uncategorized

David Parker is likely to join the leadership race tomorrow…

Update: Confirmed – David Parker is standing.

I watched the NRL Grand Final last Sunday night and pleased to see the Rabbitohs win. But I was sickened by what I saw from James Graham – two tackles led with his head fractured Sam Burgess’ cheekbone and saw David Tyrell stretchered off the field with concussion, not to return. Burgess should also have been taken from the field, and head tackles  outlawed as they are in American football.

Today’s Herald editorial raises important questions about the police search of Nicky Hager’s home. “Inconvenient and embarrassing disclosures do not justify police actions to uncover journalistic sources. The effect of such raids is to intimidate such people from approaching media to disclose uncomfortable truths.”

“It all depends on the question  you ask” – this was John Key’s resp0nse to a question as to whether he had concerns about the SAS identifying air-strike targets that might kill civilians. Farrar/Curia will no doubt be in the field now asking questions to find out how to make New Zealanders comfortable as off to war we go.

Last month the Australian covered “the biggest anti-terrorism raid in Australia’s history” extensively, complete with picture of sword “that police claim they were planning to use” according to Channel 10. Yesterday it turned out that the sword was plastic. Oz Police had a lot to say about the raid, but are staying quiet on the sword.

We can contribute to his defence fund here. It’s one way to help – this is going to be a long fight.

It’s the conference season in Britain. According to the Guardian, audio specialist Cassetteboy has rearranged cuts from David Cameron’s Conservative conference speeches to Eminem’s 2002 track Lose Yourself. Cameron can be heard rhyming “I’m hardcore and I know the score” with “I am disgusted by the poor” followed by “I’ve made sure we’re ready for class war.”

Trevor Mallard is known for frequent intervention with points of order in Parliament at Question Time.  His latest intervention however notified to the Herald to refuse caucus discipline is out of order. The whip’s request to caucus members to refrain from expressing their personal views at this stage of the process is entirely reasonable. No doubt at some time they will all be let off the leash, but right now unity and solidarity is far more important.

It would appear that the Labour caucus has decided to take its time to fully consider all implications of what was a massive defeat before proceeding to decide questions of leadership. I think that is wise – we have to get the Labour horse in proper shape for the next race before we worry about the jockey.

A word of thanks to our departing Members of Parliament – Hon Maryan Street, Moana Mackey, Raymond Huo and Carol Beaumont. All those who put themselves forward to serve our cause in Parliament deserve our sincerest and most heartfelt thanks. Their life  becomes an open book, their time is  no longer their own, and the verdict of the electorate can be cruel for those on the list. Thanks to all for your commitment and contribution to Labour.