In this episode – the NZ Police credibility suffers a major blow; a NZ Herald op-ed warns of euthanasia expansion; Te Pati Maori loses a third of its caucus; the NCEA Level 2 English exam is dodgy as; the NZ media are exposed for committing the same editorial sins as the BBC over the Trump coverage; a BBC newsreader gets disciplined for being biologically correct; a German evangelical church blesses the ‘marriage’ of four men; Australia’s courts debate whether a man can breastfeed – and what actually is he ‘expressing’; a number of interesting decisions from the US Supreme Court; and Bob tells you what book he read over the weekend. You may be surprised.
Show summary auto-generated by Descript app:
- **Media Bias**: Bob highlights the issue of media bias, focusing on how BBC and New Zealand media like One News and Newshub have misrepresented Trump’s speech during the January 6th Capitol protests. He illustrates how these outlets selectively edited the speech to paint it in a misleading light.
- **New Zealand Police Crisis**: Bob discusses the ongoing crisis within the New Zealand police hierarchy, focusing on an old complaint against Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming that has resurfaced. He stresses how long it takes to build public trust and how quickly it can be destroyed.
- **Euthanasia Debate**: The show covers an op-ed by Maryanne Spurtle from the Maxim Institute, warning about a new member’s bill aiming to expand euthanasia laws. Concerns include the potential coercion of providers and the removal of the six-month terminal illness requirement.
- **Controversial NCEA Exam**: Bob critiques a recent NCEA Level 2 English exam question involving bullying and gender identity amongst 5-7 year olds! He questions the appropriateness of the topic, especially for young students, and highlights parental concerns about traumatic triggers for children with histories of sexual abuse.
- **Te Pati Māori Party Crisis**: Bob touches on the internal turmoil within the Tap Māori Party, where two-thirds of its caucus have been expelled. He discusses the irony of activists being expelled from an activist party.
- **BBC Editorial Chaos**: A segment is dedicated to a recent BBC controversy involving the disciplining of a news presenter for using the term “pregnant women” instead of “pregnant persons”
- **US Supreme Court cases**: A number of important decisions involving gay marriage, preferred pronouns and conversion therapy have been made by the US Supreme Court – some good, some not so good. Bob summarises them – and also a case in Australia where there is a debate about whether a biological male pretending to be a woman can produce breast milk!
