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Kiwiblog
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Kiwiblog
Guest Post: Keep calm and carry on speaking
As commemorations of the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day occur this week, it is worth remembering not only the 46 million lives that were lost, but also how close fascism came to permanently erasing liberal democracy in Europe. Until recently, the West found this commemoration of the end of WWII a comforting reminder that our forebears secured an unrivalled period of prosperity and peace. Liberal democracies for a good two generations have lived off the afterglow of that victory. But in the last decade especially the durability of that prosperity and peace has been thrown into question. Major geopolitical upheaval – foreign conflicts, trade instability, and a rapidly changing information environment – has shaken our confidence in the seemingly unlimited promises of the post-war era. Anti-democratic approaches are no longer stigmatised. Many now embrace illiberalism online, not just in fellow democracies but here too in NZ. I think many of us, deep down, have been feeling quite acutely this vertiginous slide toward the precipice. The question is how to arrest it. Last week, my colleague Steph and I had an opportunity on the Free Speech Union podcast to discuss with Shamubeel Eaqub, a NZ economist and commentator, his recently released research into social cohesion, or the notable lack thereof in this country. The news is bleak. Significant numbers of people feel disconnected from their local communities, while trust toward government and media is at rock bottom. Broadly speaking, Kiwis don't feel heard, are losing faith in public systems and institutions, and appear willing to entertain less democratic political solutions in the face of growing social and economic issues. Part of Eaqub's prescription for our fraying social fabric is a willingness for Kiwis to have the 'uncomfortable conversations' where we confront the issues we ordinarily shy away from. But how do we do this in the online world, where respectful discourse often takes a back seat to the spiteful vitriol of anonymous trolls? Understandably, many women feel vulnerable in this hostile environment, as Minister for Women Nicola Grigg recently pointed out at a Local Government NZ conference. 'The prevalence of online harm has become a serious issue,' she argued, 'disproportionately impacting women who are in the public eye.' The question though, is what realistically can be done about it? It isn't clear beyond current laws, which address physical threats of violence and menacing behaviours like stalking, what feasible options remain for dealing with the problem of misogyny. This is why free speech must be protected: so we can all call out opinions we disagree with. Censorship does absolutely nothing to change someone's mind and attitudes. Hateful, abusive statements online may be morally reprehensible and emotionally disturbing, but the sort of censorship dragnet needed to curb such nasty behaviour will inadvertently stifle non-malicious forms of expression essential for the preservation of democratic norms and culture. Even if AI could provide an ideal moderating regime (which it has not yet even come close to sensibly or fairly achieving), a censorship filter would be doing little more than papering over the widening cracks emerging in civil society. The increasingly troubled state of mind behind hateful language should be of deeper cause for concern and something which will require intervention at the level of local community rather than state regulation. There is also utility to consider; online discourse is the canary in the coalmine, a gauge of social cohesion and a test of the health of the body politic. But we deny ourselves this early detection device if the bird can't sing. The Ministry for Women has released new training modules to address abuse directed at women online and while well-intentioned, at the Free Speech Union we are concerned the material leans too heavily on vague legal definitions that risk blurring the line between harm and legitimate dissent. When people feel threatened and crave a sense of safety, it's easy to settle for the appearance of safety rather than the real thing. Language, while capable of inflicting emotional harm, is not in itself the greatest threat to our well-being – physical violence is. That's in part because violence, unlike speech with its dual powers for good and ill, has no potential upside. Ample historical evidence exists of democracies refusing to tolerate violence without becoming police states. What we don't have are any examples of democracies where speech was ever comprehensively restricted without significant illiberal consequences. If only certain staff at Environment Canterbury had understood this when they proposed that all members – including elected councillors – of the local government organisation be subject to a draconian media policy designed to limit criticisms of the organisation from within. If passed, it would have amounted, bristled one councillor, to a 'gagging order', with another asserting that as an elected representative of Canterbury ratepayers, 'the ability to challenge others in the organisation is my prerogative.' Unsurprisingly, with strident defenders of local democracy like these willing to resist such managerial overreach, the measure was soundly defeated. The long overdue resistance within local government is asserting itself and regaining territory hitherto surrendered to self-appointed censors. As the army recruitment officers used to say, the question now is how many other Kiwis are 'willing to do their bit'. Because lest we forget, it takes all sorts to preserve a democracy.
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders fans left in tears at heartbreaking twist in ‘perfect' VE Day episode
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS fans were left in tears when the soap featured a heartbreaking twist in their "perfect" VE Day episode. Last night the residents of Walford came together to mark 80 years since the war ended. 5 EastEnders fans were left fans in tears during their special VE Day anniversary episode Credit: BBC 5 The episode featured heartbreaking scenes with Nigel, who has dementia Credit: BBC 5 Fans praised the special VE Day episode Credit: BBC In the latest episode of EastEnders, Phil and Jean convinced Linda to coincide the re-opening of The Vic with VE Day celebrations. The Albert Square pub has been closed since the explosion that killed Martin Fowler. But last night it re-opened, much to the joy of the local residents, and the viewers at home. However, there was a heartbreaking twist when Nigel - who is suffering from dementia - believed it was 1995, and the party planned at The Vic was to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day. Throughout the episode, Nigel was heard speaking about late characters, including Peggy Mitchell and Arthur Fowler, as he believed they were throwing the party. Later when he arrived at The Vic, Nigel kissed Jean as he thought she was his late wife, Debbie, who was killed in a hit and run accident in 1995. The scenes were all too much for some EastEnders fans, who took to Twitter/X to share their heartbreak, but also to commend the soap on a "perfect" episode. One fan tweeted: "Omg tonight's episode was amazing, sad because of Nigel but also heartwarming because of everyone coming together in the vic." While another added: "Oh EastEnders that episode was just perfect! "Tears running all the way through #EastEnders well done!" EastEnders' Nigel Bates reveals heartbreaking truth about his dementia battle as soap teases another comeback after 27 years This one added: "Such a heartbreaking moment for Nigel." POIGNANT EPISODE The episode also featured poignant nods to wartime Britain including historical footage and music associated with World War II. Viewers watched in awe at real life scenes of celebrations that took place across the capital on May 8, 1945. EastEnders bosses wanted to honour and remember those who gave their lives during the war. Speaking before the special episode aired, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: 'Like many others across the UK who will be marking this poignant moment in history. "We wanted to honour and remember those courageous individuals who gave their lives during the war with a special EastEnders episode marking 80 years since V.E. Day.' 5 Nigel thought it was 1995 and Arthur Fowler was still alive Credit: PA 5 The Queen Vic exploded during the 40th Anniversary episode of EastEnders but re=opened last night Credit: BBC
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders fans left in tears at heartbreaking twist in ‘perfect' VE Day episode
EASTENDERS fans were left in tears when the soap featured a heartbreaking twist in their "perfect" VE Day episode. Last night the 5 EastEnders fans were left fans in tears during their special VE Day anniversary episode Credit: BBC 5 The episode featured heartbreaking scenes with Nigel, who has dementia Credit: BBC 5 Fans praised the special VE Day episode Credit: BBC In the latest episode of EastEnders, Phil and Jean convinced Linda to coincide the re-opening of The Vic with VE Day celebrations. The Albert Square pub has been closed since the But last night it re-opened, much to the joy of the local residents, and the viewers at home. However, there was a heartbreaking twist when th anniversary of VE Day. Read more on EastEnders Throughout the episode, Nigel was heard speaking about late characters, including Peggy Mitchell and Arthur Fowler, as he believed they were throwing the party. Later when he arrived at The Vic, Nigel kissed Jean as he thought she was his late wife, Debbie, who was killed in a hit and run accident in 1995. The scenes were all too much for some EastEnders fans, who took to Twitter/X to share their heartbreak, but also to commend the soap on a "perfect" episode. One fan tweeted: "Omg tonight's episode was amazing, sad because of Nigel but also heartwarming because of everyone coming together in the vic." Most read in Soaps While another added: "Oh EastEnders that episode was just perfect! "Tears running all the way through #EastEnders well done!" EastEnders' Nigel Bates reveals heartbreaking truth about his dementia battle as soap teases another comeback after 27 years This one added: "Such a heartbreaking moment for Nigel." POIGNANT EPISODE The episode also featured poignant nods to wartime Britain including historical footage and music associated with World War II. Viewers watched in awe at real life scenes of EastEnders bosses wanted to honour and remember those who gave their lives during the war. Speaking before the special episode aired, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: 'Like many others across the UK who will be marking this poignant moment in history. "We wanted to honour and remember those courageous individuals who gave their lives during the war with a special EastEnders episode marking 80 years since V.E. Day.' 5 Nigel thought it was 1995 and Arthur Fowler was still alive Credit: PA 5 The Queen Vic exploded during the 40th Anniversary episode of EastEnders but re=opened last night Credit: BBC
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lenexa WWII Vet shares VE Day letter penned 80 years ago on Hitler's stationery
LENEXA, Kan. — May 8, 2025, marks 80 years since Germany's surrender and the end of fighting in Europe in World War II. A Lenexa veteran reflected Thursday on what it was like to be able to send word home to his family in the most memorable way possible. Understandably, for Charles Staubus, 100, those memories have faded a bit. But luckily, they are forever etched in writing on the very tyrant's stationery who had been threatening democracy as we know it. Staubus' letter is dated, 'Somewhere in Germany, May 8th, 1945.' It begins, 'Dear Dad, Well this is it VE Day.' Meet Truman, Missouri's favorite capitol companion Tens of thousands of U.S. service members probably wrote the same triumphant message home 80 years ago. However, few likely announced the day of Germany's surrender and the end of fighting in Europe on Adolf Hitler's own stationery. After Hitler fled and took his own life, Staubus and his unit, which had been mostly responsible for registering the dead, went to Berchtesgaden, Germany. They spent the night in Hans Lammers' office at the Little Chancellery, 'I picked the lock on his desk, the one thing he had left there was this,' Staubus described. He'd find a seating chart of Nazi leaders and Hitler's stationery marked Der Furher. 'I just remember, I thought this was a pretty big deal having his stationery,' Staubus said. FOX4 first introduced you to Staubus last year when he spoke on a panel with other World War II veterans presented by the Valor Partners Foundation. When he told the story of the letter, he smiled about the little secret he kept from military supervisors. 'They didn't know a thing about it,' Staubus said of 'liberating' the stationery. Thursday, he revealed that someone else got a letter on that stationery besides his dad. 'I wrote a letter to the IRS on it, my son didn't think too much of that,' Staubus laughed. Staubus marched in America's victory parade with 13,000 soldiers led by the 82nd Airborne Division playing the clarinet. Kansas City Royals improve to 23-16 with White Sox series sweep 'It was the grand daddy I say of all parades, it was five hours without stopping,' he described. He enjoyed seeing Europe's celebrations both on this date in 1945 and on Thursday's 80th anniversary. But the 100-year-old will never forget where he spent V.E. Day and what he walked away with. 'I thought it was kind of cool,' Staubus smiled. Although the fighting officially ended in Europe, many troops didn't get to rush home. There was still war in the Pacific theater while Staubus spent several months occupying Austria. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Metro
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders' special VE Day episode has very poignant ending
The following article contains spoilers from an episode of EastEnders that hasn't aired on BBC One yet, but can be viewed on BBC iPlayer. EastEnders will broadcast a special episode this evening, which will mark 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe. The edition, which can be viewed right now on BBC iPlayer, will see the residents of Walford come together to honour and remember those who fought during the war. This will coincide with a number of real life events across the UK – including a procession attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Royal Family in London – to commemorate the occasion. Nods to wartime Britain take place throughout the ep, including archive footage and music from the time. Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw told us: 'Like many others across the UK who will be marking this poignant moment in history, we wanted to honour and remember those courageous individuals who gave their lives during the war with a special EastEnders episode marking 80 years since V.E. Day.' Viewers of the BBC soap also witness Nigel Bates' (Paul Bradley) young-onset dementia worsen. The much-loved character returned at Christmas, with him later confiding in Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) about his devastating diagnosis. With his condition worsening, he has mistaken two Albert Square youngsters for his stepdaughter Clare (Gemma Bissix), and walked into the pharmacy believing it to be his old video shop. Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) has agreed to be his full time carer after he learnt that Nige was planning to take his own life. Unfortunately, as his neighbours gather for the celebrations, he becomes convinced that it is 1995 – and confuses the event for one organised thirty years ago. Long-term fans will remember that Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher) organised a get together in Bridge Street. Ethel Skinner (Gretchen Franklin) and Dr Legg (Leonard Fenton) reflected on those they had lost, with the show's infamous theme tune replaced with Jack Payne's It's A Lovely Day Tomorrow. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! There is some joy in the instalment though – as the Queen Vic reopens in time for the celebrations. More Trending Having been closed for two months following a catastrophic explosion that took the life of Martin Fowler (James Bye), the scenes in the Queen Vic were emotional indeed as Billy (Perry Fenwick) walked in to find a tankard displayed with Martin's name on it. The episode itself ends with Walford residents singing and celebrating in the pub, leading to footage from the past playing as the credits rolled. View More » This article was originally published on April 28, 2025. MORE: Explosive EastEnders summer wedding confirmed for mystery pair MORE: I ate like a WWII Land Girl for a week to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day MORE: The beautiful game in wartime: How football unified and thrived during World War II
