Squiz Today – Monday, 8 October

SQUIZ SAYINGS

“#FatBearWeek”

No, it’s not another example of nasty social media trolling. It’s a campaign by Alaska’s Katmai National Park to generate interest in animal conservation where fans vote on their favourite chunky brown bear. We're on Team 747.

---

KAVANAUGH CONFIRMED – BUT IT’S NOT OVER

THE SQUIZ
Brett Kavanaugh has been sworn in as the 114th justice of the US Supreme Court. Saturday’s vote in the US Senate to confirm his nomination passed by the narrowest margin in almost 130 years and follows a brutal battle that has “exposed the dark corners” of the debate on gender and power.

WHAT WENT DOWN?
Long story short:

• Kavanaugh’s nomination was rocked by accusations by Christine Blasey Ford that he had assaulted her when they were in high school in the early ‘80s. He denied it, and an FBI investigation failed to shed new light on the episode.

• Protestors stepped up their campaign against Kavanaugh’s confirmation, including targeting senators at home. Republicans (ie those supporting Trump) said those acts helped swing some votes in favour of Kavanaugh.

• Democrats rallied against Kavanaugh, but it was not enough to block his rise when it came time to vote.

• US President Donald Trump claimed it as a big win against his adversaries and is expected to use it to reignite the conservative base. “You don’t hand matches to an arsonist, and you don’t give power to an angry left-wing mob,” he said.

• Meanwhile, Blasey Ford has turned to crowdfunding to cover her family's security costs after receiving threats.  

WHY IS THIS SUCH A BIG THING?
Three thoughts:

 • It has implications for American’s midterm elections next month. The chapter has given many voters an issue to get angry about regardless of what side of the debate they’re on.

• Kavanaugh’s appointment is for life and shifts the court’s numbers in favour of the conservatives. And there are concerns the court’s reputation is as shredded as a Banksy artwork.

• And the episode has highlighted the divide on issues of gender, power and the #metoo movement. And it’s an issue that’s not going away.

---

SQUIZ THE REST

SHORTEN LAYS IT OUT
Battlelines are being drawn, and the next election is shaping up as Labor leader Bill Shorten’s ‘Fair Go Action Plan’ versus PM Scott Morrison’s "fair go for those who have a go.” Shorten yesterday unveiled his team’s five priorities: better schools and hospitals, workers’ rights, easing cost of living pressures, improving the economy, and not squibbing it on climate change. PM Scott Morrison said Labor’s plan is code for higher taxes. Tip for anyone thinking of turning the campaign into a drinking game – keep the word ‘fair’ out of it unless you want to drink. A lot…

LOOKING INTO MENTAL HEALTH
With Australia’s suicide rate up by 9% last year and four million people affected by mental health conditions every year, the government has announced a Productivity Commission review. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the federal government spends $4.7 billion a year on mental health, and while they’re confident it’s being spent wisely, a review will guide improvements, particularly when it comes to supporting people at work. The Commission will report within 18 months.

WRITER FEARED MURDERED IN SAUDI CONSULATE
Jamal Khashoggi - a Saudi national, a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and writer for the Washington Post - went missing after visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday. Turkish officials believe he was killed while inside the consulate. Saudi officials have denied the accusations and pundits say the incident threatens fragile relations between the two countries. It’s like a plot from a le Carré novel...

And speaking on international intrigue… Chinese authorities are holding Meng Hongwei, a Chinese government minister and president of global law enforcement agency Interpol. He has been missing since late last month when he returned to China from France. China's anti-corruption authority announced his whereabouts late yesterday. Interpol and Meng’s wife are concerned for his safety.

PEACE PRIZE HIGHLIGHTS WOMEN IN WARZONES
Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for their work to end war crimes against women. Mukwege, a Congolese gynaecologist, is known as "the man who mends women". And Murad is a Yazidi woman from Iraq who was enslaved by ISIS. She escaped and has been praised for her courage in telling her story, and the story of thousands of women like her.

FAREWELL 'LITTLE AUSSIE BATTLER'
Adelaide-based actor and disability advocate Quentin Kenihan died on Saturday. The 43yo suffered more than 600 fractures during his life due to brittle bone disease, but it was a suspected asthma attack that killed him. Kenihan’s childhood association with journo Mike Willesee shot him to fame and into the hearts of Australians. He had been campaigning for a seat on Adelaide City Council, and reports say his death has shocked friends and family. Vale.

MARCH TO THE BEAT OF YOUR OWN DRUM
When it comes to work, are you on a learning curve like this little dude? Or perhaps you're overqualified like this guy? Either way, you might like to check your shoes before you leave the bathroom to traipse back to your desk. We’re here to help…

SQUIZ THE DAY

The inquest into the deaths at Dreamworld in 2016 resumes hearings

Boards of governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank meet - Bali

Birthdays for Matt Damon (1970) and Bruno Mars (1980)