Mike Moore
It’s not often you find New Zealanders who give every single breath they have to the left and do it with resounding and even global success. Such a person was Mike Moore.
Economy
class war
Steve Mnuchin, not Greta Thunberg, needs to go back to school
US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has attacked Greta Thunberg for not understanding the economics of climate change. But he has then been roundly criticised by a number of people, including his wife.
The Missing Millions
Millions of people and an entire region of the UK left out of polling calculations….
One News Colmar Brunton Poll Oct 2019
The October TV One/Colmar Brunton poll is out. Like yesterday’s devastating TV3 poll result showing National not waving, but drowning, today’s poll confirms that NZ is still heading toward an historic Labour/Green Government, despite the Tories flirting with numbers in the high fifties.
UPDATE: Some weirdness with the numbers: they add up to 101% and 47% does not actually give National 60 seats, so the ‘Poll Says National Can Govern’ headlines are a wee bit optimistic. TRP.
Labour and welfare
Many of us wanted to believe that the Ardern-led compassion would apply to all New Zealanders, but Labour’s defence of highly punitive benefit sanctions tell us it doesn’t.
Fool me twice?
Boris Johnson’s ruthless purge of Cabinet and hard right shift looks like preparation for an early election. Reminds me of 1984 at home, as a right wing coup is on the way. He lied his way to Brexit – will it work again?
What happened to Hisco?
Stuff has published details of a sweetheart deal where David Hisco bought the ANZ owned property they were living in for a greatly reduced price. But was this good investigative work or a leak from within ANZ?
The Coming Global Economic Slowdown and New Zealand
With the United States – China trade war well underway, the sick chaos of Brexit is shrinking the U.K. economy and slowing much of Europe’s economy, and smaller economies such as that of Mexico in the crosshairs through further politically manufactured trade disputes, the second half of this year looks for New Zealand nowhere near as rosy as the first half.
May Day
Press release from the NZCTU celebrating May day and noting imminent changes to employment laws.
About the CGT decision
With the benefit of hindsight the decision not to proceed with a capital gains tax was almost inevitable.
CGT Dumped
The Government has announced that there will be no Capital Gains Tax. It’s a shame, but it’s good politics.
Black Hole
The first image of a black hole has been released. It’s brighter than expected, but kinda underwhelming.
Tax Justice Aotearoa starts campaign in support of CGT
Tax Justice Aotearoa has started a public campaign in support of a capital gains tax.
New Child Poverty statistics will provide a sound baseline for reduction targets
Child Poverty Action Goup has provided comments about new child poverty measurements.
The benefits of a Labour led Government
Today marks the day that the largest ever increase in the minimum wage will occur.
Rooting Out Racism
TS regular Maggie with an excellent analysis of the challenges facing men in a society in transition and what that means for the fight against racism.
The Repentant Right
The former leader of various NZ neo Nazi groups reckons the kiwi far right are being driven underground. TRP argues they will instead look for another home.
‘Heroes’
A few musings on heroism.
Landlord advocates threatening rent increases if Labour wins next election
A landlord has advocated that all landlords should threaten to increase tenant’s rentals if Labour wins the next election.
Chelsea Manning Jailed
Whistleblower Chelsea Manning has allowed herself to be jailed for contempt of court. She says it’s a matter of principle. But what principle?
Jihadi Justice
Should we let the ‘Bumbling Jihadi’ Mark Taylor back into NZ? What message do we send the world if we don’t?
The Gun Club 2
Christchurch police have been ordered to carry guns until a wanted man is arrested. Is this a dry run for the permanent arming of our cops?
The Independent Group Grows
In the UK, 3 Conservative MP’s have now aligned themselves with the 8 dissenting Labour MP’s in the ‘Independent Group’. What does this mean for both parties and how will it affect Brexit?
Should We Fear Judith Collins?
So, it turns out Simon’s a dud. What do the Tories do about it? And can Judith Collins really make a difference?
Fair Pay Agreements
The Working Group on Wage Bargaining reform has reported back. Good news for the working poor, bad news for the filthy rich.
Does the West Coast Regional Council Exist?
Does the West Coast Regional Council actually exist? Te Reo Putake’s submission on the Zero Carbon Bill says the science is unproven.
Trump’s Worst Day
The Trump shutdown is over, as the doofus President waves the white flag. And in Florida, his trusted advisor Roger Stone is led away in handcuffs to face charges of lying to the Mueller enquiry. Good times, people, good times!
Venezuela Coup
A coup attempt is underway in Venezuala. Opposition leader Juan Guaidó has declared himself interim President. There is no immediate response from President Nicholas Maduro, who appears to still retain the support of the military.
Enter Sandmann
The young racist who was filmed smugly grinning at a native American elder has put out a statement justifying his actions. Trump will be proud. Bigly proud.
Karma Cameleon
Cameron Slater is seriously ill. The Whale Oil blog will carry on without him, but in the meantime, Cam is asking for help.
Sroubek; Richie Hardcore Text Released
The text sent by Karel Sroubek supporter Richie Hardcore has been released. Is it the knock out blow we were promised?
Cops ♥ Chases
The common factor in Police chases is adrenaline fueled driving. And not just by the kid in the stolen car. The Police strategy of chasing stolen cars is a bigger problem than the thefts themselves and it needs to stop. Now.
President Peaches
I’m moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches! Donald Trump has yet another bizarro, almost Freudian, moment as his threat to invoke a national emergency to fund his wall falls flat. Peaches, people! Not impeachment, peaches!!!
Legalize it!
A new poll shows solid support for legalising cannabis. Is the 2020 referendum a done deal?
Brexit: Tories Lose Control of the House and the Process
Another day, another humiliating defeat for Theresa May. Surprisingly, the news is no better for Jeremy Corbyn.
Mood of the workforce shows urgent need for change
The CTU has released the results of its recent cost of living and income survey. The results suggest that urgent change is needed.