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Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
I just read Jacinda Ardern's memoir. No wonder she didn't last
To be honest, I really looked forward to reading Ardern's memoir – until I got to her dedication: to the criers, worriers and huggers. Dear God, I thought, I'm going to be inundated with all the feels and none of the facts. By the time I got to the end, I was so engrossed by all those feelings, the commitment to empathy, to listening, to kindness, that none of the rest of it mattered. Who cares why Winston Peters picked Labour in 2017? Does politics really matter? Isn't being a good person what's really key, whether you are in Beehives or bear pits? But by page 60, I've cried twice. By the book's end, I've laughed, wept and was extremely proud of Neve, the child of Ardern and husband Clarke Gayford. Born in Ardern's first year as prime minister and who must be close to seven now, Neve asks her mother what we all really wanted to know: Why did she leave her job as prime minister after six years? One thing is clear in this book. Ardern does not shy away from talking about the emotional impact of leading a nation through a massacre, through floods, through the COVID-19 pandemic, through the insanity of conspiracy theorists. That cumulative burden is the reason – but not the only reason. 'Women shouldn't have to choose – the way our mothers so often did – between being good at their profession and being a good mother, or daughter,' she writes. 'There should be support networks, a village, whatever you call it, that can help them be all of those things without completely losing themselves in the process.' It is surprising to me, though, that the book does not really detail the relentless hatred to which Ardern was subjected, particularly after the pandemic. As New Zealand academic Suze Wilson has documented over time: 'A troubling feature of the commentary about New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has been its abusive, violent, sexist and misogynistic tenor.' There is the odd anecdote, a particularly useless male politician, trying to get Ardern to weigh in on gender, a number of people making irrelevant comments about her appearance, media commentators. But don't think for one minute that Ardern is all sweetness and light. She doesn't criticise too many people, but for David Seymour, she makes an exception. She is no fan of Seymour, New Zealand's freshly appointed deputy prime minister. He leads the ACT Party, a kind of libertarian hotchpotch. Her first real interaction with him is in 2022 when he caves in to the requests of a 'freedom' convoy to meet with a politician. Ardern has already refused. Her view? 'How could I send a message that if you disagree with something, you can illegally occupy the grounds of parliament and then have your demands met?' Later, she writes, he was the only MP to vote against banning semi-automatic weapons after the mosque massacres. But in the months after the convoy, after a rowdy question time in parliament, her press secretary, Andrew Campbell, comes to her office: 'So, today in the House when you sat down after your questions ended, it seems your mic was still on ... and it seems to have picked up your voice as you called David Seymour an arrogant prick.' Loading Phew, she thinks. In her mind, she called him much worse. I'm surprised at how well written it is, how it balances humour and pathos, kindness and hardiness – and I can't find a hint of a ghostwriter, although many thanks to editors. But after reading this, I'm not surprised she gave up after six years. Too hard for anyone really human. She has advice though for people who want to be politicians. It's about humility, empathy and more. 'The things you thought would cripple you will in fact make you stronger, make you better. They will give you a different kind of power, and make you a leader that this world, with all its turmoil, might just need.'
The Age
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
I just read Jacinda Ardern's memoir. No wonder she didn't last
To be honest, I really looked forward to reading Ardern's memoir – until I got to her dedication: to the criers, worriers and huggers. Dear God, I thought, I'm going to be inundated with all the feels and none of the facts. By the time I got to the end, I was so engrossed by all those feelings, the commitment to empathy, to listening, to kindness, that none of the rest of it mattered. Who cares why Winston Peters picked Labour in 2017? Does politics really matter? Isn't being a good person what's really key, whether you are in Beehives or bear pits? But by page 60, I've cried twice. By the book's end, I've laughed, wept and was extremely proud of Neve, the child of Ardern and husband Clarke Gayford. Born in Ardern's first year as prime minister and who must be close to seven now, Neve asks her mother what we all really wanted to know: Why did she leave her job as prime minister after six years? One thing is clear in this book. Ardern does not shy away from talking about the emotional impact of leading a nation through a massacre, through floods, through the COVID-19 pandemic, through the insanity of conspiracy theorists. That cumulative burden is the reason – but not the only reason. 'Women shouldn't have to choose – the way our mothers so often did – between being good at their profession and being a good mother, or daughter,' she writes. 'There should be support networks, a village, whatever you call it, that can help them be all of those things without completely losing themselves in the process.' It is surprising to me, though, that the book does not really detail the relentless hatred to which Ardern was subjected, particularly after the pandemic. As New Zealand academic Suze Wilson has documented over time: 'A troubling feature of the commentary about New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has been its abusive, violent, sexist and misogynistic tenor.' There is the odd anecdote, a particularly useless male politician, trying to get Ardern to weigh in on gender, a number of people making irrelevant comments about her appearance, media commentators. But don't think for one minute that Ardern is all sweetness and light. She doesn't criticise too many people, but for David Seymour, she makes an exception. She is no fan of Seymour, New Zealand's freshly appointed deputy prime minister. He leads the ACT Party, a kind of libertarian hotchpotch. Her first real interaction with him is in 2022 when he caves in to the requests of a 'freedom' convoy to meet with a politician. Ardern has already refused. Her view? 'How could I send a message that if you disagree with something, you can illegally occupy the grounds of parliament and then have your demands met?' Later, she writes, he was the only MP to vote against banning semi-automatic weapons after the mosque massacres. But in the months after the convoy, after a rowdy question time in parliament, her press secretary, Andrew Campbell, comes to her office: 'So, today in the House when you sat down after your questions ended, it seems your mic was still on ... and it seems to have picked up your voice as you called David Seymour an arrogant prick.' Loading Phew, she thinks. In her mind, she called him much worse. I'm surprised at how well written it is, how it balances humour and pathos, kindness and hardiness – and I can't find a hint of a ghostwriter, although many thanks to editors. But after reading this, I'm not surprised she gave up after six years. Too hard for anyone really human. She has advice though for people who want to be politicians. It's about humility, empathy and more. 'The things you thought would cripple you will in fact make you stronger, make you better. They will give you a different kind of power, and make you a leader that this world, with all its turmoil, might just need.'
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Judge lectures DOJ over Ras Baraka arrest at ICE facility— as NJ Rep. LaMonica McIver is released without bail
A federal magistrate judge lectured federal prosecutors for withdrawing charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka after he was arrested during a protest at an ICE facility earlier this month, as a separate judge released NJ Rep. LaMonica McIver without bail. Both officials were part of a group of rowdy Democratic politicians who stormed Delaney Hall in Newark to protest the reopening of the migrant detention center. Baraka was arrested at the scene and federal prosecutors decline to pursue charges, while McIver was slapped with felony charges including assault days after the May 9 fracas. 3 Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested May 9 after a group of Democratic lawmakers stormed an ICE detention facility. The charges were later dismissed with prejudice. Brian Branch Price/ZUMA / Advertisement U.S. Magistrate Judge Andre Espinosa called the arrest of Baraka — a leading candidate in next month's Democratic primary for NJ governor — a 'worrisome misstep,' and criticized the 'apparent rush' to bring the case that resulted in the feds' 'embarrassing' withdrawal of the misdemeanor charge. 'Your role is not to secure convictions at all costs, nor to satisfy public clamor, nor to advance political agendas,' Espinosa told the DOJ lawyer, The Hill reported. 'Your allegiance is to the impartial application of the law, to the pursuit of truth and to the upholding of due process for all,' Espinosa chided as he dismissed the complaint with prejudice — meaning it can never be resurrected. Advertisement The judge further castigated the DOJ, characterizing an arrest as a 'severe action carrying significant reputational and personal consequences.' Baraka's attorneys both said he was innocent of the charge and that his exoneration was a fait accompli. Meanwhile, McIver made her first appearance in New Jersey federal court to answer to felony assault charges filed against her after the ICE facility protest. 3 NJ Rep. LaMonica McIver was not arrested at the protest, but was hit with federal charges including assault days after by the New Jersey US Attorney's office. AP Advertisement Appearing via video screen, McIver, 38, was read her rights before being released on her own recognizance. She faces up to eight years in prison if convicted. Until her preliminary hearing — set for June 11 — McIver is not allowed to travel outside of the country unless it's required for official work purposes, and she must notify the government before doing so. McIver, who has represented New Jersey's 10th Congressional District since last September, slammed the charges as 'purely political' and blamed the ICE agents at the scene for escalating the confrontation. Advertisement 'It was very unnecessary,' she told CNN Tuesday, calling the charges 'absurd' as she insisted she was 'there to do my job.' 'If I'm going to be charged with a crime for doing my job, it really speaks to where we're headed in this country.' 3 A two-count criminal complaint against McIver alleges she used physical force against federal immigration officials. U.S District Court for the District of New Jersey Acting New Jersey US Attorney Alina Habba defended filing the felony charges, telling The Post that the congresswoman's alleged assault of federal agents was beyond the pale. 'This has nothing to do with congressional oversight, and it has nothing to do with politics. It's about respecting those who risk their lives to keep us safe,' said Habba, who was formerly President Trump's personal lawyer. In the caught-on-camera scuffle outside the Delaney Hall Detention Center — which houses violent criminal migrants including MS-13 gangbangers — McIver was seen shoving and shouting at Homeland Security and ICE agents, which led to her being slapped with a two-count criminal indictment Monday. 'McIver slammed her forearm into the body of … a uniformed HSI agent. She also reached out and tried to restrain [the agent] by forcibly grabbing him,' the complaint details. Investigators used bodycam footage and aerial camera stills to show McIver's actions during the melee. They say the images offer proof that she assaulted the federal officers and tried to stop them from arresting Baraka. Advertisement After the mayor was arrested, she allegedly 'forcibly struck' an ICE agent, according to the complaint. Reps. Robert Menendez Jr. (D-NJ) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) were also at the protest.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
L-G directs police officials to take strict action against antisocial elements and curb sale of ganja in the Union Territory
At a meeting to review the law and order situation in Puducherry, Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan has directed senior police officers to take effective steps to curb the activities of antisocial elements and the sale of ganja. The meeting attended by Chief Secretary Sharat Chauhan and Director General of Police Shalini Singh at Raj Nivas, discussed in length measures to be adopted to strengthen law enforcement, improve traffic situation and on implementation of three new criminal laws, sources said. While appreciating the police for launching the Makkal Mandram, a grievance redressal forum, at police stations on Saturdays in the Union Territory, the Lt. Governor said more steps should be taken to curb the activities of antisocial elements and sale of drugs. 'I am getting positive feedback on Makkal Mandram. Since we are a tourist destination and have a lot of higher educational institutions, more measures should be put in place to crack down on drug peddlers. The activities of rowdy elements should be dealt with an iron hand,' he said at the meeting. He asked the police and jail authorities to monitor hard-core criminals lodged at Kalapet prison. He even suggested shifting some of the hard-core criminals to prisons outside the Union Territory, said an officer. The meeting assumed significance as the Opposition in the recent days had made critical remarks against the AINRC- BJP government for its handling of the law and order in the region, especially after the murder of a former functionary of Yuva Morcha, the BJP's youth wing. Others who attended the meeting included, Secretary to the Lt. Governor D. Manikandan, Inspector General of Police Ajit Kumar Singla, Deputy Inspector General of Police R. Sathiyasundaram, Law Secretary S. Sathiyamurthy, Senior Superintendent of Police, Law and Order R. Kalaivanan.
Scottish Sun
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz ‘shaded' by Cruz's girlfriend Jackie after David's 50th birthday bash amid family rift
CRUZ Beckham's girlfriend Jackie Apostel seems to have weighed in on the growing speculation of a feud within the Beckham house. As David marked his birthday in style with multiple events, the family's eldest son Brooklyn has opted out of all of the celebrations – but singer Jackie has stayed firmly at Cruz's side for all of them. Advertisement 11 Jackie has seemingly taken a swipe amid the Beckham family feud Credit: Instagram 11 Jackie posted a string of loved-up snaps from across the weekend's events Credit: Instagram 11 Brooklyn and Nicola were noticeably absent from all of the celebrations Credit: Getty In a selection of photographs taken at the intimate family dinner held at the Beckhams' Cotswolds mansion on Friday, Jackie seemed to send a message with her Instagram caption. Sharing pictures that include her joking around with Cruz, posing in their sprawling garden, and enjoying the dinner in a red VB dress, Jackie seemed at home amid the family dynamic. She wrote alongside the snaps: 'i wish you could feel how much love was in the room these days through the phone ❤️🎂' Jackie later joined Cruz at the rowdy London party held at Core Restaurant on Saturday night, with revellers dancing until police shut them off at 3.35am on Sunday morning. Advertisement She was seen arriving with Cruz, who later performed a special rendition of his parents' favourite song, Islands In The Stream. David and members of the family have since posted photos from the special night, making note of all their family and loved ones who made it to the event. But Brooklyn's absence was clearly felt throughout all the celebrations, with David sharing some of the more notable moments his son missed out on. TMZ claims the friction has risen from Brooklyn – who is married to Nicola Peltz – not wanting to be around his ex-girlfriend, Kim Turnbull, who is now dating his brother, Romeo. Advertisement Brooklyn and Kim briefly dated back in 2016, before he met his now-wife. Brooklyn was believed to be attending the MET Gala in New York tonight alongside Nicola, but they've now decided to skip the huge fashion event. Music is heard blaring out of David Beckham's 50th birthday bash A source explained: 'They cancelled plans to attend the Met because they really intended to be at David's party on Saturday. 'But Brooklyn is really upset that blame for the rift has been levelled at Nicola. Advertisement 'She has never told him what to do and has been nothing but supportive — she's a loyal wife.' David has had a string of celebrations ranging from a father-son fishing trip with Romeo and Cruz, to a flying visit to a vineyard in Bordeaux for an afternoon with pals. 11 Cruz performed for his mum and dad at David's 50th bash Credit: Instagram 11 The family held an intimate family dinner ahead of the event Credit: Instagram Advertisement 11 David posed proudly with Romeo and Cruz in Brooklyn's absence Credit: Instagram 11 Nicola and Brooklyn were intending to attend David's party but have now pulled out Credit: AFP They also held a family dinner at their home, before capping off the weekend with the celeb-filled London party. Sharing photos on Monday, David noted that Brooklyn was 'missed' at the fishing trip, posting the boys' trip and their catches on his Instagram Stories. Advertisement Pals insist he DID text dad David to wish him a happy birthday and tried to organise a private meet-up, but was rebuffed. A source close to the eldest Beckham child told The Sun: 'Brooklyn flew to London with the sole intention of seeing his family and celebrating his dad's birthday. He suggested going for breakfast or a coffee but was told the only chance to see the family would be at one of their lavish parties which Kim would be at - so he refused. 'As far as he sees it, his parents have chosen Romeo and his new girlfriend over him.' Advertisement 11 Romeo is now dating Kim Turnbull, who briefly dated Brooklyn before he got married Credit: instagram 11 Jackie and Cruz appear completely loved up in the sweet pics Credit: Instagram 11 David has been celebrating his birthday with family members including daughter Harper Credit: Instagram 11 The couple have been looking chic in custom outfits Credit: cruzbeckham/Instagram
