CV replies to Whaleoil
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- Date published:
9:33 am, August 18th, 2012 - 143 comments
Categories: blogs, making shit up -
Tags: accusations, whaleoil
Whaleoil misunderstands Colonial Fleet Uniform Code of Justice
By Colonial Viper
On August 17, the impartial political journalist extraordinaire Whaleoil wildly accused me of venting “death threats” against the Pagani family The Standard and Death Threats | Whale Oil Beef Hooked | A blog by Cameron Slater . Let me reassure readers (and the Paganis) that not only is Whaleoil dreaming somewhere ‘way out there’, but that he also completely misunderstands the fiction part of ‘science fiction drama’ and the (Battlestar Galactica) Colonial Fleet Uniform Code of Justice.
In short, Zarak and Gaeta, being an elected politician and commissioned officer in the Colonial Fleet respectively, both charged with High Treason, would have had the privilege and due process of a full Colonial Fleet Courts Martial at the end of the final season episode “Blood on the Scales”. Unfortunately due to time constraints, the SyFy episode could not show such intricate (and ultimately boring) legal detail and skipped to the overly dramatic firing squad. Let me assure you that no actors were actually harmed in the filming of that scene.
The bottom line being, if the Paganis had performed a bloody coup to overthrow the legitimate Colonial Government in the SyFy universe, while co-opting local military forces (as Zarak and Gaeta had, at gun point) then they might be in a spot of bother today, in some faraway fictional universe. Anything else is up to Whale’s fevered, and vastly overstretched, imagination.
COLONIAL VIPER
Just in case anyone is in danger of taking Whale seriously, we’ll add these reviews of his blog from the “mainstream media”.
The local blogosphere is loud and volatile, the new frontline of political debate. But even in this fierce arena, Slater is infamous for dragging the discourse to new lows, with vicious, juvenile, sometimes misogynistic attacks.
Like American gossip juggernaut Perez Hilton, Slater routinely uses Photoshop to vilify his targets: grafting Helen Clark’s head onto the body of a crotchless starlet, or riddling her with digital bulletholes. On seeing an article titled “The World’s Ugliest Dogs”, Slater “couldn’t resist” reposting the story, appended with pictures of female Labour MPs. He has published bizarre sexual allegations against a female Labour official and challenged strangers to fights, including the sons of Folole Muliaga.
“Whale Oil Beef Hooked is by an Auckland Right Winger called Cameron Slater and it really is an almost hysterical abusive right wing blog to the point where a lot of the comments are starting to cross the line now. Farrar gets a lot of those too… it is really getting out of control.”
“you get the feeling that if the blogosphere was an ecosystem, the far-Right bloggers would be bottom feeders.”
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- Release: $1.7b for no increase in access to medicineThe National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National should heed Tribunal warning and scrap coalition commitment with ACTThis afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: More accountability for preventable workplace deaths this Workers’ Memorial DayLabour is calling for more accountability for preventable workplace deaths because everybody who goes to work deserves to come home safely. ...2 weeks ago
- Gaza: Aotearoa Must Support Independent Investigation into Mass GravesTe Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Working together on consistent support for veterans this Anzac DayOur two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Penny drops – but what about Seymour and Peters?Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...2 weeks ago
- Another ‘Stolen Generation’ enabled by court ruling on Waitangi Tribunal summonsTonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Budget blunder shows Nicola Willis could cut recovery fundingIt appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...3 weeks ago
- Further environmental mismanagement on the cardsThe Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: RMA changes will be a disaster for environmentThe Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management systemLabour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise PalestineThe Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kindThe Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...3 weeks ago
- Three strikes has failed before and will fail againResurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...3 weeks ago
- New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolution
New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...4 hours ago - Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure SymposiumIntroduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...18 hours ago
- $571 million for Defence pay and projectsDefence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...23 hours ago
- Climate change – mitigating the risks and costsNew Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...23 hours ago
- Getting new job seekers on the pathway to workJobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...2 days ago
- Accelerating Social InvestmentA new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...2 days ago
- Getting Back on TrackCheck against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...2 days ago
- NZ – European Union ties more critical than everYour Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...3 days ago
- Therapeutic Products Act to be repealedThe Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...3 days ago
- Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District PlanThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...3 days ago
- Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violenceRape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...3 days ago
- Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs lessAssociate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...3 days ago
- Report provides insights into marine recoveryNew research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...3 days ago
- NZ to send political delegation to the PacificDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region. The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu. “New Zealand has deep and ...3 days ago
- Low gas production threatens energy securityThere has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...3 days ago
- Defence industry talent, commitment recognisedDefence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...4 days ago
- Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for IndustryWelcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...4 days ago
- Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data SummitIt is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...4 days ago
- Ceasefire agreement needed now: PetersNew Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...4 days ago
- Daily school attendance data now availableA new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...4 days ago
- Ambassador to United States appointedForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...4 days ago
- New permit proposed for recreational gold miningThe Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...4 days ago
- NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiationsMinister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...4 days ago
- New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to signNew Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...5 days ago
- Next stop NASA for New Zealand studentsSix tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...5 days ago
- $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crimeNew Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...5 days ago
- OECD reinforces need to control spendingThe OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...5 days ago
- Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for AucklandThe Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...6 days ago
- Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with GermanyForeign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...7 days ago
- Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of PlentyThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...1 week ago
- Speech to New Zealand China CouncilThank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...1 week ago
- Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi householdsThe Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...1 week ago
- Government recommits to equal payThe coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...1 week ago
- Transforming how our children learn to readStructured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...1 week ago
- NZ not backing down in Canada dairy disputeTrade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...1 week ago
- Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable childrenThe rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...1 week ago
- Streamlining Building Consent ChangesThe Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...1 week ago
- Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...1 week ago
- Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...1 week ago
- Accelerating airport security linesFrom today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...1 week ago
- Cold houses to blame for people needing to 'blast the heater' – Green Building Counc...
New Zealand's housing building standards are decades behind most other countries in the OECD, green building advocates say. ...3 hours ago - Austerity For Everyone Except Weapons Dealers
“Instead of following along countries that are investing in death and better ways of killing people faster, we need to invest in life and in making Aotearoa a fair, just and equitable place where everyone has what they need for a dignified life.” ...3 hours ago - The Secret Diary of .. Te Pāti Māori
MARIAMENO KAPA-KINGI, TPM MP FOR TAI TOKERAU This Government will not waver in its mission to exterminate Māori. CHRISTOPHER LUXON Oh well look you know I don’t think that hard-working Kiwis want to hear language like that. It’s just really unhelpful rhetoric. My Government is genuinely committed to advancing outcomes ...3 hours ago - When body positivity morphs into toxic masculinityThe body positivity movement started with women confronting the unrealistic expectations and unrepresentative portrayals of them in media and advertising. Men weren’t part of it … their bodies hadn’t been sexualised to the same extremes and they didn’t really need it. But now that’s changed. And in a warped sort ...3 hours ago
- ‘A curse and a blessing’: Ginette McDonald on how Lyn of Tawa changed her life
The New Zealand comedy legend takes us through her life in television, including the time she hugged Elton John and the unshakeable legacy of a girl named Lyn. In 1981, Ginette McDonald stood on the stage of Auckland’s St James Theatre and directly addressed Queen Elizabeth II. It was a ...4 hours ago - ‘Mothering looked beautiful but also chaotic and stifling’: On flatting with a newbornAn essay by Lily Duval from the just-released anthology Otherhood: Essays on being childless, childfree and child adjacent. I was 22 when my friend Alice gave birth in the living room of our pokey Addington flat. She laboured in the blow-up pool for hours. Garish fish swam along the inflated ...4 hours ago
- Motherhood: A reading journeyElla Borrie on the best books about motherhood she’s come across so far. Over the past few years I’ve been drawn to books about motherhood. I’m fascinated by the joys and horrors of becoming a parent. The question of children also feels more pressing than it used to. It’s like ...4 hours ago
- The Steve Awards 2024: Honouring the year’s worst Mother’s Day marketingOut of gift ideas for mum? You can’t go wrong with a bottle of toilet cleaner and a new squeegee. Emily Writes is the writer and editor of Emily Writes Weekly. This week marks five years since I published a post on The Spinoff about Mother’s Day marketing titled ‘A ...4 hours ago
- The Sunday Essay: A buzzy yearMy husband is posted overseas for 12 months and I’m armed with an expensive, newfangled vibrator. Will I miss him? The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. A few days after my husband leaves, a new sex toy arrives at the front door. Nestled ...4 hours ago
- Tracing four decades of Wellington street artJaimie Baird’s new book Here Today Gone Tomorrow is a record of four decades of graffiti and street art in Wellington, told through more than 1,200 photographs. He spoke with Joel MacManus about what inspired the book. How did you first get interested in photographing street art? I remember ...4 hours ago
- The Weekend: How the woke sausage is madeEditor Madeleine Chapman looks back at a busy week where food of all political leanings dominated. Sometimes you’re just going about your week thinking you’ve got a good handle on what might be coming as far as news topics and then someone (usually a politician) says something so ridiculous that ...4 hours ago
- Short story: Message me, by Lucy O’ConnorA banner notification alerts me to the fact that I’ve received an Instagram message from @felicity.loves. She always comments on my posts. I shouldn’t have opened the message, but clicked on the notification before rationalising this. OMG! Are you in Wellys? X I debate not replying, but Instagram will inform ...4 hours ago
- Callum Donaldson has his head in the gameIn Melbourne’s hardscrabble western suburbs where AFL – Aussie rules football – is a state religion, Callum Donaldson has been quietly grafting away, four months into an odyssey that he hopes will take him to another promised land: the NRL. It was a solid 2023 for the softly spoken 20-year-old ...4 hours ago
- The Boy in the Water: Police caught in ‘zone of uncertainty’ In a week of cold rain and frost, the climate in courtroom four upstairs at the Invercargill courthouse was simmering with restrained indignation. At times it felt like the famous Mexican standoff scene from Reservoir Dogs, or, as someone watching the proceedings described it, there was so much throwing of ...4 hours ago
- TVNZ Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver awarded ONZM for investigative journalism
Pacific Media Watch Television New Zealand Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to investigative journalism and Pacific communities in a ceremony at Government House, reports 1News. She has been the Pacific correspondent for 1News since 2002, breaking many ...8 hours ago - Budget to pledge billions more in funds and fresh effort to tackle intractable housing crisisSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Tuesday’s budget will respond to the deepening public agitation over Australia’s housing shortages by pouring new money into crisis accommodation for women and children, social housing and infrastructure. A specially-convened national cabinet late Friday ticked ...8 hours ago
- Pacific journalists are world’s ‘eyes and ears’ on climate crisis, says EU envoyBy Kaneta Naimatu in Suva Journalists in the Pacific region play an important role as the “eyes and ears on the ground” when it comes to reporting the climate crisis, says the European Union’s Pacific Ambassador Barbara Plinkert. Speaking at The University of the South Pacific (USP) on World Press ...11 hours ago
- Why the Defence Force has been calling for a Budget boostFailing accommodation, tarmac problems and a deteriorating naval base were all laid bare before a $571 million spend-up was unveiled today. ...11 hours ago
- Back in Black: Aldora’s year gets even betterAldora Itunu is back in the Black Ferns squad after a three-year absence. The last of her 24 internationals was an underwhelming loss to France (7-29) in Castres to conclude the disastrous 2021 Northern Tour. The powerhouse prop won a Rugby World Cup in 2017 and thought she was done. ...12 hours ago
- ‘Who’s actually governing this city?’The fight to control major transport policy and projects in Auckland has burst into the open again, with councillors rejecting Mayor Wayne Brown’s latest attempt to steer things more under his influence. Councillors from the left and right broke ranks on the mayor’s bid to control Auckland Transport more directly ...12 hours ago
- The return of .. Raw PoliticsExhausted by the general election campaign, horrified by the twilight zone of coalition negotiations, distracted by the silly season and waiting for the honeymoon to begin, Raw Politics has been in hibernation since October. From today, we’re back. Our weekly political video show and podcast returns for ...12 hours ago
- New Caledonia marks Armistice Day with new NZ war memorialBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Authorities in the small town of Boulouparis have commemorated Armistice Day on May 8 with a new memorial honouring New Zealand soldiers who were stationed in New Caledonia during World War II. The ceremony took place in the township on the ...12 hours ago
- High Court dismisses key challenge to indefinite immigration detention. What does it mean?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Dehm, Senior lecturer, international migration and refugee law, University of Technology Sydney The High Court unanimously ruled today that the Australian government can keep asylum seekers in immigration detention indefinitely in cases where they do not “voluntarily” cooperate with their own ...15 hours ago
- A brief history of found footage video art – and where Macklemore’s Hind’s Hall fits inSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Munro, Lecturer, Creative Industries and Digital Media, University of South Australia Twenty-four hours after the release of Macklemore’s pro-Palestine protest song Hind’s Hall on social media on May 7, the video had already notched up over 24 million views. In ...15 hours ago
- Transmission Gully could need new bulider – Infrastructure Commission reviewFailing to anticipate the complexity of the consenting system is being cited as the the current builder's shortcomings, an Infrastructure Commission review says. ...15 hours ago
- Proposed repeal of Oranga Tamariki Act section 7AA breaches Treaty of Waitangi – TribunalThe government is planning to repeal Treaty obligations from the Oranga Tamariki Act. ...15 hours ago
- Committee Silences Majority Of Submitters On Fast-track Bill350 Aotearoa is calling the Environment Select Committee’s decision to allow oral submissions from just 40% of individual, unique submitters who asked to speak to the committee ‘a disgraceful blight to democracy’. ...15 hours ago
- Sky-high vanity: constructing the world’s tallest buildings creates high emissionsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Helal, Assistant Dean (Sustainability), The University of Melbourne Dubai skyline AleksandarPasaric/Pexels Since ancient times, people have built structures that reach for the skies – from the steep spires of medieval towers to the grand domes of ancient cathedrals and mosques. Today ...16 hours ago
- How can we measure the size of Australia’s illegal cannabis market – and the billions in taxes t...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jenny Williams, Professor of Economics, The University of Melbourne Canna Obscura/Shutterstock At the end of this month, a senate inquiry by the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee is due to hand down its report on a bill to legalise cannabis. ...16 hours ago
- Wearable devices can now harvest our brain data. Australia needs urgent privacy reformsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Musole, PhD Law Student, University of New England Girts Ragelis/Shutterstock Recent trends show Australians are increasingly buying wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. These electronics track our body movements or vital signs to provide data throughout the day, with ...17 hours ago
- Labour Up, Greens Down But Centre-Right Remains AheadThis is the first time since February that voters have had a net positive view of the country direction. ...18 hours ago
- RNZAF Hercules, NZDF Personnel Arrive In Papua New Guinea To Help Distribute Relief SuppliesPapua New Guinea experienced a significant earthquake on 24 March in East Sepik and there has also been recent flooding there and in surrounding provinces. ...18 hours ago
- Sleep wrinkles are real. Here’s how they leave their markSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yousuf Mohammed, Dermatology researcher, The University of Queensland Maridav/Shutterstock You wake up, stagger to the bathroom and gaze into the mirror. No, you’re not imagining it. You’ve developed face wrinkles overnight. They’re sleep wrinkles. Sleep wrinkles are temporary. But as your ...19 hours ago
- Week in Politics: Triumph and disaster, but no austerityAnalysis - A big announcement about Auckland's water woes was overshadowed by a chaotic press conference about prisons, Peter Wilson writes. ...19 hours ago
- Community Groups Furious That Government Silencing Hundreds In Fast-Track HearingsThe Environment Select Committee has just announced that 60 percent of individuals who asked to speak at the hearings will not be heard. This equates to almost 700 people who made individual submissions and more than 1000 more who made a form submission. ...19 hours ago
- Review: Swan Lake is a reminder of how much work it takes to look effortlessThe Royal New Zealand Ballet is performing Swan Lake around the country. What kind of dream does the ballet sell? Before going to see the Royal New Zealand Ballet perform Swan Lake, I had about as much familiarity with the plot of this ballet as could be expected from having ...19 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘High Tide at Local Maxima’ by Eamonn TeeA new poem by Auckland poet Eamonn Tee. High Tide at Local Maxima It is only going to get worse. The streams will be narrow and fickle. The week will bend and buckle like a pot-bellied waist. You will make it to the weekend with one ...19 hours ago
- The plastic-heavy drinks industry is in for a shake-upThe New Zealand entrepreneur behind beauty business Ethique is gearing up to launch a new eco-venture. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Our thirst for a tasty bevvy is insatiable, but it comes with a hefty plastic price for the planet: 580 billion ...19 hours ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending May 10The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 James by Percival Everett (Mantle, $38) A retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from ...19 hours ago
- Puna calls for Pacific ‘journalistic vigilance’ in face of climate crisisBy Kamna Kumar in Suva Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Henry Puna stressed the importance of media freedom and its link to the climate and environmental crisis at the 2024 World Press Freedom Day event organised by the University of the South Pacific’s journalism programme. Under the theme “A Planet for ...20 hours ago
- Downsizing Of ERO Inconsistent With Govt Priority Of Lifting Student AchievementThe PSA is concerned that Government spending cuts have forced ERO to downsize at a time when student achievement is a significant challenge. ...20 hours ago
- Education Review Office set to cut 13 jobs, union saysThe Education Review Office is set to cut 13 jobs, the Public Service Association says. ...20 hours ago
- Judith Collins announces $571 million Defence spend-upAn extra half a billion dollars is going to Defence in this year's Budget for pay and equipment upgrades, the Defence Minister has announced. ...21 hours ago
- This new TVNZ anthology is Motherhood as you’ve never seen it beforeTara Ward previews a new local TV series offering alternative visions of motherhood. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. A woman is clambering up the side of her two-story house, clinging desperately to a drainpipe. Nearby, her child is perched on the ...21 hours ago
- LGNZ Supportive Of Cross-party Approach To Climate AdaptationLocal Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is supportive of the cross-party approach to climate adaptation announced by the Minister of Climate Change today. ...21 hours ago
- SBC And CLC Welcome Bipartisan Climate Adaptation InquiryThe Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) welcome today’s announcement from Government around a bipartisan inquiry into an enduring climate adaptation framework for New Zealand. ...22 hours ago
- Another Victory For Free Speech: DIA Abandons Proposals For Online CensorshipThe Free Speech Union welcomes the decision by the Department of Internal Affairs, and Minister Brooke Van Velden, to abandon proposals to further regulate online speech. ...22 hours ago
- Confused or playing for time? 3 possible reasons NZ is taking so long to make a call on AUKUSSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert G. Patman, Professor of International Relations, University of Otago Getty Images New Zealand governments have been actively exploring the option of joining pillar two of AUKUS for over a year now. But according to foreign minister Winston Peters, the government ...22 hours ago
- Archives NZ says it has enough space – for nowIts new building in Wellington will not be nearly big enough for all its records, and it has also run out of money to build its new storage facility in Levin. ...22 hours ago
- Consensus WelcomedBusinessNZ is congratulating the Minister of Climate Change for his work in achieving cross-party consensus for a way forward on climate adaptation. ...22 hours ago
- How many lives is that tax cut worth?Recent research reveals the repeal of smokefree measures is not only bad for our health, but also the economy. The Government has repealed various smokefree measures to ensure it keeps collecting $1.2 billion a year in tobacco taxes, in order to pay for tax cuts already being delivered to ...23 hours ago
- How the Phoenix went from wooden spoon favourites to title contendersThe club’s surprisingly good season is built on the desire to prove a random A-League YouTuber wrong… and a few other factors. “There’s no way that Wellington Phoenix play finals this year. I can’t see it happening at all.” Those are the words of Lachlan Raeside, an Australian football content ...23 hours ago
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There is no question that Whale Oil is generally pretty repulsive. However, what I have seen emanating from The Standard of late is nearly as bad, and pretty disgusting actually
Care to provide links to those ‘repulsive’ and/or ‘pretty digusting’ posts? Hm? Or even just re-type the ‘headers’ of these ‘repulsive’ and ‘pretty disgusting’ posts?
The comment that has whaleoil’s knickers in a twist:
http://thestandard.org.nz/two-little-paggis-squeal-and-squeak/comment-page-1/#comment-509239
The way I read the comment was that it’s time for the left to clean house and stop sabotaging itself. Ahh well this is the reality of life in opposition…
What about commenters abusing army personnel and families of serving personnel currently serving in Afghanistan who had the “temerity” to make some comments on The Standard a few days ago. They made the mistake of saying they were happy for JK to go to the US. That was it. Numerous TS commenters (one in particular was leading the charge) just ripped into them. Abuse flying backwards and forwards including threats of physical violence. No moderators to be seen. It was (almost) unbelievable. What is repulsive about whale except that he asks questions that some people dont like answering and exposing issues that some people dont want exposed and being a right winger?
Link please. Because I prefer not to rely on your Right Addled Memory.
Link for what -the punch up on the standard or whale expressing opinions that some people dont want expressed?
Both are fine.
Maybe later. Some work to do outside first. If you are really interested, the fight was a few days ago, Wednesday maybe.
I agree, put a up a link please.
Think he’s referring to this.
http://thestandard.org.nz/interesting-week/comment-page-1/#comment-506068
don’t forget these threats by some keyboard warrior called ‘DJ’
Well, that bad12 wanker certainly deserved it.
Some of the comments he made, I some how doubt he would say in person.
Make comments in person to an anonymous trade me forum commenter?
How does that work?
If he was standing in front of a NZ solider, I seriously doubt he would repeat what he wrote on here.
Indeed. But then there would be more to go on than some internet warrior’s claim to be XYZ. Uniforms, etc.
Just shows you how one sided and loopy you lot are! At no stage did I make reference to or directly imply “firing squad” death threats.
All I challenge you wankers on here to do, is be at the airport or naval base when these heroes of ours come home and make the same comments you make on here to their faces.
Nothing to do with them. The are military service personnel following orders under very difficult conditions. It’s Keys face that things need to be said to.
BTW how do you honour NZDF personnel by keeping them in a deadly fight where there is no known, achievable military goal.
I’ve discussed my views on Afghanistan and Iraq with a number of army people, including an SAS soldier. At the airport when they return would not be the appropriate place to do it. I wouldn’t bother discussing my views with you, DJ, because you’re just a keyboard warrior.
Since you’ve linked to that thread, BM, I will repeat the question that you avoided answering:
This was my comment …
Instead of more playground abuse, let’s address the core issue.
Do you think NZ troops should leave Afghanistan? If so, why? If not, why not?
(My answer is “Yes – because they are dying for nothing.” Yours?)
Going by what I read here, I think their presence in Afghanistan is well worth it and I think they’re doing a great job.
http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/operations/overseas-deployments/afghanistan/nz-prt/default.htm
http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/operations/overseas-deployments/afghanistan/nz-prt/projects.htm
I certainly don’t think the soldiers and their families deserve the abuse and insults thrown at them by certain sectors of the left.
Afghanistan is a worthless graveyard for our boys
The number of attacks on Western troops by Afghan “allies” is markedly up.
A Taliban commander now says that Afghan police and army have been thoroughly infiltrated by men loyal to the Taliban; they kill the Westerners who train them and take western supplied weapons back to the Taliban.
Afghanistan is a dead end and there is no exit.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/taliban-chief-says-his-fighters-have-infiltrated-afghan-forces-and-are-killing-foreign-troops/2012/08/16/89e3cbbc-e7df-11e1-9739-eef99c5fb285_print.html
So a “Taliban commander” is now CV’s font of truth?
The Washington Post is, mate. Are you aware that at least 39 “Green on Blue” Western allied fatalities have occured in Afghanistan, in this way, since the start of the year.
Steve, like many others in this discussion – or the previous discussion linked to – you seem unwilling to address the central question –
Why are NZ troops remaining in Afghanistan?
Let’s make things easy for you. Let’s take it as read that a) you support NZ’s soldiers b) you don’t like Colonial Viper. OK?
Now … why are NZ troops remaining in Afghanistan?
So a “Taliban commander” is now CV’s font of truth?
Oh look, there’s TV One telling the same story, using an American television report. In fact, it’s been reported across the world’s media.
If you think they’re wrong Steve, please say so.
Yeah, what the fuck would Mullah Omar know about the Taliban?
Everyone knows he’s a one-eyed-bastard.
@BM
So you oppose their withdrawal next year?
If they are withdrawn (as planned), and what they have done is undone, what did the soldiers’ deaths achieve?
Occupational risk of being a solider, one most soldiers don’t have problem with.
And no I’m not opposed to the soldiers leaving, their time is up and they achieved some good stuff.
So why are they staying there now?
What is the military purpose (as opposed to PR/politics)?
one most soldiers don’t have problem with.
You’ve asked the dead ones?
Because the deployment finishes September 2014
You obviously have a few issues with these soldiers being in Afghanistan.
Because the deployment finishes September 2014
That doesn’t make any sense. Why not October 2014? Or 2013?
Repeat: What is the military reason? Have the Taliban said “It’s in our diary, we agree to lose in September 2014”?
Yes, of course I have issues with people being killed for no reason.
There aren’t any achievable military goals in Afghanistan. Not one. All you can do is try and hold the ground as long as you can, taking losses all the while.
Must there be a military purpose?
lol if there is no soldiering to be done, don’t send soldiers
name it.
anyway the point is that the national party cannot stand being criticised and when its low dealings are exposed then it resorts to name calling.
It thinks that telling the truth is disgusting.
Whale has come a public “gutser” a few times too many now. One trick pony territory.
Particularly on union matters, carrying the ball for the nasty types at the POAL, and totally losing the plot on the Meatworkers shed/national office structure division of finances, where he initially tried to make a case for financial impropriety by the union.
The most disturbing element of his www. efforts though for me are the encouragement of some sort of junior Stasi curtain twitching nark brigade (report vehicle IDs etc.) as was actively encouraged by the bloated tory turd during the altering of National party billboards episode.
Whale is the kind of guy that will be forever “hoist on his own….” you know the rest.
I’d wager that at least 50% of the threads in Whalespew would contain death threats or talk about shooting leftists. He’s a deeply misogynist and conflicted individual, who posts about gay rights then uses cocksmoker as an insult. In one thread where Cactus Kate had spied on sex tourists, he even went so far as to say that a rich bloke can get any woman he likes. There are continual attacks on left women because of their appearance and I dare say Facebook would ban it as a hate site. In Nactional circles, though, it’s seen as a font of wisdom and a platform for serious discussion.
+1 – what an enormously conflicted, contradicted, disgraced and discredited person he is.
Many TS readers (and authors) lower themselves by resorting to the same kind of vituperation.
Meanwhile, John Pagani, the man who finds David Farrar so “reasonable” is enjoying whispering sweet online nothings with Fran O’Sullivan and the rest of the right wing cheer squad.
http://www.facebook.com/fran.osullivan.50/posts/450224908351702?notif_t=share_reply
Judged by the company you keep maybe JP & JP (as Fran – I assume it is “Fran” for you John, although you appear so close that “Franny” can’t be ruled out- so sweetly calls you and wifey)?
“… They bleat it might cost them their jobs if they were exposed – tough. Time for new rules of the game…”
Who is the bully here again? A leading mainstream media journalist threatening to use her power to expose internet commentators with the intention of getting them fired from their jobs because she doesn’t like what they are saying, perhaps?
The TINA neo-liberals like O’Sullivan are clearly getting worried that the attacks on the political courtiers who surround Labour’s right wing leadership clique are gaining traction. They are running scared a major political could start offering an alternative program to their Randian agenda.
Looks like the online activism might be getting somewhere!
Oooh, and she repeats the “KKK” line. How very brave of O’Sullivan to post her real feelings under her real name, oh wait except that’s what she gets paid for.
It’s also especially adorable how a lot of the support she’s getting is from a pseudonymous Facebook profile of a blog where 60% of the named contributors are posting under pseudonyms.
Yeah and you are real adorable, Queen of Manhaters.
Still performing vain, lonely soliloquies over on your blog?
Too bad you aren’t Shearer’s speech writer eh?
I’m sure a theme of “liberating wymmin from the fucking sexist pigs patriarchy!” would really engage heaps of the 800 0000 switched off voters, the Left needs.
You should rethink the way you phrased that.
It seems that kiwi_prometheus’s manhood feels threatened by strong, independent women…
hahahahahahaha
I especially like how he attacks my “soliloquies” and then demonstrates he hasn’t read any of them, since … yeah, I’ve totally been arguing that Labour should become more like a radfem commune. #what
speaking of radfem, some of the comments on their blog make interesting reading, but you would know that eh?
… Nope, drawing a blank.
That’s it! I’ve decided to out myself because I’m so sick and tired of these hurtful accusation that my anonymity makes me like the KKK. I can’t stand it… The accusations have so much validity that they cut me to the bone and I’m willing to risk it all because I know our privacy laws are so well respected by the rightwing that everything will be OK!
I’m willing to risk my financial history being published online, my sexual history being speculated upon and the rightwing evangelists undertaking vindictive attacks on my personal and professional life. It must be a huge weight of people like Cameron Slater, David Farrar and Cathy Odgers’ shoulders to know they will not have to run the risk of outing the wrong person. /sarc
You had me going there Jackal!
I outed myself a while ago but I am in the fortunate position where my employment cannot be harmed and I believe I have nothing in my past that I care about getting publicised.
Most are not in that position. Having seen what Cameron does I recommend you hold onto your anonymity as a protective measure.
And lest we forget the obsessive nature of tories. Shitty comment, yes – but writing complaints to his employers?
I like my boss. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be fired, but I see no reason to expose a nice person to such a personality.
I use my name because cancer is unfortunately more of a worry to me than anything those vile scum could do. However, I understand completely why others choose to use pseudonyms, given the lengths that those blogging pond scum are prepared to go to.
Personally I think that people have been too rough and too personal on the Pagani’s here (if I had more time to spend on the blog I’d be driving harder moderation but I don’t).
However, I also think the fact that Fran calls for writers here to lose their jobs because they write their thoughts on a blog is disgraceful and I can only hope she doesn’t have access to the personal information people provide in order to comment on her herald columns as she shows a frightening disregard for freedom of dissent.
I don’t blog under a pseudonym because I fear for my sources of income or for my personal safety (although I would if I took the various threats that have been made against me seriously) but because I have a life that consists of a hell of a lot more than writing a post here every few weeks and I have no interest in becoming world famous in the NZ blogosphere or of becoming part of the beltway crowd.
If I was making some kind of personal gain then I’d feel obliged to write under my own name but I don’t. If I’m ever in a position where there is such a conflict I’ll have to think long and hard about whether I out myself or just stop writing. I’d also probably write under my IRL name if I was interested in having my amateur analysis picked up by the MSM (who, quite rightly, don’t generally report sources that have no verifiable provenance) but again, I don’t because I’m happy with the level of engagement I’ve currently got.
If anything writing here occasionally comes at the cost of doing other stuff I’d sometimes prefer to do particularly in terms of the obligation to engage in the comments that comes with authoring a post (although I can’t deny that’s it’s a privilege to have somewhere I can put my thoughts on politics up and discuss them with people I’d probably never meet in the real world).
Sorry to be so self-indulgent but it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while.
Good thoughts ta.
The Paganis are the embodiment, because they have chosen to be, of what is making a lot of people very angry. As such they are absolutely fair game.
What is making people angry is a ham-fisted attempt for whatever reason at some kind of game politics- we’ll take the centre and then we’ll take the government.
But as has been pointed out- the National party doesn’t go around saying they should increase taxes or bad mouth employers who are behaving badly or promise to significantly increase the minimum wage or improve collective bargaining. They airly pontificate about the underclass and do nothing. Not that the underclass is the result of anybody’s action.
I almost want to say to Jenny Michie and others who have posted here- start a group called Labour Members, and regularly release press releases like the one on drug testing and systematic unemployment. Skip an ineffective caucus and go direct. There has been no one calling bullshit, no one standing up for New Zealand the way we dreamed it could be.
It is typical that having gutted NZ news on 7 and on One to a degree, the Herald through O’Sullivan now wishes to have a left wing perspective reduced through sheer class power- write what you think and lose your job as it will be associated with where you work. (If this is a correct paraphrase) Along with countless protests where the police have just arrested people and had the charges later proved baseless this is more suppression.
We expect more from Labour.
We don’t expect the political spectrum to be drawn as:
beneficiary lovers: beneficiary bashers or education lovers:teacher union lovers. That is lazy and bullshit.
The Paganis are not the whole story, but they are the public face of the story. They have endorsed the strategy publicly, they are the ones who are Labour to the public, but have been joining National’s casual blame the bottom of society narrative and taking us with them.
There are many other ways to reach the centre and be more impressive than Paula Bennett, Gerry Brownlee et al. See for example Julie Anne Genter.
We expect Labour to be moral, to be inclusive, to be prudent and to be bloody intellectually rigorous.
If Labour had a front bench filled with people as impressive as Ms Genter then they would be ready for government. This is what their members demand of them.
History really doesn’t want to remember who lead the charge of the light brigade- it does remember effective Ministers of a cohesive, inspirational government. If you want to be in government as a more compassionate Paula Bennett, well, oh dear.
If you can’t do a BBQ- then perhaps the equivalent?
Also- leader gotta lead, not be lead. Key does, even though he’s quite hands off . If it’s going to be Shearer he needs to establish ground rules, get some good whips and get some discipline. And then show something of himself. We’ve waited. It’s been too long. Stop saying other people’s words, unless of course these are the ones you truly believe, in which case, yikes.
Concept’s certainly worth kicking around and developing a bit. Responses could be based on actual, released, Labour Party policy/position papers.
I guess this thread has been left behind in the 24 hour blog cycle.
But from all the waffle above:
When people who know I voted Labour ask me what Labour would be doing differently I can’t tell them that there would be no job losses and that unemployment would be great. There’s a recession. Labour would probably have been trying to be Keynesian, but tough choices would still have to be made.
I did tell them Labour wouldn’t be scapegoating unemployed and sick people with the unrelenting sickening intellectual dishonesty that Paula Bennett has.
who, quite rightly, don’t generally report sources that have no verifiable provenance
I agree with you on this when it comes to reporting facts – did something happen or not happen – but O’Sullivan then specifically targets Bryce Edwards for having the audacity to link to pseudonymous blogs in his political round-ups (disclaimer: I’ve been linked to by Edwards on several occasions and enjoy the bump in pageviews that results).
So apparently to O’Sullivan even the fact that we express opinions, and someone might say “hmm, this well-read blog which represents a broad chunk of the leftwing end of the spectrum has published some articles on this topic which might give some insight into how political actions are being received and interpreted” is a bad thing.
And when that’s coming from someone who happily works for a publication which “gives out the password” to the actually anonymous editorial column every day it’s fucking bizarre (but I see that Keeping Stock, in another testing of the irony meter, tries to “out” the multiple people it alleges are actually Eddie, so as to discredit the idea that a pseudonym can itself be a reliable identifier of a person’s contributions to a debate.)
Yeah, I think you’re right. Certainly with regard to Bryce’s work (which I think is bloody valuable) however things I’ve written here have been quoted in a “hard” news story at least once in the past and I’m not altogether comfortable with that from a journalism perspective. Ironically the most recent quote was in Fran’s paper.
As an aside, Fran’s been a bit upset with us since this debacle in 2008: http://thestandard.org.nz/fran-oshillivan-strikes-again/comment-page-1/#comment-35102
In retrospect my post back then was a bit rough on her but hey, we were all learning about this new social media stuff and its boundaries back then.
A comment of mine at Hoyden About Town once got quoted in Marie Claire magazine. I was so proud.
This new social media has boundaries? 😯
once i reflected on some of the things i had uttered online, i gotta big rush of the “black sabbath, eponymous first track starts with P, but you live and learn. I still like the ball of string and watchers analogy as helpful to people like moi with lots of thoughts and a Big Mouth. (or smoke b4 typing)
Is Fran O’Sullivan still boringly banging on about anonymous commentators?
Is she thick?
Does she not understand the reasons and principles around confidential voting in our elections? Nor the legitimate transfer of those reasons and principles to political commentary?
sheesh
But don’t you know it’s the person making the point or argument that matters and that any merits the point or argument might contain mean nought? What planet you on vto?
My answers to vto’s questions: Yes. Yes. No. No.
Perhaps Fran O’Sullivan would like explain why she would like to know who, for example, i am and the difference that makes?
If she is around and brave enough to reply …… which I suspect she is not.
+1 CV
Ok I will play, so CV what did you mean when you said:
“Time to put Zarak and Gaeta back in their place”
That our trusty old Battlestar creaking and groaning as it does i.e. the Labour Party, needs to be retaken by those who have served her for so long, and who really care about her.
You mean Slater is trying to blacken your name and divert attention away from the mess that Paula Bennett has created by making an outlandishly wrong interpretation of a symbolic statement that you made?
A diversion tactic by the Whale…? No it can’t possibly be! 😛
I’ve just read some misinformed and abusive comments from Fran O’Sullivan about CV and The Standard on her FB site, and I’d thought you’d like to know that she has garnered a strong following of 14 subscribers and 8 ‘likes’.
The below is an extract from FOS FB. I should not give it any air, but the use of the terminology is disgraceful!
Clearly there are some who are shitting it!
Ok, that makes sense
Got to say that is not how I originally took it, traitors and so forth but that makes a lot more sense
Now let’s do it!
+1 mate.
I fervently hope that Shearer will flick off the nasty advisers who think that the ends justify the means.
To achieve great things the Leader has to respect and serve those who are the heart of the Labour Party.
Locus, afraid to tell you that Shearer will not be changing his “strategic advisors”, for anything less than more of the same..
Questions for some..
1: Why was Shearer elected as leader
2: Why was Robsertson elected deputy
3: Why are the current strategists being used
Simple questions with simple answers, to which some simply can’t wrap their heads around!
Labour is finished, and its been a deliberate act. Those who hang onto it hoping the direction will change are deluded!
Only when people accept that the system we have is sick and rotten to the core, and that in order to effect change, they will have to get off their arse, can any hope be refered to or investigated!
You could add to that, why did Pagani attack Cunliffe during the leadership campaign. For someone on the party payroll to do this, in the way I see it, is appalling. Anyone, staffer or contractor, who publicly attacks a candidate for the leadership should have their role no more.
CV criticised the paganis with rhetoric online.
Slater is a convicted felon who actually attacks people in real life.
whale knows his blog is a repulsive fever swamp and likes to roll in the stench.
he’s like a psychopathic hobbit sitting in his basement all day ranting on the internet.
his commenters are 95% awful (and insubstantial), no wonder most of them were burned when they came here.
anyone suggesting people pay tax is immediately labelled a ‘communist’.
WO & folks from here criticizing each other for abuse hurled is laughable. Pot + Kettle = Black??
I would say as someone with no affiliation to Labour that if you folks really want to make a difference for your party is do the following:
1 Personal Abuse: Keep it out. Criticize Shearer & his supporters for their actions and policies all you wish but mocking their names appears a little similar to childish school yard bully tactics.
2 Argue policy & actions: Easy enough to pick out stuff from Shearer and his inept front bench.
Faux pas’ like the sickness bene painting the roof should be hammered by the Labour left – with fairness this has been on here but there are plenty of other examples.
3 Demand results: Shearer wanted the top job. He gets paid a good whack – probably 5-6 times more than the average Labour activist but has done nothing to show from it.He doesn’t have John Key on the ropes, his poll results are mediocre at best and his front bench are complacent and ineffective.
He articulates no vision, tolerates dissection and disputes amongst his team, and hasn’t inspired the Labour party to do a lot.
4 Contrast with Cunliffe: At every opportunity (meetings/conferences within Labour) push for support for Cunliffe. I am not a fan of his, I am definitely not of the left, but what I read of his 3 speeches I have some respect for his ability to articulate a vision for the party (even though not leader) and would be a lot more effective leader than the current one.
There a lot more things that could be said but I would have though that a change in leadership should take place before the party conference as the changes proposed will make it harder to depose Shearer afterwards.
I basically agree with that, Jimmie (albeit from a more left standpoint).
The reason people go for the general attack is that they can’t rebut the specifics. So, for example, Bill’s very moving post on here about life on a benefit – and the huge outpouring of support he got – is a very good example of what the Standard can be. Shearer and his cheerleaders have no answer, which is why they’ve avoided any comment or engagement at all. Instead, they try to find the worst abuse – and there’s always some.
Irony alert (hello Fran!) – this is exactly what the MSM do every day. Find the worst of insults on Twitter and Facebook and the internet, beat them up into a story (“Kiwis make death threats to Wayne Barnes / Paul Henry / Belorus / celeb of the moment”) and … pretend it’s journalism.
It really isn’t. Good journalism would be to address the issues raised in the non-abusive, substantial discussions, which are by far the majority. But good journalism would be too hard.
If I read your comment correctly it seems to not include pointing out the incompetent ideological stupidity that is the trademark of the current government, holding some (actually many) silly journos to account for some of the crap that they write, looking at the favour pandering industry in NZ like PR companies and political “consultants”, the companies trying to weasel laws in that are good for them, and generally looking at fools everywhere.
Who are you trying to fool by the way…. Idiot.
Duh – your attitude is half the problem Mr Prent.
1 Again unnecessary personal abuse – did I call you an idiot or a nut job? No so why do you resort to such stupidity?
2 Labour will never be successful with attacking National until their own house is in order.
If you wish to continue with the strategy of foaming at the mouth over everything the Nats are doing rather than sorting Labour’s own crap out well tough – enjoy a Nat PM for the next 10 years.
Think about it – when the All Blacks play tonight are they focused on the Aussie game plan or are they focused on their own game plan. Labour doesn’t have a game plan and all they can do is throw political beer bottles at the Nats from the sidelines.
That is why I actually support the idea of Cunliffe becoming leader as he appears to be able come up with a game plan that moves Labour on from the failure of the Goff reign and those who hark back to Clark’s leadership.
Another plus is that if Cunliffe becomes leader this would result in enmasse retirements from the old has beens and the chance for new blood to come into the Labour caucus.
Again I say don’t worry so much about the Nats – get the left game/policy plan into action and remember its not the Nats you are in contest with its the voters. Why wait until 6 weeks before an election? Get stuck in and get policy out there now that is relevant and will speak to the average voter. I mean surely Laobur has relevant policies don’t they?
1. I like plain speaking and clear opinions. In particular being able to goad people to see what they really feel by expressing very clear opinions tearing holes in their theories and what they said. I really don’t have the time or interest in the delays of politeness in politics, friendships, family, or work.
2. I agree that Labour has to get its house in order. But
A. Labour isn’t the whole of the left and
B. nor should they stop performing their job of opposition in testing the government while they’re getting their damn act together.
After all that is what they are paid to do. With this pack of self-obsessed short term idiots in government, that scrutiny is required more than ever, because they really know how to screw up through ideological stupidity. Generally the problems in Labour over the last four years are expressed because they’re unable to sustain their effective attacks because some idiot in the Labour caucus screws up and provides National with a valuable distraction. It has been quite noticeable over the last 4 years that the greens are not doing that. That points to the current Labour caucus being less interested in being effective than they are in screwing up.
And if you think that any sporting team doesn’t spend a hell of a lot of time looking at how their opposition plays in developing their own strategies and tactics then you are a bit simple. We were doing that in school sport decades ago.
Jimmie
Labour needs to sort itself out before it can criticize the government? Labour does need to pick up its game a bit to be a more effective opposition party. However this does not mean National should have free rein to do whatever they want without criticism. This is especially so when National is stuffing up all over the place and their incompetence is detrimental to the longterm financial viability of the country. It will likely be a Labour led government that has to fix National’s mistakes after all. By becoming a more cohesive and therefore efficient opposition party, they will in fact be reducing their future workload.
Foaming at the mouth? Do I detect a sewer troll in our midst? The best way to ensure a reduction of negative commentary about National is if John Key holds his ministers to that higher level of accountability he was talking about. Being a Prime Minister is all about putting your country first and keeping wayward ministers in line when their egos and inflated sense of entitlement threatens the parties political future.
Despite what the rightwing might thunk, the leftwing is made up by very reasonable people. Do the right thing and cop less flack… Ipso facto.
Labour is in competition with voters? Not really… Labour does need to work harder to ensure cooperation with the public, especially on significant issues. Unless Labour (or any political party for that matter) has constructive dialog with the public to garner support, holding National to account in parliament isn’t going to count for much. No amount of political advisors can make up for constructive dialog with the public. Even criticism should be listened to, because without that testing of ideas, beneficial policy that truly represents what the majority of New Zealander’s believe cannot be developed.
It’s a pity that Nact effectively operate in a vacuum of ideologically driven blindness. Their failure to conduct themselves democratically doesn’t seem to stop them blaming Labour for the current dysfunctional situation… Nearly four years after they gained power I might add.
I was reading through Kiwibogs general thread today, and it was hard going. I hate to admit it but Pete George actually seems reasonable in comparison to some of those commenting there. Despite the criticism the Standard has recently received, I wouldn’t like to see any changes to the moderation policy. Especially if that means similar rightwing sentiments and possible shill’s have free license to spout any old rubbish!
Sunday Star Tmes, RNZ, The Press – all completely impartial news organisations? Yeah right – pull the other one.
‘whale oil beef hooked’ is a punch line from a very old, stupid and unfunny joke. Kind of suits then.
I’m secure in knowing that The Standard will out last Whaleoil and the Key Government.
Yep. We hit 5 years a few days ago. I am trying to finish a post on it (and one on heavy traffic from overseas) but Lyn keeps me working on the house move…. Which is more important ?
ooohh, im still here.
Kāore colonial viper i whakaata te momo mau ake i te mana Māori tūturu, inarā, ko ia nei te tangata mārie, whakamōwai, hei aha māna te pākiwaha.
You are kind.
The new rules:
Anonymous personal abuse is totally out of order.
Unless you are senior Labour MPs talking to Duncan Garner. Then you can do what you want.
Heh …
Oh, you were not joking?
Just read the Whale post and comments. Wow what a puddle of vomit. And they accusse this place of being an echo-chamber? Every comment in agreement (bar one that had some doubts). I love all the numerous “There’s only one way to interpret CV’s comments” and “Somebody call the police!” Big OP even slips in a “Think of the children” kind of line.
I thought the trolls here were stoopid, but I guess this shows we should be thankful we get the calibre of troll that we do (sorry that doesn’t apply to you King Kong).
CV I can understand your desire to offer a defence against these moronic ‘death threat’ allegations, but otherwise Whale doesn’t even deserve to be acknowledged, let alone responded to.
Carry on kicking ass CV. Oh but please don’t really kick anyone on the ass, I mean that as a metaphor. Google METAPHOR if that helps. M-E-T-A-P-H-O-R. Actually I think you get it, but maybe some people don’t.
Cheers mike! I understand, no actual ass to be kicked! lol 😀
Keep it up Standard.
The right chose the sewers as their battlefield a long time ago. We should make no apologies about taking the fight to them.
Cameron Slater has a history of vileness, dating back to deriving some form of satisfaction when that woman died after her power was cut off – it was rather like he personlly pulled the plug himself, and got off on it.
Fighting fire with fire is the most effective form of fighting.
As for Francesca, she’s a nasty lady — probably has coffee with Monique Watson and runs everyone down.
Someone’d a say my name? How’s about that. Just when I was summarizing all those nasty death threats from the previous eight months:
http://nowoccupy.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-one-way-trip-to-gallows-for-these.html
Personally I believe it is all hate speech which can incite violence. Soft pedaling it doesn’t make the comments less offensive.
you can dish it out just like the rest of it darl. So dont get all precious with me.
I relish a shit-fight as much as the next commentator. That’s politics innit? Beehives full of people who won’t say what they think.
Good, then you have no right to complain about people being ‘nasty’ anymore.
BTW MW, I think you’re a poor man’s Cactus Kate 🙂
As if the theft of public assets, and forcing more and more New Zealanders into poverty for the material benefit of the top 1%, isn’t violence visted upon hundreds of thousands.
Yes, it’s nasty stuff, Monique. And I agree, too often the moderators on the Standard look the other way, especially on sexism.
But when you talk of the “left” or “far left” being guilty, I’d suggest you’re lumping a large majority in with a small minority.
Please by all means don’t leave everything up to the moderators. The community should enforce its own standards…
Monique are you really a chaotic good elf/angel hybrid with high rolls on intelligence and charisma like is says on your website? Or am I taking that too literally? (But so kewl if it’s true.)
If CV had made the same comment about the Harawira’s, Slater wouldn’t care one bit.
Funny how the right wing extremists get upset when the left suggest getting rid of the infiltrators that want to play hijack.
It’s great to get the chance to celebrate the legend that is CV, shame that turd Slater gets included in the debate, but that was no doubt his other aim; I think he gets even more intoxicated when he gets discussed here.
Ha! 😎
I’ve been away and get welcomed back with moderation! Was it “extremist” or “turd”?
Nah, there’s just some new, overeager, moderation software.
Five years of TS – how amazing and Congratulations! What a lot of things have changed in that time. 2007 – my mind harks back to Clark and Cullen as the leadership team (and it recently occured to me that Cullen managed to not only be Deputy, but also Fianance and Leader of the House – how come the current incumbents are struggling so much?)
Anyway, just wanted to say after watching TS for a long time before actually ‘speaking’ my observation is people are pretty respectful if you are constructive. I do find it curious that it’s called sexist – although I guess you’d say there aren’t that many posts in the gender space (any authors about to step forward?). But just like in life – there are good apples, and bad apples – and you can usually tell a mile off which are which. No one is forcing you to read them!
Finally, for all her lengthly explanations as to why she’s really a balanced type I found it (almost) amusing that Fran used techniques of association to damn David Cunliffe in her post today (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10827742) – and there was I thinking she liked to just say what she really thought, up front and crystal clear…
The funniest thing about both commentators on Whale Oil and the Standard is that both groups delude themselves that their respective political parties have the answers and can make the changes necessary to fix the real problems facing the country. It is even more disappointing from the Standard though as there do see to be some intelligent people on here. Not intelligent enough it would seem however to be able to work out a few key things.
Moving a coupe of degrees to the left or to the right every few years does not change very much in the big scheme of things and whilst we continue to do this the real problems facing Society and the world will remain no closer to being resolved.
Neither side of the political spectrum has the answers to key problems.
Poverty – No answer
Climate change – ETS = No answer and show not really interested in solving the problem.
People being made technologically redundant in the system but then having to find another job asap in order to survive- Well you don’t even hear about this as it is just simply lumped in with unemployment. – but again no answer.
Child abuse – No answer
You can have a fair system with Zero Tax – its called an RBE and if you or the political parties were really interested in fixing things they would be looking at the steps required to move to such a system.
We have a political system that is supposed to be a representative democracy. Yet political parties often actively go against the will of the people they are supposed to represent. As an earlier poster put it so succinctly we don’t have democracy, we have an elected dictatorship.
Less and less people are voting because more and more are feeling disenfranchised with the political system. They simply do not see it working for them anymore.
If you put the option ‘None of the above’ on ballot papers there’s a good chance it would win by a landslide.
Both sides are about redistribution of wealth. Taking from one group and giving to their preferred side. That is the cold hard reality of the left vs right paradigm and also why we will be in the same or worse position in 20 or even 50 years time so long as you fail to take a massive step back so that you can see the system for what it really is.
All of the problems above and more are solvable unfortunately there is just not the political will to do so. Why should there be when the ONLY focus is doing what you need to do to get your party into power at the next election. Thats it. No long term vision. No steps that show how to logically get there.
It needs to change. It has to change if we are to progress
When will you wake up to the fact that it is the system that is the problem. Not the other side.
@ PP
I fairly well agree with your observations, which are well said.
In response to your conclusion however:
“When will you wake up to the fact that it is the system that is the problem. Not the other side”
When I am convinced it is the system at fault and not a corruption of it.
The system has been designed by those who corrupt it.
DTB
The system is a thing that has developed over time, the originators of it are long gone. Therefore it is somewhat incorrect to say the system has been designed by those who corrupt it. However I am certainly prepared to agree that the increasingly dysfunctional system we have now has certainly been corrupted by those who stand to win the most out of corrupting it. And that those people best placed to improve the situation are those that are reaping rewards for not doing so.
The system was designed by those who directly benefited from it, i.e, it started off corrupted.
Again, Seddon (for all his faults) did a lot to right it all, introducing concepts that the Savage Government would later develop more fully.
When you look back at the history of the (privately owned) New Zealand Company etc, you can’t be surprised there was plenty of corruption and self interest even at the start. Selling parcels of NZ land to working class English folk wanting to start a new life on this side of the world…but not telling them that the land was yet to be “cleared” of Maori tribes was just one example.
The modus operandi of the East India Company seems to have tainted everything.
The modus operandi of the East India Company is the basis for capitalism. Even today in the free-market era we can see the same mindset in action through all the patent lawsuits that are being fired back and forth between companies – often with the patents being totally bloody stupid and which should never have been issued.
when will you wake up to the fact that the “system” and the “people” who operate it are not separable.
Because the system by its very design enables the corruption. There are people within it that are not corrupt. I do agree with you whole heartedly CV but believe that in order to get people to understand it is better to point out how the system has been set up to enable corruption in so many areas. On seeing this people will effectively by default see the corrupt people in action and come to your conclusion on there own which I also see as a very important part of the equation.
Every system is subordinate to the wishes of the people who run it. Unless you wish to change human nature, I’m not sure how you propose to create a system foolproof from people wanting to use it for personal advantage.
True but any system can also be stopped from being used for personal advantage if the entire populace has a say in the running of that system rather than just some elites. The latter is what we have now, the former is what we’re after.
I took a brief walk through town from A to B last night, sometime a little after 10.00pm. Having to sidestep puddles of vomit on the footpath enroute. In other words, there is a bit of work to be done to bring the “entire populace” up to speed first.
I didn’t say it would be easy 😛
hmm..interesting conversation.
I understand PP as saying that a system can be more open to corruption, as compared to a different type of system, which is well worth acknowledging. Agree
I understand DTB’s point as a good one; the more people involved in a system the less open it is to corruption. Agree
& CV, your point is something I observe a lot and is a reason I don’t condemn representative democracy as a complete washout: from observation, there is a HUGE diversity in people and their interests, and some people are completely disinterested in politics…entirely.
…Hence we elect those that are interested in politics to focus on these issues (…I’m not confident they are though 🙁 )
Trouble with this subject-matter is that for each change proposed, a series of changes ensue i.e. people may well become more interested in the organization of the system they live in, if they were more involved…
There is such a vast room for improvement in what we currently have, I continue to be bewildered at the pitiful choices our politicians provide us with.
All sound points. I reckon the democratisation of our work places and businesses would do a lot for peoples involvement in and understanding of, national political-economics.
@CV
Agree. Yes thats an approach that seems doable and could be quickly empowering for people.
(Which is why I liked that article you provided on “Open Mike” so much:
http://rdwolff.com/content/richard-d-wolff-can-we-remake-our-workplaces-be-more-democratic )
/agreed
Once people have some input into the control of a major part of their lives which they’re presently divorced from they’re more likely to start to question and engage other aspects of society.
And you need to be aware that in NZ the main political spectrum stretches all the way from Right of Centre to Mid Right. Not exactly much to choose from.
CV this post is itself very amusing….
“in NZ the main political spectrum stretches all the way from Right of Centre to Mid Right.”
The masses on Whale Oil believe the opposite to be true. They believe that the political system stretches from Mid left to left of Centre. Well at least the intelligent ones on there do. There are those on their that would say that with the exception of Act that the remainder of the political parties span Left of Centre all the way to Communism. Then their is one ‘intelligent’ individual who believes everyone is a communist – but then noone really listtens to him and see him for the idiot he truly is.
And what really needs to happen is that the wealth is returned to the community and that the people then have and equal say in how it is used.
Most of the politicians still believe in the hierarchical model of society rather than that of a democratic/flat society.
@ DTB
+1 thoroughly agree!
+1
Cameron Slater. Worthless worm, and that’s an insult to worms which at least have a useful role in the biosphere. Son of John Slater, repulsive old school National Party apparatchik in Auckland who must have some sad moments contemplating the deplorable fruit of his loins. Too bad John was unseated as National’s president 414-175 by the utterly dreadful Boagthing back in 2001.
For insights into the life of the Slaters see Cameron’s hagiography of his dad –
http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2012/02/whales-budgeting-tips-for-the-poor-ctd-2/
But why waste even a second thinking about these people, surely a waste of grey matter.
Actually I see many similarities between Cameron Slaters Whale Oil and The Standard. The main one being that both point out what they see as hypocrisy and failings of the other side. Then Whale Oil has guns and hunting thrown in because, well thats what Cameron Slater is into. He calls things as he sees it. Doesn’t mean he always gets it right. But like it or not Things are better with BOTH Whaleoil and The Standard for the very reasons mentioned above. Otherwise who else attempts to hold our political parties and politicians to some sort of, well anything really!?! …. The media, Us with our vote once every 3 years so that we can be fooled into thinking we still have democracy!?!
Lastly I suspect many on here will be very happy with his stance on Gay Marriage for which he has taken all sorts of crap from Narrow minded bigots on.
If nothing else you have a Guy who has suffered from depression, is on a sickness benefit but has decided to actually do something he sees as constructive with his time. Regardless of whether or not you agree with his opinions on politics, he should be applauded for that in my view.
The Standard are full of [deleted] who are too chickenshit to post under their own names. [deleted]
[Sorry anonymous commenter Mark, your attack on anonymous commenters needed trimming a bit. r0b]
We need better wingnuts 😀
Not many if any marks for you then “Mark”. Handles are fine with me if used consistently so a profile builds over time and people get to know where the commenter is coming from.
Nice post Viper.
But there is no difference between this site and WO’s as far as biased views, personal attacks, and half truths.
Balanced View
And of course you have a balanced view that would be the pride of any commenter. Your chosen pseudonym however indicates a bias.
Perhaps you could inform me of what the perceived bias is, and how my pseudonym relates to it?
TS writers generally use history, evidence, and human empathy to make their case.
WO relies on greed and resentment…
Cheers BV.
There is reference to wankers, turds, dumbarses and pricks etc etc by some people here. This is a place for intelligent thoughts if possible and the shit should be short. And we should be aiming it at the opinion not the person. I know that I find editing an essential. Other people can be so annoying when you know you’re right! And TS can’t be blamed for every tasteless comment.
+1 P
thats the way they do it.
start piling on the crap so that everything descends intyo a vile mess and any discussion is negated.
thats whaleoils style.
just shit on everything.