Economy, wage subsidy, inequality Branko Marcetic (Democracy Project): When the US Government becomes more economically progressive than NZ Bernard Hickey (Stuff): Where did the wage subsidy money really go? Gareth Vaughan (Interest): Why we should reframe the discussion on government spending Kate MacNamara (Herald): Treasury shows New Zealand’s 1
13th March 2021 We have just completed 50 days from the start of the coup and what have we learned? The resistance has been more widespread and stronger than the Military, especially Min Aung Hlaing ever considered possible. They were expecting it to peter out after a couple of weeks.
12th March 2021 In order to give you all a balanced view of the situation, I have a piece from the Global New Light of Myanmar (the State-owned paper) that gives a different perspective. Chickpea growers in Pwintbyu Township, Magway Region are expecting a good price in the coming
The BFD is seeking journalists to write news articles for us in a voluntary capacity. We are looking for News stories without spin, just the facts. The BFD is a Conservative site opinion wise but real news shouldn’t have a political view, its job is to inform not to
The BFD is seeking citizen journalists to write news articles for us in a voluntary capacity. Regular contributor Lionred reported on a disaster in Lostwithiel, Cornwall at the end of last year, providing both commentary and photos of what was happening. This year he has been reporting on the coup
11th March 2021 The Infamous Insein Prison, Yangon Insein prison was cleared of many prisoners early in the coup to make way for the arrest of protesters later. It is well known for torture, brutality, and poor treatment of prisoners, many of whom are not recorded. Protesters Arrested in North
Policing and crime Robin Martin (RNZ): Facial recognition used on photos of unidentified suspects only – Coster Geraden Cann (Stuff): Police drones, body cameras likely to be scrutinised by new independent panel Jane Clifton (Herald): What about a long-term Level 4 for gang members? (paywalled) Te Aniwa Hurihanganui (RNZ): Police
10th March 2021 Well, the situation is getting interesting. The BBC carried a report today and an interview with members of the Myanmar police force who had crossed the border and sought asylum in India as they didn’t agree with killing innocent people. Following on from my report about
National Party Richard Harman: National’s review is political dynamite (paywalled) Claire Trevett (Herald): National Party’s review a double-edged sword (paywalled) Herald: Editorial: What the National Party review needs to see (paywalled) Jason Walls (Herald): National’s review report is a ‘challenging and difficult read’ – leader Judith Collins
9th March 2021 Many of you may have seen and read of the attack on an ambulance and the brutal treatment of the medical staff recently, if not on The BFD then the MSM did carry a report. The window was shot out by a shotgun. Where did the cartridges
9th March 2021 Kneeling before them in the dust of a northern Myanmar city, Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng begged a group of heavily armed police officers to spare “the children” and take her life instead. The image of the Catholic nun in a simple white habit, her hands spread,
Covid: Vaccine RNZ: Covid-19: 51% of New Zealanders willing to take vaccine – survey The Hui: New poll shows 23 percent of Maori unlikely to get coronavirus jab Zane Small (Newshub): Greens say lack of full COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan is ‘unacceptable’ Liu Chen (RNZ): NZC lobbied Ashley Bloomfield
The vaping regulations promoted by Ayesha Verrall will ban most vaping products and probably force vaping stores to close. This is not the Minister’s intent, it is due to a conflict between the legislation and the proposed regulations. The government is spending heavily on promoting vaping, while at the
8th March 2021 As things progress in Myanmar with the same routine of a few deaths, a lot of beatings and pictures of violence and mayhem I will try and report on matters that the MSM miss or ignore. Of course, if there is unusual brutality or a change in
