by Heather Hastie | Jan 18, 2015 | Freedom of Speech, Human Rights, New Zealand, NZ Politics, Religion
According to Wikipedia: Blasphemy is the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God, to religious or holy persons or things, or toward something considered sacred or inviolable. Blasphemy laws, therefore, are designed to protect religion...
by Heather Hastie | Nov 7, 2014 | US Politics, USA
On Tuesday the US Republican party had several big wins in their country’s mid-term elections. As a result, they took control of the Senate and increased their majority in Congress. Thus the only branch of government in Democratic hands is the presidency. (Mostly,...
by Heather Hastie | Nov 5, 2014 | US Politics, USA
It seems the American federal government is constantly in electioneering mode. The latest one comes to an end today, with the likely result that the Republican party will retain control of Congress and gain control of the Senate. As usual in the sixth year of a US...
by Heather Hastie | Oct 25, 2014 | US Politics, Women
Anyone speaking English (or American!) on Twitter will have seen tweets, especially around election time, of the US Democratic Party accusing the US Republican Party of waging a War on Women. The phrase is so common it’s become capitalized. So is it a fair accusation?...
by Heather Hastie | Oct 5, 2014 | International Politics, Russia, US Politics, USA
Whenever President Vladimir Putin of Russia is in the media due to his regular land-grabbing actions, the right-wing media in America take the opportunity to contrast certain aspects of his personality with President Barack Obama in an attempt to undermine Obama. They...
