World, Writing, Wealth discussion
World & Current Events
>
If you're not in the U.S., what's up in your part of the world?
The UK news is dominated by allegations of sexual misconduct made against Russell Brand:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainm...
I wouldn't normally go in for this sort of showbiz tittle tattle but the story raises some interesting points...
The progressive establishment are in the process of cancelling him, and amongst the progressive left he is already guilty.
The new right, on the other hand, already claim he's innocent and a hit job has been done on him because of his views on covid, zero carbon and the like.
Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty in a court of law? Are some people's opinions on absolutely everything now determined by which of 2 rival political camps they identify with?
The allegations are historic - 10-20 years' old. This raises other interesting questions. If the alleged victims haven't come forward until now, why? And if concerns were actually raised at the time, have the broadcasters yet again been guilty of a cover up?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainm...
I wouldn't normally go in for this sort of showbiz tittle tattle but the story raises some interesting points...
The progressive establishment are in the process of cancelling him, and amongst the progressive left he is already guilty.
The new right, on the other hand, already claim he's innocent and a hit job has been done on him because of his views on covid, zero carbon and the like.
Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty in a court of law? Are some people's opinions on absolutely everything now determined by which of 2 rival political camps they identify with?
The allegations are historic - 10-20 years' old. This raises other interesting questions. If the alleged victims haven't come forward until now, why? And if concerns were actually raised at the time, have the broadcasters yet again been guilty of a cover up?
Beau wrote: "The UK news is dominated by allegations of sexual misconduct made against Russell Brand:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainm...
I wouldn't normally go in for this sort of showbiz ..."
I watched some of the C4 programme and the detail was frightning. It included claims allegations were passed onto production companies and broadcasters. Since the broadcast one woman (Not in the programme) has apparently talked to the police. There may yet be formal charges.
Histroic allegations are difficult to manage. Given UK's appalling rape prosecution / conviction numbers it's no wonder women (Nor some men) don't come forward. Especially with recent evidence of Met police (and others) being involved in assaults.
I don't like trial by media, but at least this story might break. As with Saville and others it seems lots of people knew but did nothing.
We have evidence of climate change, and it is not pretty. The other day was sunny, no strange pressure system like a typhoon, and wind speeds up to 246 k/h were recorded. (approx. 150 m/h). The sea temperatures are now 4 degrees C warmer than they were 50 years ago.
We now have 25 days until the election
The climate is changing here too, Ian. I don't need the news on to see it's becoming warmer and wetter, with more extreme events happening at odd times.
It doesn't require much of a leap of faith to think that man's activities - at least in part - contribute to it, but, as mentioned before, if we tank our economies with a rush to net zero, we aren't going to be able to invest in the technology required to lower emissions.
Worth pointing out too that without getting China, the US, India et al on board, what the Kiwis and Brits do will achieve nothing but self harm.
UNLESS we have healthy economies with money to become innovators and leaders in the new technologies, of course.
It doesn't require much of a leap of faith to think that man's activities - at least in part - contribute to it, but, as mentioned before, if we tank our economies with a rush to net zero, we aren't going to be able to invest in the technology required to lower emissions.
Worth pointing out too that without getting China, the US, India et al on board, what the Kiwis and Brits do will achieve nothing but self harm.
UNLESS we have healthy economies with money to become innovators and leaders in the new technologies, of course.
I'm not going to offer any opinion on whether or not he's guilty, Philip. It wouldn't be right and (tbh) I haven't got a clue.
I didn't see the programme but IF - huge emphasis on the word if cause I'm not taking either side - he's being stitched up, the type of people orchestrating it would inevitably do a very professional job.
If guilty and TV execs knew about it, no ifs, no buts and no little slaps on the wrist followed by tearful apologies, they need to do porridge along with RB because they'd be partially responsible for the crimes.
I didn't see the programme but IF - huge emphasis on the word if cause I'm not taking either side - he's being stitched up, the type of people orchestrating it would inevitably do a very professional job.
If guilty and TV execs knew about it, no ifs, no buts and no little slaps on the wrist followed by tearful apologies, they need to do porridge along with RB because they'd be partially responsible for the crimes.
Russell Brand has a YouTube channel on which he pontificates upon his POV.https://youtube.com/@RussellBrand?si=...
I agree with many of his stated positions. However, he reminds me of that guy who always brought an acoustic guitar to high school parties. He's that guy who smelled of patchouli and pot while he strummed a single chord song he wrote about his ex girlfriend.
Did he do it? I don't know. I'm just noting that when they thought his politics were the same as theirs, they protected him. Now...
I agree with all of your points, J. The 2nd one is funny. That's the impression I have always had of him too.
The Mrs has taken an interest in this story, so I'm getting most of my info from her. It makes me feel 'cleaner' than participating in the feeding frenzy of watching the news or clicking on the articles ;)
How about this for a conspiracy angle...several years ago, he thought his past misdemeanours would come back to haunt him so he positioned himself as a 'conspiracist' to create a ready-made defence? Lol. Don't worry, Philip, just pontificating out loud.
On a more conventional note and away from the RB case, I've sensed a move in the West away from the hedonism of the 90s and 00s towards a more prudish (perhaps not the right word but you know what I mean) society. Bit like the change from Regency England to the Victorian era.
Attitudes are changing.
I don't really have an opinion on this change per se but the Spanish kiss episode made me think about it. There, I thought the kiss was a bit of a liberty to take but was then gobsmacked to see it as headline news across an entire continent.
The Mrs has taken an interest in this story, so I'm getting most of my info from her. It makes me feel 'cleaner' than participating in the feeding frenzy of watching the news or clicking on the articles ;)
How about this for a conspiracy angle...several years ago, he thought his past misdemeanours would come back to haunt him so he positioned himself as a 'conspiracist' to create a ready-made defence? Lol. Don't worry, Philip, just pontificating out loud.
On a more conventional note and away from the RB case, I've sensed a move in the West away from the hedonism of the 90s and 00s towards a more prudish (perhaps not the right word but you know what I mean) society. Bit like the change from Regency England to the Victorian era.
Attitudes are changing.
I don't really have an opinion on this change per se but the Spanish kiss episode made me think about it. There, I thought the kiss was a bit of a liberty to take but was then gobsmacked to see it as headline news across an entire continent.
Beau, as for climate change I agree theree is no point in tanking the economy, and since India and China are both building new coal-fired electric generation, there is no way of stopping what is happening.
How easy is it to target a man in this era of "Me, too"? When a woman makes an accusation, her motive isn't questioned. The man is found guilty in the court of public opinion. No assumption of innocence, no concrete proof needed. He's guilty. It reminds me of the Salem Witch Trials.
Scout wrote: "How easy is it to target a man in this era of "Me, too"? When a woman makes an accusation, her motive isn't questioned. The man is found guilty in the court of public opinion. No assumption of inno..."I agree Scout, I would prefer court cases; however, there is a problem. Power or perception of power and what I would call the old-boys club. Accusers are not believed by the authorities, police, management or are ashamed of what happened.
The England and Wales rape statistics (Sexual assault is on top) are appalling figures just for 2022
Reported to police 67,169 - allegedly 5 out of 6 don't report at all
Charges levied 1,276 <20% are domestic
Convictions of these so far <100 due to court delays and failures
Women (and the few men) don't report because they don't believe anything will happen or they will not be believed, or they are too ashamed.
The police don't catch and in many controversial cases didn't even investigate
The prosecution doesn't lay charges in 2019/20 they only laid charges against 44% of those recommended by police.
The courts take too long and frequently don't convict because defence tears witness and victims apart and jury won't convict. UK does accept majority verdicts in some cases
Thus sexual predators can keep going and we end up with historical cases and other methods to try and get justice
This has become apparent with cases across the world. Then when a conviction/ruling is made people still don't believe it. We have a very high profile case in USA of that. We've had several cases here.
What this leads to is a perception in many, many men that they can act with impunity. Occasionally some are called out, unfortunately many are not until a scandal is raised.
I don't know if Brand did or did not sexually assault or rape women. We have multiple accusations, we have potential police action (see stats). What we do have is a self admitted sex addict and un-sworn testimony in his own books and from accusers. It certainly shows a behaviour pattern. It may turn out to be true, not proven in court, or false. We'll have to wait and see.
Good post, Philip. Worrying stats. I agree with everything you say but am left with the question - what are you going to do about it?
Society can improve education for boys and girls, put more bobbies on the beat and increase sentences for rapists found guilty, but ultimately the accused MUST still be innocent until proven guilty by a jury in a court of law. If that gives an anomaly of low convictions, I'm afraid that's just how it is.
If you go down routes suggested by Harriet Harman and others, our justice system is ruined and we're going to be living in a very frightening society indeed.
Society can improve education for boys and girls, put more bobbies on the beat and increase sentences for rapists found guilty, but ultimately the accused MUST still be innocent until proven guilty by a jury in a court of law. If that gives an anomaly of low convictions, I'm afraid that's just how it is.
If you go down routes suggested by Harriet Harman and others, our justice system is ruined and we're going to be living in a very frightening society indeed.
Beau wrote: "Good post, Philip. Worrying stats. I agree with everything you say but am left with the question - what are you going to do about it?Society can improve education for boys and girls, put more bob..."
The legal community (HH is one of those as is her boss) have also caused this. The appalling way defence lawyers treat rape victims in court, is another reason why victims either don't come forward or won't testify. Also because of a couple of false accusations, the police will go through every text, social media post, photo and email of the victim which is then disclosed to defence.
This forensic analysis is 99% irrelevant but takes time and skill. Any communication between the parties is used to give excuse by offender. We still have victim's promiscuity also raised. Judges keep allowing this even though rules were supposed to be changed.
The criminal system is creaking because we cut funding from prisons to police and legal because we believed that tax cuts for rich would trickle down whilst economy grew - it hasn't.
At the same time every possible excuse is used to delay justice. Victims are waiting >2 years for the day in court which is often then delayed during the trial. Offenders no they can get away with it and therefore do it again.
Innocent until proven guilty is absolutely right but lawyers are making a mockery of this on both sides of the Atlantic and not just for rape.
In other UK news >1000 Met police officers are awaiting disciplinary action for a variety of causes including corruption. That's out of 50,000. What hope to victims have.
Other UK newsSunak leak claims he's going to reduce green targets - contrast with other countries.
Starmer claims he'll solve all known problems from immigration to trade with EU by renegotiating but not rejoining. Haven't seen an EU response. Johnson's agreement may be useless but it's an agreement.
Met police officer charged with murder
Inflation microscopic fall
Some doctors still on strike including consultants - they want 35% pay rise.
Our legal system (and other public services) have indeed been starved of resources by successive governments.. I drew attention to the delays in court cases due to lockdowns too. This wasn't much publicised at the time but now the chickens are coming home to roost and we have a very lengthy case backlog. Another unintended consequence of that policy.
I share your alarm about the MET. I gather candidates don't even need to attend in-person interviews nowadays. This beggars belief.
Regarding robust behaviour by defence lawyers, I wouldn't expect anything less. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty demands it. Some of their lines of questioning might offend our sensibilities but if anyone found themselves wrongly accused, those sensibilities would go out the window. 100% effort and leaving no stone unturned is essential for the system to work.
I share your alarm about the MET. I gather candidates don't even need to attend in-person interviews nowadays. This beggars belief.
Regarding robust behaviour by defence lawyers, I wouldn't expect anything less. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty demands it. Some of their lines of questioning might offend our sensibilities but if anyone found themselves wrongly accused, those sensibilities would go out the window. 100% effort and leaving no stone unturned is essential for the system to work.
Artist ordered to pay museum back $77,000 after submitting 2 blank canvases under the title ‘Take the Money and Run’https://fortune.com/2023/09/19/artist...
J. wrote: "Artist ordered to pay museum back $77,000 after submitting 2 blank canvases under the title ‘Take the Money and Run’https://fortune.com/2023/09/19/artist......"
Funny stuff. Your link appeared paywalled, so I found an alternative:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/artist-j...
If people buy shredded pieces of canvas for 25 mil, two big white canvases is a bargain for 80+ K. Moreover, I don't see much difference between them and most cryptocurrencies, yet trillions sit there
As for delays in the justice system, we have it too. I think the Covid outbreak had this effect over much of the world. The odd thiung is, crime here dropped quite dramatically during the Covid period, but that did not help the Court system.
Philip wrote: "We have a very high profile case in USA of that. ..."Which high profile case is that?
Saw reference to illegal immigration in US and Israel, on the Biden thread. If you think numbers are big there, you want to see what's happening in Europe:
https://www.euronews.com/2023/09/19/c....
Even in the small, sleepy, relatively affluent city in which I live in the northern part of the continent, the change in our demographic has been significant.
I'm not offering any comment on this. I don't know who the people are or why they're here, and I've no intention of treating them any differently to how I treat locals. But I have made the following observations:
1. They are overwhelmingly (90% ÷) young men.
2. They do not appear destitute, in poor health or fearful.
3. Local and national politicians ensure they are kept in relative comfort, compared to many of the King's subjects. For example, the most expensive hotel in our city was handed over to these migrants as living quarters. Some indigenous people, who are homeless, were camped in tents, a few hundred yards away.
4. Europe has seen a large scale increase in illegal migration since the West decided to remove/ try to remove 'the bad guys' from North Africa and the Middle East.
Make of this, and its future consequences, what you will.
https://www.euronews.com/2023/09/19/c....
Even in the small, sleepy, relatively affluent city in which I live in the northern part of the continent, the change in our demographic has been significant.
I'm not offering any comment on this. I don't know who the people are or why they're here, and I've no intention of treating them any differently to how I treat locals. But I have made the following observations:
1. They are overwhelmingly (90% ÷) young men.
2. They do not appear destitute, in poor health or fearful.
3. Local and national politicians ensure they are kept in relative comfort, compared to many of the King's subjects. For example, the most expensive hotel in our city was handed over to these migrants as living quarters. Some indigenous people, who are homeless, were camped in tents, a few hundred yards away.
4. Europe has seen a large scale increase in illegal migration since the West decided to remove/ try to remove 'the bad guys' from North Africa and the Middle East.
Make of this, and its future consequences, what you will.
Philip wrote: "Beau wrote: "Good post, Philip. Worrying stats. I agree with everything you say but am left with the question - what are you going to do about it?Society can improve education for boys and girls,..."
Nice valid points. Let me ask you a question. On this side, it is innocent until proven guilty. So if I am innocent, why would I not want my lawyer to rip the guts out of victim. Why would I not want their sexual history exposed? Why would I not want delay after delay? If am innocent, then why would I not want the other side driven into the ground. You see, it is my freedom at potential loss for being innocent. If I am innocent, I want the other side to be destroyed because I am the actual victim because I have been unfairly blamed.
There are always two sides. When the trial starts we don’t know who’s innocent, who’s guilty. We surely want a defendant be able to attack credibility of the witnesses against him, but on the other hand we equally don’t want a supposed victim to suffer more than necessary in reliving it again. Without doubt some use extra pressure to torment the witness and cause him/her to break down. Judge needs to be attentive to balance between victim’s interest and a search of truth, which legal process is meant to avail.Besides that many mention ineffective, prolongated and incoherent legal process at different stages. Surely, something could be done to ensure a better and speedier process
Nik wrote: "There are always two sides. When the trial starts we don’t know who’s innocent, who’s guilty. We surely want a defendant be able to attack credibility of the witnesses against him, but on the other..."No,
You know who is innocent, but not who is guilty. Guilt must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt here. It is a high standard, but the state brings their entire arsenal to bear against a defendant that might not have resources to defend themselves and are not given adequate lawyers to ensure a fair trial. There are more than a few innocent in jail right now even after a trial. A robust defense is required for a defendant even if it means destroying the victim. Because until a jury decides here, that defendant is innocent. The jury is the decider of fact, not the public domain.
Excellent points, Papaphilly. Very well put. Couldn't agree with you more.
Beau wrote: "I agree with all of your points, J. The 2nd one is funny. That's the impression I have always had of him too.The Mrs has taken an interest in this story, so I'm getting most of my info from her. ..."
And now, it appears that the UK Parliament is trying to get Brand cancelled. Rumble responded to a letter they were sent by the Brits.
https://twitter.com/rumblevideo/statu...
J. wrote: "Beau wrote: "I agree with all of your points, J. The 2nd one is funny. That's the impression I have always had of him too.The Mrs has taken an interest in this story, so I'm getting most of my in..."
What is Rumble?
Papaphilly wrote: "What is Rumble?"An alternative video streaming platform to YouTube. They have less available advertising money and their data streaming rates are inferior to YouTube. But they have a stated commitment to protecting free speech, so most YouTubers maintain a channel on Rumble as a hedge against YouTube's constant soft and hard censorship. As YouTube has demonetized (soft censored) Brand's YouTube channel, his Rumble channel is a major asset for him.
https://rumble.com/
Papaphilly wrote: "....even if it means destroying the victim...."I disagree on this point. Do you really need to ruin, say a raped teen girl in the courtroom? Judge shouldn't let it happen. But if there is doubt, the accused walks
Papaphilly wrote: "Philip wrote: "We have a very high profile case in USA of that. ..."Which high profile case is that?"
Trump found culpable of sexual assault (Rape the judge called it) in a civil case. The jury heard from multiple previous alleged victims and on the balance of probabilities returned their verdict that he did sexually assault Jean Carroll and then defame her. Not Beyond reasonable doubt as would be required in a criminal trial.
We have Epstein trial - long history of man in power
We have Weinstein - another long history
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/11/814603....
In all cases the powerful man (celebrity or other) had power and used legal system to try to cover up actions.
I could mention Bill Cosby too perhaps closer as a celebrity to others.
There is a long list in both our countries. The commonalities are over a long period with non-reporting or legal NDAs and coming to light in the media, then a legal investigation. That is the wrong way round but given the stats...
Nik wrote: "Papaphilly wrote: "....even if it means destroying the victim...."I disagree on this point. Do you really need to ruin, say a raped teen girl in the courtroom? Judge shouldn't let it happen. But ..."
That is my point but why should a 30 year old have her entire sexual history, her dress sense, be used as evidenced that someone didn't rape her or she encouraged rape. It's about consent on the occasion of the rape, not whether she wore a bikini on the beach on a club 18-30 holiday having drunk too much.
Back on thread.PM announced delay to green targets - terrible decision IMHO.
Government borrowing increase. Inflation drops 0.1%. Interest rate rise expected.
King is in France glad-handing Macron - spectacular fly past of RAF and French AF.
J, I will look at your Rumble link later.
In the meantime, very funny footage of Wales' move towards a 20mph speed limit:
https://twitter.com/TiceRichard/statu...
In the meantime, very funny footage of Wales' move towards a 20mph speed limit:
https://twitter.com/TiceRichard/statu...
How long until some Welsh kid gets a speeding ticket on his Huffy?
Just had to Google Huffy. Lol.
Beau wrote: "J, I will look at your Rumble link later.In the meantime, very funny footage of Wales' move towards a 20mph speed limit:
https://twitter.com/TiceRichard/statu..."
Forgot that one
It's funny how many people who are trying to cancel Russell Brand have also extolled Roman Polanski. I wonder what the difference might be.🤔
Nik wrote: "Papaphilly wrote: "....even if it means destroying the victim...."I disagree on this point. Do you really need to ruin, say a raped teen girl in the courtroom? Judge shouldn't let it happen. But ..."
You're assuming that a party has been raped. Isn't that the first element that the prosecution has to prove?
This is what happens when they skip a step.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/LegalCenter...
If Rishi is genuinely delaying green policies and not just playing to core support, some thoughts...
Re replacing gas boilers, heat pumps don't have to be the way forward. Good gas boilers come with 10yr warranty and last maybe 15yrs. Because most aren't new, they will need replacing in the next few years anyway. Many new ones are already hydrogen ready. The conversion from natural gas to hydrogen would be much easier and cheaper for the consumer than installing a heat pump. It would be driven by the supply side, who have already made huge steps in renewables, so if we go down the hydrogen instead of the heat pump route, perhaps there needn't be a delay?
Re cars, IMO, the move to electric isn't going to happen. How are people without driveways (most of the population?) going to charge their cars? Roll out cables across the pavement? What about people in flats? The public will never give up their cars, which is why the internal combustion engine will survive. It might run using some sort of clean energy but it will survive. The EU countries are now coming to terms with this. We will follow.
On the subject of EVs, I saw an article in Telegraph (can't link as it's behind paywall) claiming 75% of new EVs are actually company or fleet cars. I'm not saying they're the new beta max or anything, but I don't think they're going to catch on like many people think.
Re replacing gas boilers, heat pumps don't have to be the way forward. Good gas boilers come with 10yr warranty and last maybe 15yrs. Because most aren't new, they will need replacing in the next few years anyway. Many new ones are already hydrogen ready. The conversion from natural gas to hydrogen would be much easier and cheaper for the consumer than installing a heat pump. It would be driven by the supply side, who have already made huge steps in renewables, so if we go down the hydrogen instead of the heat pump route, perhaps there needn't be a delay?
Re cars, IMO, the move to electric isn't going to happen. How are people without driveways (most of the population?) going to charge their cars? Roll out cables across the pavement? What about people in flats? The public will never give up their cars, which is why the internal combustion engine will survive. It might run using some sort of clean energy but it will survive. The EU countries are now coming to terms with this. We will follow.
On the subject of EVs, I saw an article in Telegraph (can't link as it's behind paywall) claiming 75% of new EVs are actually company or fleet cars. I'm not saying they're the new beta max or anything, but I don't think they're going to catch on like many people think.
Beau wrote: "If Rishi is genuinely delaying green policies and not just playing to core support, some thoughts...Re replacing gas boilers, heat pumps don't have to be the way forward. Good gas boilers come wi..."
Hi Beau, check out my blog where I've added some pages on various tech and the EV thread where I'll add more. I agree on heat pumps to quote a famous king, a carbuncle, and expensive, ugly, noisy. Even the new proposed grants won't cover need to replace and add all radiators.
On the politics I think Sunak is plain wrong, as do many of his former supporters, even Johnson thinks he's wrong.
Most worse off people do not buy new therefore sales of ICE will continue in second hand market that wasn't banned on original dates either. Demand for ICE may decrease thus lowering their costs. Only new ICE was going to be 2030 and now 2035. Can't see how the delay makes one iota of difference to those that can't afford new EV until EVs are widespread on 2nd hand market.
Companies get tax relief on EV and benefit in kind tax for individuals is lower than ICE, hence sales.
Beau wrote: "Re cars, IMO, the move to electric isn't going to happen. How are people without driveways (most of the population?) going to charge their cars?"Why would they own cars? To reiterate one of your favorite quotes, "...you will own nothing. And you will be happy..."
J, I'm now living in semi denial of the WEF and the like. It is frighteningly plausible (even likely) that groups like this are running the show but as even the most hardened conspiracists seem unable to provide solutions about how to resist them, I'm back living in the cosy conventional world, where I don't feel paranoid and the events of the last few years are just a series of coinciidences.
For now.
For now.
Philip, I've read most of the EV thread and will certainly look at your blog.
I agree with the move to renewables for various reasons, but not at a pace that will ruin us.
Feeling at the mo there is going to be a place for heat pumps and EVs but that use of synthetic fuels will develop at an increasingly fast rate, for both boilers and cars.
I agree with the move to renewables for various reasons, but not at a pace that will ruin us.
Feeling at the mo there is going to be a place for heat pumps and EVs but that use of synthetic fuels will develop at an increasingly fast rate, for both boilers and cars.
Yes, I’m assuming, because otherwise, she’d be lying under oath - committing perjury, stripped of assumption being innocent.That’s why we have a long process of investigation, indictment, court, where supposedly each previous stop (police/fbi, da) wouldn’t want to bring a weak case forward. Court itself has a few stages of appeal and more.
Sure, charges can be dropped, case fall apart in the courtroom and all. In the end we should have a certainty the justice was delivered. And even then - its not foolproof
J, I've looked at the Rumble statement. There's an article about it in today's Guardian too.
I completely agree with Rumble. On this matter, they're the grown ups in the room. The committee chair has embarrassed Parliament and must immediately resign.
I completely agree with Rumble. On this matter, they're the grown ups in the room. The committee chair has embarrassed Parliament and must immediately resign.
We have had a weird situation. There is a narrow range of hills running across the bottom of the South Island. To the South of these hills (The Crown Range, for anyone who knows local geography) roads were closed and businesses shut down because of flooding. Trees floating around in the business are of Queenstown. On the Northern side of the Crown Range, roads were closed for at least a day as fire fighters tried desperately to put out a wild fire.
As it happened, the system slid north and now the fire is out, - 45 days average rain in one day settled that fire. Looking out the window, the system has slid further north.
Beau wrote: "J, I've looked at the Rumble statement. There's an article about it in today's Guardian too.I completely agree with Rumble. On this matter, they're the grown ups in the room. The committee chair ..."
Mr Brand has posted a video statement.
https://youtu.be/kIQxQF6nFts?si=KgmNY...
Ian wrote: "We have had a weird situation. There is a narrow range of hills running across the bottom of the South Island. To the South of these hills (The Crown Range, for anyone who knows local geography) ro..."Stay safe.
Nik wrote: "Papaphilly wrote: "....even if it means destroying the victim...."I disagree on this point. Do you really need to ruin, say a raped teen girl in the courtroom? Judge shouldn't let it happen. But ..."
Maybe there are different standards between countries. It is not about the victim in court, but about proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You have to understand there is a person's freedom at stake and if presumed innocent, all bets are off. Someone can look guilty and still be innocent.
Anyone that is falsely accused would understand this sentiment.
News from UK that may surprise some readers concerning armed police officers. An unarmed black man was shot dead in a legally borrowed car by a Met police armed officer. Surprising to many Europeans and Americans is that most UK police officers, with exception of Northern Ireland, remain unarmed with guns. They are armed with spray, batons and some with tasers.The police officer has been charged with murder following an investigation and Prosecution Service decision. He has remained anonymous, itself unusual in a murder case. It is said that the car the man was driving was suspected of being involved in a crime the day before with arms involved, hence armed response to its stop.
Following the charge, there was a rebellion in the armed officer ranks in London with over 100 handing in their ticket - their permission to carry firearms on duty. This then required response from other police officers from other areas and support form the army. It has now been resolved with promises of reviews into charging decisions for police incidents. This is despite an inquiry on the Met Police Firearms unit only earlier this year and the ongoing concerns about corruption and other misbehaviour.
Nazi Veteran Lauded at Zelenskiy's Speech Embarrasses Trudeauhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...
"Ja, I fought the Russians in WWII. Mein mama und papa were so proud."
World, Writing, Wealth
Books mentioned in this topic
1984 (other topics)Common Sense (other topics)
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (other topics)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (other topics)
Lolita (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Mel Brooks (other topics)Victor Davis Hanson (other topics)
Peter Zeihan (other topics)
Bobby Fischer (other topics)
Jordan B. Peterson (other topics)
More...
https://www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject....
20mph! Time to buy shares in horse and cart companies.