Open mike 12/01/2014

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, January 12th, 2014 - 44 comments
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openmike

Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step right up to the mike …

 

44 comments on “Open mike 12/01/2014 ”

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  2. Ad 2
    12 January 2014 at 7:13 am

    A reminder of the debate we have been missing for the last three months from Rod Oram last year.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/9107225/Rod-Oram-Time-for-economic-leadership

    If this debate about economic progress is not successfully launched, National will likely win the 2014 election on the back of a temporary sugar-rush from insurance money and good grass-growing weather.

    I hear Cunliffe is readying his speech to counter Key’s upcoming 2014 scene-setter, by the weekend of 2 Feb at least. Better be the start of something good, not just another unsupported set-peice wonder like last time.

    • David H 2.1
      12 January 2014 at 9:43 am

      Well they have got to get rid of the dead wood first and foremost. You can’t win any contest no matter what it is if you don’t have unity in your camp. And there is no unity in the Labour camp. So there has to be a huge clean out. Or voters will start to leave them in droves.

      Because Honestly, who in their right mind would vote Mallard back in to Parliament. Just so he can fatten his wallet for the next 3 years.
      And there are others that do nothing but eat their lunch, and collect huge pay packets.

      • Murray Olsen 2.1.1
        12 January 2014 at 7:26 pm

        Mallard is totally toxic. I used to watch him prepping Jacinda Ardern at question time. It was really creepy, as if he wouldn’t let her think for herself. I don’t know if she ever wanted to, but the influence that Mallard and Goff, in particular, have on new members is malign. They need to go. We should not be paying them to mould the new generation in their horrible image.

        • Anne 2.1.1.1
          12 January 2014 at 7:36 pm

          Yes. Jacinda Ardern is a nice person and unquestionably talented but I had the impression the ABCers were using her. They put her on the front bench without sufficient experience and they wouldn’t let her fly. I hope Cunliffe will give her free rein to show her strengths.

          Even so, she did a good job laying the trap for Paula Bennett to expose herself in all her selfish, self centred and mentally challenged glory:

          http://thestandard.org.nz/nrt-paula-bennett-giggles-at-child-poverty/

  3. Paul 3
    12 January 2014 at 7:24 am

    Christchurch….rapidly becoming a city of haves and have nots.
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/9594618/Income-gap-is-wider-census

  4. Paul 4
    12 January 2014 at 7:30 am

    Yet the media will try to frame issues as important that will increase Colin Craig’s vote….
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9600491/Smacking-debate-back-in-the-limelight

    • karol 4.1
      12 January 2014 at 7:38 am

      Interesting that, on top of that, Dotcom is launching a party.

      He would likely appeal to libertarianz plus some lefties. Dotcom is a capitalist, though. He just wants to shift the neoliberals into the digital age and get himself a piece of the pie and of the power.

      • Paul 4.1.1
        12 January 2014 at 7:44 am

        And the young, maybe?

      • millsy 4.1.2
        12 January 2014 at 9:08 am

        The dotcom party will probably have a focus on civil liberties, copyright reform and data comms infrastructure, and will have policies from across the entire spectrum.

        • greywarbler 4.1.2.1
          12 January 2014 at 4:38 pm

          millsy
          I was listening this morning to someone who was referring to the aspect of the open internet that the RWNJs are currently trying to shut down in the USA. If Dotcom can act in his own interests to fight that, it will be in our interests too.
          Wikipedia on Net Neutrality which we should keep in a top corner of our minds.
          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FCC_Open_Internet_Order_2010#Rules

          I think Wayne Brittenden spoke on it – I think it was a repeat. Here is an item to look up and listen to on security. He is good.
          Wayne Brittenden’s Counterpoint ( 17′ 59″ )
          Wayne looks at growing demands for new restraints on the US National Security Agency operations and Chris follows up with acclaimed German writer Ilija Trojanow, a formidable critic of the NSA. Please note Wayne’s on-line audio in this item is an updated version of what was played on Sunday Morning.
          From Sunday Morning on 27 Oct 2013

          and Tim Berners-Lee – here is some stuff from Radio nz on his views very important ones. He was here last year.
          Inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee says web neutrality crucial Berners-Lee warns of surveillance perils. Worldwide web creator Sir Tim Berners-Lee has warned the democratic benefits of the internet are under threat.
          Updated at 7:00 am on 24 November 2013 From News

          World wide web inventor critical of spy agencies
          The inventor of the world wide web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, has criticised spy agencies for cracking much of the online encryption used to guard data privacy.
          Updated at 4:53 am on 9 November 2013

          Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the British computer scientist credited with inventing the world wide web, has warned New Zealanders not to allow governments and companies to control the internet.
          Updated at 6:12 am on 1 February 2013

          Saturday Morning for Saturday, 2 February 2013
          http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/20130202
          Tim Berners-Lee, creator of the internet,
          8:15 Tim Berners-Lee
          Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989. He is a Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Southampton, director of the World Wide Web Consortium, and founder of the World Wide Web Foundation. He has promoted open government data globally and is a member of the UK’s Transparency Board. Sir Tim visited Wellington as a guest of InternetNZ to deliver a public lecture exploring the benefits of an open Internet.

      • Ad 4.1.3
        12 January 2014 at 9:19 am

        Will siphon off enough techie Act supporters – in Epsom and elsewhere – to definitively keep them out of Key’s options. Serves our purpose.

        • weka 4.1.3.1
          12 January 2014 at 11:45 am

          “Will siphon off enough techie Act supporters – in Epsom and elsewhere – to definitively keep them out of Key’s options. Serves our purpose.”

          Or, he will split the vote elsewhere, and cost the left the election. Or get votes that otherwise would have gone to the GP. And if he becomes kingmaker, what’s to sy he doesn’t go with National if he gets the concessions he wants around IT, privacy and security? This is a man that donated political money to John Banks for gods sake.

        • greywarbler 4.1.3.2
          13 January 2014 at 12:49 pm

          Yes Dotcom might be the man for the time even if not one to look to for long.

      • Molly 4.1.4
        12 January 2014 at 9:33 am

        It was apparent during the meetings regarding the GCSB that Dotcom was undergoing some kind of metamorphosis. I attended the protests and the meeting at Mt Albert, but was away for the one at the Town Hall.

        There was a definite difference in the old hand speakers – who are perhaps more used to speaking out publicly on issues – and those who were fairly new to the process – such as Dotcom and Thomas Beagle.

        I remember thinking at the time how disconcerting it must be for Dotcom to realise that all the “anonymous” donations in the world mean diddly-squat when others (FBI, US) can let your recipients in to the cool kid’s party. And he attended those meetings and protests surrounded by environmentalists, “bleeding hearts” and lefties that were prepared to defend solely on the basis that it was not right. A strange world for him I’m guessing, after courting the likes of John Banks.

        Wondered whether it would result in a political awakening of sorts for him, especially after watching him on the Youtube video of the GCSB protest at the Town Hall while Dr Russell Norman was speaking. (From 1:13:45)

        • RedBaronCV 4.1.4.1
          12 January 2014 at 10:24 am

          Would it not be sensible for Dotcom to also give some donations to labour, Mana and the Greens? A couple of mill would go a long way towards having coalition parthners that respect your general stance.

          • Colonial Viper 4.1.4.1.1
            12 January 2014 at 10:45 am

            I think most of his funds are still frozen, apart from a living allowance…which admittedly seems quite generous…

  5. Pasupial 5
    12 January 2014 at 7:39 am

    Not wanting to bore people here, but had to mention today’s Oil Free Otago demonstration blockade of the Dunedin/ Otakou harbour one last time. The weather looks like it may pack it in by evening, but it should be fine with maybe a bit of drizzle at 2pm. Bus leaves Countdown at noon, or be out at; Back Beach, Port Chalmers, by 12:30pm. Bring as many life-jackets as you can if you’ve got them.

    Nga mihi nui.

  6. Penny Bright 6
    12 January 2014 at 11:37 am

    Hi folks

    In case you missed this – FYI.

    http://www.3news.co.nz/McCready-alleges-corruption-against-Len-Brown/tabid/1607/articleID/328072/Default.aspx

    McCready alleges corruption against Len Brown
    http://www.3news.co.nz

    Wellington accountant Graham McCready has shown 3 News the criminal charges he plans to file against Len Brown next week.
    _____________________________________________________________________________

    If the SFO choose not to re-evaluate the bribery and corruption complaint made by Lisa Prager and myself, then on Wednesday 15 January 2014, the above-mentioned documents will be filed in the Auckland District Court for a private prosecution.

    FYI, a copy of this revised complaint to the SFO can be found on http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz, along with other supporting background information.

    IMO, there is a LOT more to come on this contemptible story of corrupt, corporate, casino cronyism – and it goes right to the top.

    Ever wondered why John Key hasn’t joined the growing group of those calling for Mayor Len Brown to step down?

    I respectfully suggest you consider this point, and think very hard about whose interests Mayor Len Brown has been serving………….

    Penny Bright

  7. tricledrown 7
    12 January 2014 at 11:39 am

    Cv Dotcoms Megaupload funds are frozen but his new ventures are not.

  8. Bearded Git 8
    12 January 2014 at 12:56 pm

    In todays Stuff poll (I know, not the least scientific….) on the new shark finning legislation 70% of respondents say it should have been a blanket ban from the start. Another crappy piece of legislation from this government that bows to the commercial fishing lobby.

    (go to http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9600491/Smacking-debate-back-in-the-limelight and then vote on the right)

  9. lprent 9
    12 January 2014 at 3:12 pm

    Wow. That surprised me. This site actually opened up in Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 running Internet Explorer 5. Didn’t look to well laid out. But it did actually sort of work.

    Just looking through my old virtual machines to decide which ones to keep.

  10. Draco T Bastard 10
    12 January 2014 at 4:13 pm

    The War Over Poverty

    Or to put it a different way, the problem of poverty has become part of the broader problem of rising income inequality, of an economy in which all the fruits of growth seem to go to a small elite, leaving everyone else behind.

    And that is the major problem with capitalism. All the fruits of society go to the few while the rest become worse off.

    How to we change this? Change the system.

  11. whatever next 11
    12 January 2014 at 4:43 pm

    Watching Ken Loach’s documentary “The Spirit of 45” http://www.thespiritof45.com/, was like watching “Back to the Future”, particularly when a miner is interviewed about being payed by how much coal is produced, and watching a friend die because they filled another trolley rather than place the props…..

  12. joe90 12
    12 January 2014 at 8:26 pm

    Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi: Tedeschi Trucks Band – Full Concert.

    http://www.youtube.com/embed/gCurZqSDIOM

  13. idlegus 13
    12 January 2014 at 8:44 pm

    an interesting opinion piece, a little bit about lew pryme, i see his records all the time, didnt know he was so involved in nz rugby. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/9600399/Gifford-Homophobia-sports-next-big-challenge

    • karol 13.1
      12 January 2014 at 8:49 pm

      I knew layed rugby – I think I saw him play over at Cornwall Park once. Didn’t know that about him haviing AIDs – I was in the UK at the time.

  14. North 14
    12 January 2014 at 9:05 pm

    This howler from Rodney Hide announcing he won’t have a go at ACT leadership and the rotten borough of Epsom:

    “I now don’t have the necessary passion and enthusiasm to do the job well. Yes, I loved it and I gave it everything I had, and then some. But it’s gone now. I am not sure why that is. It just is.”

    He then took a swipe at NZ First leader WInston Peters, calling him an “aged rock star who has partied way too hard and is now up on stage trying to relive the glory days”.

    “New MPs snigger at him. There was a time he would have swatted them down like flies.”

    Hide said it was sad…….

    Piss Off Love Perks – got no particular brief for Winston but you, you, havin’ a go at Winston ????????

    • Colonial Viper 14.1
      12 January 2014 at 9:29 pm

      Hide is more sincere about his stated political positions than others I can mention. And the man comes from a solid working class background.

      • The Pink Postman 14.1.1
        13 January 2014 at 3:49 pm

        Well CV unfortunately there are many who come from a working class background who soon forget their roots when they obtain big money.,I slot them as traitorous bastards to be viewed with contempt.A very good example is P Bennett ,a very good example of one who deserves nothing but contempt. And dont forget the many working people who supported Mosley’s Blackshirt’s. Don’t forget our own Kiwi workers who voted for “That nice Mr Key’ .We also have many wealthy people who have political beliefs that are surely L