calls out domestic terrorism

Former US President Donald Trump speaks after the fight between Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on September 11, 2021.

As Trump openly considers another run for the White House, many of the Republican lawmakers who joined his effort to challenge Biden’s victory are staying away from the Saturday rally, even though many still echo his false claims that the election was rigged — despite numerous court cases by Trump’s allies that have failed to confirm those allegations.

Days after former US president George W. Bush called domestic and foreign terrorists “children of the same foul spirit”, former president Donald Trump has lashed out, saying Bush should not be lecturing Americans about national security.

Source: Trump on defensive after Bush calls out domestic terrorism

Climate Change

Climate change has become major security threat: Defence expert

Climate change security threat

Her warning comes as a new report from the Climate Council reveals Australia has fallen well behind the US, UK, Japan and New Zealand in its analysis of climate and security risks. We are unprepared and completely blind to the threats on the horizon and accelerating them by backing fossil fuels, Ms Durrant said. “Australia’s unwillingness to deal with climate change is already affecting our security, leading to a loss of geopolitical influence, particularly in the Pacific,” she said.

Source: Climate change has become major security threat: Defence expert

LNP, LNP Government, LNP Tactics

Alex Hawke says Australia’s resettlement of refugees ranks third-highest globally. Is that correct? – ABC News

A politician in a suit headshot with a closed mouth. Verdict says "cherrypicking" underneath with an orange asterisk

The verdict Mr Hawke’s claim is cherrypicking. Australia “resettles” more refugees than most, but this only accounts for people transferred to Australia from other asylum countries, including refugees referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Fewer than one per cent of the world’s refugees are resettled each year, or roughly 108,000 of the 20 million refugees under the UNHCR’s mandate in 2019. Other countries take in far greater numbers of refugees arriving on their doorstep. In 2020, and for the fifth year straight, Australia ranked third in the world for the number of its resettlements from other asylum countries, behind Canada and the United States.

Source: Alex Hawke says Australia’s resettlement of refugees ranks third-highest globally. Is that correct? – ABC News

Scott Morrison

Australia’s climate failures are costing its economy – and Scott Morrison’s government is being blamed | Greg Jericho | The Guardian

Scott Morrison

LNP has dragged the chain for a decade and despite their lack of progressive action the nation has done better than on should expect in some areas.

failure is blamed on the Morrison government. The report argues “a coherent and coordinated national strategy that defines clear goals and corresponding policy settings” for achieving net zero emission by at least 2050 “is needed”. Failure to do so since the end of the carbon price has meant Australia has missed out on “significant economic benefits” that “can come from a quicker pace of emission reductions”. That again remains toxic to the Morrison government – as the prime minister lacks the political will or power to challenge the climate change deniers in his government. And so the Morrison government will find much to like in this survey about what the OECD reports of 2020, but much to ignore about what it recommends for the future.

Source: Australia’s climate failures are costing its economy – and Scott Morrison’s government is being blamed | Greg Jericho | The Guardian

Scott Morrison

Why Australia needs to become a secular republic

Legal cases both here and overseas highlight reasons why our theocratic Government needs to make a clear separation between church and state, writes Max Wallace.

Source: Why Australia needs to become a secular republic

Fight against Fake News, Fighting Fake News

Old Dog Thought- The LNP believes in Socialism and Opportunity Protection for the 1% only. We the rest can battle it out in their very regulated “free market”. Shit my tongue just pierced my cheek.
Australia welfare

Fighting Fake News with REAL, 14/9/21; Livable Income, Frydenberg and Gucci,Tony Abbott’s Back;

Informed Comment

Republicans once called government the problem – now they want to run your life | Robert Reich | The Guardian

Ronald Reagan once said: ‘Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem.’ Today’s Republicans are practicing the opposite.

Ronald Reagan would not recognise a party that wants to intrude the power of the state everywhere, making a mockery of values it once espoused

Source: Republicans once called government the problem – now they want to run your life | Robert Reich | The Guardian

Uncategorized

Mary Trump explains why her uncle Donald cared more about boxing instead of Sept. 11 anniversary – Raw Story – Celebrating 17 Years of Independent Journalism

Mary Trump explains why her uncle Donald cared more about boxing instead of Sept. 11 anniversary

While the people of the U.S. were mourning and recalling the sadness surrounding the day, Trump eagerly provided commentary with his son for a boxing match on the day. At the same time, other political leaders flocked to remembrance sites. Trump bragged he scored an “obscene” amount of money for the gig, something he likely needs to fight the legal problems he’s facing.

Source: Mary Trump explains why her uncle Donald cared more about boxing instead of Sept. 11 anniversary – Raw Story – Celebrating 17 Years of Independent Journalism

Saudi Arabia

9/11 and the Saudi Connection

US President George W. Bush (R) meets with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal (L) 20 September 2001 in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC.

The lingering questions beg for answers, families of 9/11 victims say. Kristen Breitweiser, whose husband was killed in the attacks, said in an interview that the families are fighting not just the Saudis, but their own government, which she said appears more intent on protecting an important foreign ally than aiding the victims’ families. “We’re fed up. We want accountability and transparency,” Breitweiser said. “I want to know why the Department of Justice is protecting the Saudi kingdom. I’m being robbed of justice for the murder of my husband. It’s just a cover-up, I’m sorry to say.”

Source: 9/11 and the Saudi Connection

Saudi Arabia

Twenty Years Ago, the Saudis Got Away With the Crime of the Century

Despite copious evidence of Saudi complicity in the September 11 attacks, the Bush administration and its successors have spent twenty years shielding the country’s elite from accountability while making war on an ever-growing list of other Middle East countries.

Source: Twenty Years Ago, the Saudis Got Away With the Crime of the Century

LNP Economic Management, LNP Government

Gucci Handbag: Josh Frydenberg’s JobKeeper gifts to Gucci and Prada – Michael West Media

Gucci, JobKeeper

Gucci and Prada owe Josh Frydenberg a debt of gratitude. Louis Vuitton is not alone. The Italian high fashion houses got JobKeeper too. Michael West and Callum Foote report as evidence emerges the Treasurer opted to ignore advice regarding a claw-back mechanism to get the money back from profitable companies.

Source: Gucci Handbag: Josh Frydenberg’s JobKeeper gifts to Gucci and Prada – Michael West Media

COVID-19

Singapore reaches 80 pc double-vaccination rate but life is not returning to normal – ABC News

People watch an outdoor movie screening while socially distanced in Singapore

Morrison’s Plan is Gaslighting Australia Singapore is the Canary in in the coalmine not the answer 80% will continue to produce a strain on our Public Health system.

Dr Leong said 80 per cent was “not good enough because it can still burden the hospital system very significantly and there will be too many excess deaths”. “The numbers are mind-boggling, given what’s possible over the next few weeks,” he said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison set a vaccination target as part of his four-step opening plan for Australia, with phase C triggered when double vaccination reached 80 per cent.

Source: Singapore reaches 80 pc double-vaccination rate but life is not returning to normal – ABC News

COVID-19

Road map to Bondi – fresh air is the safest place to be, Hazzard easing outdoor restrictions – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Yes, we have a ‘roadmap’ all the way out of Covid NSW and Health Minister Hazzard is sprouting thought bubbles just like Morrison, now that we won’t be listening to him and Gladys every day – Less bags of wind and heaps more sun and fresh air. That will sort everything out all the way to Christmas. Hell let’s not wait till mid-October, we can start opening up right now – Hunger games are just getting started.

Source: Road map to Bondi – fresh air is the safest place to be, Hazzard easing outdoor restrictions – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Informed Comment

Morrison Government sets more ‘worst ever’ economic records

Virtually every new data release confirms Australia’s economic demise under Prime Minister Morrison and Treasurer Frydenberg. Alan Austin updates the tally of disastrous outcomes.

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT IS at an all-time low. As is Australia’s net worth and its global ranking on economic growth. Tax-free corporate profits are at an all-time high.

 

Source: Morrison Government sets more ‘worst ever’ economic records

Fight against Fake News, Fighting Fake News

Old Dog Thought- Doesn’t individual acceptance of a Social Contract come with Family, Community, and Society? Whistleblowers aren’t just “dobbers” Tony

Fighting Fake News with REAL 13/9/21; LNP “Worst Ever” Economics; Singapore Swept under the Carpet; Abbott and the Social Contract; Nth Fitzroy Sydney;

America's Shame

How U.S. Generals Lied on 9/11 Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

Army General David Petraeus on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, April 25, 2007 after meeting with members of Congress about the latest on the war in Iraq. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)

For generals like David Petraeus and Lloyd Austin, there has been no punishment for 20 years of disinformation on Afghanistan and Iraq.

Source: How U.S. Generals Lied on 9/11 Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

Trump

Video of Trump Saying He Now Had Tallest Manhattan Building on 9/11 Goes Viral on Anniversary

Donald Trump September 11 anniversary Trump tower

The Stature of the man revealed

In a video released Saturday, Trump commemorated the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and praised the first responders—before quickly pivoting to attacking President Joe Biden’s handling of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Source: Video of Trump Saying He Now Had Tallest Manhattan Building on 9/11 Goes Viral on Anniversary

Media

Twenty Years Ago, the Mainstream Press Created the War on Terror

Two decades ago, the mainstream media responded to the September 11 attacks by stacking their news coverage and pundit commentary with the country’s most belligerently pro-war voices. We are still paying for their appalling misjudgment.

Source: Twenty Years Ago, the Mainstream Press Created the War on Terror

Industrial Military complex

Where did the $5tn spent on Afghanistan and Iraq go? Here’s where | Linda J Bilmes | The Guardian

Defense industry professionals look at a military vehicle on display at an arms fair in the Netherlands.

Private military contractors outnumbered US troops on the ground during most of both conflicts. And defense industry stocks soared

While Washington bickers about what, if anything, has been achieved after 20 years and nearly $5tn spent on “forever wars”, there is one clear winner: the US defense industry.

Source: Where did the $5tn spent on Afghanistan and Iraq go? Here’s where | Linda J Bilmes | The Guardian

Uncategorized

‘The Other 9/11’: Progressives Remember Allende’s Chile | Common Dreams News

La Moneda, Chile's presidential palace in Santiago, is bombed by the nation's armed forces on September 11, 1973. Salvador Allende, the country's democratically elected socialist president, died during the U.S.-backed coup that brought to power Augusto Pinochet, who imposed neoliberalism through military dictatorship. (Photo: Bettmann via Getty Images)

“On this day in 1973, Salvador Allende’s democratically elected socialist government was overthrown in a military coup led by the U.S.-backed fascist Augusto Pinochet.”

Source: ‘The Other 9/11’: Progressives Remember Allende’s Chile | Common Dreams News

Murdoch Media

Publishers lose High Court appeal in Dylan Voller defamation case

Media giants NineFax and News Corp have lost their High Court case seeking a “get-out-of-gaol-free” card in relation to defamatory material published on their social media pages. Dr Martin Hirst says there’s no surprise in the decision.

Source: Publishers lose High Court appeal in Dylan Voller defamation case

Informed Comment

We can do so much better than this – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Ten reasons why we MUST have a change of government:

Source: We can do so much better than this – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Informed Comment

Why are you so concerned, Poppa? (part 2) – » The Australian Independent Media Network

My thought for the day I think we can often become so trapped in the longevity of sameness that we never see other ways of doing things.( John Lord )

Source: Why are you so concerned, Poppa? (part 2) – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Scott Morrison

Will the Prime Minister pick up his phone to call China regarding his racist screw up? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

 

 

With every problem the Morrison government encounters the Prime Minister will reply that he does not hold the item relating to the probe. Regarding the issue of international students from China confidence in Australia when the Morrison government decides to implement their vaccine passport and allow international students back, it has to be asked will Morrison say; “I do not hold a phone mate.”

When the Chinese government raised concerns  Scott Morrison branded these concerns as rubbish in response. He went on to respond that Australia will not be bullied in regards to international students.

To an informed observer or a person who does not need an empathy consultant there seems nothing rubbish and bullying about asking for issues of racism to be addressed.

In 2018 when similar concerns from the Indian government surfaced .

Rather than a hostile dismissive response, Malcolm Turnbull and Simon Birmingham picked up the phone to the Indian government, and organised a trip to India to address the concerns and secure Australia’s International Student confidence.

With Australia’s university sectors facing a projected $16 billion dollar loss by 2023, it is time for Scott Morrison to hold a phone and call to China.

Source: Will the Prime Minister pick up his phone to call China regarding his racist screw up? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

LNP

Matthew Guy: If the PM loses, the big winner may be this guy

Victoria eyes the new Guy.

Matthew Guy might entertain a secret wish that Scott Morrison loses the next federal election. Although the PM will not be taking the Victorian Liberals wishes into account, the next federal election date has major ramifications for Matthew Guy. If – as looks likely – the Morrison government is tossed out, then that assists the state Liberals. If Anthony Albanese wins, the new PM and his team recruit and cherry-pick the best staff from all the ALP states. Andrews’ advisers, working for the pre-eminent ALP premier, will be much sought after, leaving him relying on a new team in a state election year. Meanwhile, Matthew Guy will have an abundance of battle-hardened Liberal evacuees from Canberra looking to ply their trade, which re-invigorates a tired state Liberal Party. But the federal scene is not pretty for the Morrison [almost minority] government, and Victoria looks particularly ugly. Of the 21 “marginal”, Liberal-held seats to defend, the biggest clump of seven are in Victoria, then four in NSW, four in Queensland, three in WA, two in Tasmania and only one in SA. That is why Dan Andrews will accuse Scott Morrison of being the PM for NSW whenever he can. Inexplicably the PM is giving Andrews ample opportunities.

Source: Matthew Guy: If the PM loses, the big winner may be this guy

Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison’s Father’s Day hypocrisy

As many have pointed out, this is not the first time Morrison has shown a lack of empathy in tough times. Just months ago, Morrison snuck in a secret trip to Cornwall to find his ancestor’s gravestones (and visit local pubs) whilst in the UK for the G7 summit despite publicly arguing the UK was too risky for Australian travellers. And, of course, Morrison infamously took a family holiday to Hawaii during the height of the 2019 summer bushfires and was forced to cut that trip short in the face of a huge (and foreseeable) backlash. It’s arguable that Morrison’s Father’s Day trip might just be the most offensive of these blunders because not only does the current crisis affect more than half of Australia’s population, but it is also entirely of Morrison’s making. It’s like he lit the fires before jetting off to Hawaii this time.

Source: Scott Morrison’s Father’s Day hypocrisy

Fight against Fake News, Fighting Fake News

Old Dog Thought- Gladys promises to lift these restrictions and exits stage right

Fighting Fake News with REAL, 12/9/21; Glady’s leads Australia she says and leaves; Fighting for Values; Scott Morrison taking care of himself; Vic Libs want Morrison out;

Fox News

Biden: ‘Even Fox News’ Requires Vaccinations | Crooks and Liars

Biden: 'Even Fox News' Requires Vaccinations

Since Fox News and almost every other right-wing media outlet has been supporting anti-vax and anti-mask creeps during his administration so far, Biden deftly called out what their hosts and guests refuse to say on-air.

Source: Biden: ‘Even Fox News’ Requires Vaccinations | Crooks and Liars

COVID-19

Documents Provide New Evidence U.S. Funded Gain-of-Function Research

A researcher works in a lab of Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. (FeatureChina via AP Images)

Whose Lab and for whose use?

The Intercept contain new evidence that the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the nearby Wuhan University Center for Animal Experiment, along with their collaborator, the U.S.-based nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance, have engaged in what the U.S. government defines as “gain-of-function research of concern,” intentionally making viruses more pathogenic or transmissible in order to study them, despite stipulations from a U.S. funding agency that the money not be used for that purpose.

Source: Documents Provide New Evidence U.S. Funded Gain-of-Function Research

American Politics

Democrats May Tie Disaster Relief to Raising Debt Ceiling, Putting GOP in a Bind | The Smirking Chimp

If the pieces fall together just so, and the debt ceiling is added to a bill that keeps the government running and assists those in distress from the storm, Republicans will find themselves in a tremendous bind. “The combination would present a triple threat,” reports Politico, “daring GOP lawmakers to go on record in opposition to aid for disaster-hit communities, staving off a debt default that could throw financial markets into chaos and preventing a government shutdown.” Some will no doubt shrink at the idea of playing political hardball with money meant to help storm victims, but it is precisely that brand of ruthless certitude that has allowed Republicans to run (or stall) the country as a minority party for the third Democratic presidential administration in a row. There’s no doubt that disaster relief will pass one way or another, and in the meantime, doing this puts the Republicans on record for voting to basically burn the country down to the stumps. That seems to be what a lot of elected GOP officials want, but it isn’t likely to play well come ballot-casting time.

Source: Democrats May Tie Disaster Relief to Raising Debt Ceiling, Putting GOP in a Bind | The Smirking Chimp

Afghanistan

Minerals, drugs and China: How the Taliban might finance their new Afghan government

5 potential funding sources for new government Still, as they finish making their government and plotting a future course, the Taliban have a few sources they might be able to tap to generate enough money to run their reclaimed country:

Source: Minerals, drugs and China: How the Taliban might finance their new Afghan government

Electricity

Not coming to a showroom near you: the new electric cars Australia will miss out on | Electric vehicles | The Guardian

Volkswagen board member Ralf Brandstaetter presents the VW ID.Life at the International Motor Show IAA in Munich

LNP closed down our motor Industry and now will close others out.

The Munich motor show is on again and Europe’s biggest carmakers are taking the chance to debut all the latest electric vehicle designs, with some surprising developments.

Source: Not coming to a showroom near you: the new electric cars Australia will miss out on | Electric vehicles | The Guardian

Australia's Shame

The Other 9/11: secrecy fight over Australian spies helping CIA overthrow Chile’s President – Michael West Media

Chile coup 1973

On the eve of it’s 48th anniversary, documents just declassified by the Australian National Archives show the extent to which the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) worked closely with the CIA in the lead-up to the Coup-d’état in Chile in September 1973. Story by Peter Kornbluh and Clinton Fernandes. The Australian Government’s obsession with secrecy has a long history. As The New York Times wrote two years ago, “no other developed democracy holds as tight to its secrets.” Just how deep this culture of secrecy goes, is being tested by Professor Clinton Fernandes who has been petitioning for the release of intelligence records on clandestine activity in Chile at the behest of the CIA to overthrow Salvador Allende. In short, 50 years ago, the documents show that the Australian Government set up an intelligence station in Santiago at the behest of the CIA, spied on Allende and conducted covert operations, and then played a role as a liaison between the CIA and Pinochet.

Source: The Other 9/11: secrecy fight over Australian spies helping CIA overthrow Chile’s President – Michael West Media

LNP, LNP Economic Management, LNP Government

ATO will not recover $180 million in JobKeeper from businesses that made ‘honest mistakes’ when applying – ABC News

Chris Jordan stares intently while answering a question at Senate Estimates. His brow is furrowed.

RoboDebt wasn’t as generous as the ATO

Pressure mounts to publicly name companies that received JobKeeper while turnover increased ATO will not pursue $180 million in JobKeeper payments to businesses that made ‘honest mistakes’ Questions were raised about the definition of ‘small and medium business’

Source: ATO will not recover $180 million in JobKeeper from businesses that made ‘honest mistakes’ when applying – ABC News