crikey--2020-10-30--Yesterday’s Papers: On the campaign trail

In the latest edition of the Yesterday 's Papers playlist : songs for an election in a ( possibly burning ) America .
The USA is tottering towards surely the most consequential election of our lifetimes with all the grace of a newborn giraffe — and what awaits it there , as Crikey observed earlier this week , is “ an electoral system designed in the 18th century and not much modified since … an out of control pandemic , a mendacious president , a gangster administration and a stacked Supreme Court ” .
An illustrative detail , among many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from its shelves , preparing for civil unrest .
Crikey submits this latest edition of our Yesterday ’ s Papers playlist as a soundtrack to these times .
We start with “ For The Love Of Money ” by Philly-soul legends The O ’ Jays , which served as the soundtrack to the only job Donald Trump has truly excelled at — a cartoonish rich guy villain on The Apprentice ; an extended riff on the character he ’ s been playing in Pizza Hut ads and kids ’ films for decades .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as white as he ever has — which is saying something — started a speech at a Hispanic Heritage Month event by playing 2017 megahit “ Despacito ” on his phone and sort of dancing for an agonising 10 seconds or so .
A more successful musical cue was the use of a re-jigged version of The Black Eyed Peas “ Where is the Love ?
” on a campaign ad .
While one questions if the “ unsmiling celebs looking directly down the camera lens in black and white ” shifts as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the song accompanies a genuinely good speech , and it ’ s impressive the campaign included quite a bit of police brutality in its “ look what has happened to our great nation ” montage .
Trump often uses Lee Greenwood ’ s “ God Bless The USA ” in his rallies .
A song from — and very much of — 1984 , from the America of almost psychotically patriotic films like Rocky IV and Rambo II and stage-managed wars , the culture and politics of a country trying to drown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with triumphalist spectacle .
It is no surprise , then , that Trump uses it .
He is simply the latest , increasingly desperate echo of that impulse .
Kanye West is included here in his capacity as a presidential candidate , on and off Trump supporter and latter-day evangelical — his religious music evincing a faith based on prosperity and the individual , the kind frequently favoured by people whose prosperity seems to make them very lonely .
He ’ s also included in his capacity as a musical genius , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We include Bob Dylan ’ s version of Woody Guthrie ’ s “ This Land Is Your Land ” , partly to free us up to include Guthrie himself on a time that the US was less equivocal about fascism .
But also because at 20 Dylan already sounded every bit as mournful as he would on “ Murder Most Foul ” over 50 years later .
A nod to the musical wit of De La Soul , et al , using on “ Remove 45 ” a flipped sample of The Honey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President ” .
After months of fairly solid listening , I can say with some confidence the name Donald Trump does not cross the lips of either member of Run The Jewels for the length of RTJ4 , their mid-year album from which “ walking in the snow ” comes .
But the omission is much the same as the absence of the word “ mafia ” from The Godfather .
RTJ4 has taken the America that gave us Trump , and the America that Trump gave us , deep into its bones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sinister , radiating the threat of Buchanan ’ s parched grasses , smoothed by a dry wind , awaiting the spark .
So when Killer Mike gasps the line “ I can ’ t breathe ” ( recorded in 2019 ) he ’ s referring to something that happened in 2014 .
The phrase had once again become a rallying cry , via “ a taunt of history ” as Guy Rundle put it , by the time RTJ4 was released .
And finally “ Is that all there is ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to anhedonia .
Featuring jazz legend Peggy Lee listing various momentous occasions good and bad that left her feeling practically nothing , it ’ s a song that Trump apparently loves .
It perhaps reveals more about him than he intends .
As the election looms it ’ s hard to shake the first verse , where Peggy recalls watching her house burn down as a child .
Shivering in her pajamas , watching “ the whole world go up in flames ” , she thinks nothing more than this : “ Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” Listen to the full playlist below .
Warning : this playlist contains many swears .

The USA is tottering towards surely the most consequential election of our lifetimes with all the grace of a newborn giraffe — and what awaits it there, as Crikey observed earlier this week, is “an electoral system designed in the 18th century and not much modified since … an out of control pandemic, a mendacious president, a gangster administration and a stacked Supreme Court”.
An illustrative detail, among many: Walmart has pulled guns and ammunition from its shelves, preparing for civil unrest.


crikey--2020-11-02--Angus Taylor’s ‘messy’ situation … CPAC gives the kids an education … The Courier-Mail walks it back

What 's happening with the Commonwealth Ombudsman ?
Plus more tips and murmurs from the Crikey bunker .
Where 's @ @ @ @ @ the saga of the apparently unsinkable Angus Taylor rolls on .
Today it 's been @ @ @ @ @ Taylor 's office leaked documents alleging that Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore had spent millions @ @ @ @ @ senior staff members were frantically texting one another , clearly becoming aware the figures were @ @ @ @ @ to Taylor as being `` messier '' that they initially thought .
While the Australian @ @ @ @ @ -- having interviewed neither Taylor nor Moore -- concluded in February that there was `` @ @ @ @ @ involved in the falsification , there is still one avenue for us to find out @ @ @ @ @ Commonwealth Ombudsman commenced an investigation into the AFP 's investigation in March , which is @ @ @ @ @ today 's raise the question : what 's taking them so long ?

Where’s the Commonwealth Ombudsman? So the saga of the apparently unsinkable Angus Taylor rolls on. Today it’s been revealed that on the night Taylor’s office leaked documents alleging that Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore had spent millions on air travel, two senior staff members were frantically texting one another, clearly becoming aware the figures were wrong. This was relayed to Taylor as being “messier” that they initially thought.
While the Australian Federal Police (AFP) — having interviewed neither Taylor nor Moore — concluded in February that there was “no evidence” Taylor was involved in the falsification, there is still one avenue for us to find out what really happened. The Commonwealth Ombudsman commenced an investigation into the AFP’s investigation in March, which is still ongoing.
Revelations like today’s raise the question: what’s taking them so long?


crikey--2020-11-02--Palaszczuk’s victory is about more than populism and incumbency

Annastacia Palaszczuk 's impressive win in the Queensland election confirms that voters do n't see border closures as a problem , no matter how hard business and the Coalition try .
Annastacia Palaszczuk 's victory on Saturday , complete with a 4.8 % swing to Labor , is about a lot more than the power of incumbency at a time of crisis .
Palaszczuk was n't just up against the Liberal National Party ( LNP ) in Queensland , plus the Greens attacking Labor from the left .
She was also against the Morrison government ( working in concert with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ( admittedly , not a particularly potent force given how mired in sleaze and scandal it is ) , and against Clive Palmer 's anti-Labor advertising campaign centred around a lie about death taxes ( which is estimated to have cost the mining millionaire $ 8 million in addition to the millions he gave to his party ) .
This is in addition to the usual campaigning by News Corp , with The Courier-Mail predicting a tight battle that would n't produce a winner on the night -- itself apparently an `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an LNP win .

Annastacia Palaszczuk’s victory on Saturday, complete with a 4.8% swing to Labor, is about a lot more than the power of incumbency at a time of crisis.
Palaszczuk wasn’t just up against the Liberal National Party (LNP) in Queensland, plus the Greens attacking Labor from the left. She was also against the Morrison government (working in concert with her opponent), against the NSW government (admittedly, not a particularly potent force given how mired in sleaze and scandal it is), and against Clive Palmer’s anti-Labor advertising campaign centred around a lie about death taxes (which is estimated to have cost the mining millionaire $8 million in addition to the millions he gave to his party).
This is in addition to the usual campaigning by News Corp, with The Courier-Mail predicting a tight battle that wouldn’t produce a winner on the night — itself apparently an “indictment” of Palaszczuk — and calling for an LNP win.


crikey--2020-11-02--Trump paradox: he may not want to win — but he sure as hell doesn’t want to lose

Perhaps Donald Trump will be as relieved as the rest of the world if he has to leave the White @ @ @ @ @ down , Donald Trump doesn ’ t really want to win .
Not that he @ @ @ @ @ you .
He HATES being a loser .
But that doesn ’ t mean he @ @ @ @ @ of hard yakka in the Oval Office .
He didn ’ t really want it @ @ @ @ @ to numerous reports from insiders who said he only ran as a marketing ploy to @ @ @ @ @ ailing business empire .

Maybe, deep down, Donald Trump doesn’t really want to win.
Not that he wants to lose, mind you. He HATES being a loser. But that doesn’t mean he actually wants another four years of hard yakka in the Oval Office.
He didn’t really want it the first time, according to numerous reports from insiders who said he only ran as a marketing ploy to help name recognition for his ailing business empire.


crikey--2020-11-02--6 lessons for Scott Morrison from the QLD election

Palaszczuk 's decisive win makes it clear : Scott Morrison 's biggest challenge is in front of him .
Annastacia @ @ @ @ @ to power in Queensland on the weekend holds a six-pack of lessons for Scott Morrison @ @ @ @ @ with these will almost certainly determine his fortunes .
The pandemic proved this to be @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s all in the timing .
As the crisis passes , voters @ @ @ @ @ .
Why wasn ’ t it forecast ?
How was money being wasted ?
Why @ @ @ @ @ claims ?
Has the economy rebounded ?
Former Queensland premier Anna Bligh knows just how @ @ @ @ @ was wildly popular during the state ’ s 2011 floods , but was tossed out @ @ @ @ @ needs to have a post-pandemic plan that takes voters with him .

Annastacia Palaszczuk’s historic return to power in Queensland on the weekend holds a six-pack of lessons for Scott Morrison — and how he deals with these will almost certainly determine his fortunes.
Incumbency is favoured in a crisis
The pandemic proved this to be true for Queensland Labor, but it’s all in the timing. As the crisis passes, voters look to how government responded. Why wasn’t it forecast? How was money being wasted? Why weren’t insurers accepting claims? Has the economy rebounded?
Former Queensland premier Anna Bligh knows just how important timing is. She was wildly popular during the state’s 2011 floods, but was tossed out soon after. Scott Morrison needs to have a post-pandemic plan that takes voters with him.


crikey--2020-11-01--How the Murdoch media is positioning for a Trumpless presidency

Rupert Murdoch may be 'resigned ' to a Trump loss , but his news outlets are doubling down .
Are @ @ @ @ @ news slump ?
He ’ s been at the centre of the world ’ s @ @ @ @ @ 2016 -- from the rise of populist authoritarianism to COVID .
He ’ s sent @ @ @ @ @ media while encouraging others to amplify the echo of conservative voices .
Who will miss @ @ @ @ @ all polls suggest , he loses this week ’ s election ?
Rupert Murdoch is @ @ @ @ @ to The Washington Post he ’ s been telling associates he ’ s resigned to @ @ @ @ @ it would have worked out differently if Trump had listened to him and taken the @ @ @

Are we heading for a Trump news slump? He’s been at the centre of the world’s biggest stories since at least 2016 — from the rise of populist authoritarianism to COVID. He’s sent some readers fleeing to fact-based media while encouraging others to amplify the echo of conservative voices.
Who will miss him more if, as all polls
suggest, he loses this week’s election?
Rupert Murdoch is already carefully pre-positioning. According to The Washington Post he’s been telling associates he’s resigned to a Trump loss but that it would have worked out differently if Trump had listened to him and taken the pandemic seriously.


crikey--2020-11-01--Murdoch’s Australia: a guide for aspiring MPs

News Corp campaigns relentlessly for governments that make it wealthier .
Here 's a simple guide to getting an endorsement .
The state of Delaware has a population of only 980,000 .
But it ’ s home to more than 1 million business entities and 66 % of the country ’ s Fortune 500 companies .
They ’ re not there for the view over the Atlantic .
Delaware is a tax haven , where neither companies nor shareholders need to pay tax .
One of those tax-smart companies is News Corp. And , as a company built on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible , it ’ s not surprising that through its editorial pages it attacks any government that even considers a tax increase .
When you follow the commercial interests of News Corp you realise that this is a company that puts its mouth where its money is , campaigning relentlessly for governments that make News Corp wealthier via changes to laws , policies , regulations — you name it .
Media remains the major business interest of the Murdoch family , but it ’ s far from the only area where the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests are now so widely diversified that it makes their publications hopelessly conflicted when it comes to almost any major national issue .
Inq has put together this rough guide to Murdoch ’ s Australia as a handy reference for novice MPs .
Follow this to avoid getting a call from the PM ’ s office .
News Corp wants Facebook and Google to hand over revenues from using its content .
Murdoch sees this , eventually , as a tectonic transformation for the company and its shareholders .
News sees itself as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading the charge for others .
The Morrison government is blazing the trail internationally , though Communications Minister Paul Fletcher may have been a little too enthusiastic when he tried to cut the ABC out of any revenue deal .
The war on the ABC As a free provider of news , the ABC undermines News Corp ’ s business model of people paying for content .
The company ’ s Australian profits last year were driven partly by a 25 % increase in digital subscriptions — the model for the future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cuts to the ABC are clearly in News Corp ’ s interests .
And not just in news .
The ABC also produces lifestyle content ( cooking , exercise , etc ) which competes with niche News Corp publications .
It ’ s not clear what commercial benefit there is for the Murdoch publications to promote climate change denialism beyond it advancing Rupert Murdoch ’ s standing in the pantheon of free-market moguls such as the Koch brothers in the United States and Gina Rinehart in Australia .
Being an advocate for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own rewards .
In one little-known business venture , Rupert Murdoch in 2013 joined the advisory board of Genie Energy Ltd , a US-based company with oil interests in Israel .
Other board members include former US vice-president and former Halliburton oil company CEO Dick Cheney ; former CIA director James Woolsey ; former US Treasury head Larry Summers ; and Lord Jacob Rothschild , scion of the Rothschild banking family and long-time friend of the Murdochs .
Rothschild and Murdoch reportedly invested $ 5.5 million each in Genie Energy companies drilling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years , News Corp has become a big player in online gambling .
Fox Corporation is a shareholder and commercial partner of Flutter Entertainment Plc , the world ’ s biggest online gambling company .
The investment means the Murdochs have a major stake in Australia ’ s largest online gambling site , Sportsbet .
News Corp is also backing a new entrant called PointsBet , a wildly successful company which recently listed on the ASX .
Fox Corp CEO Lachlan Murdoch has said he is “ bullish about the opportunities ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live sports streaming service , Kayo , links directly to gambling sites and has a special split-screen function which allows gamblers to view up to four live events at the same time .
The ease of online gambling has been identified as a growing problem for young men who gamble on live sport .
A study by the federal government ’ s Australian Gambling Research Centre found sports betting had become normalised among young men aged 18-35 who watch or play sports , and that this was facilitated by “ the growing accessibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However the industry ’ s lobby group , Responsible Wagering Australia , has powerful connections with the Morrison government .
It is chaired by Liberal Party lifer and former senator Nick Minchin .
Minchin replaced Richard Colbeck who left after being elected a Liberal senator .
State governments also regulate online sports betting .
Their approval of sports events — including racing — during the pandemic has been important for the viability of online gambling .
Horse and greyhound racing are big money-spinners for News Corp ’ s publications and its betting operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guides and the company now owns racing news and information sites Punters , The Greyhound Records , Racenet and Odds — all of which provide links to betting agencies .
State governments regulate the industry and have the power to suspend racing .
The NSW government did this with greyhound racing following a Four Corners expose in 2015 .
It later reversed the decision .
News Corp is the majority owner of the digital real estate company REA Group ( owner of realestate.com.au ) which not only provides listings but has a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ REA owns the Smartline home loans franchise which represents a network of more than 300 mortgage brokers .
It has also done a separate deal with the National Australia Bank to create “ a digital experience ” for people to look for a property and get a home loan from one place .
Smartline joined a group of mortgage brokers who publicly pressured the government to reject recommendations from the Hayne royal commission which would mean an end to trailing commissions for mortgage brokers .
The Treasurer , Josh Frydenberg , dumped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushing any change out to a review in 2022 .
The REA real estate business depends on a strong housing market .
This cuts across government policies which have an impact on the market including negative gearing and immigration quotas .
Pumping up the housing market also works for another niche News Corp publication called Mansion which showcases the luxury end of the market for Australia ’ s wealthy .
As Crikey has reported , News Corp has a direct interest in federal legislation on the funding of class action litigation .
News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to a powerful US business lobby group , the US Chamber of Commerce , which aims to restrict class action litigation in Australia and globally .
A News Corp subsidiary was also forced to settle a $ 300 million class action in the United States in 2017 .
Attorney-General Christian Porter announced that a parliamentary inquiry into litigation funding would start later this year .
News Corp has a workforce of 25,000 in the US , the UK and Australia .
As News noted in its US securities filings last year only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — have union cover .
( Rupert Murdoch worked hand in hand with then British prime minister , Margaret Thatcher , to destroy the UK printing unions in the 1980s . )
In Australia the Murdoch-owned Scaleup Mediafund has invested in start-up digital platforms which rely on insecure labour , paid by the hour with no holiday pay , sick pay or superannuation .
One of those , Mable , has been proposed as a labour solution for disability and aged care , even though it operates outside the regulatory framework .
Murdoch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are stridently opposed to voluntary assisted dying ( VAD ) legislation , which is largely a state issue .
This has formed part of News Corp ’ s attack on Daniel Andrews , as the Victorian state government passed VAD laws on his watch .
It is unclear if Rupert Murdoch holds a strong religious view on VAD .
He was controversially awarded a papal knighthood — bestowed upon people of “ unblemished character ” — in 1998 .
Murdoch is not Catholic .
He received the award after he donated large sums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Should News Corp publications be more up front on where the company ’ s other interests lie ?
Let us know your thoughts by writing to [ email protected ] .
Please include your full name to be considered for publication in Crikey ’ s Your Say column .

The state of Delaware has a population of only 980,000. But it’s home to more than 1 million business entities and 66% of the country’s Fortune 500 companies. They’re not there for the view over the Atlantic. Delaware is a tax haven, where neither companies nor shareholders need to pay tax.
One of those tax-smart companies is News Corp. And, as a company built on a premise of paying as little tax as possible, it’s not surprising that through its editorial pages it attacks any government that even considers a tax increase.
When you follow the commercial interests of News Corp you realise that this is a company that puts its mouth where its money is, campaigning relentlessly for governments that make News Corp wealthier via changes to laws, policies, regulations — you name it.


crikey--2020-11-03--How Morrison and Porter’s ‘integrity body’ will actually protect the corrupt

Not merely will it pose no threat to bent politicians , it may even help crooked ministers evade scrutiny .
@ @ @ @ @ announcement nearly two years ago , the purported Commonwealth Integrity Commission was rightly seen as @ @ @ @ @ government to address pressure for a genuine federal integrity body without establishing anything that would @ @ @ @ @ ministers to rort grants and look after mates .
Just as with the banking royal @ @ @ @ @ government repeatedly tried to forestall with a series of accountability and taxation measures aimed at @ @ @ @ @ Minister Scott Morrison sought to prevent the introduction of a genuine integrity body by creating @ @ @ @ @ lines of the entirely useless Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity .
As Michael Bradley @ @ @ @ @ 's exactly what Morrison and his Attorney-General Christian Porter -- the prosecutor and persecutor of @ @ @ @ @ -- have created : a body with laughably little capacity to investigate corruption and absurdly @ @ @ @ @ .

From the moment of its announcement nearly two years ago, the purported Commonwealth Integrity Commission was rightly seen as an effort by the Morrison government to address pressure for a genuine federal integrity body without establishing anything that would seriously threaten the ability of ministers to rort grants and look after mates.
Just as with the banking royal commission, which the Turnbull government repeatedly tried to forestall with a series of accountability and taxation measures aimed at the banks, so Prime Minister Scott Morrison sought to prevent the introduction of a genuine integrity body by creating a powerless watchpoodle along the lines of the entirely useless Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity.
As Michael Bradley forensically shows today, that’s exactly what Morrison and his Attorney-General Christian Porter — the prosecutor and persecutor of Witness K and Bernard Collaery — have created: a body with laughably little capacity to investigate corruption and absurdly high thresholds for doing so.


crikey--2020-11-03--Crikey’s armchair guide to the election that stops the world

Settle in for a morning , afternoon and evening 's viewing — but do n't bet on knowing who won @ @ @ @ @ .
Here 's where to watch , when to tune in and what to look @ @ @ @ @ US election -- it 's everything you need to know .
All Australian times listed @ @ @ @ @ Canberra and Melbourne 's AEDT , which is an hour in front of Brisbane and @ @ @ @ @ Perth .
• Australians should know whether Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Joe Biden won @ @ @ @ @ there is a chance we may not given the number of postal/pre-poll votes ) • @ @ @ @ @ the election from 11am on Wednesday • There are election watch events in pubs in @ @ @ @ @ of the results is tough to predict Let ’ s start with the most important @ @ @ @ @ get a result ?

Here’s where to watch, when to tune in and what to look out for in the 2020 US election — it’s everything you need to know.
All Australian times listed here are in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne’s AEDT, which is an hour in front of Brisbane and three hours in front of Perth.
Quick guide
Australians should know whether Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Joe Biden won by Wednesday afternoon (although there is a chance we may not given the number of postal/pre-poll votes)
Most major broadcasters are covering the election from 11am on Wednesday
There are election watch events in pubs in most capital cities.
Timing of the results is tough to predict
Let’s start with the most important question: when will we get a result?


crikey--2020-11-02--The long road to the edge of America’s abyss, where reason and conspiracy clash

Donald Trump 's call to the dark side — to thuggish politics — comes from deep within the American soul .
Well , it is the eve .
Any commentary on the imminent US election is best done from one of the states .
Luckily I 'm in one -- that being post-operative inflammation .
So if the following reflections are a little more disorganised than usual , that 's probably appropriate to the event itself .
The American state has lost its capacity to reproduce power in a stable manner over the course of eight years .
The 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was as formal and bounded as a game of chess , with some voter suppression and gerrymander that now seems trivial .
The US has been here before ; the civil war was a collapse of that sort .
After that the black vote was suppressed for 90 years and several elections -- 1884 , probably 1960 and 1968 , arguably 2000 -- were stolen .
The mechanics of such were known to urban dwellers , a mystery to others .
The rate of vote theft , ballot stuffing , etc , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Well, it is the eve. Any commentary on the imminent US election is best done from one of the states. Luckily I’m in one — that being post-operative inflammation. So if the following reflections are a little more disorganised than usual, that’s probably appropriate to the event itself.
The American state has lost its capacity to reproduce power in a stable manner over the course of eight years. The 2012 election, looked at in retrospect, was as formal and bounded as a game of chess, with some voter suppression and gerrymander that now seems trivial.
The US has been here before; the civil war was a collapse of that sort. After that the black vote was suppressed for 90 years and several elections — 1884, probably 1960 and 1968, arguably 2000 — were stolen. The mechanics of such were known to urban dwellers, a mystery to others. The rate of vote theft, ballot stuffing, etc, was held to even out over time.


crikey--2020-11-02--No country for conservatives: how Trump and Johnson destroyed their parties

Donald Trump 's effect on his party is clear , as is that of his UK counterpart Boris Johnson — both have made genuine conservatives homeless .
Whatever the outcome of tomorrow ’ s US elections , it ’ s clear that the model of politics espoused by Donald Trump and Boris Johnson has failed its first contact with a crisis .
With a third wave taking off in the US and deaths approaching a quarter of a million , the complete absence of executive skills that was always the biggest challenge for a Trump presidency has become tragically manifest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump “ stinks at his job ” .
That ’ s before you get to more mundane policy failures such as the disruption of the international order to the benefit of China and Russia or the enabling and encouragement of far right terrorism .
In the UK , which has just re-entered lockdown in the face of a catastrophic second wave far bigger than the first , Johnson has had to clumsily reverse his anti-lockdown rhetoric , infuriating backbench Tories as well as opponents who had called for a return to lockdown weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians , with the same political method .
Both are the product of the elites of their countries ; both pose as outsiders determined to challenge those elites ; both exploit a deep sense of grievance on the part of white voters about the impact of neoliberal policies pursued by elites , but both ultimately aim to deliver policy outcomes that benefit those same elite — particularly their donors and friends .
And both lead countries that are back in the same deep economic mess that they exploited to achieve power in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovered that exploiting the politics of resentment can only get you so far ; that at some point , competence at making the machinery of government deliver real impacts on the ground at a large scale is needed — and neither man has the most basic competence .
Johnson was notoriously incompetent as both mayor of London and as UK foreign secretary ; Trump ’ s business career was characterised by serial bankruptcy and heavy borrowing .
If hopelessly unable to run a government , both men have other skills .
Both are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a media profile that could transfer easily to a political sphere dominated by jaded , disengaged electorates .
Alas , the COVID-19 virus has no interest in either .
It just spreads relentlessly , revelling in the environment created by policy failure .
But both men are adept at helping their friends .
Johnson ’ s COVID response has been characterised by sleaze and corruption .
Hundreds of millions of pounds have been handed to Tory donors and Tory-linked companies in the UK for PPE manufacturing or “ research ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .
Similarly , much of the Trump administration ’ s COVID spending has been directed to Trump donors or companies linked to the Trump family .
That ’ s consistent with the Trump family ’ s entire approach to the presidency , which has been to see it as an opportunity for enrichment on a colossal scale .
Hundreds of thousands may have died , but the friends and family of Trump and Johnson got richer , which is the important thing .
Trump and Johnson share other similarities .
Importantly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under them .
Under Trump , the Republicans embraced protectionism , debt ( well before the pandemic ) , racism and conspiracy theories .
The Tories under Johnson shifted leftward on fiscal policy well before the pandemic , nationalised railways and , in the words of The Economist , “ abandoned the principles by which it has governed Britain for most of the past century ” .
Both drove out of their party more traditional Republican and conservative figures .
In Johnson ’ s case , he actually kicked senior Tories like Kenneth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the party .
This act was emblematic of the broader significance of their leaderships : both have ensured that there is no home for genuine conservatives within parties that have traditionally been a vehicle for conservatism in their countries .
Conservatives with real convictions about the importance of family , religion , the rule of law , limited government , well-tested institutions and property rights have no home in parties led by men who — their personal morality aside — have trashed institutions , undermined the rule of law ( Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit agreement that violated international law ) and encouraged racism , conspiracy theories , xenophobia and , in the case of Trump , anti-Semitism .
Now , both have failed at allegedly the most important conservative value of all — protecting the lives of the community .
But Trump and Johnson only completed a process that had begun well before them : the Republicans have been retreating into obscurantism and fundamentalism since the 1990s ; the Tories have struggled with Euroscepticism for decades .
In the longer term , the core values of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1980s — the utter primacy of the market , of corporations and individualism — are often at odds with elements of conservatism .
But the crony capitalism of Trump and Johnson is a different thing again , no longer any kind of ideology , just a toxic combination of ego and avarice exploiting the worst human instincts .
The shearing off of genuine conservatives is just one of many fragmentations in both countries — a lunatic far-left fringe of the Labour Party continues to seek to keep that party trapped in unelectable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from identity politicians and a woke left uninterested in actually achieving change ; in both the UK and especially in the US , aggressive white supremacism is on the march .
No matter tomorrow ’ s result , the question of where exactly real conservatives can go will remain unresolved in the toxic world of grifters and crooks presided over by Trump and Johnson .

Whatever the outcome of tomorrow’s US elections, it’s clear that the model of politics espoused by Donald Trump and Boris Johnson has failed its first contact with a crisis.
With a third wave taking off in the US and deaths approaching a quarter of a million, the complete absence of executive skills that was always the biggest challenge for a Trump presidency has become tragically manifest.


crikey--2020-11-02--If the polls are wrong, it will be their worst performance in 40 years — or since last time

The pollsters are predicting a Joe Biden win in the US election .
Could they be wrong again ?
On @ @ @ @ @ fraught presidential election in half a century , forecasters are offering strong indications that the @ @ @ @ @ bullet tomorrow , with Joe Biden likely to emerge a clear and decisive winner early @ @ @ @ @ long-established poll trends hold firm and time-related uncertainty diminishes to zero , Nate Silver 's @ @ @ @ @ ever higher for Biden , who is now rated a 90 % chance of victory @ @ @ @ @ is even stronger for Biden , putting him as high as 96 % -- although @ @ @ @ @ rather apologetic about the fact , acknowledging that the model provides too little allowance for @ @ @ @ @ .

On the eve of the most fraught presidential election in half a century, forecasters are offering strong indications that the United States will dodge a bullet tomorrow, with Joe Biden likely to emerge a clear and decisive winner early in the evening.
As long-established poll trends hold firm and time-related uncertainty diminishes to zero, Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight forecast model has drifted ever higher for Biden, who is now rated a 90% chance of victory.
The Economist’s model is even stronger for Biden, putting him as high as 96% — although one of its creators seems rather apologetic about the fact, acknowledging that the model provides too little allowance for “black swan” events.


crikey--2020-11-02--Politician, dob in thyself: Christian Porter’s batshit crazy idea to tackle federal corruption

Standing next to any state anti-corruption body , the powers and reach of the federal government 's proposed Commonwealth Integrity @ @ @ @ @ embarrassing .
The Morrison government ’ s 363-page draft law to create a Commonwealth Integrity @ @ @ @ @ finally out , almost a year after Attorney-General Christian Porter received it from his department @ @ @ @ @ a lot of typos .
Porter also announced there would be a leisurely six months @ @ @ @ @ , ostensibly because it ’ s all so hard , kicking the can so far @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unlikely to turn into an actual law before the next election .
One @ @ @ @ @ urgency from the government on this .
The draft bill is massive , but let @ @ @ @ @ test to its provisions -- how , if at all , would it deal with @ @ @ @ @ dirt :

The Morrison government’s 363-page draft law to create a Commonwealth Integrity Commission (CIC) is finally out, almost a year after Attorney-General Christian Porter received it from his department. Must’ve been a lot of typos.
Porter also announced there would be a leisurely six months of consultations on the bill, ostensibly because it’s all so hard, kicking the can so far down the road that it’s unlikely to turn into an actual law before the next election. One really gets a sense of urgency from the government on this.
The draft bill is massive, but let’s apply a simple test to its provisions — how, if at all, would it deal with these random specks of federal dirt:


crikey--2020-11-05--As it happened: Biden closes in as Trump’s threats proliferate

The 2020 US election has already been a rollercoaster , and it 's not over yet .
Here 's what @ @ @ @ @ The past 48 hours have been rollercoaster of emotions as US polls closed and presidential @ @ @ @ @ Trump began gaining and losing leads in battleground states across the US .
It continues @ @ @ @ @ , with Trump supporters swarming voting centres in Arizona and Michigan .
The fight for @ @ @ @ @ , North Carolina and Pennsylvania continues -- though Biden has made slight gains on Trump @ @ @ @ @ Georgia in the last few hours .
Nevada is also yet to be called .

The past 48 hours have been rollercoaster of emotions as US polls closed and presidential hopefuls Joe Biden and Donald Trump began gaining and losing leads in battleground states across the US.
It continues to be a tense race, with Trump supporters swarming voting centres in Arizona and Michigan.
The fight for the key states of Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania continues — though Biden has made slight gains on Trump’s lead in Pennsylvania and Georgia in the last few hours. Nevada is also yet to be called.


crikey--2020-11-05--Polls still have their use, but should the media be spending money on them?

Even when the polls are 'right ' at a national level , they 're wrong where journalists need them to @ @ @ @ @ yet another polling miss , is it time to ask : what ’ s their @ @ @ @ @ become a journalistic bulk-weight , filling up space , drawing attention , taking up time @ @ @ @ @ their value as emotional insurance in an age of uncertainty .
Better than a psychiatrist @ @ @ @ @ past year , they ’ ve soothed the world that everything would be OK , @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly , “ America is better than this ” .
They ’ re like modern @ @ @ @ @ the media product with comfort readers crave .
No wonder media outlets here and around @ @ @ @ @ put their brands on them and pay the cost .

After yet another polling miss, is it time to ask: what’s their point? Have they just become a journalistic bulk-weight, filling up space, drawing attention, taking up time?
Sure. They retain their value as emotional insurance in an age of uncertainty. Better than a psychiatrist, really. Over the past year, they’ve soothed the world that everything would be OK, that as Joe Biden says repeatedly, “America is better than this”.
They’re like modern morality plays, bulking out the media product with comfort readers crave. No wonder media outlets here and around the world are keen to put their brands on them and pay the cost.


crikey--2020-11-05--‘We want all voting to stop’: The great liar takes dog whistling to a new low

Trump has raised an army willing to believe every bit of bullshit he spouts .
And you really expected him @ @ @ @ @ supporters gathered at the Central Counting Board offices in Detroit , Michigan this morning , @ @ @ @ @ the count !
” Obviously , that is one direct result of Donald Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ constantly shape-shifting assault on every norm , convention and law that holds up the fragile @ @ @ @ @ had been a day of miracles : obviously , Trump ’ s incredible ability to @ @ @ @ @ polls , logic and sanity and turn out for him in massive numbers ; but @ @ @ @ @ that the election proceeded in peace .
The central notion of democracy -- having the @ @ @ @ @ without shooting each other -- was being championed in real time .

Trump supporters gathered at the Central Counting Board offices in Detroit, Michigan this morning, hysterically chanting, “Stop the count!”
Obviously, that is one
direct result of Donald Trump’s mendacious guile, his constantly shape-shifting
assault on every norm, convention and law that holds up the fragile institution
of democracy.
It had been a day of miracles: obviously, Trump’s incredible ability to motivate voters to defy the polls, logic and sanity and turn out for him in massive numbers; but more importantly, the fact that the election proceeded in peace. The central notion of democracy — having the freedom to agree to disagree without shooting each other — was being championed in real time.


crikey--2020-11-05--As the votes are counted, the corpses pile higher

The real cost of the incompetence of Donald Trump and Boris Johnson can be seen in the surging death tolls @ @ @ @ @ pandemic they refused to take seriously .
As Americans went to the polls yesterday and @ @ @ @ @ a different set of numbers was emerging , more horrific than any polling result .
@ @ @ @ @ its second highest ever number of new infections -- over 94,000 new cases -- and @ @ @ @ @ from COVID-19 The number of new cases does n't represent a spike in testing , @ @ @ @ @ number of positive tests , with the positive rate rising back over 6 % last @ @ @ @ @ since August .
A number of states are setting new records for infections while other @ @ @ @ @ day of sustained , high numbers of infections .
America does not have the virus @ @ @

As Americans went to the polls yesterday and the long count began, a different set of numbers was emerging, more horrific than any polling result. The United States racked up its second highest ever number of new infections — over 94,000 new cases — and reported just under 1200 deaths from COVID-19
The number of new cases doesn’t represent a spike in testing, but a rise in the number of positive tests, with the positive rate rising back over 6% last week for the first time since August. A number of states are setting new records for infections while other are racking up day after day of sustained, high numbers of infections.
America does not have the virus under control.


crikey--2020-11-04--A Biden win cuts risk of trade wars and helps make America green(ish) again

A Joe Biden win would be good for the US economy even if the Democrats fail to take the Senate @ @ @ @ @ write that it 's now clear that sanity has prevailed , dignity will be restored @ @ @ @ @ and Donald Trump will have even more time for golf and less time to damage @ @ @ @ @ .
This election has turned out to be closer than most good polling and pundits @ @ @ @ @ outcome , this is some kind of vindication for the concept of the “ shy @ @ @ @ @ on some vague notion of “ shy Tories ” in the UK , the idea @ @ @ @ @ social disapproval by admitting they are willing to vote for Trump end up skewing polls @ @ @ @ @ pollsters to correct the phenomenon .

I’d like to write that it’s now clear that sanity has prevailed, dignity will be restored to the Oval Office, and Donald Trump will have even more time for golf and less time to damage democracy.
Not so fast. This election has turned out to be closer than most good polling and pundits predicted.
Regardless of the outcome, this is some kind of vindication for the concept of the “shy Trump voter”. Fashioned on some vague notion of “shy Tories” in the UK, the idea is that people who fear social disapproval by admitting they are willing to vote for Trump end up skewing polls with no obvious way for pollsters to correct the phenomenon.


crikey--2020-11-04--It’s not Putin this time: the daylight positives emerging from an American horror

As we await the finale of this bizarre political thriller , it 's worth noting a few positives from the @ @ @ @ @ At least the Russians seem to be off the hook this time .
It looks @ @ @ @ @ themselves to blame for this election shocker .
Well half of them at least .
@ @ @ @ @ the presidency against overwhelming odds once is barely plausible .
Doing it again after he @ @ @ @ @ a traitor would be stretching the genre so far even John le Carre would balk @

At least the Russians seem to be off the hook this time.
It looks like the Americans have only themselves to blame for this election shocker. Well half of them at least.
Electing a dangerous imbecile to the presidency against overwhelming odds once is barely plausible. Doing it again after he’d already been exposed as a traitor would be stretching the genre so far even John le Carre would balk.


crikey--2020-11-04--Trump’s attempted coup draws a clear line: support democracy or don’t

For some Trump supporters here in Australia , democracy seems to be an optional extra that should n't be allowed to get in the way of the outcome they want .
For Donald Trump ’ s many supporters and advocates in Australia , yesterday was a defining moment .
Either they support democracy and free and fair elections , or they don ’ t .
Many , it seems , do not .
Whether they ’ re on the lunatic fringe of right-wing politics here , or in the ranks of the Morrison government , or lurking in the commentariat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News , Trump supporters have ignored four years of the trashing of many of the values and institutions that they claim to hold dear .
But Trump ’ s insistence that he won the election , and his efforts to halt counting in states where he is ahead while supporting the continuation of counting in states where he is behind , has to be a clear line for anyone professing to support democracy .
In 2016 , Trump won legitimately .
Progressives and Democrats have resented the result ever since , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considerable justification ) , fake news and a failed media .
Many never wanted to accept that Trump tapped into a deep resentment toward business-as-usual politics in the United States .
But the refusal of Republicans to accept election outcomes has always been much more than rhetorical — it motivated a systematic program of voter suppression via the purging of rolls , legal restrictions on voting and campaigns to deter turnout .
Trump supporters and conservatives in Australia have turned a blind eye to that anti-democratic behaviour , and some even dreamed of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting here .
Outright refusal to accept the legitimate results of elections , however , is a step into clear authoritarianism — ironic given how much Trump enthusiasts profess to support freedom .
Attempts to use courts to litigate away appropriately cast ballots that don ’ t favour your candidate demonstrates a contempt for democracy .
Trump ’ s behaviour was thus a test for how people view democracy .
It was a test many failed .
Marise Payne , Australia ’ s foreign minister , said nothing last night as Australia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brink of a coup .
For Payne , tweeting about Tonga was more important than the trashing of US democracy .
Finally , this morning , she was shamed into saying every vote should be counted and she was “ confident that they will be ” .
Scott Morrison , when pressed this morning , refused to even go as far as Payne went .
Joe Hockey went the other way , insisting that electoral fraud had taken place .
“ There ’ s plenty of good reason to have litigation , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even for a Trump nutter — was that there was a strong vote for Biden in Washington DC .
Hockey ’ s lobbying business will benefit from Trump ’ s continued occupancy of the White House , so Joe is thinking with his chequebook , but it was an effective endorsement of Trump ’ s attack on democracy .
At The Australian and the AFR , many were too busy celebrating Trump ’ s performance — and what they thought was his victory — to condemn his attack on democracy .
Right-wing columnist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refer to Trump ’ s attempted coup as “ boorishness ” , as if a fundamental attack on democracy was akin to some bad manners .
Paul Kelly celebrated — at his usual bloviating length — Trump ’ s “ miracle win “ .
Chris Kenny cheered what he thought was a Trump victory .
So did Greg Sheridan .
None of them were the slightest bit perturbed by Trump ’ s attack on democracy and refusal to accept the result .
Peter van Onselen , to his credit , once again resisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fundamental question here for Kelly , Kenny , Sheridan , Switzer , Jennifer Hewett and other reactionaries — and for Morrison and Payne .
Do you actually believe in democracy , or only when your own side wins ?
At what point does the trashing of democracy and efforts to silence the votes of people who don ’ t support you become repellent ?
Or — as seems to be the case — is it OK because in the broader scheme of things it ’ s more important that the “ right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behaviour leaves his supporters with nowhere to hide .
Many have decided it ’ s Trump first , democracy second .

For Donald Trump’s many supporters and advocates in Australia, yesterday was a defining moment. Either they support democracy and free and fair elections, or they don’t. Many, it seems, do not.
Whether they’re on the lunatic fringe of right-wing politics here, or in the ranks of the Morrison government, or lurking in the commentariat at News Corp, or capering on Sky News, Trump supporters have ignored four years of the trashing of many of the values and institutions that they claim to hold dear.
But Trump’s insistence that he won the election, and his efforts to halt counting in states where he is ahead while supporting the continuation of counting in states where he is behind, has to be a clear line for anyone professing to support democracy.


crikey--2020-11-04--As it happened: from the insane to the benign, how the 2020 US election is unfolding

We still do n't know who will win the US election , but here 's how polling day 2020 has @ @ @ @ @ workers count the millions of votes pouring in from every corner of the US , @ @ @ @ @ closer to a clear winner .
Several key states including Georgia and North Carolina remain @ @ @ @ @ while Pennsylvania could take days to count its ballots .
Chances of a tie are @ @ @ @ @ the third in US history .
Here ’ s how the day unfolded so far @ @ @ @ @ Dixville Notch in New Hampshire was the first to announce its votes , with 100 @ @ @ @ @ people -- voting for Biden .
Indiana and Kentucky closed their polls soon after , @ @ @ @ @ victor in both states .

As workers count the millions of votes pouring in from every corner of the US, we’re still no closer to a clear winner. Several key states including Georgia and North Carolina remain too close to call, while Pennsylvania could take days to count its ballots.
Chances of a tie are growing. That would be the third in US history. Here’s how the day unfolded so far.
Safe seats called
The tiny township of Dixville Notch in New Hampshire was the first to announce its votes, with 100% of voters — five people — voting for Biden. Indiana and Kentucky closed their polls soon after, with Trump emerging as the victor in both states.


crikey--2020-11-04--Democrat disaster: Biden fails to forge a grand coalition as America’s deep divisions dig deeper

[ Donald Trump 's ] chance of winning is not a zero percent chance .
In fact , that is @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s raining in downtown Los Angeles .

Read Crikey's full election coverage.
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crikey--2020-11-04--The brutal truth: Trump was always going to be competitive

If progressives are shocked that Donald Trump is competitive and could yet win , they need to study the electoral @ @ @ @ @ dominates American democracy .
With millions of mail ballots left to count and officials in @ @ @ @ @ wo n't be completing counting until tomorrow , or even late this week , the @ @ @ @ @ race remains to be seen , with the fates of Donald Trump and Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden has declared he believes he 's on track to win , but stopped @ @ @ @ @ Once again , US pollsters appeared to have failed -- in Florida spectacularly so , @ @ @ @ @ after all but one of the recent polls showed Biden ahead by up to six @ @

With millions of mail ballots left to count and officials in key battleground states indicating they won’t be completing counting until tomorrow, or even late this week, the outcome of the 2020 presidential race remains to be seen, with the fates of Donald Trump and Joe Biden still up in the air.
Biden has declared he believes he’s on track to win, but stopped short of declaring victory.


crikey--2020-11-03--Why does the national disability agency spend millions fighting people with disabilities?

The NDIA spends up big on external law firms , creating a massive power imbalance .
Only 20 % of @ @ @ @ @ representation .
Dr Larry Laikind is a decorated disability discrimination lawyer who has been commended @ @ @ @ @ .
He has 1 % peripheral vision .
When the National Disability Insurance Agency ( @ @ @ @ @ for funds to modify his backyard to make it accessible he , like hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ his claim to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal ( AAT ) to have it reviewed .
@ @ @ @ @ a fair fight .
As revealed in Senate estimates last week , the NDIA has @ @ @ @ @ external legal services in the past financial year , up from $ 18.4 the year @ @ @ @ @ count the cost of its in-house legal team .

Dr Larry Laikind is a decorated disability discrimination lawyer who has been commended for several human rights awards. He has 1% peripheral vision.
When the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) rejected his claim for funds to modify his backyard to make it accessible he, like hundreds of others with disabilities, took his claim to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) to have it reviewed.
But Laikind is not in a fair fight. As revealed in Senate estimates last week, the NDIA has spent $29 million on external legal services in the past financial year, up from $18.4 the year before. This doesn’t count the cost of its in-house legal team.


crikey--2020-11-03--COVID creates backlogs and delays — from courts to visas and elective surgery

The pandemic has caused delays across society that could take more than a year to clear .
Families are waiting @ @ @ @ @ children will be removed .
People in jail are waiting to find out whether they @ @ @ @ @ of a crime .
Couples are waiting to find out when they ’ ll be @ @ @ @ @ a huge backlog in hospitals , courts and government departments , and it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ than a year for some to clear .
Crikey breaks down some of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ ready to go before the pandemic , but introducing a federal anti-corruption body to parliament @ @ @ @ @ The framework was finally detailed this week .

Families are waiting to find out whether their children will be removed. People in jail are waiting to find out whether they’ll be found guilty of a crime. Couples are waiting to find out when they’ll be reunited.
COVID-19 has caused a huge backlog in hospitals, courts and government departments, and it’s estimated it will take more than a year for some to clear. Crikey breaks down some of the biggest delays.
Anti-corruption and royal commissions
The legislation was ready to go before the pandemic, but introducing a federal anti-corruption body to parliament has taken 11 months. The framework was finally detailed this week.


crikey--2020-11-06--‘They’re trying to rig an election’: a president’s insane election claims

From attacking fake polls to baseless claims of voter fraud , Donald Trump is pulling out all the stops in @ @ @ @ @ power .
In his first update since the night of the election , Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud , emphasising to his supporters that he will emerge as @ @ @ @ @ of legal challenges .
It was a bizarre , unprecedented speech which will go down @ @ @ @ @ wrong reasons .
Here 's what he said .
Trump described in-person votes as `` @ @ @ @ @ absentee votes as `` illegal '' .
Most states have always allowed mail-in ballots , @ @ @ @ @ who could vote via mail due to the pandemic .

In his first update since the night of the election, Donald Trump today made a series of unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud, emphasising to his supporters that he will emerge as the winner after a series of legal challenges.
It was a bizarre, unprecedented speech which will go down in history for all the wrong reasons. Here’s what he said.
‘I won‘
Trump described in-person votes as “legal” and mail-in and absentee votes as “illegal”. Most states have always allowed mail-in ballots, but some relaxed restrictions on who could vote via mail due to the pandemic.


crikey--2020-11-06--The long, sad saga of Clive Palmer continues unabated

As Clive Palmer loses his lockdown challenge against the WA government , let 's look back on the past decade @ @ @ @ @ Our very own proto-Trump Clive Palmer today lost his fight with the Western Australian government @ @ @ @ @ that Western Australia ’ s border closure was valid , and did not breach section @ @ @ @ @ as Palmer had challenged .
For a putative billionaire , Palmer sure does seem to @ @ @ @ @ .
It seems a good time to look back at the great failures of the @ @

Our very own proto-Trump Clive Palmer today lost his fight with the Western Australian government.
The High Court ruled that Western Australia’s border closure was valid, and did not breach section 92 of the constitution, as Palmer had challenged.
For a putative billionaire, Palmer sure does seem to face a lot of setbacks. It seems a good time to look back at the great failures of the Palmersaurus.


crikey--2020-11-06--‘Don’t panic, but…’: What the latest COVID-19 mutations mean for vaccine development

A new strain of coronavirus has been found in mink , but will it disrupt vaccination development ?
Minks are @ @ @ @ @ reason than one .
Denmark ’ s mink farms have been found to have a @ @ @ @ @ meaning millions of the furry critters will have to be culled .
The new strain @ @ @ @ @ least 12 people .
But that ’ s not all in disturbing coronavirus news .
@ @ @ @ @ was discovered on a cargo ship off Queensland 's Sunshine Coast , where five on @ @ @ @ @ With the world racing to find a vaccine , what does this mean for scientific @ @

Minks are out of fashion for more reason than one. Denmark’s mink farms have been found to have a mutated strain of COVID-19, meaning millions of the furry critters will have to be culled. The new strain has already spread to at least 12 people.
But that’s not all in disturbing coronavirus news. This morning, another strain was discovered on a cargo ship off Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, where five on board had been infected.
With the world racing to find a vaccine, what does this mean for scientific progress?


crikey--2020-11-06--Whatever the result, the clear losers are progressives and democracy

The right 's attempt to derail the US election is the final manifestation of the Donald Trump era .
And there 's little the left can do .
Well it 's all gone mmm yeah , still .
Despite President Donald Trump 's Thursday evening ( US time ) pre-emptive press conference doubling down on claims of a rigged election , Joe Biden is on track for a narrow victory , after the polls shifted in the two days of post-election day counting .
Smilin ' Joe has picked up up Wisconsin and Michigan , with Nevada , Arizona , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the balance .
The Trump campaign is n't giving up , sending phalanxes of lawyers to every state in contention to effectively argue the same point in each : that irregular mail-in ballots are being treated as regular and ratified , and that the Democrats are manufacturing new ballots .
Trump 's rhetoric has evolved into a full scale assault on the very fabric of democracy .
His list of grievances , all presented without evidence , is growing by the hour , fuelling the chaos in the streets .
His targets include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the polls ( `` suppression polls '' ) and `` secret '' hands at work to steal his victory .

Well it’s all gone mmm yeah, still. Despite President Donald Trump’s Thursday evening (US time) pre-emptive press conference doubling down on claims of a rigged election, Joe Biden is on track for a narrow victory, after the polls shifted in the two days of post-election day counting. Smilin’ Joe has picked up up Wisconsin and Michigan, with Nevada, Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania in the balance.
The Trump campaign isn’t giving up, sending phalanxes of lawyers to every state in contention to effectively argue the same point in each: that irregular mail-in ballots are being treated as regular and ratified, and that the Democrats are manufacturing new ballots.
Trump’s rhetoric has evolved into a full scale assault on the very fabric of democracy. His list of grievances, all presented without evidence, is growing by the hour, fuelling the chaos in the streets. His targets include the media (as ever), the polls (“suppression polls”) and “secret” hands at work to steal his victory.


crikey--2020-11-06--Taking out the trash: what the people in power have been up to while you’ve been distracted

Plenty has happened here in Australia while you 've been focusing on the chaos in the US .
Let 's @ @ @ @ @ been a distracting week , in what was already a very distracting year .
And @ @ @ @ @ the initial COVID-19 outbreaks in the first half of 2020 , the madness of the @ @ @ @ @ in power here at home with great cover to sneak out stories that might otherwise @ @ @ @ @ .
Here 's a few big ones you might have missed while glued to CNN @

Let’s be honest: it’s been a distracting week, in what was already a very distracting year.
And just as it was with the initial COVID-19 outbreaks in the first half of 2020, the madness of the US election has provided those in power here at home with great cover to sneak out stories that might otherwise have caused them some trouble.
Here’s a few big ones you might have missed while glued to CNN.


crikey--2020-11-05--Trump declares war on electoral process as the right prefers chaos over order

Trump supporters had better understand that when they abandon the rule of law , a lot of other things can @ @ @ @ @ to their taste .
Donald Trump 's decision to launch of a full-throated declaration of @ @ @ @ @ process this morning paves the way for what may well be a chaotic three months @ @ @ @ @ to thwart the result .
“ If you count the legal votes I easily win @ @ @ @ @ , insisting he had won major undecided states by `` a lot '' and calling @ @ @ @ @ counting of ballots arriving late .
Earlier , he had demanded `` STOP THE FRAUD @ @ @ @ @ VOTE '' on Twitter .
While Trump 's tactics and attempt to delegitimise the election @ @ @ @ @ long predicted in the event he was defeated , they confirm that any support for @ @ @ @ @ to attacking democracy .

Donald Trump’s decision to launch of a full-throated declaration of war on the US electoral process this morning paves the way for what may well be a chaotic three months of legal and extra-legal efforts to thwart the result.
“If you count the legal votes I easily win,” the president said, insisting he had won major undecided states by “a lot” and calling for an end to the counting of ballots arriving late. Earlier, he had demanded “STOP THE FRAUD” and “STOP THE VOTE” on Twitter.
While Trump’s tactics and attempt to delegitimise the election as “rigged” were long predicted in the event he was defeated, they confirm that any support for Trump’s tactics now amounts to attacking democracy.


crikey--2020-11-05--The unchecked disinformation pandemic driving America to the edge

It 's not just fringe groups spreading dangerous conspiracies that benefit Donald Trump — Australian media is playing a central role too .
By July this year , one third of Americans did not believe the official death toll from COVID-19 , even as infections and hospitalisations surged to a new high .
The figures from polling company Ipsos are an indicator of the central role which misinformation and conspiracy theory have played in the United States election , as President Donald Trump has taken scepticism of official sources and honed it into a lethal political tool , combined with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual freedom .
In a presidency marked by a daily assault on the truth , perhaps the worst and most dangerous is left until last , with Trump fanning the deadly fictions that he has already won the election and that it is now being stolen by the Democrats with illegal ballots .
In the face of Trump ’ s attack on the very fundamentals of democracy , Facebook has reacted by removing a Republican-linked account where people have been spreading misinformation about the election process and calling for violence .
The group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” gained more than 350,000 members in less than 24 hours starting on Wednesday before it was taken down on Thursday afternoon US time , according to US reports .
Meanwhile , Twitter suspended the account of Trump loyalist Steve Bannon who called for Dr Anthony Fauci and FBI Director Christopher Wray to be beheaded “ as a warning to federal bureaucrats ” .
In Maricopa county , Arizona , where ballots were being counted , the sight of a crazed Trump supporter denouncing “ the Biden crime family ” — a QAnon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epitaph as any of the Trump years .
In 2016 the QAnon conspiracy theory was little more than a fevered idea with its central implausible tenet that Donald Trump was in the White House to cleanse the world of Satan-worshipping paedophiles who had infiltrated the institutions governing America .
Four years on it has mushroomed into a movement with up to 3 million followers according to a study conducted by Facebook .
It has also been given the nod of approval by Trump himself .
QAnon supporter Marjorie Taylor has been elected as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among other things she has attacked the Black Lives Matter movement and the use of face masks to protect against COVID-19 as well as alleging that there has been an “ Islamic invasion ” of government offices and accusing Jewish billionaire George Soros of collaborating with Nazis .
Other QAnoners are emerging at state level politics , with Arizona a hotspot .
But who needs QAnon when you ’ ve got Fox News ?
The Ipsos poll which revealed that 30 % of Americans did not believe official COVID-19 death figures found , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made up of those who get their information from the Murdochs ’ US network .
A staggering 62 % of Fox viewers doubted the official numbers .
Murdoch ’ s Australian outpost Sky News Australia has weighed in with its own Trump-aligned disinformation campaign .
A week out from the US elections it ran a special “ investigation ” into the alleged dealings of Joe Biden ’ s son Hunter , a story which it claimed was “ covered up ” by social media .
The story , ignored by US networks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouTube drawing grateful comments from Americans complaining about “ CNN , NBC , NPR , and the rest of the leftist fake news ” .
On election day , Sky commentators lined up to spout Trump rhetoric .
Biden had cognitive issues .
He was a lunatic , a prisoner of the left .
Mail-in ballots meant there would be electoral fraud .
So what of this pile-on ?
Is there anything to stop the gush of bias and bile ?
It would appear not .
As a subscription TV broadcaster , Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulation .
It is the closest you can get to a broadcast free-for-all .
Industry regulator the Australian Communications and Media Authority ( ACMA ) has done a deal whereby Sky and other subscription broadcasters operate under a code of practice which is drawn up with industry body the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association .
The deal makes special allowance for the nature of subscriber television , which the industry characterises as a “ voluntary relationship ” between the provider and subscriber , with the subscriber able to exercise freedom of choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the code says , “ subscription TV is in the nature of an invited guest , brought into the home in the full and prior knowledge of the guest ’ s character.
” In theory Sky News should be presented “ accurately , fairly and impartially ” .
It should also “ clearly distinguish ” news from commentary and analysis .
Beyond that Sky commentators are pretty well free to say whatever they like , without being encumbered by facts or the need for balance .
And if you don ’ t like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disinformation factory that is Sky News Australia are three directors .
One of them , Siobhan McKenna , began her stellar corporate career as manager of Lachlan Murdoch ’ s private investment company Illyria Pty Ltd. She remains a director of that company as well as a director of other Lachlan Murdoch interests .
In tandem with Fox , it would appear that subscription television , based on a model of unregulated far-right outrage and misinformation , is the way of the future for Murdoch the younger — and not a bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter financial results as reported by Crikey yesterday revealed a 2 % rise in revenue to US $ 2.7 billion with Fox News again the star , driving revenues in Fox ’ s cable business up by around 3 % to US $ 1.325 billion for the quarter .
When it comes to the digital sewer of “ news ” and conspiracy peddled through Facebook and Twitter , the federal regulator ACMA has absolutely no power at all .
Australian regulators have been working up a voluntary code of conduct with the tech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establish some brake on the AI-driven mess of lies and distortions that are shaping views and actions .
Ultimately though it will be up to big digital to self-regulate — a task which the US election has shown it is entirely incapable of doing .

In a presidency marked by a daily assault on the truth one set of figures stands out: by July this year, one third of Americans did not believe the official death toll from COVID-19, even as infections and hospitalisations surged to a new high.
The figures from polling company Ipsos are an indicator of the central role which misinformation and conspiracy theory have played in the United States election, as President Donald Trump has taken scepticism of official sources and honed it into a lethal political tool, combined with an appeal to the American ideal of individual freedom. Mask. No mask. Are you with us? Or against us? Do you believe in science or do you believe in me?


crikey--2020-11-05--Joe Hockey and the price of selling out democracy

Joe Hockey ignores systematic voter suppression by Republicans to complain about Black Americans supporting a Democrat candidate , all in the aid of backing Trump 's attack on democracy .
Joe Hockey , apparently , has spent several years in Washington DC .
First as Australia ’ s ambassador to the court of mad king Donald , these days as a lobbyist in his own K-Street outfit , established with some former embassy personnel to take advantage of his links with Trump .
If you ’ re from outside the US and don ’ t have even a nodding understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you when you visit DC to discover that it ’ s an African-American city .
For 200 years , until a decade ago , it was a majority Black city ; even now , nearly half of the city ’ s population is Black .
Joe appears not to have noticed that fact during his time in the elites circles of DC ; perhaps he was too busy reading his briefs while being chauffeured to Capitol Hill to look out the car window .
That ’ s the only reason a resident of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that DC delivered 93 % of its vote to Joe Biden .
“ I find it hard to believe , ” opined Joe to right-wing shock jock Ben Fordham , in the course of blithely agreeing with Donald Trump that there was election fraud in the US and that there was “ plenty of good reason to have litigation ” .
Well , Hillary Clinton managed 91 % of the DC vote in 2016 .
So did Barack Obama four years earlier .
In 2008 he cracked 92 % .
In fact the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the DC vote was Jimmy Carter , who got 75 % when he lost to Reagan .
But Joe still thinks the Democrats cheated .
What other evidence did the former treasurer and ambassador evince for his extraordinary claim ?
“ It is a complete dog ’ s breakfast right across the country , ” he offered .
Well , that part is true — US voting is a dog ’ s breakfast , mainly because Republicans are hell-bent on making it as difficult as possible for minority voters to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any of that — he ’ s more concerned that Black Americans turned out to strongly vote against a white supremacist president in DC .
Although he ’ s a lobbyist these days with strong connections to the Trump administration , Hockey is still taken seriously by the media as some sort of US political pundit .
But what sort of pundit doesn ’ t even know that DC is a Democratic stronghold ?
And for that matter , why on earth would anyone take their congressional business to a lobbyist who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facts about the US political system ?
But this ignorance was deployed by Hockey in a mission of supporting Trump ’ s attack on democracy .
Hockey thinks there ’ s good reason for litigation to stop the “ dog ’ s breakfast ” in the US — except the only example of the “ dog ’ s breakfast ” he offers is high levels of African-American voting , which he put down to Democrats engaging in multiple voting .
Hockey ’ s claims were so ridiculous that even The Australian attacked him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credibility to comment on US political affairs after his statements is laughable .
Any media outlet treating him seriously henceforth has questions to answer .
You don ’ t make those sorts of appalling comments in support of an attack on democracy — and of your own business interests — without consequences .

Joe Hockey, apparently, has spent several years in Washington DC. First as Australia’s ambassador to the court of mad king Donald, these days as a lobbyist in his own K-Street outfit, established with some former embassy personnel to take advantage of his links with Trump.
If you’re from outside the US and don’t have even a nodding understanding of American history, it might surprise you when you visit DC to discover that it’s an African-American city. For 200 years, until a decade ago, it was a majority Black city; even now, nearly half of the city’s population is Black.
Joe appears not to have noticed that fact during his time in the elites circles of DC; perhaps he was too busy reading his briefs while being chauffeured to Capitol Hill to look out the car window. That’s the only reason a resident of DC could possibly have for expressing surprise that DC delivered 93% of its vote to Joe Biden.


crikey--2020-11-05--Scott got bots in dot-com plot (and other news you may have missed)

Scott Morrison : bot collector ?
Plus : climate change is ruining guitars , and did COVID really kill a @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t spend half your life navigating the glorious hellscape of Twitter , you @ @ @ @ @ concept of being “ ratioed ” .
The term is used when the replies to @ @ @ @ @ likes or retweets , because on Twitter people who agree with a post will generally @ @ @ @ @ , and people who disagree will explain why in all caps .
Thus the ratio @ @ @ @ @ as a great indicator that what you just said is incredibly unpopular and/or stupid .
@ @ @ @ @ is particularly embarrassing if you ’ re a public figure like , say , the @ @ @ @ @ but fortunately getting ratioed simply doesn ’ t happen to Scott Morrison .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ whenever the comments start to get overwhelming , hundreds of patriotic Australians jump onto Twitter @ @ @ @ @ keep steady pace .

Ratio ga-ga
If you don’t spend half your life navigating the glorious hellscape of Twitter, you may not be across the concept of being “ratioed”.
The term is used when the replies to your post noticeably outnumber the likes or retweets, because on Twitter people who agree with a post will generally just hit “like”, and people who disagree will explain why in all caps. Thus the ratio of comments to likes works as a great indicator that what you just said is incredibly unpopular and/or stupid.
It’s something which is particularly embarrassing if you’re a public figure like, say, the prime minister of Australia — but fortunately getting ratioed simply doesn’t happen to Scott Morrison. In fact, it would appear that whenever the comments start to get overwhelming, hundreds of patriotic Australians jump onto Twitter to ensure that the likes keep steady pace.


crikey--2020-11-06--Saving democracy from the coup clux clan is everybody’s business. Right now

Metrics of democracy across the globe have found the project in decline for years now .
Trump is where this gets you , not what causes it .
There ’ s a very real chance democracy as we know it may not survive the lifespan of the discussion I want to have , but here it is : we must immediately examine the mechanisms by which the essential structures of modern democracy can be separated from the venality , incompetence and corruption of the politicians in charge of them .
Note I do not say we must discuss the desirability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving too fast , and we are enraptured in witness to the assault , in real time , on democracy over there , whilst astonishingly complacent to it over here .
To be fair it ’ s compelling over there — the Michael Bay movie of democracy in all its vivid migraine inducement .
At this stage , the destination of this election is really less important than the journey .
To his credit , Donald Trump did tell us this was coming .
There was a promise to lie , to foment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to try and send a whole election to a politically adulterated constitutional body now utterly designed to only dance with the one that brung it .
And now there are armed protestors outside election offices .
People with large guns are pointing them at votes and vote counters .
Wild eyed with an imagined sense of legitimacy and entitlement .
I realise hyperbole has robbed words like terrifying of its impact , but it really does feel like epochal moments are apparent .
But they ’ re not necessarily the ones we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it always happened ?
The Republicans have also been honest , for what feels like decades : minority rule is the dream .
Democracy not abandoned , but bent and broken to serve a specific end .
They ’ ve boasted about it , financed it , fought for it , and their moment might be now .
A Trump win , however and whenever it comes , would mean the electoral roll will be purged , courts stacked , and gerrymandering turbo-charged .
The ability of a political party to govern without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be entrenched , possibly for a generation .
Historians and political scientists reaffirmed their concerns in an open letter released at the weekend .
However , at this stage , a Trump loss is still a good result for the many Republicans who loathe the man but have gained three Supreme Court judges , huge tax cuts , and possibly held the Senate all while gaining enough fake grievance to justify obstruction and pettiness for the next four years .
These aren ’ t modern problems , just the latest incarnation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have become too busy , too tired , too cynical , or too apathetic to challenge the means by which the structures designed to provide checks and balances in the system have been co-opted or corrupted .
Metrics of democracy across the globe have found the project in decline for some 14 years now .
Trump is where this gets you , not what causes it .
America has found itself quite shocked at just how much many of the foundational principles of its democracy have relied on something as simple as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieved when you simply deny a Supreme Court candidate a vote eight months out from an election , then force a different candidate through within days of the next one .
Because you can .
All you have to do is accept the charge of hypocrisy and you can change the fundamental balance of constitutional law , and potentially elections themselves .
Accountability , so underrated for so long as to be thought to be inherent in the system , is now found wilting through a prism of fanaticism , polarisation , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structures holding civilised society together have found themselves at the mercy of the awesome power of shamelessness .
The question , then , is how to put structural integrity back at the heart of democracy .
Politicians own the ability to claim a mandate from the people after every election .
But that does not mean/should not mean/was not designed to mean they then own the very essence of the concept of governance .
Yes , the US version of democracy is at the precipice , but there has been a mesmerising , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
In the last week or so the sheer scale of governance matters requiring coverage has been extraordinary , involving business , politics , the judiciary , and media .
Accountability and/or shame would reasonably have cost a sizeable number of the current federal cabinet their jobs , in normal circumstances .
It ’ s a clever political calculation to judge people will not hold the government ultimately responsible for this level of misdeed .
Too much is attributed to apathy , when the devastating truth is most people are simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a charge that has echoes for us in the quiet march of authoritarianism in our region .
It ’ s why we must look to remove some of the boundaries of good governance from what makes good politics .
A crappy ICAC is good politics , decimation of the ABC is good politics , polarisation is good politics , bad accountability is good politics .
Good luck to Donald Trump getting that many people to vote for him .
Good luck to Australian politicians and back-room hacks gorging on pork barrels , internecine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factionalism .
If you can do all that and still get people to vote for you , you ’ ve done good politics .
But it should be obvious that you should not be in charge of democracy .
It ’ s not anti-democratic to seek to separate you from the structures that protect it , quite the opposite .
There is no more obvious example than allowing politicians to decide whether there is a corruption body investigating them , or what form one should take .
Or the fact that the bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the funding choices , or lack thereof , of the government of the day .
The need for a robust external commission tackling corruption and abuse and mendacity is obvious , as is the realisation that in the maelstrom of modern life no one is going to cast their definitive and precious vote on that issue alone .
They shouldn ’ t have to .
So you find the will and the way to make structural shifts .
Here ’ s another : in absolutely no way should the funding of the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government of the day .
I work for the ABC , and in every pore of its essence it is a servant of the people , and a servant of democracy ( Editorial Policy 4.2 is worth a separate chat sometime ) , not a servant of the politics of the day .
Fairness is too often false balance at the expense of evidence and objectivity , and “ relevance ” relies far too much on metrics that simply have no place in a serious discussion when journalism is correctly framed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the state .
A democracy without an informed citizenry will not stand .
It will absolutely tear itself apart .
The antidote to destructive ignorance is an open , trusted and accessible media , and we are allowing that to be taken away .
The symbiotic relationship between good governance and good journalism has for too long been implicit , or placed in the hands of those that gain from its denuded form .
It needs to be made explicit , and its true value needs to be recognised with firm structural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and governing public sector broadcasting ; innovative pathways to design and maintain a diverse , trusted , and sustainable commercial and community media environment .
Other models are apparent , and the best ones start with the truly democratic principle that the worth of truth and news and an informed electorate can not be measured in short-term ways by short-term people .
It ’ s not an easy discussion .
But it ’ s increasingly obvious that to protect — let alone nurture — democracy requires more structural care than we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to embed integrity and principles of good governance are entirely doable .
We ’ ve just been asking the wrong people .
Glynn Greensmith is a journalism lecturer at Curtin University and an ABC broadcaster .

There’s a very real chance democracy as we know it may not survive the lifespan of the discussion I want to have, but here it is: we must immediately examine the mechanisms by which the essential structures of modern democracy can be separated from the venality, incompetence and corruption of the politicians in charge of them.
Note I do not say we must discuss the desirability of this separation. It’s moving too fast, and we are enraptured in witness to the assault, in real time, on democracy over there, whilst astonishingly complacent to it over here.
To be fair it’s compelling over there — the Michael Bay movie of democracy in all its vivid migraine inducement.


crikey--2020-11-07--Joe Biden, president-elect: Democrat secures victory over Trump after epic wait

Joe Biden has defeated Donald Trump , with victory in Pennsylvania delivering him the necessary electoral college votes to make @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden will be the 46th president of the United States after finally securing sufficient @ @ @ @ @ marathon count that delivered him the state of Pennsylvania , triggering celebrations across the United @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday morning , US time , networks and AP began calling Pennsylvania for the @ @ @ @ @ leads there by nearly 30,000 votes , handing Biden the 270 electoral college votes he @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump raged in the White House about a rigged election and electoral fraud @ @ @ @ @ battleground states steadily evaporated over the last three days with the counting of mail and @ @ @ @ @ and futile Trump efforts to convince courts to prevent further counting .

Joe Biden will be the 46th president of the United States after finally securing sufficient electoral college votes following a marathon count that delivered him the state of Pennsylvania, triggering celebrations across the United States.
At around 11.25 on Saturday morning, US time, networks and AP began calling Pennsylvania for the former vice-president, who currently leads there by nearly 30,000 votes, handing Biden the 270 electoral college votes he needs for victory.
As President Donald Trump raged in the White House about a rigged election and electoral fraud, his lead in key battleground states steadily evaporated over the last three days with the counting of mail and pre-poll ballots, despite extensive and futile Trump efforts to convince courts to prevent further counting.


crikey--2020-11-09--Murdoch to Trump: can you leave the audience by the door?

Murdoch is using his US newspapers and television to send a message to an audience of one : “ time @ @ @ @ @ Hidden messages encoded in television broadcasts ?
That ’ s normally a sign of psychosis @ @ @ @ @ s how best to understand what ’ s happening in the US between Rupert Murdoch @ @ @ @ @ is using his US newspapers and television to send this message to an audience of @ @ @ @ @ s up ” .
Australians have been getting the messages on delay .
Sky News @ @ @ @ @ over the weekend at baseless claims of election fraud , backed up by its latest @ @ @ @ @ But the local papers seemed to have received the memo by Saturday .

Hidden messages encoded in television broadcasts? That’s normally a sign of psychosis. Now, it’s how best to understand what’s happening in the US between Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump.
Murdoch is using his US newspapers and television to send this message to an audience of one: “time’s up”.
Australians have been getting the messages on delay. Sky News has continued to pound away over the weekend at baseless claims of election fraud, backed up by its latest US hire Joe Hockey. But the local papers seemed to have received the memo by Saturday.


crikey--2020-11-09--Walls close in around Morrison on climate

Australia risks becoming an international pariah if it maintains its climate denialism as its major trading partners embrace carbon neutrality @ @ @ @ @ Biden further isolates the Morrison government as a climate denialist holdout in a world where @ @ @ @ @ Australia have all embraced serious emissions abatement targets .
A Biden administration will return to @ @ @ @ @ seek to establish targets for emissions reductions and even a carbon neutrality goal , though @ @ @ @ @ Senate controlled by Republican recipients of fossil fuel and right-wing donations .
Biden is likely @ @ @ @ @ strategy of using executive action to drive climate action .
If the US decides on @ @ @ @ @ Biden , that will mean Australia ’ s top four trading partners all have carbon @ @ @ @ @ trading partner , the European Union , is considering a carbon tariff on emissions-intensive imports @ @ @ @ @ have a carbon pricing regime consistent with its own .

The election of Joe Biden further isolates the Morrison government as a climate denialist holdout in a world where the economies most important to Australia have all embraced serious emissions abatement targets.
A Biden administration will return to the Paris Agreement and will seek to establish targets for emissions reductions and even a carbon neutrality goal, though it faces a likely hostile Senate controlled by Republican recipients of fossil fuel and right-wing donations. Biden is likely to continue Barack Obama’s strategy of using executive action to drive climate action.
If the US decides on a carbon neutrality commitment under Biden, that will mean Australia’s top four trading partners all have carbon neutrality goals. Another major trading partner, the European Union, is considering a carbon tariff on emissions-intensive imports from countries that do not have a carbon pricing regime consistent with its own.


crikey--2020-11-09--Next time, a smarter demagogue might find a way to win

The US electoral system only barely worked to prevent a would-be dictator winning power .
For right-wingers unwilling to embrace @ @ @ @ @ narrative that Trump was robbed , there 's much solace-seeking in the narrative that Trump @ @ @ @ @ genius who tapped something `` liberal elites '' do n't understand .
That 's despite @ @ @ @ @ ( for the second time ) bigly , by over 4 million votes , and @ @ @ @ @ 300-plus electoral college vote .
The mood was summed up by reactionary Australian op-ed columnist @ @ @ @ @ Trump had won a `` moral victory '' .
`` More people voted for Trump @ @ @ @ @ Obama , the previous record holder , or for Hillary Clinton last time , or @ @ @ @ @ '' he wrote .

For right-wingers unwilling to embrace conspiracy theories and promote the narrative that Trump was robbed, there’s much solace-seeking in the narrative that Trump is some sort of political genius who tapped something “liberal elites” don’t understand.
That’s despite Trump losing the popular vote (for the second time) bigly, by over 4 million votes, and Biden heading for a convincing 300-plus electoral college vote.
The mood was summed up by reactionary Australian op-ed columnist Greg Sheridan, who claimed Trump had won a “moral victory”. “More people voted for Trump than ever voted for Barack Obama, the previous record holder, or for Hillary Clinton last time, or for any other president,” he wrote.


crikey--2020-11-08--Biden as a latter-day Jimmy Carter could change America’s soul

Pundits like to drag out Jimmy Carter as a punch line , but there 's a lot a modern-day president @ @ @ @ @ Could Joe Biden become the worst Democratic president since Jimmy Carter , as his detractors @ @ @ @ @ suggest that being as good as Jimmy Carter wouldn ’ t be a bad thing @ @ @ @ @ : `` This is the time to heal in America '' .
He has said @ @ @ @ @ goal would be “ to restore basic decency and honesty ” .

Could Joe Biden become the worst Democratic president since Jimmy Carter, as his detractors suggest?
Or can I suggest that being as good as Jimmy Carter wouldn’t be a bad thing either.
Biden declared yesterday: “This is the time to heal in America”. He has said all along that his main goal would be “to restore basic decency and honesty”.


crikey--2020-11-08--Death by suicide and dementia on the rise as policy and science lag behind

The data shows we can change causes of death through policy , scientific progress and health system funding .
It @ @ @ @ @ we 're still falling short .
Causes of death have perhaps never been so close @ @ @ @ @ debate as in 2020 .
The lengths to which we will go to avoid deaths @ @ @ @ @ prepared to enact -- are clearer than ever before .
This should lead to much @ @ @ @ @ reduce the burden of death society endured before the pandemic .
So it is that @ @ @ @ @ ' release of data on causes of death in 2019 is received with more attention @ @ @ @ @ a baseline by which we will compare 2020 .
But it does more than that @ @ @ @ @ over time shows that we can change causes of death , by policy , by @ @ @ @ @ system funding .
Accidental drownings and murders are down .
So are colon cancer deaths @

Causes of death have perhaps never been so close to the forefront of public debate as in 2020. The lengths to which we will go to avoid deaths — the policies we are prepared to enact — are clearer than ever before. This should lead to much clearer thinking about how to reduce the burden of death society endured before the pandemic.
So it is that the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ release of data on causes of death in 2019 is received with more attention than usual. It provides a baseline by which we will compare 2020.
But it does more than that. Looking at the data over time shows that we can change causes of death, by policy, by scientific progress and by health system funding. Accidental drownings and murders are down. So are colon cancer deaths.


crikey--2020-11-08--1500 Australians registered for farm work — not one of them got a job

A recruitment company set up at the start of the pandemic to find Australians work on farms has found it 'impossible ' to get locals jobs , despite the industry crying out for boots on the ground .
The following story first appeared at The New Daily and is republished here with permission .
A recruitment company set up at the start of the pandemic to find Australians work on farms has found it “ impossible ” to get locals jobs , despite the industry crying out for boots on the ground .
One of the founders of AgriAus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the condition of anonymity , said the company had put out a “ call to farms ” to employ interested Australians and get them picking fruit and vegetables on the nation ’ s farms to save produce from waste .
The New Daily can also reveal that many labour-hire companies for the agricultural sector are advertising positions exclusively for backpackers , leaving unemployed Australians , who say they ’ re happy to work for fair pay , out in the cold .
AgriAus had more than 1500 applicants for farm work but was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a job due to farmers ’ preference for foreign workers , the firm ’ s co-founder told The New Daily .
“ We got 1500 applications from people desperate for farm work in three days , ” he said .
“ We started making contact with farmers to gauge if they wanted people to go out there or not .
We spoke to the Department of Agriculture to see if they could push it , but it doesn ’ t seem to make a difference because the farmers don ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had tried farms across Victoria , New South Wales and Queensland , but as soon as employers heard the job seekers were Australian citizens all interest died .
What we ’ ve been finding is the moment you say you want to get an Aussie a job , the farmer doesn ’ t want to listen , ” he said .
“ We did a bit of digging around why , and farmers said ‘ one , they ’ re lazy ’ , and ‘ two , we have to pay them ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been out to farms myself .
The moment you say you ’ re a citizen you don ’ t get a response whatsoever.
” The coronavirus pandemic has thrown Australia ’ s fruit and vegetable picking industry into crisis , with an expected worker shortage by March of 26,000 , and billions of dollars of produce at risk of being wasted if it can ’ t be picked .
Despite this , a growing cohort of locals are struggling to get work and the farmworkers ’ union has told The New Daily that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , easily exploitable foreign workers over locals , and the industry needs to be “ cleaned up ” .
Currently , labour-hire companies across the country are advertising for positions , some of them specifically stating they will only employ backpackers .
“ Working holidaymaker only ” several job ads say , while others specify that candidates “ must have a WHV visa ” to apply .
Following a previous report by The New Daily — which revealed that job seeker Lukus Muir had been rejected for 20 farm jobs — the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Farmers Federation to deliver a $ 6000 incentive for anyone willing to take a job in the country .
But Australians looking for farms jobs said it would do little good if farmers refused to hire them .
United Workers Union farms director Jannette Armstrong said conditions across the horticulture industry remained poor .
To “ clean up ” the sector , Ms Armstrong listed the key things that needed to be done : support existing horticulture workers , invest in our growing regions to make sure there is adequate infrastructure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the industry .
“ Supermarkets also have an important role to play , ” she said .
“ They are the biggest retailers of the fresh fruit and vegetables grown in Australia and must take greater responsibility for leading change , demanding , and ensuring responsible employment practices and humane treatment of workers in their supply chain .
”

The following story first appeared at The New Daily and is republished here with permission.
A recruitment company set up at the start of the pandemic to find Australians work on farms has found it “impossible” to get locals jobs, despite the industry crying out for boots on the ground.
One of the founders of AgriAus, who spoke to The New Daily on the condition of anonymity, said the company had put out a “call to farms” to employ interested Australians and get them picking fruit and vegetables on the nation’s farms to save produce from waste.


crikey--2020-11-10--The minister in charge of integrity has just lost a lot of integrity

Christian Porter was pushing his toothless anti-corruption watchdog even as his behaviour was being investigated by the media .
Now @ @ @ @ @ might not want a federal integrity commission .
The attorney-general has been revealed as allegedly @ @ @ @ @ and inappropriate behaviour going back to the 1980s and is facing the toughest scrutiny of @ @ @ @ @ is likely to be more to the Four Corners story than what was aired last @ @ @ @ @ by producer Peter Cronau suggests there were things that didn ’ t get past the @ @

Now we know why Christian Porter might not want a federal integrity commission.
The attorney-general has been revealed as allegedly having a history of sexism and inappropriate behaviour going back to the 1980s and is facing the toughest scrutiny of his political career.
There is likely to be more to the Four Corners story than what was aired last night. A rallying cry by producer Peter Cronau suggests there were things that didn’t get past the lawyers.