Was this a dodgy name suppression order?I’m no
March 12, 2010
Was this a dodgy name suppression order?
I’m no lawyer, but I think that the stated reasons from Judge Grant Fraser to grant permanent name suppression to the famous nameless sicko from Palmerston North, who downloaded about 30,000 pornographic images, are questionable.
Judge Fraser said he granted permanent name suppression to protect the man’s family, his mental state, his wife’s job and his ability to rehabilitate. I’m wondering if that was actually the case. Because the main stated reason appears to be because none of the offending images were of New Zealanders – or the judge was at least apparently told they weren’t.
Therefore publicity in my view is not required to flush out any potential offenders or to enable members of the community to keep themselves safe from you
But if these images were of New Zealanders, would that mean Fraser would have allowed his name to be published? If so, so much for his argument about the man’s family, his mental state, his wife’s job and his ability to rehabilitate. If not, so much for his argument to keep the community safe.
Crown prosecutor Ben Vanderkolk disagreed with Judge Fraser that name suppression was needed to protect the man’s family, saying the man’s children were well informed about the offending. He said this name suppression could be seen as protecting a person in a privileged position. Yet he refused to appeal the suppression order, citing among a few things, the fact that he had children, and that the court knew what the consequences of a conviction were.
[redacted after reading the judgement]
The man is undergoing therapy to treat his paraphilia. He didn’t just download 30,000 images – he transferred some to an external hard drive and distributed them through the Internet.
I’m wondering how well Vanderkolk knew the famous nameless man. And I’m wondering if this famous nameless man has seen his GP recently. I hear there has been a recent shortage in Palmerston North.
Like I said, I’m no lawyer, and have not read any court documents on this case, but would be keen to get any comment from lawyers or law students on the stated reasons for suppression as outlined above.
National is not going to raise GST- is it?
Before the election
National is not going to be raising GST. National wants to cut taxes, not raise taxes
After the election
The coded call for an increase to GST… was rejected by Mr English.“ We won’t be doing that… it is not our policy,” he said.
( Hattip Gobsmacked @ The standard
Yesterday
The Government is also carefully considering a modest increase in the rate of GST, to no more than 15 percent.We are acutely aware of the effect that a rise in GST could have on lower income families.
update: Today
I said I wouldn’t raise GST to cover deficits.
Problem was, that was not what he said.
Rooiigghhtt…
India and Russia Sign Development Pacts – New York Times
March 12, 2010
India and Russia Sign Development Pacts – New York Times
 Novinite.com |
India and Russia Sign Development Pacts
New York Times NEW DELHI — India and Russia signed a series of agreements on nuclear, space and military issues on Friday after a visit by Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin of Russia. The agreements pave the way to build at least a dozen more Russian … Russia and India sign major military deals Russia, India May Join Forces to Explore the Moon, Putin Says Russia signs India nuclear deal |
Health end game hinges on House, Senate trust – msnbc.com
 CBS News |
Health end game hinges on House, Senate trust
msnbc.com For the next few weeks, Obama-brand "hope" may be taking a back seat to "trust." President Barack Obama's decision on Friday to delay an overseas trip came after reports that an impartial Senate umpire is likely to … Obama delays Asia trip to focus on health care Health care timeline still unclear Democrats pare differences over health overhaul |
Mich. congresswoman called to Detroit grand jury – Boston Globe
March 11, 2010
Mich. congresswoman called to Detroit grand jury – Boston Globe
DETROIT— A congresswoman who is the mother of Detroit ex-Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been summoned to appear before a grand jury in Detroit. The notice from U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, a Detroit Democrat, was in Wednesday’s Congressional Record. Kilpatrick’s office manager, Andrea Bragg
Corey Haim prolonged tragic Hollywood tradition – AZCentral.com
LOS ANGELES — Corey Haim’s story is sadly familiar in Hollywood: A teen talent who discovered drugs as he tasted his first success and whose personal problems increased as his star-power faded. Haim died Wednesday at 38, another chapter in Hollywood’s tragic history of careers ravaged by drugs
Groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for Nets arena – Forbes
NEW YORK — A groundbreaking ceremony is set for the massive development in Brooklyn that includes a new arena for the New Jersey Nets. The Thursday afternoon event will be attended by local and state officials, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Gov. David Paterson
Triple Suicide Bomb Attack Kills 29 in Iraq – Voice of America
March 3, 2010
Triple Suicide Bomb Attack Kills 29 in Iraq – Voice of America
 Globe and Mail |
Triple Suicide Bomb Attack Kills 29 in Iraq
Voice of America Iraqi police say at least 29 people were killed and more than 40 others wounded in three suicide bomb attacks in the northern city of Baquba Wednesday. Two car bombers struck in quick succession near police stations, while the third attacker approached … Suicide bombers kill 31 in Iraqi city before poll Iraq suicide bombers target city of Baquba Suicide Bombers Kill Dozens as Iraq Vote Nears |
Jerry Brown Joins California Contest – Wall Street Journal
 Los Angeles Times |
Jerry Brown Joins California Contest
Wall Street Journal SAN FRANCISCO—California Attorney General Jerry Brown entered the state's gubernatorial race Tuesday, setting up a likely clash between an old-guard Democrat and a new breed of Republican bearing Silicon Valley business credentials. … Can Jerry Brown shed 'Gov. Moonbeam' label? Jerry Brown will try to be California's governor again Brown OKs allowances to officials for vehicles |
Passport probe: AFP officers in Israel – ABC Online
 Times Online |
Passport probe: AFP officers in Israel
ABC Online Three Australians had their identities stolen for fake passports, which were used in the assassination. (AFP) An Australian Federal Police (AFP) team has arrived in Israel to investigate the misuse of Australian … Dubai: Israeli premier faces arrest Assassins beware: Abu Dhabi updates surveillance What did they know and when did they know it? / Startup linked to Dubai hit |
Australia police head to Israel over Dubai slaying – The Associated Press
March 2, 2010
Australia police head to Israel over Dubai slaying – The Associated Press
Times Online |
Australia police head to Israel over Dubai slaying
The Associated Press JERUSALEM — Australian police and passport officials are being dispatched to Israel to meet with three dual Australian-Israeli nationals whose passports were used in the slaying of a top Hamas operative in Dubai, a spokeswoman for Australia's … Dubai to screen Israeli arrivals Dubai Limits Israeli Entry After Killing Dubai assassins drag America into row over fake passports |
Brown seeks governor’s mansion — or at least the office — again – CNN
 Washington Post |
Brown seeks governor's mansion — or at least the office — again
CNN Jerry Brown, the once and future California governor? The current state attorney general leads in polls. (CNN) — You could make a serious argument that Jerry Brown is the most unconventional politician America has ever … Jerry Brown to announce bid for governor today Jerry Brown to announce bid for governor Tuesday In California, Brown Is Said to Be Seeking His Old Job Back |
One Senator Holds Up Bill, in New Level of Gridlock – Wall Street Journal
 BBC News |
One Senator Holds Up Bill, in New Level of Gridlock
Wall Street Journal The Senate tied itself in knots Monday as it tried to get around a single lawmaker's objection to a spending bill, a showdown that has become emblematic of capital's partisan gridlock. Sen. Jim Bunning (R., Ky. … Bunning hurls curve, halts aid | Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/02/2010 Wild pitches from Sen. Bunning Single US senator freezes unemployment payment |
Voters finally get a say in rough Texas primary – The Associated Press
March 2, 2010
Voters finally get a say in rough Texas primary – The Associated Press
 Kansas City Star |
Voters finally get a say in rough Texas primary
The Associated Press AUSTIN, Texas — Voters will finally get their chance Tuesday to weigh in on Texas' long, rough gubernatorial primary. Both Republican Gov. Rick Perry and rival Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison planned a last round of public appearances in Dallas, … Can Republican gubernatorial candidates mend the rift by November? In Texas governor showdown, nice doesn't cut it On Primary Eve, Texas Race Seems Close No More |
President Obama’s cholesterol of 209 means too many sweets, cheeseburgers – New York Daily News
 New York Daily News |
President Obama's cholesterol of 209 means too many sweets, cheeseburgers
New York Daily News WASHINGTON – Memo to Michelle Obama: Besides taking on childhood obesity, you might try keeping your husband away from the dessert cart. The spike in President Obama's cholesterol level detected during a physical exam Sunday was … Kick the cancer sticks, Mr. President Obama in excellent health, doctor says, but he should quit smoking Obama still struggling with smoking |
President Obama still smoking? Doctor’s note may be smoking gun – New York Daily News
February 28, 2010
President Obama still smoking? Doctor’s note may be smoking gun – New York Daily News
 KATU |
President Obama still smoking? Doctor's note may be smoking gun
New York Daily News WASHINGTON – President Obama's doctors hinted Sunday that he still might be sneaking smokes when Michelle and the kids aren't around to yell at him. Obama's routine physical at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center found him in "excellent … Obama in great health but struggles with smoking Facts and figures on Obama's physical Obama: Thumbs up after physical |
Pelosi Confident on Health Vote – Wall Street Journal
 FOXNews (blog) |
Pelosi Confident on Health Vote
Wall Street Journal WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday expressed confidence that Democrats would have enough votes to pass a broad health-care overhaul, but acknowledged that it could come at a political cost to lawmakers who back the measure … Republicans Gird for Democrats' End Run on Health Care Dems, GOP Divided on Health Care Costs Pelosi's job to pass health care gets tougher every day |
PA moves cabinet meeting to Hebron to protest Israel heritage sites – Ha’aretz
 National Post |
PA moves cabinet meeting to Hebron to protest Israel heritage sites
Ha’aretz Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad plans to hold his government's weekly cabinet meeting in Hebron on Monday, in an effort to raise public and international awareness about Israel's … Israeli police, Palestinians clash at holy site Israeli police clash with Palestinians in Jerusalem's Old City Tension high in Jerusalem |
Myanmar court rejects Suu Kyi appeal – Reuters
February 26, 2010
Myanmar court rejects Suu Kyi appeal – Reuters
A pro-democracy activist for Myanmar holds a portrait of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest in New Delhi August 12, 2009. Credit: Reuters/Adnan Abidi YANGON (Reuters) – Myanmar’s Supreme Court on Friday rejected an appeal by pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi against her house
Teacher Killed at Tacoma, Wash., Elementary School – FOX News
TACOMA, Wash. — A man who shot and killed a special education teacher Friday as she walked into her Tacoma, Wash., elementary school recently made bail after being arrested for violating a protective order she obtained in September 2008. Tacoma Police spokesman Mark Fulghum says the two had
SeaWorld says Shamu Believe show will resume Saturday – Daily Press
However, SeaWorld President and General Manager Jim Atchison said trainers will not be allowed in the water at the theme parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio while they conduct their review. Atchison addressed the media from a podium stationed in front of a large window showing the park’s
Wind spreads fire at Surf Hotel in Hampton, NH to nearby businesses – NECN
(NECN: Jennifer Eagan, Hampton Beach, NH) – The howling wind quickly spread flames at the unoccupied Surf Hotel in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Several buildings, including an arcade and a restaurant, caught fire. Firefighters from Maine and Massachusetts headed to the coastal town to help contain
Novatel Wireless shares drop after weak forecast – San Francisco Chronicle
February 26, 2010
Novatel Wireless shares drop after weak forecast – San Francisco Chronicle
The stock was down 69 cents, or 9.4 percent, to $6.66 in afternoon trading. Shares have traded between $4.99 and $13.70 over the past year. Novatel, which makes modems and wireless networking gear, said Thursday after the close that it expects an adjusted loss of 8 cents per share on sales of $70
SeaWorld says Shamu Believe show will resume Saturday – Daily Press
However, SeaWorld President and General Manager Jim Atchison said trainers will not be allowed in the water at the theme parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio while they conduct their review. Atchison addressed the media from a podium stationed in front of a large window showing the park’s
Novatel Wireless shares drop after weak forecast – San Francisco Chronicle
February 26, 2010
Novatel Wireless shares drop after weak forecast – San Francisco Chronicle
The stock was down 69 cents, or 9.4 percent, to $6.66 in afternoon trading. Shares have traded between $4.99 and $13.70 over the past year. Novatel, which makes modems and wireless networking gear, said Thursday after the close that it expects an adjusted loss of 8 cents per share on sales of $70
White House Social Secretary To Step Down – NPR News
A White House aide says Desiree Rogers is resigning her post as social secretary, effective sometime next month. Rogers recently came under criticism for her handling of the administration’s first state dinner. A celebrity-seeking couple from northern Virginia got into the exclusive Nov. 24 affair
