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The Pacific War - week by week
- 200 - Special Why Did Japan Surrender?

The Pacific War - week by week

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 66:51


Hello Youtube Members, Patreons and Pacific War week by week listeners. Yes this was intended to be an exclusive episode to join the 29 others over on my Youtube Membership and Patreon, but since we are drawing to the end of the Pacific War week by week series, I felt compelled to make some special episodes to answer some of the bigger questions. Why did Japan, or better said, why did Emperor Hirohito decide to finally surrender? It seems obvious on the face of it, but there is actually a lot more to it than bombs or Soviet invasions. I guess you can call this episode a teaser or a shameless plug for going over to my Youtube Membership or Patreon. There's honestly a lot of interesting subjects such as ‘why was the japanese army so brutal”, “Hirohito's war time responsibility”, “the 4 part Kanji Ishiwara series”. Thus if you liked this one please show some love and check out my other stuff on my Youtube Membership or over at www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel.   Stating all of that lets just jump right into it.   We first need to start off briefly looking at Emperor Hirohito.    Upon taking the throne, Emperor Hirohito in 1926 Hirohito inherited a financial crisis and a military that was increasingly seizing control of governmental policies. From the beginning, despite what many of you older audience members may have been told, Hirohito intensely followed all military decisions. Hirohito chose when to act and when not to. When the Kwantung Army assassinated Zhang Zuolin, he indulged their insubordination. This emboldened them to invade Manchuria in 1931, whereupon Hirohito was furious and demanded they be reigned in. Attempts were made, but they were heavily undermined by radicals. Hirohito could have put his foot down, but he chose not to. On September 22nd, at 4:20pm Hirohito said to the IJA Chief of General staff, Kanaya Hanzo “although this time it couldn't be helped, the army had to be more careful in the future”. Thus Hirohito again acquiesced to the military, despite wanting them to stop or at least localize the conflict. The military had disregarded his wishes, they should have been severely punished. Why did Hirohito not take a firmer stance?    Again for older audience members you may have heard, “hirohito was a hostage at the whim of his own military”. This narrative made it seem he was some sort of hostage emperor, but this is not the case at all. In fact Hirohito was instrumental in many military decisions from 1931-1945. The reason this, I will call it “myth” , went on was because after Japan's surrender, the US basically rewrote the Japanese constitution and covered up the Emperor's involvement in all the nasty stuff, to maintain control over Japan. Yeah it sounds a bit conspiracy esque, but I assure you it was indeed the case. This narrative held firm all the way until Hirohito's death, when finally meeting notes and personal accounts from those close to him came out, illuminating a lot. Though to this day, many records are still red -tapped.   The reason Hirohito did not stamp his foot down has to do with the Kokutai.    The Kokutai   So before I carry on, I have to explain what exactly is the Kokutai.    The Kokutai, loosely translated as "national essence," refers to the qualities that distinguish the Japanese identity. However, this concept is remarkably vague and poorly defined; even Japanese historians acknowledge this ambiguity. In contrast to Kokutai is seitai, or "form of government." While the Kokutai embodies the eternal and immutable aspects of Japanese polity—rooted in history, traditions, and customs centered around the Emperor—Japan's seitai has evolved significantly throughout its extensive history. For instance, shoguns governed for over 700 years until 1868, when the Meiji Restoration reinstated direct imperial rule.   Nevertheless, Emperor Meiji's direct authority came to an end with the adoption of the Meiji Constitution in 1889, which established a constitutional monarchy, introducing significant complexities into the governance system.   Article 4 of the constitution declares: “The Emperor is the head of the Empire, combining in Himself the rights of sovereignty, uniting the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, although subject to the consent of the Imperial Diet.” Under this framework, the Emperor alone possessed the power to appoint or dismiss ministers of state, declare war, negotiate peace, conclude treaties, direct national administration, and command the army and navy.   A glaring flaw in this arrangement is the inherent ambiguity of the Meiji Constitution. While it established a democratic parliament, it simultaneously afforded the Emperor absolute authority to usurp it. The document failed to clearly define the relationships between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and its language was intentionally vague. Most critically, the military—the army and navy—were not directly accountable to the civilian government.    So with the kokutai, the Emperor is a divine figure who embodies the state's sovereignty. It was not necessarily the Emperor's job to surrender on behalf of the official government of Japan, but he most certainly could do so, given the Japanese people still remained faithful to the kokutai.    Now Hirohito did not live an ordinary life. According to the imperial custom, Japanese royals were raised apart from their parents, at the age of 3 he was placed in the care of the Kwamura family who vowed to raise him to be unselfish, persevering in the face of difficulties, respectful of the views of others and immune to fear. One thing that was absolutely indoctrinated into him was to defend the kokutai. It became his top mission as a monarch, it was the only mission in many ways. At the very core of how he saw the world and how he acted, it was always to protect the kokutai.    So when the Japanese military began these insubordinate acts, Hirohito's primary concern was to the kokutai, ie: anything that threatened his imperial authority and the imperial institution itself. Although the military usurped his authority, the operations had been successful. Hirohito was not at all opposed to seeing his empire expand. He understood the value of manchuria, he was fully onboard with the military plans to eventually seize control over it, but these radicals were accelerating things to quickly for everyone's liking. He turned a blind eye, dished light punishments and carried on. However the local conflict escalated. It traveled to Shanghai by 1932 and here Hirohito took action. He understood Shanghai was full of western powers. Nations like Britain and America could place economic sanctions on Japan if things were allowed to get out of hand here. So he ordered General Yoshinori Shirakawa to bring the Shanghai expedition to a close.    During this period, two factions emerged within the Japanese military: the Kodoha, or “Imperial Way,” and the Toseiha, or “Control” faction. The Kodoha was founded by General Sadao Araki and his protégé, Jinzaburo Masaki. Their primary objective was a Shōwa Restoration aimed at purging Japan of corrupt politicians and businessmen, especially those associated with the zaibatsu. Composed mainly of young army officers, the Kodoha espoused a romanticized and radical interpretation of Bushido, idealizing pre-industrial Japan, which Araki believed had been tainted by Western influences. To achieve their goals, they resorted to assassinations and planned a coup d'état.   In response, the Toseiha faction was formed, initially led by Lt. General Tetsuzan Nagata and later by Hideki Tojo. Like the Kodoha, the Toseiha sought a Shōwa Restoration but adopted a more moderate and conservative approach. They recognized the importance of preserving traditional values while integrating Western ideals, advocating for a balanced perspective. The Toseiha promoted pragmatic military strategies to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. Although they acknowledged the existence of corrupt politicians and zaibatsu, they preferred to work within the existing political system, anticipating that future total wars would necessitate a strengthened industrial and military capacity. Their ranks primarily included promising graduates from the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Academy, Army Staff College, and select naval members. The most significant distinction between the two factions was that the Toseiha explicitly rejected the use of a coup d'état in pursuit of their goals.   Between 1932-1936 radical officers, mostly of the Kodoha faction assassinated politicians and military leaders trying to usher in a showa restoration. You might be led to believe this was in the interest of Hirohito, you would be mistaken. Hirohito did not want a military dictatorship at the whim of the cult of the emperor. Ironic to say, given how WW2 turns out mind you. This really would have been a hostage situation. Hirohito wanted to maintain the exact ambiguous situation that was Showa Era Japan pre 1945. He saw this as the most ideal structure to defend the kokutai, because blame could not be placed solely upon his shoulders. He always maintained a get out of jail free card one could say.    The February 26 incident of 1936, was the climax of the Kodoha faction. They performed a mutiny trying to usher in a SHowa restoration. They assumed when their messenger came to the emperor he would join them and take direct rule. Instead Hirohito was furious. His first thought was the mutineers were trying to enlist his brother Chichibu to overthrow him. He dragged his brother who was a fraternizer amongst the kodoha members mind you, into a meeting, demanding he never associate with them again nor attempt to challenge him. Then Hirohito furious demanded the mutineers be dealt with. At one point he even threatened to lead the imperial guards to put them down. The coup failed, the kodoha faction was destroyed. Ironically the toseiha faction were the ones to do it and thus they became the defacto ruling clique.    The military, especially the kwantung army did not stop with their insubordination.    On July 8th of 1937 the Kwangtung army performed the Marco Polo Bridge incident, ushering in the second sino-japanese war. This was one of many false flag operations they had pulled off over the years. Upon being told about this Hirohito's first response was whether the USSR would invade Manchukuo over the matter. This is what he said to Prime Minister Konoe and army minister Sugiyama “What will you do if the Soviets attack us from the rear?” he asked the prince. Kan'in answered, “I believe the army will rise to the occasion.” The emperor repeated his question: “That's no more than army dogma. What will you actually do in the unlikely event that Soviet [forces] attack?” The prince said only, “We will have no choice.” His Majesty seemed very dissatisfied. Hirohito furious demanded to know what contingency plans existed and his advisors told him before he gave his red seal of approval to invade northern china.   Henceforth he micromanaged a lot of the military decisions going forward and he oversaw the forming and dissolving of numerous cabinets and positions when things went his way or did not in the military and political scene.  Emperor Hirohito was presented with several opportunities to cause cease-fires or peace settlements during the war years. One of the best possible moments to end it all came during the attack on Nanking when Chiang Kai-sheks military were in disarray. On July 11 of 1938, the commander of the 19th division fought a border clash with the USSR known to us in the west as the battle of Lake Khasan. It was a costly defeat for Japan and in the diary of Harada Kumao he noted Hirohito scolded Army minister Itagaki “Hereafter not a single soldier is to be moved without my permission.” When it looked like the USSR would not press for a counter attack across the border, Hirohito gave the order for offensives in China to recommence, again an example of him deciding when to lay down the hammer.   By 1939 the US began threatening sanctions for what Japan was doing in China. Hirohito complained to his chief aide de camp Hata Shunroku on August 5th “It could be a great blow to scrap metal and oil”. Hirohito was livid and scolded many of his top officials and forced the appointment of General Abe to prime minister and demanded of him “to cooperate with the US and Britain and preserve internal order”.   Fast forward a bit, with war raging in Europe Hirohito, on June 19th of 1940 Hirohito asked if chief of staff Prince Kan'in and Army Minister Hata “At a time when peace will soon come in the European situation, will there be a deployment of troops to the Netherlands Indies and French Indochina?” This question highlighted Hirohito's belief at that time that Germany was close to achieving victory, which led him to gradually consider deploying troops to French Indochina and the Dutch East Indies since neither of those parent nations was in a position to protect their territories and vital resources. Regarding the war in China, the Japanese aimed to stop the flow of materials entering China from places like Hong Kong. Hirohito received reports indicating that Britain would not agree to block the shipment of materials into China via Hong Kong. The military recognized that an invasion of Hong Kong might be necessary, which would mean declaring war on Britain. When this was communicated to him, Hirohito responded, “If that occurs, I'm sure America will enforce an embargo, don't you think?” In response, Kido, the lord of the privy seal, reassured him by stating, “The nation must be fully prepared to resist, proceeding with caution and avoiding being drawn into events instigated by foreign interests.”   Hirohito went through countless meetings, but eventually signed order number 458 authorizing the invasion of French Indochina, knowing full well the consequences. The US,UK and Netherlands began embargoes of oil, rubber and iron. In the words of Admiral Takagai “As time passes and this situation continues, our empire will either be totally defeated or forced to fight a hopeless war. Therefore we should pursue war and diplomacy together. If there is no prospect of securing our final line of national survival by diplomatic negotiations, we must be resolved to fight.” Hirohito understood the predicament full well, that each day Japan was wasting its oil reserves, if they were to strike it had to be quickly.   On October 13th Hirohito told his closest advisor Koichi Kido “In the present situation there seems to be little hope for the Japan–U.S. negotiations. If hostilities erupt this time, I think I may have to issue a declaration of war.”   The reason I am bringing up all this stuff is to solidify, Hirohito had agency, he was micromanaging and forming decisions. After the war broke out with the west, Hirohito did have the ability to stamp his foot down. Of course there could have been wild repercussions, his military could have usurped him with Chichibu, it was definitely possible. But you need to keep this mind set, as far as why Hirohito acts or doesn't, its always to protect the Kokutai. Thus one of the levers for peace, solely rested on Hirohito's perception if the kokutai could be retained or not.    From the outset of the Pacific War, Hirohito believed Germany was going to defeat the USSR. In line with his military leaders, they all believed Japan had to seize everything they could in the asia-pacific and thwart off the US until a negotiated peace could be met. Hirohito committed himself to overseeing the war, determined to achieve victory at any cost. He was a very cautious leader, he meticulously analyzed each campaign, anticipating potential setbacks and crafting worst-case scenario predictions. He maintained a skeptical view of the reports from his senior officials and was often harshly critical of high commanders.   While he did not frequently visit the front lines like other commanders in chief, Hirohito wielded significant influence over theater operations, shaping both planning and execution whenever he deemed necessary. Similar to his approach during the war in China, he issued the highest military orders from the Imperial Headquarters, conducted audited conferences, and made decisions communicated under his name. He regularly welcomed generals and admirals to the imperial palace for detailed briefings on the battlefront and visited various military bases, battleships, and army and naval headquarters. His inspections encompassed military schools and other significant military institutions, adding to his comprehensive involvement in the war effort.   Now the war went extremely well for Japan until the battle of Midway. This was as major setback, but Japan retained the initiative. Then the Guadalcanal campaign saw Japan lose the initiative to the Americans. Upon receiving the initial report of the Ichiki detachment's destruction, Hirohito remarked, “I am sure it [Guadalcanal] can be held.” Despite the numerous reports detailing the devastating effects of tropical diseases and starvation on his troops, he persistently demanded greater efforts from them. Hirohito exerted continuous pressure on his naval and land commanders to retake the island. On September 15th, November 5th, and November 11th, he requested additional Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) troops and aircraft to be allocated to the cause.   General Sugiyama expressed concerns about dispatching more IJA pilots due to their inexperience in transoceanic combat, preferring to reinforce the North China Army for an attack on Chongqing instead. Hirohito pressed the issue again, but Sugiyama responded that the IJA had diverted its air resources to New Guinea and Rabaul. Undeterred by the objections from senior commanders, Hirohito persisted in his demands. By late November, it became evident that Guadalcanal was a lost cause.   At an Imperial Headquarters conference on December 31st, 1942, the chiefs of staff proposed canceling the attempts to recapture Guadalcanal. Hirohito sanctioned this decision but stated, “It is unacceptable to just give up on capturing Guadalcanal. We must launch an offensive elsewhere.” He insisted on this point, leading to the selection of new strategic targets in the Solomons, north of New Georgia, and in the Stanley Range on New Guinea. Hirohito even threatened to withhold authorization for withdrawing troops from Guadalcanal until a new plan was established. He later opposed the withdrawal from Munda Airfield, as it contradicted the newly defined defensive line.   As the defensive perimeter in the central and northern Solomons began to crumble, Hirohito continued to insist that the navy engage in decisive battles to regain the initiative, allowing for the transport of supplies to the many soldiers trapped on various islands. When he learned of the navy's failure to reinforce Lae on March 3rd, he asked, “Then why didn't you change plans immediately and land at Madan? This is a failure, but it can teach us a good lesson and become a source of future success. Do this for me so I can have peace of mind for a while.” The phrase “Do this for me” would come to be his signature rallying cry.   After Guadal canal, it was loss after loss for Japan. By February of 1944, Hirohito forced Sugiyama to resign so Hideki Tojo could take his position as chief of the general staff, note Tojo was prime minister and army minister at this point. Hirohito worked alongside Tojo to plan some last ditch efforts to change the war situation. The most significant one was Operation Ichi-Go. As much damage as they did to China with that, Chiang Kai-Shek's government survived. Hirohito watched as island by island fell to the Americans. When the Americans were poised to take Saipan he warned Tojo “If we ever lose Saipan, repeated air attacks on Tokyo will follow. No matter what it takes, we have to hold there.” Saipan fell, so Hirohito stopped supporting Tojo and allowed his rivals to take down his cabinet by june 18th of 1944.    Hirohito remained resolute in his determination to wrest victory from the Allies. On October 18th, the Imperial Headquarters ordered a decisive naval engagement, leading to the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After the war, Hirohito publicly stated, "Contrary to the views of the Army and Navy General Staffs, I consented to the showdown battle at Leyte, believing that if we launched an attack and America hesitated, we might find an opportunity to negotiate." Leyte Gulf didnt work. The military began the kamikaze program. On new years day of 1945 Hirohito inspected the special last meal rations given to departing kamikaze units. Iwo Jima fell. Okinawa remained, and Hirohito lashed out “Is it because we failed to sink enemy transports that we've let the enemy get ashore? Isn't there any way to defend Okinawa from the landing enemy forces?” On the second day of Okinawa's invasion Hirohito ordered a counter landing by the 32nd army and urged the navy to counterattack in every way possible. It was a horrible failure, it cost the lives of up to 120,000 Japanese combatants, 170,000 noncombatants. The Americans lost 12,500 killed and 33,000 wounded. An absolute bloodbath.    The Surrender time   Now we come to the time period where Japan seriously began looking for ways to surrender. In Europe Germany was heading to its defeat and Japan knew this. As for Japan, their army in Burma had been annihilated. Their forces in China were faring better after Operation Ichi-go, having opened up a land corridor along the main railway from Beiping to Wuhan and from throughout Guangdong but still stuck in a deadlock stalemate, facing a guerrilla war that was costing them 64% of their military expenditures. They deeply feared once the Soviets finished up with Germany, they would undoubtedly turn east against Manchuria. With the Soviets attacking from the north, the US would attack from the south, perhaps landing in Shanghai and the home islands. The Kamikaze tactics were proving formidable, but not nearly enough. By 1945, 43% of the IJA were now stationed in Japan, Korea and Formosa, bracing for the final stand. Former prime minister Reijiro Wakatsuki came out of retirement in may of 1945, having heard Germany collapsed, to urge Hirohito and the Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki to open negotiations with the US as soon as possible. However he also said “the enemy must first be made to see the disadvantages of continuing the war”. To this Hirohito's chief counselor Makino Nobuaki said that “the ultimate priority is to develop an advantageous war situation.” Advisor admiral Kesiuke Okada said Japan should wait for “a moment favorable for us,” then make peace. Advisors Kiichiro Hiranuma and Koki Hirota advised the emperor to fight on until the end.   Now I want to bring in a key player to the surrender decision, that of Prince Konoe. Konoe was very close to Hirohito and understood the emperors mentality, especially how he viewed things in relation to the kokutai.    The senior statesman Prince Konoe had been consulting with Hirohito for over 18 months at this point trying to convey the message that if the war continued it would threaten the kokutai. Many months prior, he confided in the emperor's brother, Prince Takamatsu, that the army was suffering from “a cancer” in the form of the Toseiha faction. However, he noted that “Kido and others” did not share his perspective, while “his Majesty is relatively unconcerned with ideological issues.” For the past four years, he continued, the emperor had been advised and still believed that “the true extremists are the Kodoha faction.” In reality, the greater threat to the kokutai arose from the Toseiha faction. Konoe further asserted that if the war escalated, they would attempt to alter the kokutai.   Konoe speculated that whether the threat originated from communists within the nation, primarily referring to left-wing radicals in the Toseiha faction, or from the “Anglo-American enemy,” both would seek to preserve the emperor while pushing towards the country's communization.In his written report to the emperor on February 14, which Kido listened to attentively, Konoe elaborated on his conspiracy theory. He asserted that the Soviet Union regarded Japan as its primary threat in East Asia. The Soviets had allied with the Chinese Communists, the largest and most formidable Communist party in Asia, and were collaborating with the United States and Britain to drive Japan out of China. He warned that they would enter the war when the opportunity arose.   Defeat, he cautioned the emperor, was inevitable if the conflict persisted. However, he emphasized that a far greater fear was the potential destruction of the kokutai. The ongoing war was eroding the domestic status quo, unleashing forces that threatened Japan and its imperial institution from within as much as from external adversaries. The real danger lay in the emperor's and Kido's trust in the generals of the Toseiha faction, who were unintentionally facilitating the communization of Japan. Konoe implored for a swift peace settlement before a Communist revolution emerged, making the preservation of the kokutai impossible. Hirohito agreed with Konoe but stated “ To end the war would be “very difficult unless we make one more military gain.” Konoe allegedly replied, “Is that possible? It must happen soon. If we have to wait much longer, . . . [a mere battle victory] will mean nothing.” Hirohito replied “If we hold out long enough in this war, we may be able to win, but what worries me is whether the nation will be able to endure it until then.”   On February 15th of 1945, Hirohito's intelligence warned the Soviet Union would likely abrogate its Neutrality Pact with Japan. Even Tojo conceded there was a 50/50 chance the USSR would invade Manchuria. In March, the US began B-29 incendiary bombing raids over Tokyo, turning 40% of the capital into ash. On March 18th, Hirohito with some aides drove around the capital to witness the devastation. The civilians looked exhausted and bewildered to Hirohito. Factory production was collapsing, absenteeism was rising, instances of lese majeste were running rampant. For the next 5 months imperial family members and senior statesmen all began speaking to Hirohito about the “crises of the kokutai”. The threat Konoe had warned about for months was becoming the main talking point. It seemed like the Japanese people within the countryside and urban areas remained steadfast in the resolve to obey their leaders, work and sacrifice for their nation, but for how long would they feel so?    It was only after the battle for Okinawa was lost and 60 Japanese cities had been leveled by American incendiary bombs that Hirohito openly indicated he wanted to negotiate a surrender.   Kido's diary reveals the first clear indication that the emperor might be urged to consider an early peace on June 8, 1945, when Kido drafted his “Draft Plan for Controlling the Crisis Situation.” This marked a pivotal moment. It followed the unintentional bombing of the Imperial Palace, the complete loss of hope for saving Okinawa, and coincided with the day the Supreme War Leadership Council adopted the “Basic Policy for the Future Direction of the War.” With the fighting in Europe concluded, Japan found itself entirely isolated. Kido's plan, although vague, proposed seeking the Soviet Union's assistance as an intermediary to help Japan gain leverage in negotiations with its adversaries. By drafting this plan, Kido signaled the end of his long alliance with the military hard-liners. Hirohito's acceptance of it indicated his readiness for an early peace.   Hirohito was moved to an underground bunker in the mountains of Matsushiro in Nagano prefecture where upon those around him noted he fell into a deep depression. On June 22nd  Hirohito informed the Supreme War Leadership Council he wanted them to open diplomatic maneuvers to end the war. In early July Soviet Ambassador Jacob Malik broke off inconclusive talks with Hirota. Hirohito stepped in immediately and ordered a new special envoy be sent to Moscow. However Hirohito nor the Suzuki government had concrete plans on how to mediate a surrender through the Soviets. The only things they did prioritize was a guarantee of the emperors political position and retainment of the imperial system, ie the kokutai. This was taken into consideration rather than ending the war as quickly as possible to save the lives of millions.    From April 8, 1945, until Japan's capitulation, the Suzuki government's chief war policy was “Ketsugo,” an advanced iteration of the “Shosango” (Victory Number 3) plan for defending the homeland. The hallmark of this strategy was a heavy reliance on suicide tactics, including deploying a massive number of kamikaze “special attack” planes, human torpedoes launched from submarines, dynamite-stuffed “crash boats” powered by truck engines, human rocket bombs carried by aircraft, and suicide assaults by specially trained ground units.   While preparations for Operation Ketsu progressed, the Imperial Diet convened on June 9 to pass a Wartime Emergency Measures Law, along with five additional measures aimed at mobilizing the entire nation for this final battle. On the same day, the emperor, who had yet to initiate efforts to end the war, issued another imperial rescript in conjunction with the Diet's convocation, instructing the nation to “smash the inordinate ambitions of the enemy nations” and “achieve the goals of the war.” Concurrently, the controlled press launched a daily die-for-the-emperor campaign to foster gratitude for the imperial benevolence and, from around mid-July onward, initiated a campaign to “protect the kokutai.”   The Americans countered with their own propaganda aimed at breaking Japan's will to fight. B-29 bombers dropped millions of leaflets written in Japanese, announcing the next scheduled targets for bombing raids and urging surrender, while using the emperor to challenge the militarists. Leaflets bearing the chrysanthemum crest criticized the “military cliques” for “forcing the entire nation to commit suicide” and called on “everyone” to “exercise their constitutional right to make direct appeals [for peace] to the Emperor.” They asserted that “even the powerful military cliques cannot stop the mighty march for peace of the Emperor and the people.” One notable batch of seven million leaflets conveyed the terms of the “joint declaration” issued by the United States, Great Britain, and China. “Today we come not to bomb you,” they stated. “We are dropping this leaflet to inform you of the response from the United States government to your government's request for conditions of surrender.... Whether the war stops immediately depends on your government. You will understand how to end the war if you read these two official notifications.”   Amid pressures from imperial edicts to continue preparations for a final battle and focus solely on victory, the Japanese people were also subjected to an intense American psychological warfare campaign in addition to aerial bombardment. During late July and August, prefectural governors, police chiefs, and officers of the “special higher police” submitted reports to the Home Ministry detailing the rapidly deteriorating national morale.    Now on the other side, Roosevelt made it known back in January of 1943 at the Casablanca conference, the allies would only accept unconditional surrender. By 1945, the allies understood the predicament this left Japan with. On May 8th of 1945, Truman added “Japan's surrender would not mean the extermination or enslavement of the Japanese people” trying to indicate a non vindictive spirit. However the Kokutai question always remained ambiguous. State Department Joseph Grew, the former ambassador to Japan, began arguing to Truman they needed to make public a clear definition of the terms to persuade Japan to surrender. As he argued to Truman: Emperor Hirohito was seen as the key figure in Japan's surrender, likened to a "queen bee in a hive... surrounded by the attentions of the hive." Throughout the war, he was characterized in various ways—as a “puppet” of the militarists, a constitutional monarch, and a pacifist. Grew had immense faith in the influence exerted by what he referred to as the “moderates” surrounding the Japanese throne.    However many of Grew's colleagues argued the future existence of the monarchy was intolerable as it was akin to fascism. Many wanted to punish the emperor. Truman was in a tug of war. The Potsdam declaration issued on July 26th of 1945 came in the form of a ultimatum aiming to quicken japans surrender. Truman clarified the terms for the unconditional surrender at the end of its terms: "We call upon the government of Japan to proclaim now the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces, and to provide proper and adequate assurances of their good faith in such action. The alternative for Japan is prompt and utter destruction." Zero mention of the emperor. Grew had argued to add “this may include a constitutional monarchy under the present dynasty.” But it was deleted from the article. The status of the emperor was not guaranteed, the kokutai was thus up in the air.    The next day, the Suzuki cabinet rejected the terms. The Japanese leadership and Hirohito were still banking and awaiting Soviet replies to their terms.    Lets talk about the Soviet talks now   Back on July 12th ambassador Naotake Satō sent this message to the Soviets: “His Majesty the Emperor, mindful of the fact that the present war daily brings greater evil and sacrifice upon the peoples of all the belligerent powers, desires from his heart that it may be quickly terminated. But so long as England and the United States insist upon unconditional surrender, the Japanese Empire has no alternative but to fight on with all its strength for the honor and existence of the Motherland”.  However the Soviets had made commitments to their allies, promising in fact to invade Japan to aid them.    As for the Soviets their primary objective was to ensure unrestricted access to the Pacific Ocean. The year-round ice-free areas of the Soviet Pacific coastline, particularly Vladivostok, could be blockaded by air and sea from Sakhalin Island and the Kurile Islands. Securing these territories to guarantee free access to the Soya Strait was their main goal. Secondary objectives included acquiring leases for the Chinese Eastern Railway, the Southern Manchuria Railway, as well as gaining control over Dairen and Port Arthur.   To achieve these aims, Stalin and Molotov prolonged negotiations with the Japanese, creating a false sense of hope for a Soviet-mediated peace. Simultaneously, in their discussions with the United States and Britain, the Soviets insisted on strict adherence to the Cairo Declaration, which had been reaffirmed at the Yalta Conference. This declaration stipulated that the Allies would not accept a separate or conditional peace with Japan; thus, the Japanese would need to surrender unconditionally to all the Allies. The Soviets aimed to prolong the war by opposing any efforts to dilute this requirement. This approach would provide the Soviets with the necessary time to complete the transfer of their troops from the Western Front to the Far East and to conquer Manchuria, Inner Mongolia, northern Korea, South Sakhalin, the Kuriles, and potentially Hokkaidō, starting with an assault on Rumoi. AUGUST 1945   Thus we come to at last the critical point, August of 1945.    The Americans prepared for the deployment of atomic bombs and for an invasion of southern Kyushu, known as Operation Olympic, scheduled to commence on November 1. At 8:15 A.M. on August 6, a single B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay dropped little boy, devastating much of the undefended city of Hiroshima, instantly killing an estimated 100,000 to 140,000 people and leading to the deaths of possibly another 100,000 over the next five years. At the epicenter of the explosion, “a light appeared 3,000 times brighter than the sun,” creating a fireball that emitted thermal radiation capable of “instantly scorching humans, trees, and houses.” As the air heated and rushed upward, cold air surged in to ignite a firestorm. Hours later, a whirlwind escalated the flames to their peak until more than eight square miles were virtually reduced to cinders. Subsequently, black, muddy rain filled with radioactive fallout began to fall. Two days later, using Japan's rejection of the Potsdam Declaration as a pretext, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. Then on August 9, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, resulting in the immediate deaths of approximately 35,000 to 40,000 people and injuring more than 60,000.   Meanwhile, in Tokyo, during the critical period between the Potsdam Declaration and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Emperor Hirohito remained silent about accepting the Potsdam terms. However, on July 25 and 31, he explicitly conveyed to Kido that the imperial regalia must be defended at all costs. The three sacred objects—a mirror, a curved jewel, and a sword—symbolized the legitimacy of his rule through the northern court and were integral to his identity as the divine sovereign. Hirohito's focus was on protecting these symbols of office, as he insisted on having them brought to the palace. This fixation on maintaining his symbols occurred during a pivotal moment when the pressing issue was whether to accept immediate capitulation. Reflecting on this, he was unprepared to seize the opportunity to end the war himself.   Prime Minister Suzuki, following his initial rejection of the Potsdam ultimatum, also saw no need for further action. His Cabinet Advisory Council, which included the president of Asano Cement, the founder of the Nissan consortium, the vice president of the Bank of Japan, and other representatives from the nation's leading business interests that had profited significantly from the war, convened on the morning of August 3. They recommended accepting the Potsdam terms, arguing that the United States would permit Japan to retain its non-military industries and continue participating in world trade.    Here are some reactions to the two bombs and invasion of Manchuria.    Yonai Mitsumasa said to admiral Takagi Sokichi, on August 12, that “I think the term is perhaps inappropriate, but the atomic bombs and the Soviet entry into the war are, in a sense, gifts from the gods [tenyu, also “heaven-sent blessings”]. This way we don't have to say that we quit the war because of domestic circumstances. I've long been advocating control of our crisis, but neither from fear of an enemy attack nor because of the atomic bombs and the Soviet entry into the war. The main reason is my anxiety over the domestic situation. So, it is rather fortunate that we can now control matters without revealing the domestic situation”.    Konoe's characterized the Soviet involvement in the war as “a godsend for controlling the army,”. Kido viewed of both the atomic bombings and the Soviet entry into the conflict as “useful” elements for ensuring a smooth transition. A nascent power struggle was unfolding, rendering the potential death toll—whether one hundred thousand or two hundred thousand—immaterial to those involved, as long as their desired outcome was achieved: an end to the war that would leave the monarchy intact and capable of managing the discontent that defeat would inevitably provoke. Throughout the final acts of this wartime drama, the Japanese “moderates” found it easier to capitulate to external pressures than to take decisive action on their own to conclude the war.   Another illuminating looks at Japan's elite's perspective on surrender terms was the document titled “Essentials of Peace Negotiations” (wahei kosho no yoryo). Drafted by Konoe and his adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Sakai Koji, after Konoe had reluctantly accepted a mission to Moscow, this document, stipulated the preservation of the emperor system, along with most of the imperial prerogatives, as the absolute minimum condition for peace. It defined the “original” or “essential homeland” as including the southern half of the Kurile Islands but showed a willingness to concede all overseas territories to the enemy, including Okinawa and the American-occupied Bonin Islands, as well as the southern half of Sakhalin. The “Essentials” also accepted complete disarmament for an unspecified period, thereby compromising on the issues of demobilizing and disarming the armed forces. More significantly, an “explanation” attached to the “Essentials” emphasized that “the main aim is to secure the imperial line and maintain the political role of the emperor.”    Why Japan surrendered   We come to it atleast after a long podcast. Why did Japan ultimately surrender?   The twin psychological shocks of the first atomic bomb and the Soviet entry into the war, combined with Kido's and the emperor's concern over escalating public criticism of the throne and its occupant, fueled an almost paranoid fear that, sooner or later, the populace would react violently against their leaders if the war persisted much longer. These factors ultimately led Hirohito to accept, in principle, the terms of the Potsdam Declaration.   At the first meeting of the six member constituents of the Supreme War Leadership Council, held from 10:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on August 9, Army Minister Anami Korechika, Chiefs of Staff Umezu Yoshijiro, representing the army, and Yonai, representing the navy, along with Tōgō, from the Foreign Ministry, were expected to discuss the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration. Instead, the conversation revolved around whether to attempt a conditional surrender—specifically, should they insist on one condition, the preservation of the kokutai, or four?   After Suzuki addressed the assembly regarding the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the Soviet attack, Yonai, as recounted by Navy Chief of Staff Toyoda, was the first to speak, framing the issue in terms of four conditions. “Let's start to talk, Do we accept the Potsdam Declaration with no conditions? If not, and we wish to insist on attaching hopes and conditions, we may do so this way. First, preservation of the kokutai; then for the rest, the main items in the Potsdam Declaration: treatment of war criminals, method of disarmament, and the matter of sending in an army of occupation.” Thus, the participants identified what they perceived to be the ambiguous points within the Potsdam Declaration and used them as the foundation for their discussions.   The army insisted on four conditions: First, the preservation of the kokutai, which they considered distinct from the Potsdam Declaration itself. The other conditions proposed were, second, that the Imperial Headquarters assume responsibility for disarmament and demobilization; third, a prohibition on occupation; and fourth, the delegation of the punishment of war criminals to the Japanese government. The army equated the kokutai with the emperor's right of supreme command. Their self-serving desire for autonomous war crimes trials was based on the belief that the Allies would use such trials to politically indict the military. Consequently, army leaders aimed to preempt the activities of any international tribunal by conducting their own trials—similar to the approach taken by the uninvaded and unrepentant Germans after World War I.   Supporting the military's views during cabinet meetings that day were three civilian members of the Suzuki cabinet: Justice Minister Matsuzaka Hiromasa, Home Minister Yasui Toji, and Minister of Health Okada Tadahiko. At the imperial conference that night, which extended into the early hours of the tenth, Foreign Minister Tōgō's interpretation of the “preservation of the kokutai” referred solely to the safeguarding of the Imperial House or dynasty, rather than the continuation of Hirohito's reign.   Hiranuma, another advocate for the single condition, interpreted the kokutai as the “emperor's sovereign right to rule the state [not] deriving from national law. Even if the entire nation is sacrificed to the war, we must preserve both the kokutai and the security of the imperial house.” This discrepancy illustrated that there was no completely unified understanding of what the kokutai entailed; the debate over one condition versus four represented conflicting visions for the future of the Japanese state and masked the competition for political power that was already unfolding.   It remains doubtful whether the emperor and Kido initially sided with Tōgō against the four conditions proposed by the senior military leaders. A more likely inference is that both men retained sympathies for the hardliners, both military and civilian, who preferred to continue the futile war rather than surrender immediately and unconditionally. This may explain why, on August 9, Konoe had Hosokawa Morisada approach Navy General Headquarters to urge the emperor's brother, Prince Takamatsu, to pressure Hirohito (through Kido) to accept the Potsdam terms. Later that afternoon, Konoe enlisted the help of diplomat Shigemitsu Mamoru to persuade Kido to reconsider his stance on the four conditions. Ultimately, at the urging of Takamatsu and Shigemitsu, Kido did shift to support Tōgō's position.   At the end of the war, as at its beginning and throughout every stage of its progression, Emperor Hirohito played a highly active role in supporting the actions carried out in his name. From the very beginning of the Asia-Pacific war, the emperor played a significant role in the unfolding events around him. Prior to the Battle of Okinawa, he consistently advocated for a decisive victory. Afterward, he acknowledged the necessity of pursuing an early peace, although he did not favor an immediate cessation of hostilities. Instead, he wavered, steering Japan toward ongoing warfare rather than direct negotiations with the Allies. When the final crisis fully unfolded, the only option left was unconditional surrender. Even then, he continued to procrastinate until the atomic bomb was dropped and the Soviets launched their attack. The wartime emperor ideology that once sustained morale made it exceedingly difficult for Japan's leaders to accept the act of surrender. Aware of their objective defeat, yet indifferent to the suffering the war inflicted on their own people—as well as on the populations of Asia, the Pacific, and the West whose lives they had disrupted—the emperor and his military leaders sought a means to lose without appearing to lose. They aimed to mitigate domestic criticism following surrender while preserving their power structure.   Blinded by their fixation on the fate of the imperial house and committed to an overly optimistic diplomacy toward the Soviet Union, Japan's leaders missed several opportunities to end their lost war. Would Japan's leaders have surrendered more promptly if the Truman administration had “clarified” the status of the emperor before the cataclysmic double shocks of the atomic bomb and the Soviet entry into the war? Probably not. However, it is likely they would have surrendered to prevent the kokutai from being destroyed from within. The evidence suggests that the first atomic bomb and the Soviet declaration of war led Hirohito, Kido, and other members of the court to believe that continuing the war would inevitably result in that destruction. They recognized that the populace was war-weary and despondent, with rising hostility toward the military and the government, accompanied by increasing criticism of the emperor himself. More specifically, Kido and Hirohito were privy to Home Ministry reports, which contained information from governors and police chiefs nationwide. These reports indicated that citizens were beginning to label the emperor as an incompetent leader responsible for the deteriorating war situation.   This is the third variable, never spoken about. Many first look at the atomic bombs. Bigger brain people turn to the Soviet Invasion of Manchuria. But hardly anyone reads about how the collapse of Japan's social fabric, scared the shit out of the Emperor and his closest advisors. You can't have a kokutai, without a populace that worshiped you.    When the emperor expressed in February, “What worries me is whether the nation [could] endure” long enough to achieve victory, he was not merely voicing concern for the suffering of his subjects; rather, he feared that such suffering could lead to social upheaval—in short, revolution. At that time, he referred to the ordinary, war-related hardships of food shortages, air raids, devastated cities, destruction of homes, and the omnipresent grief from the loss of loved ones. The atomic bomb escalated death, pain, and suffering to unimaginably higher levels, intensifying the threat from within. After the bombings of Japan and two atomic bombs, Hirohito was in a dark way, given a golden get out of jail free card. Hirohito could now save his suffering people from further anguish by surrendering, allowing him to deflect responsibility for leading them into misery while adopting an air of benevolence and care. Indeed, Hirohito did care—though not primarily for the Japanese people, but rather for the survival of his own imperial house and throne.   After the bombing of Hiroshima, Hirohito delayed for a full two days before instructing Kido, shortly before 10 A.M. on August 9, to “quickly control the situation” because “the Soviet [Union]” had declared war. Kido immediately communicated with Prime Minister Suzuki, who began arrangements for an Imperial Conference scheduled for later that night. Following the seidan of August 10, Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakomizu took charge of drafting the “Imperial Rescript Ending the War” based on Hirohito's directives. Assisted by two scholars of the Chinese classics, Kawada Mizuho and Yasuoka Masahiro, Sakomizu worked tirelessly for over three days before submitting a version of the rescript to the Suzuki cabinet. After six hours of contentious discussion on the night of August 14, the cabinet modified and approved the document. Hirohito promptly signed it, and Shimomura and Kido persuaded him to record a suitably opaque final version for broadcast to the nation.   On the night of August 14, the Suzuki government notified the United States and other Allied nations that it had accepted both the Potsdam Declaration and the Byrnes letter of August 11. Accelerating the emperor's actions during this climactic moment of the unconditional surrender drama was the American psychological warfare campaign. When a leaflet dropped from B-29 bombers came into Kido's possession on the night of August 13 or the morning of the fourteenth, he conferred with the emperor and explained the gravity of the situation. The latest enemy leaflets were informing the Japanese people of the government's notification of surrender under one condition, along with the full text of Byrnes's response. If this continued, it would undermine the imperial government's reliance on secrecy to obscure the true nature of the lost war and the reasons for the prolonged surrender delay.   Given Kido's and the emperor's concerns about rising signs of defeatism, including criticism of the throne, immediate action was necessary to prevent the populace from acting on their own initiative. Thus, the second seidan was convened. At noon on August 15, the Japanese people gathered around their radio receivers and heard, for the first time, the high-pitched voice of their emperor telling them:    “After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that Our Empire accepts the provisions of their Joint Declaration. To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of Our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors and which lies close to Our heart. Indeed, We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure Japan's self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandizement. But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone—the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State, and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people—the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest. Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects, or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers... The hardships and sufferings to which Our nation is to be subjected hereafter will be certainly great. We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all of you, Our subjects. However, it is according to the dictates of time and fate that We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is unsufferable”.   Clearly Hirohito sought to justify his decision to surrender by citing the dropping of the atomic bombs. He wanted to become the saviour of the Japanese people. Hirohito wanted to obfuscate the issue of accountability, to prevent expressions of strife and anger and to strengthen domestic unity around himself, to protect and raise the kokutai.  Interestingly, the surrender declaration to the civilian population was not the same one sent to the military. On August 17th Hirohito issued a second “rescript to soldiers and sailors” throughout the asia-pacific.   “ Now that the Soviet Union has entered the war against us, to continue . . . under the present conditions at home and abroad would only recklessly incur even more damage to ourselves and result in endangering the very foundation of the empire's existence. Therefore, even though enormous fighting spirit still exists in the Imperial Navy and Army, I am going to make peace with the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union, as well as with Chungking, in order to maintain our glorious national polity”.   The lesser-known August 17 rescript to the army and navy specified Soviet participation as the sole reason for surrender, while maintaining the kokutai as the primary aim. Dissembling until the end—and even beyond—it was noted that the emperor presented two different justifications for his delayed surrender. Both statements were likely true.   Months later Hirohito's said this about his decision to surrender “The main motive behind my decision at that time was that if we . . . did not act, the Japanese race would perish and I would be unable to protect my loyal subjects [sekishi—literally, “children”]. Second, Kido agreed with me on the matter of defending the kokutai. If the enemy landed near Ise Bay, both Ise and Atsuta Shrines would immediately come under their control. There would be no time to transfer the sacred treasures [regalia] of the imperial family and no hope of protecting them. Under these circumstances, protection of the kokutai would be difficult. For these reasons, I thought at the time that I must make peace even at the sacrifice of myself.”    There exists this sort of childish argument today whether it was the atomic bombs or the Soviet Invasion that caused Japan to surrender. However, this overlooks as I think I've explained in 9000 words jeez, the influence of the kokutai. Defending the kokutai was Hirohito's number one priority. The Soviets threatened it. Communism threatened it. What Japan perceived to be “democracy” threatened it. American victory threatened it. And the destruction of Japan's social fabric threatened it. I love this one piece of history, that I have only come across in one book, that being the main one I am using here.   On August 12th, Hirohito came to the imperial family to tell them he had made the decision to surrender. His uncle Prince Yasuhiko Asaka asked him whether the war would be continued if the kokutai could not be preserved. Hirohito replied “of course”.

RNZ: Afternoons with Jesse Mulligan
What does recognising Palestine as a state actually mean?

RNZ: Afternoons with Jesse Mulligan

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 14:30


The move to recognise Palestine as a state is growing traction, with Australia joining France, Canada and others in backing the idea at the United Nations General Assembly next month. Our Government's confirmed its weighing its position on recognition and will decide in the next month. Prime Minster Chris Luxon has described the situation in Gaza as an "absolute human catastrophe". Dr. Maria Armoudian, who is an associate professor in politics and international relations at Auckland University, joins Jesse to discuss.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive
Robert Patman: Otago University Professor for International Relations on whether NZ needs to make a proper statement on Palestine

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 4:09 Transcription Available


One international relations expert says New Zealand needs to make up its mind on Palestinian statehood fairly quickly. Australia today promised to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September. Our Government says it's still weighing options - and will decide over the next month. Otago University's Robert Patman says it'll be pondering whether recognition will strengthen or weaken Hamas. But he says New Zealand should not dilly-dally. "I thin there's a danger of mismatch between the gravity of the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the New Zealand Government's 'wait-and-see' response." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive
John Minto: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa chair on the impact of recognising Palestinian statehood

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 3:48 Transcription Available


Wider global recognition of Palestine is within sight - but it's unclear how much weight that will carry. The UK and France plan to join many national already recognising Palestinian statehood in September, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire. Our Government has joined others supporting a two-state solution and is open to recognising Palestine - in time. Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa chair, John Minto, says Israel has made it almost impossible to form a Palestinian state. "All Palestinians have got left is a piece of Swiss cheese, so you've got all of these Israeli settlements on their land connected by roads which Palestinians are not allowed to drive on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sermons
Praying for Our Government

Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025


Praying for Our Government

Background Briefing with Ian Masters
April 7, 2025 - William Cohan | Mike Lofgren | Michael Kazin

Background Briefing with Ian Masters

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 61:27


Trump Urges Americans Not to Be "Weak or Stupid" as the Meltdown on Wall Street Continues | Who Benefits From Trump and Musk's Deliberate Destruction of the American Economy, Our Government and Our Standing in the World? | Saturday's 1,200 "Hands Off" Demonstrations in American Towns and Cities and Others Around the World backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersmedia.bsky.social facebook.com/ianmastersmedia

Kerre McIvor Mornings Podcast
Todd McClay: Trade Minister on the new tariffs coming out of the US

Kerre McIvor Mornings Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 6:36 Transcription Available


Our Government is asking the US for more details on its new import rules for New Zealand. Donald Trump's announced 10% tariffs on almost all goods entering the country from around the world – including New Zealand. Many countries face much higher tariffs, with goods from China being hit by a combined 54% levy. Trade Minister Todd McClay has confirmed officials are still seeking information. He told Kerre Woodham that while a trade war isn't ideal, New Zealand has a very diverse trade strategy, with agreements with most parts of the world. He says that trade will adapt, and exporters will have other opportunities. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament - Live Stream and Question Time
Oral Questions for Wednesday 26 March 2025

Parliament - Live Stream and Question Time

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 62:53


Questions to Ministers RYAN HAMILTON to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: What is his reaction, if any, to the Kaiwhakahaere for Ngati Ruanui's statement regarding proposed changes to the RMA that "This move breaches both our settlement and the Government's obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi"? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Justice: How is the Government progressing with its plan to restore stronger consequences for crime? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she agree that the Treasury is the Government's lead economic and financial adviser; if so, does she have confidence in advice from the Treasury? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Maori Development: Is he across everything in his portfolio; if not, why not? SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What recent announcement has she made about the Annual General Adjustment? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister of Police: What recent reports has he seen on the effectiveness of the community beat teams? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister of Police: Does he stand by his statement regarding record levels of methamphetamine in waste-water testing, "Well, I don't know whether that's dealers dumping methamphetamine"; if not, why not? SCOTT WILLIS to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement that "Our Government is focused on delivering timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders"; if so, has he contracted the build of the inpatient building for the Dunedin Hospital yet? Question to Member Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB to the Chairperson of the Justice Committee: Will he report the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill to the House before all submissions have been processed and considered by members?

Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby
Andrew Little: Former Defence Minister on the talks between NZ and China about the warships in the Tasman

Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 4:07 Transcription Available


Our Government has raised concerns about China's warships in the Tasman Sea at the highest level, as our Defence Force continues to monitor the ships' movements. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has discussed the issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during a meeting in Beijing. Former Defence Minister Andrew Little says it will have been a frank conversation. The Chinese Naval vessels are now moving west in Australia's exclusive economic zone, but Little told Andrew Dickens they still aren't in Australia's territorial waters. Little says China is following the law of the sea and will presumably seek permission before entering the 12-mile zone. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mike Hosking Breakfast
Todd McClay: Trade Minister believes New Zealand exporters will fare fine under the Trump Administration

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 5:02 Transcription Available


The Trade Minister believes New Zealand exporters will do well during the Donald Trump presidency. The US has now overtaken Australia as the second largest destination for our exports. Our Government remains in the dark about whether New Zealand will get caught up in Donald Trump's tariff plan. But Todd McClay told Mike Hosking trade to the US rose under the last Trump term and should again this time around. McClay says while there is uncertainty about what Trump may or may not do around tariffs, he predicts Kiwi exporters will do very well during this Trump term. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Jay Sheldon Show
Child Sex Abuse Gangs and the UK

The Jay Sheldon Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 27:11


Ep 753SHOW NOTESPatriot MobileIt's time to switch to Patriot Mobile, America's ONLY Christian conservative wireless provider. https://www.patriotmobile.com/JayGet the best “wake up and kick butt” coffee from BLACKOUT COFFEE https://www.blackoutcoffee.com/?p=HyctD1sS3Use promo code JAY20 at check out for 20% offBe Prepared with JASE Medicalhttps://jasemedical.com/?rstr=21099Use Promo code SHELDON10 for a $10 Discount!Keep your online activity hidden with the best VPN. Get a HUGE DISCOUNT at NordVPN with this special link! https://bit.ly/NordVPN-JaySheldon Get healthy with all natural fruits and veggies! Start today! Brickhouse Nutrition https://bit.ly/JaySheldonBrickhouseAll New, All-American designs!Check out our new show merchandise!Latest December Update with our Jesus/Trump Shirt!https://the-jay-sheldon-show.printify.me In today's show: Child Sex Abuse Gangs and the UK https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/child-sex-abuse-gangs-could-5114029 https://x.com/AzatAlsalim/status/1738344376554926434 To Many Questions about Las Vegas Trump Cyber Truck https://x.com/DanielLDavis1/status/1875595619907101009 Our Government is Out of Control! https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/1874514847020487079 50 Illegal Aliens Smuggled Into U.S By ISIS Networkhttps://www.dailywire.com/news/senator-banks-50-illegal-aliens-smuggled-into-u-s-by-isis-network-have-gone-missing Hollywood Celebrities Getting Extra Armed Protectionhttps://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/01/05/golden-globes-hollywood-celebrities-getting-extra-armed-protection-snipers-following-new-orleans-attack/ Apple Settles $95M Class Action Over Sirihttps://reclaimthenet.org/apple-settles-95m-class-action-over-siri-privacy-violations Trans Axe Attacker to Walk Free, Deemed ‘Medium to Low' Riskhttps://www.theepochtimes.com/world/trans-axe-attacker-to-walk-free-deemed-medium-to-low-risk-of-reoffending-5786826 THIS is Who Deserved a Medal of Freedom! https://x.com/DineshDSouza/status/1875976829766717770 New Jersey Teachers No Longer Required to Pass Basic Literacy Testhttps://www.campussafetymagazine.com/news/new-jersey-teachers-no-longer-required-to-pass-basic-literacy-test/165479 Sometimes Ya Just Gotta Laugh https://x.com/PicturesFoIder/status/1874196895154815316  Contact Your Representatives. Let Them Know!https://www.congress.gov/members Please subscribe to the podcast at: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jay-sheldon-show/id1568836253Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HNQU8yshneTCb0K1Q6cS0 Buy my book!https://www.facebook.com/WillyandTheWarthog https://www.amazon.com/dp/1320055001/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_VjSStb0E2RTDG26W Or Just Send me money ‘cause you love me! https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheJaySheldonShow Social MediaTikTok: @JaySheldonTikTok Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaySheldonShow Truth Social https://truthsocial.com/@JaySheldon Facebook @jay.sheldon Instagram @ItsJaySheldon Email us at show@jaysheldon.comDISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed on this show are the host's and do not reflect the opinions of guests or advertisers. This show does not promote drug use or violence in any manner, but we do promote free thinking and the absolute freedom of speech.

NewsTalk STL
H1-Everything We Thought We Knew About Our Nation's Government Is Wrong-09-11-24

NewsTalk STL

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 44:05


9:05 – 9:22 (15mins) Dr. Carole Lieberman To Wear Bullet Proof Vest In NYC in Honor of September 11th and October 7th PatriotsThere is No Difference between Hamas And Al QaedaWHY IS THIS 9/11 ANNIVERSARY DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHERS?This year, she will ride on the truck herself, wearing a bulletproof vest, and risking attack. 9:25 – 9:37 (12mins) Everything that we thought we knew about Our Government has changed. 9:41 – 9:56 (15mins) NCPPR Guest: National Center for Public Policy Research: Ethan PeckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Vic Porcelli Show
H1-Everything We Thought We Knew About Our Nation's Government Is Wrong-09-11-24

The Vic Porcelli Show

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 44:05


9:05 – 9:22 (15mins) Dr. Carole Lieberman To Wear Bullet Proof Vest In NYC in Honor of September 11th and October 7th PatriotsThere is No Difference between Hamas And Al QaedaWHY IS THIS 9/11 ANNIVERSARY DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHERS?This year, she will ride on the truck herself, wearing a bulletproof vest, and risking attack. 9:25 – 9:37 (12mins) Everything that we thought we knew about Our Government has changed. 9:41 – 9:56 (15mins) NCPPR Guest: National Center for Public Policy Research: Ethan PeckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament - Live Stream and Question Time
Oral Questions for Thursday 29 August 2024

Parliament - Live Stream and Question Time

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 53:43


Questions to Ministers Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by her statement, "Our Government will not tolerate people who accept the Jobseeker Support benefit but refuse to uphold their obligation to seek a job - it is not fair on hardworking Kiwis who pay their taxes that go towards those benefit payments"; if not, why not? Dr HAMISH CAMPBELL to the Minister of Health: What actions has the Government taken to improve the lives of New Zealanders, and their families, who are impacted by cancer? TAMATHA PAUL to the Minister of Police: Does he stand by his statement that he doesn't "think there is systemic bias in the police at all"; if so, how does he explain findings released by the Police that being Maori makes you 11 percent more likely to be prosecuted compared to Pakeha for the same offence? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How are her employment policies going to support New Zealanders in to work, given that the Reserve Bank's August Monetary Policy Statement predicts that unemployment will rise to 5.4 percent? MARK CAMERON to the Associate Minister for the Environment: What recent announcements has he made relating to significant natural areas? JAMES MEAGER to the Minister of Police: By how much have Police foot patrols increased under this Government? LAN PHAM to the Minister for the Environment: Does she stand by her statement that "It's getting that balance between the actions that we take, and environmental protection ... we consider that the balance had swung too far towards environmental protection at the cost of not being able to get things done"? Hon Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL to the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills: Does she stand by her statement that Te Pukenga is a "financial mess, drowning in debt of over $250 million"; if so, why? DANA KIRKPATRICK to the Minister of Forestry: What action has the Government taken in respect of forestry and the clean-up of the East Coast? CUSHLA TANGAERE-MANUEL to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement that there is a health "workforce crisis"; if so, how does he respond to senior medical officers of Tairawhiti, who have said, "Recent national directives setting recruitment restrictions and hospital budget cuts make our situation even worse"? CAMERON BREWER to the Minister of Revenue: What announcements has he made on tax? TAKUTA FERRIS to the Minister for Maori Development: Is it acceptable that Whakaata Maori has not had an increase in baseline funding since 2008?

Pleasant Valley Church Sermons
Think Different – Our Government

Pleasant Valley Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2024


This morning Darren Plett continues our series of thinking different about __________, by looking at how Christians are called to think different about Our Government. Tomorrow being Canada Day makes this a timely and important message to hear.

The Kyle Seraphin Show
Cheap Fakes and "Hot Takes" | Ep 331

The Kyle Seraphin Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 69:46


As we gear up for a Biden v Trump debate, the Leftie Media is in FULL propaganda mode to cover for the potential disaster. We'll discuss "why Presidents OFTEN struggle in their first debate," how FOX is ready to steal the election, and the curious double standard DOJ has with WHO they will (and won't) prosecute. We have more evidence, but the hypothesis "Our Government doesn't work for US" is more obvious daily.  Plus - Woman in the Draft, What happens when you spouse is a trans, and yet another reason your kids shouldn't be on social media. _______________________________________________________________ Check out BETWEEN THE LINES on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grYYOxayJUk BOOK: https://store.catholicvote.org/products/for-god-country-sanity Use PROMO CODE "KYLE" at these sites: http://PatriotCoolers.com/ (Tumblers & Coolers) http://The-Suspendables.com (Show Merch) http://MyPillow.com/Kyle (Pillows/Towels/Bedding) https://matthatjerky.com/kyle (premium Beef Jerky) ⭐️ Leave us a 5-star Review (And listen for us to read it): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kyle-seraphin-show/id1654162813

Don‘t Tread on Merica!
Our Government is a Joke!

Don‘t Tread on Merica!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 66:46


Our Government is a Joke! On today's show I delve into the sad reality that our country has become a freaking joke! We have presidential candidates loosing to no one! We have an incompetent leader, literally! And the one journalist out there is getting immense scrutiny! But I actually have audio from #Bidens deposition! so Let's GOOO! Web Site: www.DontTreadonMerica.com DTOM Store (Promo code DTOM for 10% off)     Sponsors: www.makersmark.com www.reaperapparelco.com Promo code: DTOM   Social Media:   Don't Tread on Merica TV   DTOM on Facebook   DTOM on X    DTOM on TikTok    DTOM on Instagram    DTOM on YouTube

#THATSWHATUP Show! ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL w#Trista4SenateGov&Prez! #comedy #music #politics
JOHN HALL ON GAIA, ON HOW US GOVT TREATS US LIKE GUINEA PIGS IN THEIR MIND CONTROL EXPERIMENTS!

#THATSWHATUP Show! ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL w#Trista4SenateGov&Prez! #comedy #music #politics

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2024 43:35


John Hall's on the committee of the human rights organization on covert harassment and surveillance! You or probably somebody you know has been followed and harassed, because the government uses our taxpayer money to use directed energy weapons on us, WITH IMPUNITY! to drive us crazy, get us locked up in the psych ward! They use certain frequencies to make you think you are hearing voices! GET ME ON THE BALLOT, AMERICA! IF YOU WANT THIS S*** TO STOP

Bloomers in the Garden
12/30/23 BITG Winter Pests • Invasive Plants • 2024 Trends • repurpose Tree • Resolutions

Bloomers in the Garden

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2023 58:35


Pest's are looking at your home as a warm winter vacationing spot! We'll explain what you can do to prevent or eliminate these snowbirds from invading your home. Our Government is finally doing something about the invasion. No not the southern border! The New Jersey Senate has a new list of invasive plant species! Hear if one of your plants is on the chopping block! The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has come out with it's top 10 gardening trends for 2024. Shortly you will be taking your Christmas tree out of your home! Now what? We'll tell you how you can repurpose your fresh Christmas tree! Today's Show is airing just before New Years! In our final segment we're going to share our new years Gardening resolutions.

The Mike Hosking Breakfast
Stephen Hoadley: Auckland University international relations expert on the Government's call to end violence in the Middle East

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 4:28


Our Government's issued a call to end the violence in the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Hamas rages on.  All parties in the House have supported a motion urging those involved to 'take urgent steps towards establishing a cease-fire'.  Auckland University international relations expert, Stephen Hoadley, told Mike Hosking that actions like this are to prove that New Zealand's aware of what's happening internationally, and is concerned.  He says it may have no material effect —given there are far more powerful players in the arena— but does put New Zealand on the side of the majority.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast with a View
Episode 118: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Are Visionary

Podcast with a View

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 39:57


Impressed with all these artists with such vision of the future. Add the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Our Government has no idea what motivates personnel in the military. Hopeless we are!!!

The Bible Belt Atheist
God Must Love War

The Bible Belt Atheist

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2023 26:27


Our Government must not understand the "Thou Shalt Not Kill" Commandment. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/atheistbydesign/message

Jesus In the Morning
Scams and Whams

Jesus In the Morning

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 159:00


Today we face many scams and whams from people, companies, and even churches. Our Government has tried to stop it but it is everywhere and as soon as they may think the have found a solid solution new scams pops up.The digital world can feel scary becuse from any where a new virus or people from another place we never heard of takes control of our digital world. Viruses, mail, and homealso job computer, online everywhere.

Kerre McIvor Mornings Podcast
Prof Robert Patman: International Studies expert discusses NZ's potential joining of non-nuclear AUKUS alliance

Kerre McIvor Mornings Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2023 10:41


Our Government has confirmed it is discussing joining the non-nuclear part of the AUKUS alliance founded by Australia, the UK and US. Defence Minister Andrew Little said “We have been offered the opportunity to talk about whether we could or wish to participate in that pillar two [non-nuclear] aspect of it,” and "I've indicated we will be willing to explore it.” In the early 1980s, New Zealand walked out of the ANZUS pact on principle, rather than be an accomplice to nuclear war. Now it seems we may be becoming a nuclear ally, via the AUKUS pact. To discuss this, Director of International Studies at Otago University, Professor Robert Patman joined Kerre Woodham. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Real Wealth Podcast
E5: Cash is Trash. Understanding the risks in holding cash.

The Real Wealth Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 22:17


Description:In this solo episode I am talking about the risks in having cash in the bank. With 3 banks going down in the last few months its more important than ever you understand the banking system and risks in holding cash. Its not the safe option your taught to believe it is.Highlights:The History of MoneyMoney is printed as debtThe strength of our currency is a measure of confidence in our government. Our Government is insolvent.inflation erodes the value of cash in the bank.If inflation is higher than the interest your getting on your cash, your cash is a liability.When you have money in the bank, the bank take your money and invest it. They only have to hold 10% of your money. Banks aren't the safe option.Only £85k of your cash is insured per financial institution.No one ever gets rich by leaving money in the bank.Balance Risk with return. The banks are now inherently riskier with 3 banks recently going down, but the return hasn't increased to reflect this. Resources:Our story on Starting Real Estate Wealth Development and going for 0-200 properties in two and a half years: https://rewdtraining.co.uk/essentials-course-page/-        Following Real Property Training, for more tips on property investing:o   You tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1JmktMGRuEpPalLqndDRRwo   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089657347374-        Join our Real Property Community on Facebook: https://rewdtraining.co.uk/the-real-property-community/-        Our Book: Fast track to Property Millions: Fast-Track to Property Millions: Amazon.co.uk: Duncan, Laurie, Robertson, Alex, Tracey, Conar: 9781739854379: Books - Our audiobook:  Your Host: Alex Robertson is a self-made property investor and businessman. He comes from a financial background, gaining a degree in Accounting and Finance and then going on to qualify as a chartered management accountant. Alex is one of Co-Founders of Real Estate Wealth Development, a group of companies in the property industry, with over 200 buy to let properties, training company, construction company and development business. He is also the co-author of the book Fast Track to Property Millions. Contact:Instagram: @rewdgroupalexFacebook: (4) Alex Robertson | FacebookLinked in: (2) Alex W Robertson | LinkedInEmail: info@therealwealthpodcast.com 

The National Intel Report with John Stadtmiller
John Stadtmiller's The National Intel Report with Special Hosts, March 30, 2023 Hour 1

The National Intel Report with John Stadtmiller

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 59:58


Host: Peter Serefine of Liberty-Lighthouse.com | BRING BACK CRITICAL THINKING: The Right To Bear Arms, the Constitution, and Our Government

The Mike Hosking Breakfast
Edward Lucas: European policy expert says Russian invasion of Ukraine is worst thing to happen to Europe since 1945

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2023 3:22


A security expert says the West has dropped the ball when it comes to supporting to Ukraine. The country is increasing security ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion. So far the West has contributed over one hundred billion dollars worth of military and financial aid - including over $10 million from our government. However, Ukraine still wants long range missiles and fighter jets. Edward Lucas told Mike Hosking this is the worst thing to happen in Europe since 1945. He says the cost of Ukraine not losing the war is going to be astonishing. Our Government has announced another round of sanctions against 87 prominent Russians - the second largest group yet. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Drew Allen Show
Episode 148 - Joe Biden Isn't Our President

The Drew Allen Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2023 69:21


Our Government cares more about illegals and foreign nations than American citizens and America. Why is the U.S. government using spy balloons to spy on American citizens? The Government has been covertly implementing programs to violate American's Civil Rights. What is their end game.The CDC is the latest monstrosity to be weaponized against Americans. They are collecting vaccination data and planning a COVID passport system. A good friend of mine was just forced to get the jab. It's unforgivable. Get full access to Drew Allen at drewallen.substack.com/subscribe

The Drew Allen Show
Episode 147 - The Biden Administration Owes the American People an Explanation About Ohio (And the 'UFOs')

The Drew Allen Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2023 62:48


In this episode I break down the troubling contradictions regarding what took place in Ohio. Why did the rail company hide the contents of the derailed freights? In 2012 a freight derailed in New Jersey carrying vinyl chloride. Two years later there were still health related injuries. Our Government isn't being forthcoming about the serious nature of the Ohio disaster.This administration runs from problems. It doesn't confront them. Is the Biden administration shooting down imaginary UFOs to distract from the bombshell report that it blew up the Nordstream? John Kirby and the administration are lying. Just listen to them expose themselves. Get full access to Drew Allen at drewallen.substack.com/subscribe

Rose Unplugged
Congressman Scott Perry: The Back Story To The Delay In Confirming Kevin McCarthy

Rose Unplugged

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 21:57


- The back story to the delay in confirming Kevin McCarthy and what the delay got the American people and members of Congress - The first bill passed: 2 pages long, 1 Single Topic - The Rules Package and what was negotiated. - They fought all last week to ensure that enough time to read and review legislation (72 hours)before voted on. - How much can the House Majority actually get done without the Senate? - Our Government should be serving us not weaponizing to come after us. - American citizens shouldn't live in fear of their government * Note: the audio is not up to standard, but this interview was too important to neglect --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rose-unplugged/support

The Mike Hosking Breakfast
Mike's Minute: National will hope the current mood turns into votes

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2022 1:54


Our National Party got themselves some coverage in Australia yesterday because three of their senior players are over there campaigning. The group is led by Chris Bishop and it shows a couple of things: 1) There are a lot of Kiwis in that part of the world so the pickings are particularly rich. 2) National are clearly organised given the election is a year away. 3) It's a fascinating experiment, where mood, actions and reactions lead to votes. The main reason they are over there is MIQ and the inability of tens of thousands of expats to access this country for such a long period of time during Covid. The question I suppose is - is that anger, all those threats, that dismay, that outpouring of grief going to convert to votes for the opposition? If you bottled the mood at the time, the Government would have been toast. The MIQ system was shockingly designed, fundamentally flawed and ended up in court with a loss for the Government. It was a foray into repression and fury that was never really needed and a very good example of what this Government has become famous for - dreaming up a plan then cocking it up. The famous got access to The Wiggles and Jacinda Ardern's favourite DJs while people were locked out and forced to watch loved ones die, loved ones get married via zoom and that mad lottery of getting up at all hours and watching as you yet again got a number that would not get you anywhere close to getting a room and into the country. Charlotte Bellis, remember her? The pregnant journalist who bullied her way in by embarrassing Chris Hipkins into submission - the whole thing was a grotesque mess. So, are they still angry you reckon? Or have they moved on? Is there still payback for an opposition to be mined or do we see it in a new light? Dan Andrews in Victoria locked his people down as badly as us, if not longer, and he got re elected over the weekend. Did people forget, or forgive, or were they not that bothered to start with? Our Government will be praying time heals all ills - and retribution isn't a driving force.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mike Hosking Breakfast
Rear Admiral James Gilmour: Commander of Joint Forces on witnessing NZDF training in Ukraine

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 5:17


High praise for New Zealand's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Our Government is sending more Defence Force personnel to train Ukrainian troops, as well as extending the deployment of others in intelligence and liaison roles. It's also providing more funding for equipment and supplies and to help global food security. Commander of Joint Forces Rear Admiral James Gilmour told Mike Hosking he visited the team in the UK a month ago, and got to witness first-hand the training they're providing. He says they're turning Ukrainian citizens into soldiers in just five weeks. Gilmour says it was humbling to see the professionalism and competence of our team. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patriots 4 Liberty Media
The Corruption in our Government Is Coming for us

Patriots 4 Liberty Media

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2022 80:45


Episode 192: Our Government is so Corrupt, They will stop at nothing to not only secure their power but to hide how bad their corruption actually is. We go over some of the new facts that came out that our Government cannot hide anymore. Get ready, We are next. the website Patriots4libertymedia.com

The Schaftlein Report
Schaftlein Report | Biden's Failing Presidency/Chicago Killings

The Schaftlein Report

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2022 36:55


Biden's Failing Presidency/Chicago Killings Guest - Joe Visconti - Political Commentator 1) 71% of Americans do not want Biden to run for re-election. 45% feel he is a bad President, 36% too old and 60% doubt his mental abilities 1A) Democratic Pollster John Zogby rates Biden's performance as President a D. Says "He is in real trouble" 2) 6 dead and 19 hospitalized in Chicago Parade shooting. 21 year old suspect in custody. PRIOR tot he parade, 54 shot and 7 killed during holiday weekend. This city is out of control; 2A) Leftist radicals renounce Independence Day 3) Year to date, we have the worst stock market in 52 years. 3A) Atlanta Federal Reserve gage see Q-2 GDP falling negative 2.1%. This follows Q-1 negative 1.6%. Recession can be defined as 2 consecutive quarters of negative growth. Dollar strengthens as the Euro currency approaches parity with the U.S. dollar. $1.20 to $1.02. 4) Oil Price Blame - Biden 51%, Big Oil 26% and Putin 15% Energy producers roast Biden over staffer who tweeted under his name requesting gas station owners lower prices. Biden needs a lesson in Economics 101. This is beyond juvenile. Meanwhile his administration is doing everything possible to hamper the industry. Like blocking an upgrade to a refiner in U.S. Virgin Island while our refiners are running at 94-98% capacity. 4A) On 7-1-22, California INCREASED Gas Taxes by 3 cents as the increase is by law automatically tied to inflation. The gas tax in CA is now 54 cents a gallon. Supper majority of Democrats in the state legislature are responsible for this. However voters are also to blame as they approved not rolling it back in a referendum. 4B) CA Gov. Newsome proposes a $1,050 rebate to Californians. This "free money" will help the needy and also will add pressure to inflation. We'll explain the social cost and benefit. 5) Federal Reserve to raise rates in July by another 75 basis points to try and curb inflation caused by spending $6T during the pandemic years 2020 and 2021, artificially low interest rates for way too long, Even in 2022, the deficit will be 1.3T. Our Government spends too much money. 6) Russia claims full control of Luhansk region in battle for Donbas and bombing of civilian targets continues. 6A) Capping prices on Russian oil could cause prices to explode to $380 if Russia retaliates by reducing supply. 7) Sunday show had the media personalities looking for ways around the Roe decision. HHS Secretary Bacerra said the only true way is for Congress to pass a law. Liberal Progressives want more and they are angry at Biden. 8) NYC bomb throwing BLM radicals who plead guilty of attacking police were not charged with enhanced terrorism as prosecutors were overruled by the Justice Department. They will likely serve 2 years which is less of a sentence than many January 6 participants. Double Standard here.

League of Logic
Do We Obey Government or God??

League of Logic

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2022 101:28


The answer is BOTH!!  But when government is contrary to God...  We ALWAYS obey GOD!  The United State of America set up our governing powers different than any other place on this earth!  The founding fathers understood the importance of the Bible and the authority of God, so they set up our governing documents to reflect God and His Word.  The founding fathers understood that God wanted to be King, and through His relationship with His people, God would govern man.  So they wrote into our governing documents the method by which WE THE PEOPLE, through our relationship with God the Father, could govern our nation.  The citizens of the United States of America are subject to God.... NOT MAN!  Our Government answers to THE PEOPLE...  The People do NOT answer to the GOVERNMENT!Acts 5:29https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcripthttps://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

Perris Valley Podcast
You are not alone • 3/20/22

Perris Valley Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 38:32


Sermon Manuscript: Acts 9:20-25 Series: Acts Title: What This World Wants Date: 3/20/22 Location: Perris Valley Church       Luke 2:41-52 (NASB) His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up there according to the custom of the feast; 43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days required, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware of it. 44 Instead, they thought that He was somewhere in the caravan, and they went a day's journey; and then they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him. 46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 When Joseph and Mary saw Him, they were bewildered; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You!” 49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?” 50 And yet they on their part did not understand the statement which He had made to them.    Acts 9:20 (NASB) and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”    Psalm 2:6-7 (NASB) “But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.” 7 “I will announce the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have fathered You.   1 Chronicles 17:11-14 (NASB) When your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, then I will set up one of your descendants after you, who will be from your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build for Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be his father and he shall be My son; and I will not take My favor away from him, as I took it from him who was before you. 14 But I will settle him in My house and in My kingdom forever, and his throne will be established forever.”'”   Mark 1:1 (NASB) 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,   John 1:34 (NASB) 34 And I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”   John 1:49 (NASB) Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel!”   Matthew 27:54 (NASB) Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”   Matthew 8:29 (NASB) And they cried out, saying, “What business do You have with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”   Mark 3:11 (NASB) And whenever the unclean spirits saw Him, they would fall down before Him and shout, “You are the Son of God!”   Acts 9:21 (NASB) 21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is this not the one who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?”    1)    Who you were is always going to be a part of your life, but your past does not direct your future — only Jesus does.     Acts 9:22 (NASB) 22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.   2)    Defending Jesus will grow our Spiritual Strength   Acts 9:23 (NASB) When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him,   Acts 9:24 (NASB) but their plot became known to Saul. They were also closely watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death;    3)    Neither Our Culture, Our Government, Our Celebrities, Or Our Friends, Want To Hear You Talk About Jesus. But We Must Not Stop Proclaiming Jesus As The Son Of God.   Acts 9:25 (NASB) but his disciples took him at night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.   4)    You are not alone. Your church has got your back.

The Mike Hosking Breakfast
John Bolton: Former US National Security Advisory says the American people would like to see their government to do even more in Ukraine

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 7:21


Condemnation from the United States, over Russia's actions in Ukraine.US President Joe Biden is calling for Vladimir Putin to be put on trial for war crimes, after new images emerged of streets lined with the bodies of civilians.The US is backing a team of international prosecutors to go to the region to collect evidence of atrocities.John Bolton, former US National Security Advisory under Donald Trump, told Mike Hosking the American people would like to see their government to do even more.“In terms of American public opinion, at least is reflected in Congress, there's still a lot more that people think we could do and frankly that's right, a lot more we should do.”Our Government has also announced new sanctions against Russian oligarchs.It's stopped short of kicking the Russian ambassador out of New Zealand, for now.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Conservatude Podcast With Mark Kremer
(S2E27)....Hunter's Laptop and Biden's Great Purge

The Conservatude Podcast With Mark Kremer

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2022 67:55


Welcome to The Conservatude Podcast! This IS the home of freedom and the voice of truth. We won't kowtow to the Radical Left and we won't give up the fight! We're here to equip you to take the fight to the Woke mob! We believe America is STILL worth fighting for!! Enjoy the show!! Episode Guide: Hunter's Laptop is Back in the News...and it's NOT good news!! There's a Purge and it's in OUR Government...getting rid of the "Extremists" Finally, I talk a bit about Ukraine and give YOU some questions to chew on. We discuss it all on today's The Conservatude Podcast with Mark Kremer. Join me on the patriotic journey that IS the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!! Follow us on Social Media: Instagram Gettr Twitter Facebook

The Mike Hosking Breakfast
Richard Quest: CNN correspondent says global sanctions on Russia will work

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 10:32


Tough sanctions imposed on Russia by countries around the globe are expected to have an impact.  Our Government is urgently passing a bill this week increasing its ability to use targeted sanctions.  CNN's Richard Quest told Mike Hosking the worldwide effort will work. “Firstly, the sledgehammer. They've hit and they've hit hard so Aeroflot's not lfying, the banks can't exchange money.” Quest says there will also be an impact on the supply chain as companies and exporters pull out of Russia. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chase The Vase
Fentanyl, The Other F Word!

Chase The Vase

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2022 36:57


The most dangerous drug no one wants to talk about. In 2021, over 100,000 brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers passed away from overdose. We have a pandemic on our hands and we are trying to place a band aide on a bullet hole. Our Government has one eye open and one eye shut when it comes to the Fentanyl epidemic. Open borders, limited laws, statutes of limitations, lack of follow through, no charging standards and limited resources are all to blame for the rise of overdose. Yet our President has demonstrated his power by shutting down America over Covid! So why are they not throwing monies at the Fentanyl epidemic? The answer is simple, it doesn't make them money! It's not sexy and it does not fit in their agenda. Overdose is the leading cause of death in American to those 18-45. The leading cause, not the second or the tenth. It is the leading cause of death. This episode will dive into the history, the transportation methods, solutions and the problem with Fentanyl. Please share this episode with those who desire to learn more about this epidemic. Keep Chasing The Vase. Check out the www.chasethevasechallenge.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brock-m-bevell/support

INDUBITABLY: The Debate Podcast
The Debt Ceiling: Should We Shatter It?

INDUBITABLY: The Debate Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 48:03


Our Government is over $28 TRILLION in debt.  To avoid catastrophic economic impacts, should we continue to borrow more and more?  Or do we need to put a limit on how much debt the United States can accrue?

The Drew Allen Show
Episode 38 - Hero to Zero Pt. 2 (Interview with Firefighters4Freedom founder John Knox)

The Drew Allen Show

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2021 62:41


Merrick Garland, the United States Attorney General, now labels concerned parents, who stand up against Critical Race Theory, as domestic terrorists. Our Government is at war with the American people.  I interviewed John Knox, who understands this, about his fight for the right of the L.A. City Firefighters to choose not to be vaccinated. Listen to John explain what they're doing, why they're doing it, and what is at stake.  I try to explain conservatism every time I sit behind this microphone. But John Knox is an example of it. This selfless patriot is willing to sacrifice everything to defend America. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drewallen.substack.com

The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor
#97: What will drive capital growth after interest rates rise? - Listener questions answered #2

The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 37:29


https://propertyplanning.com.au/propertyplannerbuyerprofessor/In this week's Ep#77 of the Property Planner, Buyer and Professor Podcast, Dave, Cate and Pete take you through:Market insights1. Investors creeping back inWestpac lending numbers for February reveal that investor lending is up 4.5%, while first time buyers are down 4% and upgraders down 0.8%. It's still early days, but it's likely to be a sign that the tide is starting to turn from home buyers driving the market to investors. Investor lending at Westpac is still only at 35%, compared with 65% when APRA brought in macro prudential measures in 2015. We expect these numbers to continue to grow in the coming months as investors tap into increasing equity and the lower cash flow needed to service a loan, with increasing rental yields covering much of the cost of interest with rates at an all-time low.2. Property cyclesSydney has recorded 6.7% growth for the March quarter, which when annualised is growth of 26% for the calendar year. You may think that's amazing and has never happened before, but according to ABS data, Sydney prices went up 50% in 1988. The following year, prices dropped by 6% before rising again, albeit at a slower pace. The property market is cyclical in nature, sometimes they spike, but it doesn't mean there will be a collapse afterwards.3. The property peaks and troughsLooking at property data over the last few decades, it's clear to see that the negative periods are much shorter than the positive periods. Amazingly, despite all of the doomsayers, the covid downturn was one of the shortest and lowest downturns that we've had over the last 30 years. Our most recent property market price reduction lasted for almost two years from 2017 and 2019 and was predominantly driven by APRA implementing macro prudential measures and not economic factors. A poignant reminder of how our property market can be manipulated by government policy and stimulus.What will drive capital growth after interest rates rise?1. Access to finance and consumer confidenceThese are two key drivers of the property market. If finance is restricted or there is a lack of consumer confidence, this will have a significant impact on demand, which in turn will affect property prices. Consumer confidence is largely impacted by low unemployment or the wealth effect, which is rising property and to a lesser degree share prices. This is why the RBA are so strong on keeping rates low through to 2024, until we see inflation growth of 2% to 3%. 2. ImmigrationAlthough we've had negative population growth due to Covid, we still find ourselves in the midst of a property boom. Whilst immigration can certainly increase demand, it will be heavily influenced by the number of ‘skilled' workers that migrate. The Morrison government have spoken about specifically targeting this sector once borders open which is likely to have a positive multiplier effect on the economy. 3. Interest rate increases may not be significantGovernor Lowe of the RBA has stated that interest rates will remain low for the next 3 years. However, important to remember, when we do see some increases, it won't happen overnight. Based on the interest rate environments we are seeing for many other first world nations, it's likely we will see gradual increases spanning years to come – and this will only occur if we have very low unemployment resulting in inflation hitting the target band, which has not been achieved for around a decade. 4. Mastering renewable energyOur ability to transition away from creating fossil fuel-based energy and move to more sustainable energy production will have a big bearing on the long-term prospects of our country, economy and therefore the property market. Politically, we may not have adapted quickly enough as this change is being led by the commercial sector.5. Our relationship with China 30% of our tourism and Uni students come from China, whilst Iron Ore amounts to $91billion of our $140billion in exports traded with China, which is a significant risk for Australia, as it is for China. Which means for now, we are somewhat connected at the hip in an increasingly uncomfortable mutual reliance. Our relationship with China and future developments is a potential risk on the horizon. 6. Government stimulus and regulationThe reality is that our property market is not a true free market. Our Government's have a great ability to impact prices and activity through stimulus packages, incentives that assist a particular segment, such as first-time buyers and macro-prudential measures to take the heat out of the market. Each of which are effectively proven by the record reductions in values from 2017-2019, mostly due to macro-prudential regulation and the maintenance of values and subsequent market rebound during the pandemic.7. And of course, our ‘gold nuggets'Visit the show notes - https://propertyplanning.com.au/what-will-drive-capital-growth-after-interest-rates-rise-listener-questions-answered-2/

The Hot Garbage Podcast
Our Government is running up an already maxed out credit card

The Hot Garbage Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2021 6:24


Our Government is running up an already maxed out credit cardInflation is on its way.#GforG2022

Liptarted
LIPTARTED EP.12 Cheers to a new start

Liptarted

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2021 113:45


Thank you so much for checking us out this week. If you like what you hear please remember to like and share, it really help us grow especially in these early stages. Remember to love each other, it is the only way to get ahead in these dark times we are all living in. As Salam Alaykum, much love, stay strong stay safe. We want to hear from you. ? Feel free to contact us : email or follow us on social media. Email: liptarted@gmail.com Facebook: Lip Tarted Instagram: (individual accounts) The Money aka Luis: @wondering_hobo Miggggs aka Migs: @ miggipqwa Wally: @_justwally 2020 was a fucked up year for everyone this week the guys talk about a compilation of the things that occurred throughout the year. They also touched some of their favorite movies. Are the Lord Of The Rings movies some of the worst movies ever? Did you know that demons can only inhabit dolls? Our Government has admitted that the existence of Aliens is real and no one talked about it. Kids now and days may not even know how to speak but already know how to change the settings on a phone.

The Father’s Heart
Freedom, Our Founding Father's Intent for America

The Father’s Heart

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 38:06


Our Podcast with Dave Henderson discusses the issues of the day from what we believe was the perspective of our Founding Fathers. Initially, we discuss what the word “Patriot” means and then we give a brief historical perspective from the writings of our Founding Fathers what they had in mind in 1776 as described in our foundational documents. We discuss what makes our Constitution different from any other Constitution of any other nation on the earth. Our rights are inalienable rights given by God alone; the Government did not give us rights and the Government cannot take our rights away because our rights are God-given. The particular focus of our discussion is the right to be free.  Our Constitution recognizes that our individual freedom is a God given right. Our Government as designed by our Founding Fathers was created to protect the rights of the individual; of the people, by the people and for the people. We trace the changes that happened in our country from 1871, when we were bankrupt and our Congress at that time took on debt from the Bank of England. What did Congress' action taken in 1871 do to our freedom; knowing that the borrower is the slave of the lender. In 1913 two events happened: the institution of the income tax and the establishment of a private bank called the Federal Reserve. Listen to how these two historical events impacted our freedom. Stories are told about our own personal experiences that show how our freedom is being impacted in our contemporary society. How are the changes happening in our nation impacting our freedom today? How is the enemy deluding us and presenting fear into our hearts; offering us protection and security in exchange for sacrificing our freedom. This is tyranny. Don't take the bait. Remember perfect love overcomes all fear. All of our podcasts and books present what I believe is the perspective of our Father, who is a good, good Father. “The Father's Heart” is an outpouring of what God has given to me to impart to you. What is God the Father's perspective as he revealed His Heart to us in His Word and how men and women who understood what was in His Heart impacted our culture and society. How can we understand what His Heart is for us today as we reach an inflection point in our nation? We are praying and believing that God our Father is going to move in a big, big way in 2021 because He loves us.

Pickens First Baptist
Our Christian Duty to Our Government's Leaders (Part 1)

Pickens First Baptist

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2020 28:36


Our Christian Duty to Our Government's Leaders (Part 1)Preacher: Fred StoneDate: 8th November 2020Passage: 1 Timothy 2:1-5

Pickens First Baptist
Our Christian Duty to Our Government's Leaders (Part 1)

Pickens First Baptist

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2020


1 Timothy 2:1-5 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of […] The post Our Christian Duty to Our Government's Leaders (Part 1) appeared first on Pickens First Baptist.

The Christian Outlook | Topics for Today's Believers
The New Orthodoxy of Ideological Intolerance: Don Kroah with Armstrong Williams

The Christian Outlook | Topics for Today's Believers

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 13:26


Don Kroah invites Armstrong Williams, host of The Armstrong Williams Show, to share about his article in the Daily Signal, Our Government's Unwise Stamp of Approval on Black Lives Matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lock N Load with Bill Frady podcast
Lock N Load with Bill Frady Ep 933 Hr 1 Mixdown 1

Lock N Load with Bill Frady podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2016 44:17


Democrats declare an "emergency" in order to trample your rights, Why Comey stood alone, Our Government is a crime syndicate, Now that the Left has won what will they do with the reality?