I’m not sure that many people here really do care any more. More and more Kiwis seem to have that grind mentality, where they think you should be working 24/7, and shouldn’t complain if you don’t put in those hours. I don’t qualify for a disability allowance, even though there are months where I get through the day in agony, and when I get home I sometimes have to resort to crawling on the floor because I can’t stand up any more. I dread to think what people who actually qualify for it would go through if they had to work. Most comments I hear are along the lines of ‘why should we pay for them, we don’t owe them a living’. I used to work two jobs to make enough to live on. Now I can only manage one, and I have a small shortfall every week after rent and expenses are paid. A lot of people are in the same boat. A minority of people care. Most seem so busy convincing everyone that they can somehow earn a billion dollars by working hard, that they don’t stop to think that maybe no one needs to be that rich. Unfortunately society only values wealth, not health and mental wellbeing.
"I’m not sure that many people here really do care any more."
I agree with you Sarah. In the past few years, I have watched people of my acquaintance -including relatives - become detached from reality. They fell for the line that Jacinda was fake, that her kindness etc. was just an act. They want to believe the claim that people on benefits are bludgers and drug addicts and the Labour-led government was soft on crime. They get most of the stuff from the populist media such as ZB Radio. If you try to enlighten them, they will likely accuse you of Communist sympathies.
They are all middle incomers who are looking for tax-cuts and they try to assuage their guilt by blaming the less fortunate for their plight. It has always existed in this country, but it is on the increase, and I fear for what may eventually happen.
Thanks Nick. Aotearoa is so full of grim at the moment. This morning I enjoyed a delightful reminder of the days when kindness reigned when I saw Ashley Bloomfield. 🤩 I put my hand on my heart and told him ‘thank you’. I said he and his team are heroes. It helps to be reminded that we have some really good people in Aotearoa, worth a million + of the heartless lot currently ruining … oops typo … running the country (into the ground).
It's going to get so much worse. I predict a return to the days of the conservatives shouting "sucess" because their target reductions had been achieved through the heinous methodology of reclassification of people in need (for homes, for financial assistance, for healthcare, etc). You can't count people if they are excluded, no longer 'eligible' based on some nefarious criteria designed on an accounting basis, not a humanitarian one. If people believed the bullshit conservative narrative about how 'bad' New Zealand had got under Labour, then they better have their eyes wide open to the reality of what is ahead of us with this coalition of incompetence.
Spot on Lynette, and somehow some of us need to make what Nick called "middle NZ' aware of this: Muldoon was a pussycat, and Ruth Richardson another one (at least she wanted to start a financial transactions tax, then when she had done the Right's dirty-work they got rid of her) compared to this coalition of colluding counterfeit 'leaders', fresh out of the stables of the John Key/Atlas corporate oligarchy. NActional are determined to turn NZ into a kind of culture no one feels privileged to live in and/or proud to belong to anymore, being just as much of a heartless neo-libertarian free-market billionaire fascist culture as the USA, Canada, and England now are. I keep imagining that there are old WWII soldiers turning over in their graves all around NZ at the moment...
Thanks @Nick for beating the drum loudly. It's heartbreaking and infuriating at the same time. That video spells it out in no uncertain terms. Truly dreadful. I heard Seymour suggesting that sick kids go to school?? What the actual? We need some real pushback from Labour as well as the awesome job that Chloe is doing for the Greens. We need our opposition to expose this government every time they open their mouths. The emperor certainly is naked and afraid of his cohorts in crime allowing these idiots to run rampant with their divisive and bigoted plans.
I actually find myself holding my breath every time I open a news service online because of the daily attacks on our equilibrium by this lot. I'm numb one minute, depressed the next.... and the threat to survival that this govt brings constantly is going to create a whole other lot of mental health issues that will affect us much longer than their tenure. Things like trust in our elected officials, respect for those who take office on our behalf which will be very much lacking, fear and insecurity...... they will hang on a long time, as they did post Muldoon. I mourn the loss of kindness, and Jacinda every day.
When I see women like Brooke van Velden and today Kate Hawkesby sprouting hate, I suppose I thought women would/could be better when way back I became a feminist ; when women didn't have contraception, when they couldn't get a legal abortion, when their jobs were restricted to "suitable" roles as women, when they were expected to stay at home in the kitchen and raise the kids. Yeah probably looking back I was naive. Humans cold as ice can be so whatever gender.
Yes I feel like saying to these women how would they like to be addressed by their husband's name and not their own or not be able to earn a living because they were married or even have their own bank account! They are trashing the very same things that women fought to equalise with men.
That video’s heartbreaking — I know about the benefit sanctions in the UK (and here) but seeing people suffering, no money, no food, and at least 12 minutes of Vivaldi on call waiting to the benefit office … I keep thinking nah the NZ coalition surely won’t enforce all these bullshit cuts and sanctions they keep bleating on about every day, but I’m always hoping for kindness, and cruelty like this in a social system that can actually afford to care for the vulnerable is just so f*cking WRONG. Our current government disgusts me. This is the cruelest government I have ever experienced in Aotearoa New Zealand, and I’m old enough to have lived through some really ghastly ones.
I agree. I’ve lived through all the governments Nick has mentioned and this one is by far the worst, most heartless, racist and corrupt. When Luxon announced his targets for 2030 I felt sick at even the possibility of six years of this fuckery. To think of what we had and what we’ve lost.
Thank you Nick for your insightful words and for making me cry yet again. We do have to chip away. Keep reminding us.
Malcolm X said “If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” Sadly we seem to be at this tragic place.
The election was proof of the power the media has - I'm sure I'm not the only one who wanted to throw something at the TV or yell at the radio in the election build up. I use the term build up purposefully as the power of the media, the monied and the old boys club/ the Atlas Network etc.. conspired through throwing money at promoting the " Right ".
How was Luxon ever desirable as a PM? He is the most unchristian Christian just about ever, certainly in this country. Whatever happened to Money being the Root of all evil - now it's being a multimillionaire with 7 house and people fawn over that sort of crap whilst holding out for their tax cut at the expense of anything/ anybody else. Do they not realise that it is only a few Chupachups on offer for most???
This is where the true power is these days. The power of Money, seeing it all around and the pursuit of it.
We have 2 generations of young people bought up on dog eat dog neoliberalism and a dislike verging on hatred of anything remotely socialist ( it's Reds under the Bed all over again ) and they have been sold the old story of someone else taking away what you have worked hard for.
We are largely a " Me " and not a " We " society now and this government is going full throttle to entrench the exact opposite of kindness.
I so remember the way Jacinda ( and just about any intelligent young woman in politics - especially on the left or of brown skin ) was treated. You don't buck the Pale Stale White ( mostly ) Male entitled and monied entrenched politic without some form of retribution and we are seeing the White is Might ( i.e. anti Te Tiriti viewpoints ) more and more with this government and it is gaining disheartening traction.
I say mostly male but there are plenty of Jessica's, Claire's, Fran's, Tova's, and Heathers etc out there, who also seem to be very adept at piling into women on the left. Perhaps it comes down to whoever pays the piper as I've yet to see any real venom directed at the current crop of female politicians...even Casey seems to be largely forgotten...I still remember the hounding and the calls of Resign, sack her etc when Labour were in power.
With the way things are going planet wise, wealth distribution wise and with the power of the new political right ( read Trump but insert Luxon - he's done his homework on this and is backed by the serious money end of town ) I fear that another of Malcom X's sayings will have to pass before we make any meaningful change and he prophesied:
“I believe that there will ultimately be a clash between the oppressed and those who do the oppressing. I believe that there will be a clash between those who want freedom, justice and equality for everyone and those who want to continue the system of exploitation. I believe that there will be that kind of clash, but I don't think it will be based on the color of the skin...”
Powerful stuff indeed from a courageous Black Civil Rights person suffering under extreme racial prejudice in the America of his day to see beyond purely racial division of which he would have been acutely preoccupied by and to see the bigger picture of where true oppression lies.
If it is any consolation I've depressed myself completely with my writing today. Sorry if I have you too.
On a more positive note I live in the hope that this current coalition self destructs - before people take to the streets.
I should add however that most of my friends, especially the lifelong ones are true caring lefties, who have instilled caring social values to their children and grandchildren - there is always hope.
No need to apologise Brian - it's often cathartic to write things out and you certainly aren't alone in your feelings about how awful things are right now ... my late husband used to say "better an empty hoose than a bad tenant!" - he was excusing his farts here! but I think this saying applies equally well for anything festering in and upsetting a body be it wind or sad and heavy thoughts!
Haha - that saying brings back memories...as a teenager, a very good friends young sister, who must have been about 5 at the time, said that the Thompsons ( the neighbours and proud Scots ) didn't live in a house, they lived in a Hoose. We cracked up.
I've seen so many National governments over the years and the neglect and abuse of the social fabric we once enjoyed here in Aotearoa - but this one takes the cake. It is like having the worst govt ever on steroids and it is the total abuse of power that they think they can get away with " as the public voted for this " that gets on my goat the most...we are going backwards so fast and it will take years to reverse the horrors they intend to inflict.
The public did not vote for them individually in large enough numbers...Luxon has cobbled together this abomination through his narcissistic desire to be PM and probably to get a knighthood. He would do anything to gain power and it shows - especially when the 2 other dangerous clowns ( sorry to any decent clowns out there ) run rings around him and he is quite happy with that.
I can't wait for the time that Peters has to hand over the deputy job to Seymour...I suspect ( and hope ) he'll walk before that happens.
I'm glad I've lightened your day somewhat with good memories Brian - I met my Aussie husband John in a pipe band in Oz - I was a tenor drummer, he was a terrific piper - we made beautiful music together :) ... even better he brought me home to NZ after I'd lived 35 years in Oz and was homesick the whole time! ... John loved living here for the 20 years we had on the Coast. My maternal grandfather was a Cornish miner - my paternal grandfather was a Scottish miner as were his sons here on the West Coast - ye Gods how they all would have raged about this God awful government! especially after Brooke van Velden's heartless comments about safety inspectors and Pike River tragedy still so fresh in everyone's minds. You are spot on Brian - Luxon barely scraped into power thus he and his hideous co leaders sure as hell do NOT have the mandate they crow they have ... I hope Peter's towering ego gets the better of him and he brings the whole rotting lot of them crashing down rather than hand over to that hideous Seymour! .. we can only hope hey :/
Excellent Brian. I didn't realise Malcolm X had been so perceptive. We need to maintain some positive thinking or we'd all sit in a dark room all day long!
This version of the National Party doesn’t do ‘loyalty’ so as Luxon languishes in the polls they make ready to roll him. Newsroom had a particularly gushy promotion on Bishop this morning, reminiscent of the Vance and Espiner pieces on Luxon a couple of years back. Are they considering plan B?
Exactly my thought Marilyn...is there some way we the people can get it together enough to convince Druncle Winston to rebel and bring the whole edifice crashing down, such as by crossing the floor in a no-confidence vote, as early as possible in this three year term???
Thank you for Queen ,Nick. i also really like their music, as does number 2 son who is currently ensconced in my downstairs rooms. He has a collection of their music. You are right about Winston Peters , I cannot willingly see him giving up the role of DPM to the little twerping weasel Seymour. Does the role automatically include the role of Foreign Minister?
You are right Nick there does need to be lots of opposition to this current shambles. Would like to see more press releases from the Labour/Greens/TPM parties expressing their concerns over these cruel targets. Not sure many watch TVNZ news or any other news hence a lack of awareness from those who don't benefit as the wealthy continue to receive the "waterfall up". Jim Anderton's answer to trickle down.
Perhaps an appropriate song could be the one that followed on Utube after Queen, which was George Jones singing 'If Drinking Don't Kill Me, Her Memory Will', should be, 'If Drinking Don't -------, This Government Will'!!
Thank you, Nick, for your wonderful compassion and your intelligence on all levels, for saying what I want to say only more astutely and for linking this into history in a way that wonderful historians such as Heather Cox Richardson does in America. The music references just top it all off. Thank you. Last week I went to see my National Party MP in his constituency and as I spoke of being an activist taking action - in his maiden speech he said he wanted to have fewer activists and more action - and of my leading peace meditations for Gaza and Ukraine and all over the world, he said he would like meditation in schools and perhaps I should be doing meditations for politicians and the secretary taking notes piped up, "I bet she does." I do. I am holding a vision for the kindest, wisest, most knowledgeable, intelligent - emotionally and spiritually - and most compassionate leaders all over the world - I follow the group of The Elders founded by Nelson Mandela and thank them for their wise approach - as more and more people come to expect and demand this as their own compassion and consciousness rises. Speaking of history, as a kiwi-born activist marching against the Vietnam war and apartheid in the 70s, as the secretary of Cambridge CND UK marching in Thatcher Britain in the 80s many, many times and going to the women's peace camp at Greenham Common UK which resulted in the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), an arms control treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union in December 1987, I was reminded of the power of activism at the end of the Kiwi-made documentary released in recent years, 'Mothers of the Revolution', in which someone at a London meeting with President Gorbachev from Russia asked him something like, "Why did you trust President Reagan to keep to the treaty?" and he replied, 'I didn't but I trusted the women of Greenham Common to keep him to it." I remember weeping with joy the day the agreement was signed and I still remember this and the Berlin wall coming down etc. So we can do it. NZ was so powerful at so many times in history, standing up against the Springbok tour and at many many other times, so yes, let's keep activism alive. I second your wish for us to stand up and I participate as often as I can. My MP seemed more humane than those leading the party but, as much as I shared my deep concerns and urged him to be my voice in parliament as much as his own voters, I wonder what he can do from the back benches. Holding hope and sending powerful energy to us all. As I cried watching the video you shared, I resolved to do more to bring us all together as one community of compassion and kindness and I am flowing love around the globe as I write.
Thanks Nick. That video hurt. But like you I believe in the potential for our own ugly situation to be turned around. Today’s TPU/Curia poll showed a drop in the Government’s popularity and business confidence has soured as well. And after only six months of the CoC. I too have had depressing conversations with family and friends who persist in listening to the nonsense served up by Mikey and his Newstalk mates. I just smile and say let’s wait and see. The so-called squeezed middle aren’t hurting enough yet. Wait until they find out the tax cuts that bought their votes have a negative value.
I’m not sure that many people here really do care any more. More and more Kiwis seem to have that grind mentality, where they think you should be working 24/7, and shouldn’t complain if you don’t put in those hours. I don’t qualify for a disability allowance, even though there are months where I get through the day in agony, and when I get home I sometimes have to resort to crawling on the floor because I can’t stand up any more. I dread to think what people who actually qualify for it would go through if they had to work. Most comments I hear are along the lines of ‘why should we pay for them, we don’t owe them a living’. I used to work two jobs to make enough to live on. Now I can only manage one, and I have a small shortfall every week after rent and expenses are paid. A lot of people are in the same boat. A minority of people care. Most seem so busy convincing everyone that they can somehow earn a billion dollars by working hard, that they don’t stop to think that maybe no one needs to be that rich. Unfortunately society only values wealth, not health and mental wellbeing.
"I’m not sure that many people here really do care any more."
I agree with you Sarah. In the past few years, I have watched people of my acquaintance -including relatives - become detached from reality. They fell for the line that Jacinda was fake, that her kindness etc. was just an act. They want to believe the claim that people on benefits are bludgers and drug addicts and the Labour-led government was soft on crime. They get most of the stuff from the populist media such as ZB Radio. If you try to enlighten them, they will likely accuse you of Communist sympathies.
They are all middle incomers who are looking for tax-cuts and they try to assuage their guilt by blaming the less fortunate for their plight. It has always existed in this country, but it is on the increase, and I fear for what may eventually happen.
Thanks Nick. Aotearoa is so full of grim at the moment. This morning I enjoyed a delightful reminder of the days when kindness reigned when I saw Ashley Bloomfield. 🤩 I put my hand on my heart and told him ‘thank you’. I said he and his team are heroes. It helps to be reminded that we have some really good people in Aotearoa, worth a million + of the heartless lot currently ruining … oops typo … running the country (into the ground).
RUINING is the correct word.
It's going to get so much worse. I predict a return to the days of the conservatives shouting "sucess" because their target reductions had been achieved through the heinous methodology of reclassification of people in need (for homes, for financial assistance, for healthcare, etc). You can't count people if they are excluded, no longer 'eligible' based on some nefarious criteria designed on an accounting basis, not a humanitarian one. If people believed the bullshit conservative narrative about how 'bad' New Zealand had got under Labour, then they better have their eyes wide open to the reality of what is ahead of us with this coalition of incompetence.
Spot on Lynette, and somehow some of us need to make what Nick called "middle NZ' aware of this: Muldoon was a pussycat, and Ruth Richardson another one (at least she wanted to start a financial transactions tax, then when she had done the Right's dirty-work they got rid of her) compared to this coalition of colluding counterfeit 'leaders', fresh out of the stables of the John Key/Atlas corporate oligarchy. NActional are determined to turn NZ into a kind of culture no one feels privileged to live in and/or proud to belong to anymore, being just as much of a heartless neo-libertarian free-market billionaire fascist culture as the USA, Canada, and England now are. I keep imagining that there are old WWII soldiers turning over in their graves all around NZ at the moment...
Thanks Alison.
Thanks @Nick for beating the drum loudly. It's heartbreaking and infuriating at the same time. That video spells it out in no uncertain terms. Truly dreadful. I heard Seymour suggesting that sick kids go to school?? What the actual? We need some real pushback from Labour as well as the awesome job that Chloe is doing for the Greens. We need our opposition to expose this government every time they open their mouths. The emperor certainly is naked and afraid of his cohorts in crime allowing these idiots to run rampant with their divisive and bigoted plans.
Hear, hear!!!
A second hear hear!!
Thanks Nick - another brilliant article- I did cry watching the video- it’s heartbreaking because it doesn’t have to be that way-
Me too Marilyn, it's so pointlessly cruel.
Me too.
Me too. Heartbreaking.
I actually find myself holding my breath every time I open a news service online because of the daily attacks on our equilibrium by this lot. I'm numb one minute, depressed the next.... and the threat to survival that this govt brings constantly is going to create a whole other lot of mental health issues that will affect us much longer than their tenure. Things like trust in our elected officials, respect for those who take office on our behalf which will be very much lacking, fear and insecurity...... they will hang on a long time, as they did post Muldoon. I mourn the loss of kindness, and Jacinda every day.
When I see women like Brooke van Velden and today Kate Hawkesby sprouting hate, I suppose I thought women would/could be better when way back I became a feminist ; when women didn't have contraception, when they couldn't get a legal abortion, when their jobs were restricted to "suitable" roles as women, when they were expected to stay at home in the kitchen and raise the kids. Yeah probably looking back I was naive. Humans cold as ice can be so whatever gender.
Yes I feel like saying to these women how would they like to be addressed by their husband's name and not their own or not be able to earn a living because they were married or even have their own bank account! They are trashing the very same things that women fought to equalise with men.
That video’s heartbreaking — I know about the benefit sanctions in the UK (and here) but seeing people suffering, no money, no food, and at least 12 minutes of Vivaldi on call waiting to the benefit office … I keep thinking nah the NZ coalition surely won’t enforce all these bullshit cuts and sanctions they keep bleating on about every day, but I’m always hoping for kindness, and cruelty like this in a social system that can actually afford to care for the vulnerable is just so f*cking WRONG. Our current government disgusts me. This is the cruelest government I have ever experienced in Aotearoa New Zealand, and I’m old enough to have lived through some really ghastly ones.
I agree. I’ve lived through all the governments Nick has mentioned and this one is by far the worst, most heartless, racist and corrupt. When Luxon announced his targets for 2030 I felt sick at even the possibility of six years of this fuckery. To think of what we had and what we’ve lost.
Thank you Nick for your insightful words and for making me cry yet again. We do have to chip away. Keep reminding us.
Absolutely agree that this is the worst Govt in my lifetime after probably 20 times voting over the years. Too many Tory ones in that time.
Malcolm X said “If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” Sadly we seem to be at this tragic place.
The election was proof of the power the media has - I'm sure I'm not the only one who wanted to throw something at the TV or yell at the radio in the election build up. I use the term build up purposefully as the power of the media, the monied and the old boys club/ the Atlas Network etc.. conspired through throwing money at promoting the " Right ".
How was Luxon ever desirable as a PM? He is the most unchristian Christian just about ever, certainly in this country. Whatever happened to Money being the Root of all evil - now it's being a multimillionaire with 7 house and people fawn over that sort of crap whilst holding out for their tax cut at the expense of anything/ anybody else. Do they not realise that it is only a few Chupachups on offer for most???
This is where the true power is these days. The power of Money, seeing it all around and the pursuit of it.
We have 2 generations of young people bought up on dog eat dog neoliberalism and a dislike verging on hatred of anything remotely socialist ( it's Reds under the Bed all over again ) and they have been sold the old story of someone else taking away what you have worked hard for.
We are largely a " Me " and not a " We " society now and this government is going full throttle to entrench the exact opposite of kindness.
I so remember the way Jacinda ( and just about any intelligent young woman in politics - especially on the left or of brown skin ) was treated. You don't buck the Pale Stale White ( mostly ) Male entitled and monied entrenched politic without some form of retribution and we are seeing the White is Might ( i.e. anti Te Tiriti viewpoints ) more and more with this government and it is gaining disheartening traction.
I say mostly male but there are plenty of Jessica's, Claire's, Fran's, Tova's, and Heathers etc out there, who also seem to be very adept at piling into women on the left. Perhaps it comes down to whoever pays the piper as I've yet to see any real venom directed at the current crop of female politicians...even Casey seems to be largely forgotten...I still remember the hounding and the calls of Resign, sack her etc when Labour were in power.
With the way things are going planet wise, wealth distribution wise and with the power of the new political right ( read Trump but insert Luxon - he's done his homework on this and is backed by the serious money end of town ) I fear that another of Malcom X's sayings will have to pass before we make any meaningful change and he prophesied:
“I believe that there will ultimately be a clash between the oppressed and those who do the oppressing. I believe that there will be a clash between those who want freedom, justice and equality for everyone and those who want to continue the system of exploitation. I believe that there will be that kind of clash, but I don't think it will be based on the color of the skin...”
Powerful stuff indeed from a courageous Black Civil Rights person suffering under extreme racial prejudice in the America of his day to see beyond purely racial division of which he would have been acutely preoccupied by and to see the bigger picture of where true oppression lies.
If it is any consolation I've depressed myself completely with my writing today. Sorry if I have you too.
On a more positive note I live in the hope that this current coalition self destructs - before people take to the streets.
I should add however that most of my friends, especially the lifelong ones are true caring lefties, who have instilled caring social values to their children and grandchildren - there is always hope.
No need to apologise Brian - it's often cathartic to write things out and you certainly aren't alone in your feelings about how awful things are right now ... my late husband used to say "better an empty hoose than a bad tenant!" - he was excusing his farts here! but I think this saying applies equally well for anything festering in and upsetting a body be it wind or sad and heavy thoughts!
Haha - that saying brings back memories...as a teenager, a very good friends young sister, who must have been about 5 at the time, said that the Thompsons ( the neighbours and proud Scots ) didn't live in a house, they lived in a Hoose. We cracked up.
I've seen so many National governments over the years and the neglect and abuse of the social fabric we once enjoyed here in Aotearoa - but this one takes the cake. It is like having the worst govt ever on steroids and it is the total abuse of power that they think they can get away with " as the public voted for this " that gets on my goat the most...we are going backwards so fast and it will take years to reverse the horrors they intend to inflict.
The public did not vote for them individually in large enough numbers...Luxon has cobbled together this abomination through his narcissistic desire to be PM and probably to get a knighthood. He would do anything to gain power and it shows - especially when the 2 other dangerous clowns ( sorry to any decent clowns out there ) run rings around him and he is quite happy with that.
I can't wait for the time that Peters has to hand over the deputy job to Seymour...I suspect ( and hope ) he'll walk before that happens.
I'm glad I've lightened your day somewhat with good memories Brian - I met my Aussie husband John in a pipe band in Oz - I was a tenor drummer, he was a terrific piper - we made beautiful music together :) ... even better he brought me home to NZ after I'd lived 35 years in Oz and was homesick the whole time! ... John loved living here for the 20 years we had on the Coast. My maternal grandfather was a Cornish miner - my paternal grandfather was a Scottish miner as were his sons here on the West Coast - ye Gods how they all would have raged about this God awful government! especially after Brooke van Velden's heartless comments about safety inspectors and Pike River tragedy still so fresh in everyone's minds. You are spot on Brian - Luxon barely scraped into power thus he and his hideous co leaders sure as hell do NOT have the mandate they crow they have ... I hope Peter's towering ego gets the better of him and he brings the whole rotting lot of them crashing down rather than hand over to that hideous Seymour! .. we can only hope hey :/
Excellent Brian. I didn't realise Malcolm X had been so perceptive. We need to maintain some positive thinking or we'd all sit in a dark room all day long!
This version of the National Party doesn’t do ‘loyalty’ so as Luxon languishes in the polls they make ready to roll him. Newsroom had a particularly gushy promotion on Bishop this morning, reminiscent of the Vance and Espiner pieces on Luxon a couple of years back. Are they considering plan B?
God that really would be plan Z! Is there no one better than Bishop?
Exactly my thought Marilyn...is there some way we the people can get it together enough to convince Druncle Winston to rebel and bring the whole edifice crashing down, such as by crossing the floor in a no-confidence vote, as early as possible in this three year term???
Thank you for Queen ,Nick. i also really like their music, as does number 2 son who is currently ensconced in my downstairs rooms. He has a collection of their music. You are right about Winston Peters , I cannot willingly see him giving up the role of DPM to the little twerping weasel Seymour. Does the role automatically include the role of Foreign Minister?
No, Peters would remain Foreign Minister - dependent on any re-negotiation I'm sure.
You are right Nick there does need to be lots of opposition to this current shambles. Would like to see more press releases from the Labour/Greens/TPM parties expressing their concerns over these cruel targets. Not sure many watch TVNZ news or any other news hence a lack of awareness from those who don't benefit as the wealthy continue to receive the "waterfall up". Jim Anderton's answer to trickle down.
Perhaps an appropriate song could be the one that followed on Utube after Queen, which was George Jones singing 'If Drinking Don't Kill Me, Her Memory Will', should be, 'If Drinking Don't -------, This Government Will'!!
George Michael - Praying for Time, or Manic Street Preachers - If you tolerate this then your children will be next.
once again, so very well said Nick.
Thank you, Nick, for your wonderful compassion and your intelligence on all levels, for saying what I want to say only more astutely and for linking this into history in a way that wonderful historians such as Heather Cox Richardson does in America. The music references just top it all off. Thank you. Last week I went to see my National Party MP in his constituency and as I spoke of being an activist taking action - in his maiden speech he said he wanted to have fewer activists and more action - and of my leading peace meditations for Gaza and Ukraine and all over the world, he said he would like meditation in schools and perhaps I should be doing meditations for politicians and the secretary taking notes piped up, "I bet she does." I do. I am holding a vision for the kindest, wisest, most knowledgeable, intelligent - emotionally and spiritually - and most compassionate leaders all over the world - I follow the group of The Elders founded by Nelson Mandela and thank them for their wise approach - as more and more people come to expect and demand this as their own compassion and consciousness rises. Speaking of history, as a kiwi-born activist marching against the Vietnam war and apartheid in the 70s, as the secretary of Cambridge CND UK marching in Thatcher Britain in the 80s many, many times and going to the women's peace camp at Greenham Common UK which resulted in the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), an arms control treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union in December 1987, I was reminded of the power of activism at the end of the Kiwi-made documentary released in recent years, 'Mothers of the Revolution', in which someone at a London meeting with President Gorbachev from Russia asked him something like, "Why did you trust President Reagan to keep to the treaty?" and he replied, 'I didn't but I trusted the women of Greenham Common to keep him to it." I remember weeping with joy the day the agreement was signed and I still remember this and the Berlin wall coming down etc. So we can do it. NZ was so powerful at so many times in history, standing up against the Springbok tour and at many many other times, so yes, let's keep activism alive. I second your wish for us to stand up and I participate as often as I can. My MP seemed more humane than those leading the party but, as much as I shared my deep concerns and urged him to be my voice in parliament as much as his own voters, I wonder what he can do from the back benches. Holding hope and sending powerful energy to us all. As I cried watching the video you shared, I resolved to do more to bring us all together as one community of compassion and kindness and I am flowing love around the globe as I write.
Thanks Nick. That video hurt. But like you I believe in the potential for our own ugly situation to be turned around. Today’s TPU/Curia poll showed a drop in the Government’s popularity and business confidence has soured as well. And after only six months of the CoC. I too have had depressing conversations with family and friends who persist in listening to the nonsense served up by Mikey and his Newstalk mates. I just smile and say let’s wait and see. The so-called squeezed middle aren’t hurting enough yet. Wait until they find out the tax cuts that bought their votes have a negative value.