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Quote from heathercoxrichardson.substack.com :- First: it was exactly ten years ago tonight that then–Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton told the American people that Russian president Vladimir Putin hoped to have a “puppet” in the White House, and that Donald Trump was that puppet. A scowling Trump responded: “No puppet. No puppet.” Clinton continued: “It’s pretty clear. Trump interjected: “You’re the puppet.” Clinton continued: “It’s pretty clear you won’t admit…” Trump interjected: “No, you’re the puppet.” Clinton: “...that the Russians have engaged in cyberattacks against the United States of America, that you encouraged espionage against our people, that you are willing to spout the Putin line, sign up for his wish list, break up NATO, do whatever he wants to do, and that you continue to get help from him because he has a very clear favorite in this race.” Trump shook his head disparagingly. Ten years later, Trump is openly embracing Putin and is working to destroy the strongest and most successful alliance in human history to cement that partnership, apparently with an eye to enriching himself. And so, the events of the present change the way we see the past. Had Trump strongly supported Ukraine as Congress has demanded, and stood firm against Russia, a country that is, after all, a minor economic player whose military is flailing at its attempt to absorb its neighbor, we would rightly dismiss Clinton’s warning as campaign hyperbole. As it is, though, Trump’s tie to Putin—the story he has always tried to bury by calling it the “Russia, Russia, Russia hoax”—seems likely to emerge as the central story of the Trump years. As Clinton wrote today: “In just the last few days: Trump made a deal for the U.S. to buy Russian diesel, an economic lifeline for Putin; he and Elon Musk blamed each other for an order that slowed down Starlink satellite connectivity over Ukraine, hampering the country’s defenses during a devastating Russian attack; and Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress, led by his late friend Lindsey Graham, had pushed for. Now, Putin has proposed a summit with Trump and Xi to decide Ukraine’s fate for them, bulldoze a century of international cooperation, and frame Russia as an equal to the U.S. and China. “We’ll see if Putin’s puppet continues to dance on his strings.”.....more....

I think that’s very likely but Trump also sees Putin as the gold standard for the type of political leader he wants to be and wants to do business with, and is frustrated by being pushed to impose sanctions instead, and has someone in Zelensky who stubbornly won’t give him what he wants and was responsible for him being impeached.

Here's your answer: Supercheap Auto is owned by Super Retail Group Limited (ASX: SUL), a publicly listed Australian retail company. Repco: Owned by Genuine Parts Company (GPC) through GPC Asia Pacific, a large American automotive parts giant. Autobarn Australia is owned by the automotive aftermarket company Bapcor Limited. Bapcor also owns other well-known automotive networks, including Autopro, Burson Auto Parts, Midas, and Opposite Lock. Pedders Suspension & Brakes is a 100% Australian, family-owned company managed by the Pedder family (until they sell out to an American hedge fund mob).

Independent politician Helen Haines has lost her second leg following the horrendous attack on her at Wangaratta. They keep saying this is the first political attack in Australia, but ALP leader Arthur Calwell survived an assassination attempt in 1966.

Would you believe it? About an hour ago the sky close by to the North has covered with clouds as black as. For a moment the wind came up and a few drops of rain fell. By 'few', I mean count them on one hand. Now the clod have moved away. I guess they are teh clouds hat are gong to dump on Port Stephens, cause that's the direction they are heading.

I can spare you some. Large rains coming to the Port Stephens area. Bring own bucket.

Given what is already known in the public sector about Trump's finanacial and sexual behaviour, could the response to anything Putin could publish be anything more than,'Ahh, yeah'.

I seriously think Putin must hold some compromising video on Trump. It's the only thing that could explain his treasonous behaviour.

Looking at the USA condition..... the hole they are in..... basically the public have lost ALL faith in the system of government (both sides of it).... There is one way to restore the public's faith in the system.... If Dems wish to gain control for at least one season... Promise to release all the Epstein files unredacted, and to prosecute all dodgy particiants without favor, regardless of who they are, what party they are, or what country they are in. Restore ethics to the system. Problem solved.

It is a broad sword, but it is indicative of the level of hate and division that has been shown in Oz politics for many years. We have unfettered Hate speech particulary from many on the right wing side of politics that makes the "other" the enemy and uses violent language against those in the middle and the left. Its not all one sided but the vast majority of appalling speech is coming from the right, esp Hansen and friends. The Libs are certainly not immume- only last week in Parliament a fed WA senior Lib called for Anne Aly and The PM to be "taken to a public square and stoned" she left out to "Death" but the implication was clear. NO consequences, no ban from parliament, and a half apology. That was over the changes to credit cards fees and bussiness. So , we had a call to violence inside parliament, a society that lets that fly, is one that soon leads to yesterdays horror. The Libs knew what they said and that it is parliamentry priveledged. Last week, we had the One nation cartton attacking Jackie Lambie and making fun of her because she spoke of Vaginal prolapse, a severe condition that effects more than 10% of women and particulary those with lower back injuries. She detailed her experience and the need for greater help and understanding. She bravely used her experience to help society understand this largely ignored medical issue. Hansens response was a disgusting cartoon mocking Lambie and by extenstion any women who suffers from this. No aplogy, a refusal to change the cartoon and called lambie a sook for not having a sense of humour. Only today after the Haines attack was the cartoon modified. The week before it was a clearly racist AI ad for the Vic election from One Nation. I think in general that Jerry is correct.

It would be a tricky one. They've been talking about a split since the 1890's but nothing has ever come of it. If Queensland had a referendum to split and the yes vote won, it would still have to be approved at a federal level. Because north Queensland is not a legal entity, any referendum would involve all Queenslanders, the majority of whom live south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Also, not all those north of it would vote yes, so a referendum would not have much chance of carrying. The best thing that ever happened to us was independence from NSW in 1859. If that didn't happen, we'd have no State of Origin series.

Some businesses must be making good money from their mark up on products. I see Supercheap Auto is selling Penrite Valve Shield 250ml bottles for $31, and a Mini and Moke parts place in S.A. is selling the exact same thing for $17. You would think Supercheap would be offering the cheaper price with their size and buying power. Maybe they should change their name to Superdear.

We have had the first "real" rain in what seems like months. We are very much in drought here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cw2031mevx17o Our local reservoir, Wibleball Lake is doen to 15%. This week is forecast to be mostly wet. But, not the rain that will have too much impact on the state of the reservoir.