Yesterday afternoon it felt like we were living in really dark times. A low point between good things ending, and the hope that similar will return soon.
The day had started fine. I got up early, knocked the draft I’d written the previous night about the Rainbow Storytelling in Rotorua into order, and sent it out. Dropped my boy down at the the bus terminus so he could get to an 8am tutorial, and was home to make coffee before the sun came up.
I listened to Chippy on RNZ talking about the government’s cold hearted, callously announced, cuts to disability funding. He was outstanding. I might be a Green supporter but I found myself thinking - that Chippy, he’ll do me as next PM. Perhaps with a couple of co-deputies from a strong coalition partner.
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Fi was pleased with the artwork on the top of her Flat White, the effort not the execution, as she passed on her way to the couch. She works from there a couple of times a week. A legacy of Covid lockdowns.
While caffeinating there was a nice message from the storytellers saying thanks, that they’d enjoyed the newsletter. It was looking like a good day.
I watched Drunk Uncle Winnie lose the plot on Breakfast TV, while Anna Burns-Francis tried to keep a straight face as she was presented with some pretty bonkers behaviour. You can see that interview here:
Of course the danger of writing about a crazy performance from Winston these days is that by the time people have read it he’s probably given an even crazier one.
The tragic death of Rod Oram came as a huge shock. Such an excellent journalist who spoke clearly and honestly about hard topics in a way that few others do. A sad loss for our wee nation at this time when it seems by the day that there’s less to be admired, or worthy of great respect.
My, not quite, next door neighbour Penny said, “A wonderful mind, a brave advocate for our planet and a hugely generous lovely man. What a loss!”
Tim Murphy from Newsroom has written a tribute to his former colleague here. In which he quotes Rod:
“…humanity’s crises are fearsomely complex and fiendishly hard to solve. The solutions are very elusive.
I am still sure, though, that New Zealand is better placed than many countries to devise and implement them. Our abundant natural capital, distinctive cultures, small scale, close connections and global relationships are some of our advantages.”
Oh to see such ambition and positivity in our new government. I had a few tears on hearing of his passing. The next news made be both sad and angry.
So the bigots from Destiny Church, and councillor Robert Lee, who has been speaking up for those with such deplorable views, won. Whatever that means.
They stopped young children and families from enjoying a book reading. What an achievement. I felt really sad for those who will be hurt by this, including I imagine the two performers. What a slap in the face to people wanting to do something positive.
Brian Tamaki and his bunch of thugs have, through their bullying, managed to stop an event that would have communicated an anti bullying message. These people are sick, they’re the ones whose ideas shouldn’t be shared with children, in my opinion.
My mate Todd said, “What would it be called if a minority religion used threats of violence, real or implied, to stop things like this from happening? I think it would be safe to assume the word ‘terrorist’ would be thrown about by many.”
You might think, with a government that wants to prioritise cracking down on things like Gang funerals, that we could keep people safe for a book reading. These Destiny thugs are flouting the law with immunity, I thought we were cracking down on that sort of thing?
Or has Police Minister Mark Mitchell deemed them ok on account of the amount of makeup that Pastor Paywave already wears?
Then it was Grant Robertson’s valedictory speech. One of the greatest politicians of his time. An outstanding Finance Minister - right up there with Cullen no less, and one of the funniest MPs to ever set foot in the house.
There were tears, laughter, and so much love. More than regret there was hope. If you didn’t see it you should check it out below - it was a goodie.
Pam: “The speech was glorious. Grant Robertson is a stunning human being. The real deal. I cried a bath.”
Glenn: “History will show Grant to have been an excellent Finance Minister. He made hard decisions that saved our economy.”
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