General 26 May 2009

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Auberon

We’re at the last day of defence witnesses in the Bain trial and one thing bothers me (well, one new thing – like most people in New Zealand there’s plenty that bothers me from both defence and prosecution sides – it’s the perfect whodunit). But back to this new thing: all the talk on the head wound to Robin Bain to this point seems to have focused on proving or disproving the possibility of it being self inflicted. However, given that the prosecution says Robin was shot as he knelt praying, I’d have thought the defence would have made more of how unlikely it seems that the wound was inflicted by David. The angle of the bullet essentially means that the shooter had to have the gun at the same sort of extreme position as we’ve seen mocked up in cases for and against suicide. If we’re to believe Robin was shot while kneeling – which is the prosecution line – then we have to believe a six foot-plus David Bain got down on the floor beneath and in front of (kind of ruins the element of surprise) his father and shot him upwards from some sort of prone position on the floor. Even if Robin were standing and David was standing in front of him it seems an odd angle for the shot – but that’s academic as the prosecution isn’t arguing that. I still don’t know what I think about this case, but I’d welcome anyone’s thoughts on why what appears to be a seriously unlikely method of shooting hasn’t been raised by the defence. I guess it’s simply that their position is that David didn’t do it, so arguing the likelihood or otherwise of him pulling the trigger from such an absurd position is neither here nor there. All the same, it seems to be a shortcoming in the prosecution case.
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May 26, 2009 8:04am
goodgod

Democracy under attack from anarchists:

http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/civil-disobedience-harbour-bridge-2756657/video

Had a wee chuckle last night while watching the angry chipmunk grill police, bridge authority and protestor organiser about the crowd that wandered over the harbour bridge recently. It wasn’t so much an interview as a telling off, and while I don’t think it was what Close-up was designed to do, or should be used to do, someone has to talk some sense on the issue. The police stated they were only ever there to support the protestors carrying out their illegal activity, not to uphold the law and their representative was reduced to a stuttering wreck when Paul Henry pushed for explanation on the lack of a plan “B”. There appears to be no future plan to stop the protestors the next time they try, either – and that incident is already planned and public knowledge!

So if the authorities are allowing a tiny minority to break the law at will, endanger public safety and indirectly effect local economic productivity, we have a serious problem.

And that too was the argument yesterday over the hikoi. These groups can use the democratic system to make their voices heard loudly. I bet none of them made submissions and yet an extra 7000 submissions would have counted for something. Could it be that their arguments had nothing whatsoever to do with the cause?

Just as the supporters of any establishment initiative are expected to remain silent in the face of protestors, so are protestors aided by the authorities to circumvent democratic systems.

Now you could suggest that the obvious solution to this advotcates a police state, but the issues protested are not ones of individual freedom. No one marched in the thousands over the EFA. These demonstrators are marching for anarchistic values – they want power over and above that given by the democratic system and they don’t seem to have a unified purpose.
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May 26, 2009 8:22am
billyborker

Jesusonaskateboard, goodgod, do you think our democracy is that fragile? I don’t. I think it is robust enough to accommodate some small scale protests.

I doubt that a march/cycle once a week over the harbour bridge will change access to it, but it does help keep planners mindful of these needs when new projects are planned.

I agree with the government position that maori should not have race based representation on any new Auckland council, but I am happy we live in a society where they can disagree and vent their disagreement in public. I just wish they’d grow up a little and leave the gang shit at home.
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May 26, 2009 8:36am
village idiot

John Boscawen – wearing it with pride!

http://www.thestandard.org.nz/any-comment-would-be-superfluous/
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May 26, 2009 8:41am
Murray M

Does anybody else think that Mr Key will give in to the protesting rabble?
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May 26, 2009 8:54am
Banana Llama

I wouldn’t think so Murray, if they can’t get 5% of Auckland to sign a petition then why would he worry?
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May 26, 2009 9:03am
Razork

Paul Henry slamming the Police and transport authority spokeman last night was fantastic, but only the 2nd best story on Close Up.

Number 1 and best story of the year was the Possum school fundraising. Stunning snapshot of a NZ that I thought had long disapeared.

The School headmaster was a absolute breath of fresh air.
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May 26, 2009 9:07am
wreck1080

Air NZ are abusing their grabaseat website.

Today, they are offering return trips to Los Angeles for the super low price of $1500!!!

While cheaper than the sticker fare, it is hardly a great bargain.
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May 26, 2009 9:14am
big bruv

This is a very disturbing story.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10574530&ref=rss

What the fuck is Neville Key thinking?
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May 26, 2009 9:27am
NOt1tocommentoften

Wreck1080 – “Air NZ are abusing their grabaseat website.” First, it is their website, therefore it is their perogative to “abuse” away. Second I fail to see how it is “abuse” anyway. I’m not sure whether you’ve looked at the terms of todays sale but the tickets become progressively cheaper throughout the day… a reverse or “dutch” auction, except for the fact the no. of tickets reduces every time the price drops. Complain about something worthwhile.
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May 26, 2009 10:02am
siobhan

“Murray M (209) Vote: 1 2 Says:

May 26th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Does anybody else think that Mr Key will give in to the protesting rabble?”

I would imagine there would be a few nervous councils around various parts of New Zealand if he did give in. It would create a precedent that I am sure many communities around the country would not appreciate.
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May 26, 2009 10:15am
emmess

Finally somebody in the media acknowledges the blatant media bias these days
http://www.stuff.co.nz/opinion/columnists/2442988/Labours-busybodies-sense-slippage-of-power

Congratulations Karl Du Fresne
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May 26, 2009 11:14am
Razork

Emmess, that is a great link.
Spot on in all regards; i particually like the viewpoint on the Pakistani writer.
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May 26, 2009 11:26am
Inventory2

Crusher Collins 1; Boy-racers 0

http://keepingstock.blogspot.com/2009/05/crusher-collins-delivers.html
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May 26, 2009 12:42pm
Bevan

Finally somebody in the media acknowledges the blatant media bias these days
http://www.stuff.co.nz/opinion/columnists/2442988/Labours-busybodies-sense-slippage-of-power

Congratulations Karl Du Fresne

Was about to post the same article – thought it was a breath of fresh air. Bet the left will start demonising him.
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May 26, 2009 6:08pm
WraithX

If a cop knocks on your door in uniform and you ask who they are, they do have to identify themselves? One did it to my sister today who asked who she was, and the cop said “I don’t have to tell you that. I am a police woman”.

[DPF: I think they have to give their name and Police Number]
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May 26, 2009 8:09pm
Rachael Rich

While we here in NZ are worried about how badly our Farmers treat their piggies, the Brits are more worried about how badly the piggies treat their Farmers:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1187505/Health-Safety-tell-pig-farmers-wear-earmuffs-blot-dangerous-squeals.html

Good ol’ elf ‘n safety.
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May 26, 2009 9:51pm

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