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6,583
Australian Aged Pension
Can you quote me where I have said any other that???? Banks accounts and automatic transfers. Huh???? Go on the record. What pension are you on???? -
28
Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Blows in Pre-emptive Strikes and Retaliatory Attacks
The Palestinians are currently being killed by the israelis without any possibility of defending themselves from the bombs. I doubt they could be any more miserable. I also doubt it would be any different if Hezbollah was not firing lots of missiles into israel. At the least, it diverts troops from destroying Gaza. -
5
Slyguy - IPTV Add-On
No, I don't like to be critical of posters, just calling it as I see it. Last time I went to load Sly Guy's repo it wouldn't take. I gathered he may have been shut down, which is what can happen. He went from Matt Hausman to Sly Guy, so just like Matt Hausman didn't work, maybe Sly Guy doesn't anymore. I don't know. Just thought I would mention it. I went another route and gave up on it. -
6,583
Australian Aged Pension
K.Heinekin just posted a long comment about me. As usual full of mistakes. Just one example, Aussies war vets receiving a permanent disability compensation payment can elect to have the compensation payment automatically transferred to a thai bank. I've been doing that for many years. -
33
3 in 1 coffee
Find a local Roaster/Coffee shop .. you would be very surprised.. like Magic Roaster in Pranburi plenty of good choices for beans and pre ground ,, I'm partial to the fresh beans / Brazil Santos -
0
Starmer's Brussels Visit Could Signal Shift in Brexit Relations
Keir Starmer is preparing to reset the UK's relationship with the European Union, with plans to overhaul Britain's Brexit deal by the spring. This week, the Prime Minister will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels. The talks come amid growing acknowledgment that stronger ties with the EU are crucial as the UK faces economic challenges and the need for growth. One of the key points of contention in the upcoming discussions is youth mobility. Starmer's government remains divided on the issue, particularly due to opposition from Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Cooper has consistently opposed an agreement that would allow young people to move more freely between Europe and the UK, a proposal seen by many EU diplomats as essential for unlocking broader discussions in the spring. Pedro Serrano, the EU’s ambassador to the UK, recently floated the idea of a limited youth mobility scheme that would make it easier for young Europeans to spend a gap year in Britain and vice versa. However, Starmer rejected the idea of a more comprehensive deal, leaving officials in Brussels uncertain about the UK's intentions regarding closer EU ties. These preliminary talks are expected to lay the groundwork for a more formal EU-UK summit in the spring, where Starmer will meet with von der Leyen and António Costa, the incoming president of the European Council. However, it remains unclear what the outcomes of these discussions will be. Whether Starmer is willing to engage in any form of agreement on youth mobility will be an early indicator of how serious his government is about resetting relations with the EU. EU diplomats have grown frustrated with the UK's characterization of the youth mobility proposal as a form of "free movement of people," pointing out that the scheme would be age- and time-limited. "The EU is particularly keen on youth mobility, which seems to have turned into a test of good faith," said Anand Menon, director of the UK in a Changing Europe think tank. "It’s like they’re saying, ‘if the UK is serious, it’ll make some concessions on this.’ I don’t think they expect to get everything they’re asking for, but some member states are desperate. There’s political pressure to let young people come here. From our point of view, we want to start unlocking some of the kind of small things around the [Brexit deal] that could make life easier." While Downing Street continues to oppose any youth mobility deal, Labour insiders point to Cooper as the leading figure resisting this move due to her desire to curb immigration. “They are blaming Yvette for not being able to do [more], but they know they have to do youth mobility to get anything out of the EU,” one source said. At this stage, Labour is not considering rejoining the EU’s customs union or single market, steps that could have a more profound impact on the UK's economic growth. Within Labour’s ranks, there is some uncertainty about Starmer’s willingness to take significant political risks in order to achieve a meaningful revision of the Brexit deal. "On the Labour side, there’s political pressure to be seen to be doing something," Menon said. "It’s almost the mirror image of the Tories, because they spent a lot of time talking more extremely about the EU than they were willing to act in practice. With Labour, its members and voters want them to have a closer relationship with the EU, so Labour has to do enough to keep those people happy without actually breaching any of its red lines." An EU diplomat welcomed the proposed reset in relations but emphasized that the UK also needs to take proactive steps. “We are missing Great Britain very much on many issues in the council [of EU ministers],” the diplomat said. “A better relationship is very important, but again what is very important is to remember that it was the UK that quit.” Based on a report from: The Guardian 2024-09-30 -
0
Trump Threatens Legal Action Against Google Over Alleged Bias in Search Results
Former President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Google, threatening legal prosecution if he is re-elected in November. Trump alleges that the tech giant manipulates its search results to display negative stories about him while favoring Vice President Kamala Harris with positive coverage. This accusation follows a recent report from the conservative watchdog group, Media Research Center (MRC), which claims Google unfairly promotes left-leaning news outlets over political candidates’ websites. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his outrage. “It has been determined that Google has illegally used a system of only revealing and displaying bad stories about Donald J. Trump, some made up for this purpose while, at the same time, only revealing good stories about Comrade Kamala Harris,” Trump wrote. He called the alleged practice an "ILLEGAL ACTIVITY" and urged the Department of Justice to investigate. “Hopefully the Justice Department will criminally prosecute them for this blatant Interference of Elections,” Trump continued. “If not, and subject to the Laws of our Country, I will request their prosecution, at the maximum levels, when I win the Election, and become President of the United States!” While Trump did not provide details about what specifically triggered his post, it is likely in response to the report by the Media Research Center. The report claims that Google skews its search results to favor legacy media outlets, such as *The New York Times*, *The Washington Post*, and CNN, over political candidates’ websites, including those of Trump and Harris. The Media Research Center cited instances in which articles from these outlets appeared above the campaign websites of both candidates, implying that the search engine’s algorithm gives priority to left-leaning media. The report is part of a broader concern among conservatives that Big Tech platforms harbor bias against right-wing figures and viewpoints. In response to the claims, Google issued a statement refuting the allegations, and referenced their consistent ranking practices. “Both campaign websites consistently appear at the top of Search for relevant and common search queries,” a Google spokesperson told *The Hill*. The company dismissed the MRC report, emphasizing that it focused on "a single rare search term on a single day a few weeks ago," and stated that even in that instance, both candidates’ websites were among the top results. Google has long been under scrutiny from conservative circles, with accusations that its search algorithms favor liberal viewpoints and publications. Trump’s latest threats amplify the ongoing debate about tech companies’ role in shaping political discourse and their alleged influence on election outcomes. The former president has had an antagonistic relationship with tech giants, particularly during and after his presidency. Trump has accused platforms such as Google, Twitter, and Facebook of censoring conservative voices, allegations which these companies have repeatedly denied. His criticism reached a boiling point when several social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, banned him following the January 6 Capitol riots, citing violations of their terms of service. Trump’s vow to prosecute Google if re-elected adds another layer to his broader campaign strategy, positioning himself as a crusader against Big Tech’s alleged overreach. His remarks suggest that tech companies could face greater scrutiny and potential legal action under a second Trump administration, especially if he perceives their actions as undermining his candidacy or promoting his political opponents. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, it is clear that the relationship between Trump and Big Tech will remain contentious, with the former president determined to hold these companies accountable for what he views as biased behavior. Whether these claims lead to any significant legal action or policy changes remains to be seen. For now, the public debate over Big Tech’s role in politics continues to intensify. Based on a report from: The Hill 2024-09-30 -
0
Phillip Schofield Speaks Out: "I Could Drive the Same Bus Over So Many People"
Phillip Schofield, the former ITV presenter, has spoken candidly about his feelings of betrayal after details of his affair with a younger colleague surfaced, claiming that those around him had "thrown him under the bus." Schofield, 62, who left ITV last year after admitting to lying about a consensual relationship with a younger man who worked as a runner on *This Morning*, expressed his frustration and disbelief at how he was treated by the network and those he once trusted. "I could drive the same bus over so many people," Schofield said, alluding to the betrayals he experienced from people close to him. According to him, other TV personalities had engaged in similar conduct, but it was he who was singled out. In a recent interview during his comeback series *Cast Away*, Schofield shared his reflections on his career, his love for working at the famed Television Centre in London, and how the scandal affected him personally. "It was my greatest dream to walk into Television Centre," he reminisced. "At the age of 19, I became a bookings clerk at the BBC and I got a pass that got me into all of the BBC buildings. It was so magical to walk through those gates." Schofield went on to describe how his career at the iconic studio was a cherished experience, until the scandal turned everything upside down. "I loved being there. Which meant that when what happened to me happened to me, it screwed up my favourite building in the world. It pretty well blew away all those happy memories. Suddenly the place became hostile to me. And that was heartbreaking." His departure from ITV in May came after he publicly apologized for deceiving the media, his colleagues, and his friends about the nature of his relationship with the young man. Schofield clarified that while he had helped the teenager secure work experience with the channel when he was 19, there had been no sexual contact between them until the man was around 20 years old. Reflecting on the fallout from the scandal, Schofield revealed his feelings of betrayal by those who turned their backs on him during his lowest moments. "The people who did it to me know how important that building was to me. They know that when you throw someone under a bus, you’ve got to have a really bloody good reason to do it. Brand ambition is not good enough." His pain was evident as he spoke about the difficulty of accepting that those he trusted had "completely different agendas." "It has been hard to come to terms with the fact that the people you thought you knew were not the people that you thought you knew," Schofield admitted. "Man alive, people can be fake. They can be so fake when it’s all going well, and then sudden utter betrayal." He added, "How many friends do you need? I don’t need 200 fake friends." Schofield’s remarks come in the wake of speculation that he might join the cast of *I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here* for its upcoming season, though he seemed to dismiss the idea during an interview from his home in London before heading off to the *Cast Away* island. "I’m apparently four to one [odds] to do the other jungle programme," he said, referring to the ITV show hosted by his friends Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly. "Now, although my best mates host it, there are some channels you just won’t work for. There are just some people you won’t work for." *Cast Away*, which features Schofield trying to survive on an island in the Indian Ocean for ten days, airs over three nights starting September 30. Based on a report from: The Independent 2024-09-30 -
0
First UK Lawmaker Resigns from Labour Party, Accuses PM of Hypocrisy
UK lawmaker Rosie Duffield resigned from the Labour Party on Saturday, citing "staggering hypocrisy" by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In her resignation letter, Duffield criticized Starmer for accepting lavish gifts while simultaneously endorsing policies that, in her view, harm vulnerable citizens. Duffield’s departure marks the first resignation in Starmer's government and comes after reports surfaced that the prime minister had received over £100,000 in gifts and hospitality. Among these were luxury items such as designer suits and glasses, gifts she deemed inappropriate for a leader at a time when cuts were being made to essential benefits for pensioners and families. "The sleaze, nepotism, and apparent avarice are off the scale," Duffield wrote, alluding to the stark contrast between Starmer’s personal affluence and his support for cutting benefits. Her criticisms extended to specific policies she labeled as "cruel and unnecessary," particularly the decision to cut an annual £300 winter heating payment to pensioners. She expressed her dismay that a prime minister with significant wealth would maintain the Conservatives' controversial two-child limit on benefits, which she believes perpetuates poverty among children. "Someone with far-above-average wealth choosing to keep the Conservatives’ two-child limit to benefit payments which entrenches children in poverty, while inexplicably accepting expensive personal gifts of designer suits and glasses costing more than most of those people can grasp – this is entirely undeserving of holding the title of Labour Prime Minister,” Duffield wrote in her letter. In announcing her departure, Duffield affirmed that she would continue her work as an independent MP, guided by what she described as her "core Labour values," implying that she no longer sees these values reflected in Starmer’s leadership. The resignation has sparked conversations about the direction of the Labour Party under Starmer’s leadership, with Duffield’s criticisms pointing to a growing discontent among certain factions of the party. Her move as an independent MP suggests a potential shift in the party’s internal dynamics, with greater scrutiny likely to follow regarding Starmer’s decisions and policies. Based on a report from: Barrons 2024-09-30 -
0
Trump’s First Day Back: Key Priorities for a Second Term
Donald Trump once told Fox News’s Sean Hannity that he wouldn’t be a dictator, “except on Day One.” On that first day back in office, he said, “I want to close the border, and I want to drill, drill, drill.” He quickly clarified his statement, saying, “After that, I’m not a dictator,” but his comment triggered outrage from critics who labeled it authoritarian. Meanwhile, those same critics ignored the aggressive unilateral actions of Joe Biden when he first took office. Biden's early presidency was marked by a flurry of executive orders, such as canceling the Keystone Pipeline, mandating masks on federal property, and rejoining the Paris Climate Accord. He also froze student debt collections, reinforced protections for illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, and revoked Trump’s 1776 Commission. Moreover, Biden stopped border wall construction, suspended oil drilling leases on federal lands, and banned workplace discrimination against LGBTQ employees. The media lauded Biden’s sweeping changes, celebrating his efforts to reverse Trump’s policies. If Trump were to return to office, restoring order at the border would be his first priority. Illegal immigration remains a pressing concern for many voters, as the U.S. has seen more than 10 million unvetted individuals enter the country. Towns like Aurora, Colorado, have witnessed a rise in crime, partly due to sanctuary city policies in nearby Denver that attract gangs. Meanwhile, in New York City, residents are paying billions to house and care for migrants, many of whom are involved in violent crime. Trump has made it clear that this cannot continue. Eliminating sanctuary city laws is essential to Trump’s plan. These laws protect illegal immigrants from being deported, even when they commit serious crimes. In Trump’s view, such policies undermine the nation’s legal system, allowing dangerous individuals to remain within U.S. borders. Trump also wants to end birthright citizenship, which he sees as a major draw for illegal immigrants and birth tourism. While the U.S. is one of the few developed countries that still allows automatic citizenship to anyone born on its soil, Trump believes this practice should be abolished. Doing so, he argues, would significantly reduce incentives for illegal entry. Revising the U.S. Census to exclude illegal immigrants is another key issue. States like California and New York, which face population declines due to high taxes and poor governance, continue to receive federal benefits and maintain political influence because illegal residents are counted in the Census. Trump believes this distorts the political landscape and shields states from the consequences of their policies. In terms of energy policy, Trump plans to roll back Biden’s regulations that have made oil and gas drilling more difficult. A top priority would be reopening millions of acres in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil production, potentially boosting U.S. output by a million barrels per day. Increasing domestic production could lower energy prices and reduce dependence on foreign adversaries like Russia and Iran. Another foreign policy priority is reinstating the sanctions Trump imposed on Iran. Under Biden, Iran's oil production has surged, providing the country with significant revenue to fund its aggressive foreign policy. Trump views this as a serious threat to regional stability in the Middle East and aims to counter Iran’s influence by enforcing stricter sanctions. Trump has also proposed a Government Efficiency Commission, an idea endorsed by figures like Elon Musk and JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon. The goal is to streamline the federal bureaucracy, reducing waste and inefficiency. As part of this, Trump wants to cancel Biden’s executive order mobilizing federal agencies to register voters, a task he believes is not the government’s role and is vulnerable to partisan abuse. Revoking the security clearances of former intelligence officials who interfered in the 2020 election is another of Trump’s goals. He has repeatedly criticized the 51 officials who dismissed reports about Hunter Biden’s “laptop from Hell” as Russian disinformation. Now that the reports have been validated, Trump sees their actions as an attempt to mislead the public and influence the election. Trump also plans to eliminate the Department of Defense’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, which cost taxpayers $114 million in 2023. He believes such initiatives are unnecessary and a waste of resources. Finally, Trump’s most crucial priority is securing the integrity of U.S. elections. With over 80 percent of Americans supporting voter ID laws, he aims to make this a national requirement. Trump believes that restoring confidence in the electoral process is vital to ensuring the health of American democracy. If Trump is given the opportunity to return to the White House, he has a bold agenda to implement. From border security to energy independence, his focus remains on making the U.S. stronger and more secure. Based on an opinion from: The Hill 2024-09-30 -
0
At The UN Russia Warns the West Against Provoking a Nuclear Power Amid Ukraine Conflict
In a stern message to the global community, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned Western nations not to attempt to achieve victory against a nuclear-armed Russia, signaling heightened tensions amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, Lavrov condemned what he described as Western interference in Ukraine and the broader global conflict. His remarks came just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at adjustments to Russia’s nuclear posture. Lavrov was unable to get to Switzerland due to the EU ban on his plane. As soon as he started speaking on video, ambassadors and other diplomats left the hall as a sign of support for Ukraine. Watch: The United States and European Union quickly criticized Putin’s statements as “irresponsible.” Many viewed Putin’s remarks as a message to the West, particularly the U.S., which has provided substantial military aid to Ukraine. The Biden administration recently announced an additional $2.7 billion in military support for Ukraine, though it stopped short of authorizing long-range weapons capable of striking deep into Russian territory, something Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long sought. During Lavrov’s UN address, no official response came from the U.S., which had a junior diplomat present during his speech. However, Lavrov’s comments did underscore the continued escalation in rhetoric and military action. Despite Western aid, Russia has made slow but steady gains in eastern Ukraine. At the same time, Ukraine has launched missile and drone strikes on Russian territory, even managing to briefly send troops across the border in a bold incursion last month. Zelenskyy has consistently called for peace, advocating for what he describes as a peace formula that would expel Russian forces from Ukraine, hold war criminals accountable, and secure the release of prisoners of war. Lavrov, however, dismissed Zelenskyy’s peace proposal as a “doomed ultimatum,” casting doubt on the prospects for a diplomatic resolution in the near future. While Western nations continue to back Ukraine, other countries like Brazil and China have begun promoting a peace plan that seeks to bring both sides to the negotiating table without further escalation. This proposal has garnered the support of a dozen countries, primarily in Africa and Latin America, which have joined a coalition of “friends for peace” in Ukraine. Lavrov acknowledged this initiative, stating at a press conference on Saturday that Russia would be open to providing advice and assistance to the group, though he emphasized that any solution must be based on “realities” rather than “abstract conversations.” At the core of Russia’s stance is the belief that the conflict stems from deeper issues, including what Moscow claims is the repression of Russian-speaking populations in eastern Ukraine and NATO’s expansion into Eastern Europe, which Russia views as a threat to its security. Lavrov reiterated that addressing these "root causes" is crucial to resolving the conflict. As the war grinds on into its third year, the danger of further escalation, including the use of nuclear weapons, remains a significant concern for the international community. With diplomatic efforts still struggling to gain traction, the world watches closely as the conflict shows little sign of abating. Based on a report from: The Guardian 2024-09-30 -
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Brave Fox News Meteorologist Rescues Trapped Woman During Hurricane Helene Broadcast
In a moment of swift heroism, Fox meteorologist Bob Van Dillen interrupted a live broadcast to save a woman trapped in her car amid the chaos of Hurricane Helene, a deadly Category 4 storm. The incident occurred early Friday morning as the hurricane wreaked havoc across North Atlanta, Georgia, bringing heavy flooding and strong winds. Watch: Van Dillen struggled to open the car door due to the water pressure, but he quickly instructed the woman to roll her window down. Miraculously, the car’s battery was still working despite being submerged in water. “That allowed the pressure to be equalized and allowed me to pry the door open, unbuckle her seatbelt, put her on me, in my side,” he explained. Reflecting on the rescue, Van Dillen noted that the water was warm, with temperatures around 80 degrees, which provided a bit of comfort in an otherwise dire situation. The fact that the car’s systems hadn’t short-circuited and allowed him to open the door was, in his words, a “miracle.” Hurricane Helene has left a devastating trail in its wake, with more than 37 people reported dead as it continues to batter the southeastern United States with heavy rainfall and dangerous winds. While the storm’s impact has been tragic, moments of bravery like Van Dillen’s serve as a reminder of the resilience and compassion shown by many during times of crisis. Based on a report from: The Independent 2024-09-30 -
0
Trump’s Plan to Reshape the Justice Department: A Radical Shift in Focus
As Donald Trump gears up for a possible second term in the White House, one of his most significant priorities is a radical overhaul of the Justice Department. His relationship with the agency has long been contentious, and now he is determined to reshape it in ways that would excite his most fervent supporters. The changes he envisions could dramatically alter the department's operations, from investigations to personnel decisions. At the heart of Trump’s grievances is his belief that the Justice Department has unfairly targeted him. “Our justice system is corrupt and discredited, especially as it pertains to the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump,” he declared in a recent statement. Trump has repeatedly accused the department, along with the FBI, of being “obsessed with ‘getting Trump’.” For him, reforming the Justice Department is not just a policy goal but a deeply personal mission, fueled by years of legal battles and investigations. Trump’s retribution-driven agenda has raised alarm bells among critics and even some former supporters. His potential plan to replace career employees with loyalists and launch investigations into those who have prosecuted him has caused concern. Many fear that Trump, if elected again, would be more focused and determined to wield the department as a tool of political vengeance. In his own words, Trump has hinted that winning the presidency in 2024 would be his form of “retribution” against his perceived enemies. One of the key components of Trump’s plan involves appointing a new attorney general who shares his vision of presidential authority. Unlike previous presidents, who have sought to maintain the Justice Department’s independence, Trump wants someone who will act as a loyalist. During his first term, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with his choices for attorney general, including Jeff Sessions, who recused himself from the Russia investigation, and William Barr, who refused to pursue Trump’s baseless claims of voter fraud in 2020. Among the names being considered for the role are John Ratcliffe, former director of national intelligence under Trump, and Senators Eric Schmitt and Mike Lee. Trump has also mentioned figures like Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton and state attorneys general such as Andrew Bailey of Missouri and Kris Kobach of Kansas, both of whom have been involved in lawsuits challenging Biden administration policies. Trump’s allies have even pitched Mark Paoletta, former general counsel for Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, as a potential candidate. While no official decisions have been made, Trump’s campaign has been clear that his focus on the Justice Department will be central to his second term agenda. Campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt noted, “President Trump will choose the best people at the appropriate time.” However, the campaign has been tight-lipped about Trump’s specific priorities for the department. Critics warn that Trump’s approach could undermine the independence of the Justice Department. Attorney General Merrick Garland, who has worked to restore stability to the institution, has consistently rejected claims that the department is politically biased. He points to recent investigations into prominent Democrats, including President Biden’s son, Hunter, as evidence of the department’s impartiality. Yet Trump’s dissatisfaction with the Justice Department runs deep. His frustrations date back to the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, which led to the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller. Although Mueller’s investigation did not find evidence of a criminal conspiracy, it cast a long shadow over Trump’s presidency. Since leaving office, Trump has faced additional legal challenges, including two special counsel investigations under the Biden administration. One focuses on his retention of classified documents, which led to a controversial search of his Mar-a-Lago residence. The other concerns his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump has vowed to pardon many of those involved in the Capitol riot, calling them political prisoners. In his quest to reform the Justice Department, Trump has suggested eliminating the special counsel system, which is designed to limit political interference in sensitive investigations. He has also signaled a desire to appoint his own prosecutor to investigate the Biden family and other political adversaries. “There needs to be a housecleaning on day one,” said Mike Davis, a legal activist close to Trump. Beyond personnel changes, Trump’s policy goals for the Justice Department include prioritizing religious rights over LGBTQ protections and tackling what he views as left-wing ideology on college campuses. He has also pledged to end investigations into local police departments for civil rights violations and adopt tougher measures to combat violent crime. With the 2024 election approaching, the future of the Justice Department could hinge on the outcome. If Trump wins, his vision for the department could mark a significant departure from its traditional role, setting the stage for a seismic shift in the balance between politics and law enforcement in the United States. Based on a report from: WSJ 2024-09-30 -
0
Climate Protesters Target van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ in New Act of Vandalism
In a brazen repeat of their earlier destructive antics, climate protesters once again targeted Vincent van Gogh’s famed “Sunflowers” paintings at London’s National Gallery. This latest act of vandalism came just hours after two of their fellow activists were sentenced to prison for a similar stunt involving cans of tomato soup in 2022. Watch the Vandalism This incident is reminiscent of the original protest that took place in 2022, when Plummer and Holland caused an estimated $13,000 worth of damage to one of the “Sunflowers” paintings. Their act of protest, which involved gluing their hands to the floor and wall after hurling soup at the artwork, sent shockwaves through the art world. The two eco-activists, dressed in their “Just Stop Oil” shirts, justified their actions by questioning the values of society: “What is more important? Art or the right to have a healthy and sustainable food system?” The court, however, was clear in its response. Earlier on the same day as the latest protest, a jury found Plummer and Holland guilty of criminal damage, and they were sentenced accordingly. Plummer received a two-year sentence, while Holland was given 20 months behind bars. Judge Christopher Hehir, who presided over the case, had strong words for Plummer, saying, “You clearly think your beliefs give you the right to commit crimes when you feel like it.” He added firmly, “You do not.” In her defense, Plummer addressed the court with a broader message, declaring, “It is not just myself being sentenced today, or my co-defendants, but the foundations of democracy itself.” Despite her impassioned plea, the judge’s verdict was a stern reminder that personal convictions do not excuse criminal behavior. This ongoing clash between environmental activists and the institutions they target raises critical questions about the balance between civil disobedience and criminal activity. While the cause of climate change is undeniably urgent, the methods used by groups like “Just Stop Oil” continue to spark heated debate, as art and cultural heritage become unintended battlegrounds in the fight for a sustainable future. Based on a report from: NYP 2024-09-30 -
0
Kemi Badenoch on Immigration: 'Not All Cultures Are Equal'
Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leadership hopeful, has sparked debate by claiming that not all cultures are "equally valid" in the context of immigration. Badenoch, known for her forthright views, emphasized that it is "naive" to believe immigrants will automatically abandon long-standing cultural hostilities when they arrive in Britain. According to her, most politicians avoid discussing immigration in terms of culture, choosing instead to focus on its economic aspects because they fear the subject is too controversial. In an article for *The Telegraph*, Badenoch made clear that culture encompasses more than just "cuisine or clothes." It also includes "customs which may be at odds with British values." She noted that many immigrants bring deeply ingrained beliefs and tensions with them, and it is naive to think those feelings will vanish upon crossing a border. “We cannot be naïve and assume immigrants will automatically abandon ancestral ethnic hostilities at the border, or that all cultures are equally valid. They are not. I am struck, for example, by the number of recent immigrants to the UK who hate Israel. That sentiment has no place here,” she said. Badenoch, who was born in London to Nigerian parents and spent much of her childhood in Lagos before returning to the UK at 16, emphasized the complexity of immigration in modern times. She highlighted how technology and social media have transformed the immigrant experience, explaining that today's migrants remain closely connected to their countries of origin. “We must recognise that the world has changed. When I moved back to this country 30 years ago, it was impossible to communicate quickly with my family. Letters would take weeks to arrive, I had to schedule calls with the few people who had working telephones let alone mobiles. Today’s immigrants, even those arriving on boats, come with WhatsApp and Instagram. Their feet may be in the UK, but their heads and hearts are still back in their country of origin,” Badenoch said. She stressed the need for not just an immigration strategy but also an integration strategy that reflects these changes. “We need an integration strategy that takes this into account,” she urged, calling for a more nuanced approach to addressing cultural differences among immigrant populations. Badenoch argued that Britain’s tolerance must not be exploited by those who come to the country but then undermine the values that have allowed it to succeed. “We must never allow our tolerance to be taken advantage of by those who arrive, only to undermine the very values that have allowed us to succeed,” she concluded. Badenoch’s remarks come at a critical time in the Conservative Party's leadership race, where she, along with candidates such as Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat, are vying for the top spot. Each contender is expected to present their policies to party members ahead of the next round of MP votes. Badenoch’s focus on immigration and culture will likely stir further debate as the leadership contest unfolds. Based on a report from: Daily Telegraph 2024-09-30
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