What goes to “the heart of trust and confidence” in our democratic processes in my book is assuming you have a mandate to make irreversible changes to our country without consultation. Agreeing to ‘date’ this government doesn’t mean we agreed to the whole shebang.
What goes to the heart is lying to dying cancer patients to get their votes and those of their friends and family. What goes to my heart is treating Māori initiatives as separatism. What goes to the heart of democracy is reducing the incomes of those who are already struggling.
Well said! The arrogance, especially from parties with less than 10% of the vote, to think they have the right to make long term change. Still I wouldn't bank on things being irreversible, what ever Shane Jones says about the matter.
I do wish that the other parties would help put developers off by assuring us and them that they will undo the damaging policies first chance they get.
Thanks Kerry, I really appreciate that and I know others feel the same. Human nature is that some do expect a bit extra if they're paying, and I get that, others can be reluctant to pay for something if it's free. I never buy lotto tickets, but I did buy one this last week - if I won I figured I'd still be writing come Monday but there would be no more paywall. Ah well, hopefully the balance is about right, but it means a lot to know that people want to support my writing not only regardless of it being available to others but would like it shared. Thanks 🙂
Oh Nick, I see you are doing a factual, evidence-based article. I think it is important that the message gets out to as many as possible so I don't mind in the least that my sub helps pay for others that haven't yet subscribed.
I took up your offer to become a paying subscriber. I dont mind you making anything free either Nick. What goes round comes round. Pay it forward. To each according to his need etc etc.
100 percent agree with Kerry - I'm happy to pay my way and it's never crossed my mind to think about whether posts are free or not - share your writing with as many as you want without losing your income...
This inquiry is more of an affront to democracy than anything it will investigate, just like the extension of the Covid response inquiry. Using huge donations, particularly undeclared donations, to spread what clearly have been lies about what the COC stood for, and lies about the state of the country under Labour, through social and other media, is a far greater threat to our democracy. This is a thoroughly corrupt government, acting only for the wealthy.
Jesus wept! the screaming hypocrisy of Luxon bletherin on ad nauseam about "trust and confidence” - brace yourself folks this appears to be his new mantra for the week! ... he's either too stupid or too arrogant to take heed to his own words or is it both?
It is clear to most by now that he is not very bright. However in this case he knows exactly what he is doing. This is dog whistling. Clear and simple.
I guess this is just another example of special privilege for Maori. A bit like how there are so many more jail cells reserved for Maori, how the arrest rate is reserved for Maori ( for really hard serious crime like Cannabis possession ) rather than pakeha, why the Police take the photos of entitled Maori youth more than they do any other ethnicity, or how they are the first to die from diseases that pakeha don't have the privilege to get at a younger age...Crikey Mikey....All this Brown privilege has got to stop.
When did The Chamber of Commerce ever prevent data leakage to the National Party and vice versa? ie more double standards at work over current witchunt around Te Pati Maori
Let’s accept the positive in all this. The frenzied attack by the usual suspects on TPM is evidence of the effectiveness of recent protests - just a bit scared methinks?
Totally agree Nick it's almost like they're diverting attention away from other more insidious goings on. Looks & sounds like a storm in a teacup too many people in this country jump on the bash a Maori train before anything proven in black & white.
So it continues. The most undemocratic, most corrupt and worst Govt in my lifetime preaching trust and confidence. Give me strength this excuse for a PM really is the pits.
I'm gobsmacked! So, it is folks linked to Bishop Tamaki's Destiny Church who made the accusations. He of conspiratorial fame, who claimed it was "gays, sinners and murderers who are to blame for natural disasters? This is entering the realm of a Grimms fairy tale. And we have a government who are willing to use a discredited bunch of losers to smear Maori yet again. The more they use such tactics, the more I wonder what they have to hide.
I am new to haruspicy but love the word. In amongst it all it made me smile. Thanks Nick. Obviously in the modern practice some entrails require much greater investigation than others. What should be the criteria for 'super haruspicy'?
I think there are 6? Investigations into the alleged use of data by the marae. As you say the alleged offense may have come from a dubious source and probably didn't have a huge influence on the election. Surely one proper investigation would suffice.
Large sponsorships for CoC parties certainly should be investigated as there seem to be very direct positive outcomes already for some of these.
Some previous 'sins' seem to have private outcomes of entrails readings rather than public.
Certainly the modern practice of haruspicy could do with clear guidelines to ensure greater fairness.
I hope this isn’t going to turn into a situation of ongoing inquiry by various committees and commissions until they come up with the answer the coalition is looking for.
I am worried, very, very worried about what the other partners are doing when one of the loudmouths is in front of us desperately trying to draw attention away from the behind-the-scenes activities.
An excellent response Nick to the outrageous focus of a party that, in real terms, has no power to influence anything in the present electoral cycle. But hey let's keep that mud flowing as a distraction. As for general you offering freebies, as a paid subscriber, I say good on you! Keep up the great work
What goes to “the heart of trust and confidence” in our democratic processes in my book is assuming you have a mandate to make irreversible changes to our country without consultation. Agreeing to ‘date’ this government doesn’t mean we agreed to the whole shebang.
What goes to the heart is lying to dying cancer patients to get their votes and those of their friends and family. What goes to my heart is treating Māori initiatives as separatism. What goes to the heart of democracy is reducing the incomes of those who are already struggling.
Well said! The arrogance, especially from parties with less than 10% of the vote, to think they have the right to make long term change. Still I wouldn't bank on things being irreversible, what ever Shane Jones says about the matter.
I do wish that the other parties would help put developers off by assuring us and them that they will undo the damaging policies first chance they get.
Now that would be a relief!!!
Nick, I am a paying subscriber (read supporter) and I don't care how many of your posts you make free. Just keep up the great work.
Thanks Kerry, I really appreciate that and I know others feel the same. Human nature is that some do expect a bit extra if they're paying, and I get that, others can be reluctant to pay for something if it's free. I never buy lotto tickets, but I did buy one this last week - if I won I figured I'd still be writing come Monday but there would be no more paywall. Ah well, hopefully the balance is about right, but it means a lot to know that people want to support my writing not only regardless of it being available to others but would like it shared. Thanks 🙂
Oh Nick, I see you are doing a factual, evidence-based article. I think it is important that the message gets out to as many as possible so I don't mind in the least that my sub helps pay for others that haven't yet subscribed.
I took up your offer to become a paying subscriber. I dont mind you making anything free either Nick. What goes round comes round. Pay it forward. To each according to his need etc etc.
100 percent agree with Kerry - I'm happy to pay my way and it's never crossed my mind to think about whether posts are free or not - share your writing with as many as you want without losing your income...
Me too
Yep..me too.
Me too
And me!
This
I'm in the same boat!
I am too, and totally agree
Tautoko!
This inquiry is more of an affront to democracy than anything it will investigate, just like the extension of the Covid response inquiry. Using huge donations, particularly undeclared donations, to spread what clearly have been lies about what the COC stood for, and lies about the state of the country under Labour, through social and other media, is a far greater threat to our democracy. This is a thoroughly corrupt government, acting only for the wealthy.
You are so correct there Peter, corrupt Government.
100% Peter.
Jesus wept! the screaming hypocrisy of Luxon bletherin on ad nauseam about "trust and confidence” - brace yourself folks this appears to be his new mantra for the week! ... he's either too stupid or too arrogant to take heed to his own words or is it both?
Too stupid I think!
Stupid, arrogant and.. getting away with it.
It is clear to most by now that he is not very bright. However in this case he knows exactly what he is doing. This is dog whistling. Clear and simple.
Both.
I guess this is just another example of special privilege for Maori. A bit like how there are so many more jail cells reserved for Maori, how the arrest rate is reserved for Maori ( for really hard serious crime like Cannabis possession ) rather than pakeha, why the Police take the photos of entitled Maori youth more than they do any other ethnicity, or how they are the first to die from diseases that pakeha don't have the privilege to get at a younger age...Crikey Mikey....All this Brown privilege has got to stop.
Well put.
When did The Chamber of Commerce ever prevent data leakage to the National Party and vice versa? ie more double standards at work over current witchunt around Te Pati Maori
Brian Tamaki started it.
Let’s accept the positive in all this. The frenzied attack by the usual suspects on TPM is evidence of the effectiveness of recent protests - just a bit scared methinks?
It's certainly a distraction.
Exactly, Nick. You put the issues so well. I think this is another example of double standards and racial/racist targeting.
Totally agree Nick it's almost like they're diverting attention away from other more insidious goings on. Looks & sounds like a storm in a teacup too many people in this country jump on the bash a Maori train before anything proven in black & white.
So it continues. The most undemocratic, most corrupt and worst Govt in my lifetime preaching trust and confidence. Give me strength this excuse for a PM really is the pits.
I'm gobsmacked! So, it is folks linked to Bishop Tamaki's Destiny Church who made the accusations. He of conspiratorial fame, who claimed it was "gays, sinners and murderers who are to blame for natural disasters? This is entering the realm of a Grimms fairy tale. And we have a government who are willing to use a discredited bunch of losers to smear Maori yet again. The more they use such tactics, the more I wonder what they have to hide.
The old 'best means of defence is attack' ....
I am new to haruspicy but love the word. In amongst it all it made me smile. Thanks Nick. Obviously in the modern practice some entrails require much greater investigation than others. What should be the criteria for 'super haruspicy'?
I think there are 6? Investigations into the alleged use of data by the marae. As you say the alleged offense may have come from a dubious source and probably didn't have a huge influence on the election. Surely one proper investigation would suffice.
Large sponsorships for CoC parties certainly should be investigated as there seem to be very direct positive outcomes already for some of these.
Some previous 'sins' seem to have private outcomes of entrails readings rather than public.
Certainly the modern practice of haruspicy could do with clear guidelines to ensure greater fairness.
I hope this isn’t going to turn into a situation of ongoing inquiry by various committees and commissions until they come up with the answer the coalition is looking for.
Yes. That was my immediate reaction. They want an enquiry that will deliver the answer that they want - guilty.
I am worried, very, very worried about what the other partners are doing when one of the loudmouths is in front of us desperately trying to draw attention away from the behind-the-scenes activities.
Absolutely agreed
Yep...crossed my mind too...
An excellent response Nick to the outrageous focus of a party that, in real terms, has no power to influence anything in the present electoral cycle. But hey let's keep that mud flowing as a distraction. As for general you offering freebies, as a paid subscriber, I say good on you! Keep up the great work
Hear, hear!
A lucid summation of the political situation as of today! Thanks as always Nick!👍