I can't agree with you more re your comments on Cloe Swarbrick. I have just paid an annual subscription to you, to replace one of the zionists that have cancelled their subscriptions. I belong to a number of Jewish sites, JVP being one of them, who are opposed to the zionist policies in regard to the hatred against Palestinians. Congratulations on your honesty with your writing. Steve
Truth! It saddens me to hear that people are offended by your truth. Thank you for this wonderful read this morning. As for David Seymour, he is incapable of seing any context in the world such as power differentials, or history. He wants things to be simple. Yes courageous Chloe will speak the truth for us. And to that I would add Debbie Ngarewa-Packer:
Yes : Netanyahu is a warmonger. Always has been and has a lot to answer for, not only now, but in previous years where he has deliberately used Hamas to his own ends as a way to prevent peace and democratic elections in Palestine. I don't blame the Israelis, or the Jewish people. I blame him. BTW I did think the booing and chasing of Phil Twyford at the weekend protests was unfortunate. Chloe might have been the star, but Phil has a long history of being anti war, including his stint as Minister for Disarmament and his work with Oxfam before he came to parliament. He has written a good piece in the NZ Herald today.
I agree about Phil, that article, Newshub I think it was, really annoyed me - there was no explanation whatsoever as to why people booed him. Very poor journalism. I know many Labour people won't like this but I think there are a lot of people who just don't associate the party with causes like this, as may once have been the case. Many see them as moderates and I guess that isn't what people want at a protest they're so passionate about.
I don't know, I imagine for most of the people protesting that is quite an historic event, being 40 years ago. That was my best assessment of why, I really don't understand why they booed. The only thing I could think of was that Labour are currently seen as being the system rather than being at the forefront of causes.
I think you nailed it there Nick "People see Labour as the System" . Maybe if we had the ability to rewind History to the point Labour abandoned it's Democratic Platform for Neoliberal Capitalist, Zionist & Corporate Dogma, we could derail that Train before it left the station! But its too late for that now. The Train has already left the station & it appears there's no Reversing on this Track were on..
We're just not the same People that we were back then 40 years ago. Times changed while we took our eyes off the good thing we had in the pursuit of somebody else's happiness based on Who ya know & what ya got that might make Me, Me, Me taller to help Me, Me, Me appear shinier & more popular In the new, real Surreal World we currently live in.
The Labour Party is currently irrelevant & will stay that way until either Chippy, a fine, generally honest man as political leaders go, or a principled, true, humanity friendly oriented, socially democratic leader comes into the spotlight & resets the Grand Etch A Sketch back to Kinder & more mutually considerate & empathic times.
Times way back when we were all in the same Leaky Boat, but those folks back then had a Bailing Bucket held together with #8 wire, Gaffa Tape & a few old bent nails to fix it up, so everybody got back to shore & nobody got left behind as Shark Bait. "She'll be Right" actually meant "Don't worry, be happy, it's OK!" And, we made that real for everybody together, once upon a time.
The Chum in the current, swirling water of our new Shark Tank of a Parliament is Labour. The spoils of war go to the Victors, Lock, Stock & Barrel that's the rules!
The Circling Sharks will have their Fill, but will never be satisfied till they gnaw off their own fins & tails & sink to the bottom to become Chum themselves, just like Labour has just done in abandoning their Principles, sadly.
Such is life in today's Fast Lane & a Law of nature for Survival in their world, not mine, or yours, I suspect...
Actually I don't agree with you, Lone Wolf. When I look at what Labour achieved over its last term there are a lot of impressive things done. Sure not as much as is possible but reducing many children in poverty has got to be something! To me the Labour party is as good as it ever was - even better in my opinion. I personally feel grateful to be alive as an older person thanks to Jacinda and the Labour government's policies. So no I don't agree.
Labour we're for the most part unhelpful for me. I felt flat & frustrated the greater amount of time I listened I tuned out and it became background noise. One Ear material at best. What a long, Strange 6 years its been tho!!! Just for the fact that they pulled us all through these incredibly unfathomable times is enough for a Bronze Statue mounted outside of each Rookie National & ACT MP's Flat of the smiling & waving Labour whole team, including Ashley B !
Glad the series didn't last longer, but it was weird while it lasted!
Yes to the Can's for Kid's & the Milk in Schools, Fizzy's out was great The sad part Nick is that the chain saws are already tuned up, sharpened & ready to play Musical Regulations Chopping Open Season. What a lot of work for nothin just as good as down the drain. Hey, It was nobody's fault but the arrogance of the Cabinet & having to fight every step of the way through the Piranha Pool of Parliament with the other bunch of 9 year olds there... Ah, I don't know Nick, It's deep thought time for the party Faithful to reaffirm their Platform, or plan on becomin a Minority Party for life, well it least mine.!
I guess I hoped for more, sooner & that they wouldn't get bogged down by BS things & important Cultural Stuff, but I thought the gov't blew it & left the police there to keep the heat on the Occupiers. Some Justice was served & fair apologies made which is right & what you do as honorable People.
Thank you again Nick, that needs to be said, loudly and clearly. The state of Israel is creating a major problem with their approach to dealing with Hamas terrorism, but as you say this approach will likely create more, not less, terrorism, so is completely counter-productive. Criticising the state of Israel should never be conflated with criticising Jews, many of whom inside and outside of Israel are equally concerned about and protest about the actions of Israel (and one could add, have been for some time, with the Israeli state's breaches of international law in Gaza).
Well said once again Nick - I was impressed by Obama's recent comments which stressed the complexity of the situation - its not about denying someone's perspective but acknowledging that there are other equally valid views and together these all make up the complicated 'truth' of the Middle East. The Hamas leaders appear to have made a very calculated cold blooded decision to use their own people as cannon fodder and yet it still requires another to fire that cannon. From an objective view its hard to see how the oppressed becomes the oppressor and yet none of this is 'objective' - my parents or grandparents were not killed by Nazis for simply being who they were and my brothers and sisters have not been killed or imprisoned by the Israeli government for being who they are. If we ask for peace, we need to show peace - and as hard as it is we need to listen and acknowledge rather than argue on a binary us or them basis or point score on words while children die
You know I almost included your wonderful anecdote about teaching from last night, as a contrast to what children there are going through. But I figured that might be taking the piss mentioning you again so soon 😉
From the River to the Sea should be an international catch phrase. I agree with everything you have said, recently found through DNA testing that I am partly Jewish, I have some amazing friends who are Jewish and I have some amazing friends who are Muslim. A Rabbi, Priest and Imam walked into a coffee shop, no joke they enjoyed each others company.
Neither Israel, Russia, Hamas or any aggressor using powerful weapons to acquire any "goal" they explain is their motive, are justified. The world needs fewer power mad idiots, and it grows from overpopulation and religion. Overpopulation is easy to reverse -- medically, by personal choice. Religions are the worst disease.
Probably true. But for my generation and my kids and generations since it was historic. There are wars everywhere. I am conscious of my friends in the Ukraine and impact of them by the assault from Russia. Have a look at South Sudan and the displacement of families there. I see China has nuclear weaponed up. We could and probably should be protesting every day.
How do you go about removing the Stain on our collective Humanity in forgiving, trying to forget & moving on to a peaceful, non violent world where people work for & with each other in a common goal of Peace & Prosperity of the non Monetary, more humanly spiritual variety, but of goodwill & respectful relationships that serve to bridge differences of Culture & Creed? Is it possible?
Well it has been possible in Ireland, in South Africa, and in many European countries were Jews were persecuted. But yes the more violence there is the harder it is to imagine.
Chris Hedges piece on Substack this morning speaks of the plight & flight of the children in Gaza, I haven't bothered drying my tears! My gaskets are shot, they run non stop!
The NY Times speaks of Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian in the American Congress & the House's Move to Censure her for the expression she used "From the River to the Sea", in alignment with the Hope of the Children in Gaza & even Israel I sincerely hope.
Our Children are our most wonderful Treasure! Why are we killing them? What has gone wrong with us?
I suppose that David Seymour's ACT Party depends a lot on large Donors to get a paid voice in our remodeled Democratic System of Neuvo-Capitalism for some, while others starve in our land of plenty. David will have a useful future abetting his Donors & serving somebody else's monied & Fundamentalist Interests.
A useful Idiot is always handy as long as they stick to the Script they're paid to deliver! I wonder if David can watch the unpacking of the 2018 Terrorist Attack in Christchurch & see the faces of those that survived that day wanting answers to WHY, without altering his Smirk?
I'll never see David Seymour again as any type of Leader after his obviously Constituently paid tirade on Zoë!
This new Government is doomed from the start & We the People should proceed no further with this Charade! Nah, that's it! These folks are yesterday's Dry, Burnt Toast! The Party's over, send the Clowns Home...
I believe it is. There are so many things that can make us angry, and hitting back is something all humans seem to learn from an early age - it's a childish reaction though. Adults have the ability to pause, use heart and brain, and move and act according to their ideals. We all need to remember this. It's not easy, but it is simple. Kia kaha....with aroha!
I would hate for parliment to lose any of the members of the Green party or Te Pati Māori for being at the rallies. They all attend many rallies/marches for many causes and communities. Yesterday Greens MPs were out with striking ECE teachers.
I see politicians like Seymour attacking Chlöe for this, and others in the past, as a way to dictate where they should be and what they should say, its all about control.
I want politicians to be involved and passionate, just like we all are. These actions are one of the ways I feel younger voters become more engaged with politics. It humanises politics. You want to take politics out of Wellington...this is that.
Seymour has been breathing down the Green's necks lately. I cannot get over him saying that James Shaw was making threats when he was concerned about what would very likely happen if there was a referendum on Te Tiriti. An epic display in verbal contortion.
One News had a story the other night, in what i thought was a nice report, buried in the garbage coverage we've seen. The report was about graffiti put on the fence of the building incorrectly marked as the Israeli consulate on google maps. They reported that people had come togther to clean it, Jews, Muslims, and Palestinians. One of whom was a wonderful lecturer I had in University, hi Rand 👋
I've personally visited the neighboring synagogue, Beth Shalom, for an anthropology assignment. I remember the Rabbi was helpful when I asked to observe a service.
Here’s a video I watched this morning. I don’t know, but somehow it made me feel sad, but hopeful.
Seeing solidarity between Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian communities, while still acknowledging the (very real) fear of escalating bigotry they face, seems preferable to the zionist narratives some figures are pushing through the media.
It shouldn't be this hard to call out what is happening in Palestine. I had hoped that we'd be better than the US/UK with how they've treated politicians who've called for peace, but I don't know anymore. Our media and politicians have been lacklustre, to put it kindly.
Thanks for your reply. Yes I saw the item with the graffiti being cleaned off, that was good to see although I still felt uneasy seeing Seymour having a go for the cameras. Perhaps that is too cynical.
I do agree with you about Seymour's attacks, that is exactly what they are about controlling what gets discussed. He'd make a great case study for someone.
Thanks for sharing the video, it was a good watch.
I can't agree with you more re your comments on Cloe Swarbrick. I have just paid an annual subscription to you, to replace one of the zionists that have cancelled their subscriptions. I belong to a number of Jewish sites, JVP being one of them, who are opposed to the zionist policies in regard to the hatred against Palestinians. Congratulations on your honesty with your writing. Steve
Thanks very much Steve, really appreciate the support and the kind words 🙂
Truth! It saddens me to hear that people are offended by your truth. Thank you for this wonderful read this morning. As for David Seymour, he is incapable of seing any context in the world such as power differentials, or history. He wants things to be simple. Yes courageous Chloe will speak the truth for us. And to that I would add Debbie Ngarewa-Packer:
https://www.facebook.com/debbiengarewapacker/videos/872749561222850
These two will be our leaders during this time when our activism is required.
Yes : Netanyahu is a warmonger. Always has been and has a lot to answer for, not only now, but in previous years where he has deliberately used Hamas to his own ends as a way to prevent peace and democratic elections in Palestine. I don't blame the Israelis, or the Jewish people. I blame him. BTW I did think the booing and chasing of Phil Twyford at the weekend protests was unfortunate. Chloe might have been the star, but Phil has a long history of being anti war, including his stint as Minister for Disarmament and his work with Oxfam before he came to parliament. He has written a good piece in the NZ Herald today.
I agree about Phil, that article, Newshub I think it was, really annoyed me - there was no explanation whatsoever as to why people booed him. Very poor journalism. I know many Labour people won't like this but I think there are a lot of people who just don't associate the party with causes like this, as may once have been the case. Many see them as moderates and I guess that isn't what people want at a protest they're so passionate about.
So are you now telling me people don't associate Labour with our country being nuclear free?
I don't know, I imagine for most of the people protesting that is quite an historic event, being 40 years ago. That was my best assessment of why, I really don't understand why they booed. The only thing I could think of was that Labour are currently seen as being the system rather than being at the forefront of causes.
I think you nailed it there Nick "People see Labour as the System" . Maybe if we had the ability to rewind History to the point Labour abandoned it's Democratic Platform for Neoliberal Capitalist, Zionist & Corporate Dogma, we could derail that Train before it left the station! But its too late for that now. The Train has already left the station & it appears there's no Reversing on this Track were on..
We're just not the same People that we were back then 40 years ago. Times changed while we took our eyes off the good thing we had in the pursuit of somebody else's happiness based on Who ya know & what ya got that might make Me, Me, Me taller to help Me, Me, Me appear shinier & more popular In the new, real Surreal World we currently live in.
The Labour Party is currently irrelevant & will stay that way until either Chippy, a fine, generally honest man as political leaders go, or a principled, true, humanity friendly oriented, socially democratic leader comes into the spotlight & resets the Grand Etch A Sketch back to Kinder & more mutually considerate & empathic times.
Times way back when we were all in the same Leaky Boat, but those folks back then had a Bailing Bucket held together with #8 wire, Gaffa Tape & a few old bent nails to fix it up, so everybody got back to shore & nobody got left behind as Shark Bait. "She'll be Right" actually meant "Don't worry, be happy, it's OK!" And, we made that real for everybody together, once upon a time.
The Chum in the current, swirling water of our new Shark Tank of a Parliament is Labour. The spoils of war go to the Victors, Lock, Stock & Barrel that's the rules!
The Circling Sharks will have their Fill, but will never be satisfied till they gnaw off their own fins & tails & sink to the bottom to become Chum themselves, just like Labour has just done in abandoning their Principles, sadly.
Such is life in today's Fast Lane & a Law of nature for Survival in their world, not mine, or yours, I suspect...
Actually I don't agree with you, Lone Wolf. When I look at what Labour achieved over its last term there are a lot of impressive things done. Sure not as much as is possible but reducing many children in poverty has got to be something! To me the Labour party is as good as it ever was - even better in my opinion. I personally feel grateful to be alive as an older person thanks to Jacinda and the Labour government's policies. So no I don't agree.
Labour we're for the most part unhelpful for me. I felt flat & frustrated the greater amount of time I listened I tuned out and it became background noise. One Ear material at best. What a long, Strange 6 years its been tho!!! Just for the fact that they pulled us all through these incredibly unfathomable times is enough for a Bronze Statue mounted outside of each Rookie National & ACT MP's Flat of the smiling & waving Labour whole team, including Ashley B !
Glad the series didn't last longer, but it was weird while it lasted!
Yes to the Can's for Kid's & the Milk in Schools, Fizzy's out was great The sad part Nick is that the chain saws are already tuned up, sharpened & ready to play Musical Regulations Chopping Open Season. What a lot of work for nothin just as good as down the drain. Hey, It was nobody's fault but the arrogance of the Cabinet & having to fight every step of the way through the Piranha Pool of Parliament with the other bunch of 9 year olds there... Ah, I don't know Nick, It's deep thought time for the party Faithful to reaffirm their Platform, or plan on becomin a Minority Party for life, well it least mine.!
I guess I hoped for more, sooner & that they wouldn't get bogged down by BS things & important Cultural Stuff, but I thought the gov't blew it & left the police there to keep the heat on the Occupiers. Some Justice was served & fair apologies made which is right & what you do as honorable People.
Thank you again Nick, that needs to be said, loudly and clearly. The state of Israel is creating a major problem with their approach to dealing with Hamas terrorism, but as you say this approach will likely create more, not less, terrorism, so is completely counter-productive. Criticising the state of Israel should never be conflated with criticising Jews, many of whom inside and outside of Israel are equally concerned about and protest about the actions of Israel (and one could add, have been for some time, with the Israeli state's breaches of international law in Gaza).
Worth taking five minutes to listen to this clip from Roger Waters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPjLhpZBteI
Oh this needs to be shouted from the rooftops!
Thank you Nick.
Well said once again Nick - I was impressed by Obama's recent comments which stressed the complexity of the situation - its not about denying someone's perspective but acknowledging that there are other equally valid views and together these all make up the complicated 'truth' of the Middle East. The Hamas leaders appear to have made a very calculated cold blooded decision to use their own people as cannon fodder and yet it still requires another to fire that cannon. From an objective view its hard to see how the oppressed becomes the oppressor and yet none of this is 'objective' - my parents or grandparents were not killed by Nazis for simply being who they were and my brothers and sisters have not been killed or imprisoned by the Israeli government for being who they are. If we ask for peace, we need to show peace - and as hard as it is we need to listen and acknowledge rather than argue on a binary us or them basis or point score on words while children die
A powerful ,peaceful message Nick. Kia kaha.
Thank you for writing this.
You know I almost included your wonderful anecdote about teaching from last night, as a contrast to what children there are going through. But I figured that might be taking the piss mentioning you again so soon 😉
That would have been just fine! 😊
Your comments are a ratiinal, humanist breath of fresh air. Thank you for your research and clarity of debate.
From the River to the Sea should be an international catch phrase. I agree with everything you have said, recently found through DNA testing that I am partly Jewish, I have some amazing friends who are Jewish and I have some amazing friends who are Muslim. A Rabbi, Priest and Imam walked into a coffee shop, no joke they enjoyed each others company.
Neither Israel, Russia, Hamas or any aggressor using powerful weapons to acquire any "goal" they explain is their motive, are justified. The world needs fewer power mad idiots, and it grows from overpopulation and religion. Overpopulation is easy to reverse -- medically, by personal choice. Religions are the worst disease.
Probably true. But for my generation and my kids and generations since it was historic. There are wars everywhere. I am conscious of my friends in the Ukraine and impact of them by the assault from Russia. Have a look at South Sudan and the displacement of families there. I see China has nuclear weaponed up. We could and probably should be protesting every day.
How do you go about removing the Stain on our collective Humanity in forgiving, trying to forget & moving on to a peaceful, non violent world where people work for & with each other in a common goal of Peace & Prosperity of the non Monetary, more humanly spiritual variety, but of goodwill & respectful relationships that serve to bridge differences of Culture & Creed? Is it possible?
Well it has been possible in Ireland, in South Africa, and in many European countries were Jews were persecuted. But yes the more violence there is the harder it is to imagine.
Chris Hedges piece on Substack this morning speaks of the plight & flight of the children in Gaza, I haven't bothered drying my tears! My gaskets are shot, they run non stop!
The NY Times speaks of Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian in the American Congress & the House's Move to Censure her for the expression she used "From the River to the Sea", in alignment with the Hope of the Children in Gaza & even Israel I sincerely hope.
Our Children are our most wonderful Treasure! Why are we killing them? What has gone wrong with us?
I suppose that David Seymour's ACT Party depends a lot on large Donors to get a paid voice in our remodeled Democratic System of Neuvo-Capitalism for some, while others starve in our land of plenty. David will have a useful future abetting his Donors & serving somebody else's monied & Fundamentalist Interests.
A useful Idiot is always handy as long as they stick to the Script they're paid to deliver! I wonder if David can watch the unpacking of the 2018 Terrorist Attack in Christchurch & see the faces of those that survived that day wanting answers to WHY, without altering his Smirk?
I'll never see David Seymour again as any type of Leader after his obviously Constituently paid tirade on Zoë!
This new Government is doomed from the start & We the People should proceed no further with this Charade! Nah, that's it! These folks are yesterday's Dry, Burnt Toast! The Party's over, send the Clowns Home...
I believe it is. There are so many things that can make us angry, and hitting back is something all humans seem to learn from an early age - it's a childish reaction though. Adults have the ability to pause, use heart and brain, and move and act according to their ideals. We all need to remember this. It's not easy, but it is simple. Kia kaha....with aroha!
Chloe is marvellous!
Thank you, Nick. Good words.
I would hate for parliment to lose any of the members of the Green party or Te Pati Māori for being at the rallies. They all attend many rallies/marches for many causes and communities. Yesterday Greens MPs were out with striking ECE teachers.
I see politicians like Seymour attacking Chlöe for this, and others in the past, as a way to dictate where they should be and what they should say, its all about control.
I want politicians to be involved and passionate, just like we all are. These actions are one of the ways I feel younger voters become more engaged with politics. It humanises politics. You want to take politics out of Wellington...this is that.
Seymour has been breathing down the Green's necks lately. I cannot get over him saying that James Shaw was making threats when he was concerned about what would very likely happen if there was a referendum on Te Tiriti. An epic display in verbal contortion.
One News had a story the other night, in what i thought was a nice report, buried in the garbage coverage we've seen. The report was about graffiti put on the fence of the building incorrectly marked as the Israeli consulate on google maps. They reported that people had come togther to clean it, Jews, Muslims, and Palestinians. One of whom was a wonderful lecturer I had in University, hi Rand 👋
I've personally visited the neighboring synagogue, Beth Shalom, for an anthropology assignment. I remember the Rabbi was helpful when I asked to observe a service.
Here’s a video I watched this morning. I don’t know, but somehow it made me feel sad, but hopeful.
https://youtu.be/gIX368TtOJs?si=B8DufrnsPyGFcKxn
Seeing solidarity between Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian communities, while still acknowledging the (very real) fear of escalating bigotry they face, seems preferable to the zionist narratives some figures are pushing through the media.
It shouldn't be this hard to call out what is happening in Palestine. I had hoped that we'd be better than the US/UK with how they've treated politicians who've called for peace, but I don't know anymore. Our media and politicians have been lacklustre, to put it kindly.
Take care and thank you for sharing your words.
Thanks for your reply. Yes I saw the item with the graffiti being cleaned off, that was good to see although I still felt uneasy seeing Seymour having a go for the cameras. Perhaps that is too cynical.
I do agree with you about Seymour's attacks, that is exactly what they are about controlling what gets discussed. He'd make a great case study for someone.
Thanks for sharing the video, it was a good watch.
Stop the killing - yes I agree