Posts on government and governence at national and local level, political parties,politicians, and political participation
I was rather amused reading Politik’s “Despite the pact Shaw takes on Robertson“ and was struck by the strange way that some political commentators (and probably some politicians) view the world at the political coalface. They really need to start to think about political parties as being like any other organisation. Tactical compromises without a strategic focus will always kill any organisation – eventually.
As National’s Mt Roskill by election campaign starts to implode John Key’s absence is becoming very noticeable.
Another fail in National’s plan to sell off state houses is good news for those of us who believe that it is the government’s responsibility to take care of society’s most vulnerable.
The misogynist buffoon, under-skilled charlatan and ignorant bigot that the Americans have elected to be their constitutional monarch for the next four years appears to have effectively killed the constraint of trade agreement known as the TPP. From a freer trade advocate, avid exporter, and labour movement supporter with a touch of green :- Good riddance.
Gerry Brownlee has attacked a public servant firstly for not approached the Government for increased Geonet monitoring and then for raising the issue but not telling him personally.
Nat MP Chester Borrows is to stand trial for injuring a protestor with his car. Barry Soper is outraged, because “elderly female, placard waving protesters” just don’t deserve the protection of the law.
With two more Fossil awards to add to its collection, New Zealand is called out yet again for its lack of action on climate change.
Gerry Brownlee has chosen to respond to the cautious words of a public servant by publicly attacking him.
Despite the unknown cost of the quakes, and the host of other urgent needs, Key is once again talking up election-bribe tax cuts.
Apparently today, Netsafe will start acting as the “Approved Agency” of the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015. This is an act that is meant to deal with some of the excessive online abuse and bullying. Unfortunately it doesn’t appear to me that Netsafe is currently capable of dealing with the task. Instead they look like incompetent monkeys.
Yesterday marked the sixth anniversary of the Pike River disaster. Here is a statement released by Andrew Little urging that the mine not be sealed and the deaths of the miners be investigated and their bodies brought home.
The peace grannies are out in force this afternoon (1 – 2pm Auckland waterfront)
Disaster response is about more than showing up for photos and cancelling a trip or two. National has made a mess of Christchurch and comprehensively failed to learn its lessons. They should in no way be rewarded with a 4th term.
For six years the families of the men who died at Pike River have not had clear answers about what happened. From the Pike River Royal Commission, they got some answers. From the government, nothing but lies.
Despite the Kaikoura earthquakes, the damage to the Capital and the fact the EQC fund is now in deficit, the Government is still holding out the possibility of tax cuts in election year.
Two paths. One choice.
Recent events have highlighted Wellington’s geographical vulnerabilities. There is some chatter about the possibility of moving the capital.
Oh look, National are nakedly politicising government earthquake response.
It has been a terrible year. People should think about being kind to each other and looking after each other.
A couple of dirty politics related stories that slipped under the radar in the last hectic week.
A post-US election space for engendering solidarity and resistance.
Andrew Little on the Kaikoura Earthquakes.
Update: Chaos in Wellington – check the news…
It’s times like this you appreciate our emergency response systems. Huge thanks to everyone who has worked / is working to keep others safe, supplied, informed.
Democracy is difficult. Government is far too complex and ordinary people have neither the time nor the inclination to spend time to understand it properly. So what are the alternatives?
Anna Osborne on the earthquake and day three of the Pike River occupation.
What exactly happened at Pike River? The families of the 29 men who died don’t know, and as Solid Energy moves to seal the mine forever, they demand justice.
Members of the National Party in Mount Roskill are trying to make a story out of Michael Wood after he responded directly to public insults made against his wife.
“The world is changing, people are angry, and more than ever, we need open minds and compassionate action. I’m joining the @NZGreens”
The Pike River families have decided to take a stand and are occupying the road to the mine to ensure it cannot be closed, sealing up the evidence of what happened and the bodies of their loved ones forever.
I trust the truth will be reported by all the media that reported the lies.
Change happens at the intersection of the edge and the mainstream.
A crop of worthy petitions for you consideration: health funding, public broadcasting, environment, and Paris Agreement.
What can we learn from the election of Donald J Drumpf?
The Pike River families will be protesting tomorrow to get their men out of the mine that killed them.
The Nats are determined to keep flogging the TPP horse in Parliament. Someone should buy them a newspaper.
Trump laid siege to the Democrat’s “Blue Wall” and they didn’t respond to or recognise his strategem until far too late.
