Open mike 15/06/2014

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1. Colonial Viper 1

   15 June 2014 at 7:48 am

   The psychological surveillance “dataddiction” of the power elite, spying on media outlets since 2002, how 9/11 was allowed to happen and more

   This is a good article covering the basics of how and why a global surveillance state has been put together over many years, with an embedded video describing how US intelligence community turf wars a) allowed 9/11 to happen (senior decision makers for their unknown own reasons repeatedly prevented operational staff from acting) b) covered up afterwards, repeatedly lying to or disinforming elected officials c) then constructed a vicious and false criminal case against against Thomas Drake, decorated USAF and USN officer + former senior NSA executive turned whistleblower on budget waste and anti-constitutional activity in the NSA.

   WASHINGTON’S BLOG: Do you think we already have tyranny in the U.S.? Or how close do you think we are?

   THOMAS DRAKE: We’re not an actual fascist surveillance state in the traditionally defined sense of the word.

   Even the Stasi – who were the dreaded secret police in East Germany, a country upon which I became an expert during my RC-135 crypto-linguist and electronic warfare days, during the latter days of the cold war, even going into the ’70s, when they would use rather harsh techniques on their own population, or dissidents, or those who were considered enemies of the state – they actually went to psychological techniques.

   The term they used was “zersetzlich” – the German translation is “to decompose”, really to fragment you, to isolate you. That’s psychological … and that has far greater greater impact.

   So what you would do is selectively go after certain people to send the message. So you don’t have to be taking people off the street each and every day. Because that’s an obvious thing, and you’re going to resist it.

   Remember, this is ultimately about social control. This is about social tracking. [He’s right.] It goes far beyond any stated purpose of providing for common defense ….

   This upends it, because now you’re using the very instruments of power to track and control your own population. And it’s better [from the perspective of those in power] to do it behind the scenes and without the population knowing fully how you’re doing it, as opposed to being on the street with tanks on the corners.

   http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-06-14/senior-nsa-executive-nsa-started-spying-journalists-2002-%E2%80%A6-order-make-sure-they-didn
2. veutoviper 2

   15 June 2014 at 8:33 am

   I did not see The Nation yesterday and am about to watch it online. However, I just read Tim Watkin’s post on Pundit on the interview with the Children’s Commissioner from the Feeds here.

   http://www.pundit.co.nz/content/childrens-commissioner-calls-for-50-benefit-raise-yes-you-heard-right

   Apparently Dr Russeell Wills stated yesterday on The Nation that benefits for children need to be raised by about 50% to bring them back in line with the level available prior to the Mother of all Budgets in the 80s and 90s. He also advocated a universal payment for all children up to the age of 3, according to Watkin.

   Wow! But as Watkin says, will the media etc sit up and take note of Dr Wills ?

   Here is the link to the article and video of the relevant part of The Nation (there is also a link to the transcript in the actual article)

   http://www.3news.co.nz/Interview-Jonathan-Boston–Russell-Wills/tabid/1348/articleID/348541/Default.aspx
   • phillip ure 2.1

     15 June 2014 at 8:49 am

     would you buy a used encyclopedia off that lying weasel groser..?

     ..would you believe him if he told you what fucken time of day it was..?
     • veutoviper 2.1.1

       15 June 2014 at 9:13 am

       Not sure who you are referring to as a “lying weasel groser”.

       I don’t have much time for Watkin most of the time; but have a great deal of respect for Dr Russell Wills.

       Read the transcript (Wills’ interview starts half way down.

       • http://www.3news.co.nz/Interview-Jonathan-Boston–Russell-Wills/tabid/1348/articleID/348535/Default.aspx
       • phillip ure 2.1.1.1

         15 June 2014 at 9:20 am

         groser is on q&a..

         ..go and watch that one..

         ..whoar..!

         ..groser deserves a special least-believable-politician award all of his own..

         ..he intends to continue to do s.f.a. about climatechange..

         ..and is about/plans to sign our sovereignty away to american corporations..

         ..with the t.p.p..

         ..we really need to throw these bastards out on their ears..
     • phillip ure 2.1.2

       15 June 2014 at 9:19 am

       would you buy a used encyclopedia from act-ite stephen franks..?

       ..quite astonishing how is so so on the wrong side of history..pretty much everything..

       laugh-out-loud moment:

       ..when discussing the clusterfuck that is iraq..helen kelly referred to bush jnr..

       franks said:..(hands outspread in disbelief)..’what’s it got to do with him..?..’..(!)

       ..seriously..!

       ..um..!..pretty much everything ‘to do with him’..eh steveo..?

       ..that’s kinda like saying:..’hitler..?..ww2..?..what’s it got to do with him..?..’

       ..very funny..

       ..and helen kelly pretty much monsters franks..

       ..the compere is her usual irrelevant/useless self..

       .her main role seemingly to ‘gurn’..
   • phillip ure 2.2

     15 June 2014 at 8:57 am

     re boston/wills interview:..and their prescriptions..

     ..it’s very good/powerful..

     ..the ‘moment’ to watch for is when owen is told by wills that she will have to stump up to fix child-poverty..

     ..owen physically squirms in her seat..and is thrown/gets flustered/blushes..

     ..then she gets petulant..

     ..then be amazed by how the panel then just totally ignore child-poverty..and spend an inordinate amount of time doing pointless wheel-spins around et-impersonator..colin ‘chem-trails’ craig..

     ..and i wonder how much longer this saturation-coverage of craig will end..?

     ..is this a concerted-effort to raise his profile/poll-ratings..by the corporate-controlled media..?

     ..it’s fucken wall-to-wall craig..
     • phillip ure 2.2.1

       15 June 2014 at 9:12 am

       moderation..?

       ..difficult to see why..
   • Draco T Bastard 2.3

     15 June 2014 at 11:31 am

     Wow, the interviewer got really upset when Jonathan Boston said that all benefits needed to be raised.

     Interesting that she’s always saying that the retired people need to take a hit for the children rather suggesting that we raise taxes. It’s almost as if she’s got tunnel vision.
     • blue leopard 2.3.1

       15 June 2014 at 11:46 am

       I thought Lisa Owen (the interviewer) did pretty well – in my view, asking that question was simply about trying to address something that appears to be a deciding factor for voters at present – i.e. how do we afford it. I agree, though, that it didn’t require an either/or framing (retirees vs children), it limits the way people think about ‘affordability, however I think the binary nature of the question might have been addressed by the interviewee (I can’t quite recall for sure if it was).

       The either/or manner of thinking came up again re education and Farrar’s suggestion that to get good primary education money needs to be taken off tertiary. What limited thinking. The person from Auckland University Pacific studies centre responded well to that, shame he got cut-off though….
       • Draco T Bastard 2.3.1.1

         15 June 2014 at 11:49 am

         Overall I think she did Ok but she definitely seemed to be pushing the line that to raise benefits for the young the old would need to miss out.

         Sure, she needed to ask where the money would come from but she shouldn’t be implying that it would have to come off the retired.
         • blue leopard 2.3.1.1.1

           15 June 2014 at 11:58 am

           Yes, I am just pondering that, especially because it showed up twice.

           Am wondering whether it is about limited ways of thinking (i.e. failure on the part of the interviewer) or limiting peoples’ ideas on how the problem can be solved. (i.e. actively encouraging people to think in a limited way on how affordable addressing this issue is).

           It certainly promotes the idea that those on the lower rungs have to squabble amongst themselves for the scraps. Where else will the money come from? From more distributive taxes/approaches? Shock, horror, don’t go there! ( 🙂 )
3. phillip ure 3

   15 June 2014 at 8:38 am

   “..Our 10 best vegan recipes..”

   “..If you still need to be convinced that vegan food is for everyone –

   • these vibrant summer dishes – snappy snacks – and luscious desserts –
   • will spin your perceptions around..”

   (cont..)

   http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jun/14/10-best-vegan-recipes
   • Chooky 3.1

     15 June 2014 at 9:43 am

     where is the meat?
     • Stephanie Rodgers 3.1.1

       15 June 2014 at 11:26 am

       I kind of love how the vegan cheesecake recipe is … a cheesecake recipe with the words “dairy-free” added a couple of times (and, bizarrely, “paprika for sprinkling”).
       • Rosie 3.1.1.1

         15 June 2014 at 1:03 pm

         Hello! Stephanie, I have a question for you, which I originally posted on Open Mike on Wednesday, 11th June. here ’tis:

         “I heard there is a campaign launch for Ohariu Labour on 25th June at the J’ville Community Centre and that David Cunliffe will be attending. I was really keen to attend but have now found out that it is a fundraising dinner and I can’t afford the $50 ticket. I’m also assuming it’s more for members than the general public.

         Will there be an opportunity for the public to get along to a meeting with Virginia Anderson (and David Cunliffe?!) and hear about what Labour has to offer prior to the candidates meetings?

         Great to see the flyers appearing in the letterbox btw. Big ups to all the hard working volunteers.”
         • Stephanie Rodgers 3.1.1.1.1

           15 June 2014 at 1:36 pm

           Hi Rosie, the dinner is a fundraiser open to anyone who supports the campaign. There’ll definitely be plenty of other events like meet-the-candidate meetings – if you follow Ginny’s Facebook page all the details will go up there in advance. 🙂
           https://www.facebook.com/virginia.andersen.ohariu
           • Rosie 3.1.1.1.1.1

             15 June 2014 at 2:00 pm

             Thanks Stephanie, and sorry to bother you. I’m not on facebook otherwise I would have asked the question on Ginny’s page. I do view it, but can’t comment.

             Unfortunately I won’t be able to go to the fundraiser, no funds to do so! I do hope it’s a good and successful night though and that you’re getting good responses from the door knocking efforts.

             2014 has to be the historic year that Ohariu says goodbye to Peter Dunne.!!!
   • marty mars 3.2

     15 June 2014 at 10:34 am

     Ta phil – I like the sound of the lentil and apricot soup – although I’d keep it chunky rather than blend.

     and the comments under the article are classic and many lols, for example

     “what will you cook for me at a vegan barbecue ? I DONT EAT vegetables , only meat ?
     thanks x”

     “Nothing – you’ll eat what’s on offer or go without. Your choice. It was called a vegan BBQ because the food is vegan. Not too hard to understand, is it? btw, not all vegan food is vegetables.”
     • Disraeli Gladstone 3.2.1

       15 June 2014 at 12:49 pm

       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63NNuG-6-hQ
       • phillip ure 3.2.1.1

         15 June 2014 at 5:11 pm

         i can see the one-liner underpinning it..

         ..and i am a huge david mitchell fanboy..

         ( http://whoar.co.nz/?s=david+mitchell (fill yer boots..!..)

         ..but that certainly isn’t his best-work..

         ..it’s what is known as wan-smile humour..

         ..capable only of raising little more than that..
4. phillip ure 4

   15 June 2014 at 9:09 am

   also worth going online to tangata pasifika..

   ..to see some good coverage of the launch of mana pasifika..

   ..i was at a candidate-selection meeting the other nite..

   ..and mana has some very cool/passionate candidates standing under the internet-mana party umbrella…

   ..with policies that speak directly to their life-experiences growing up pasifika in ak..

   ..and that speak to the pasifika-community..

   ..and i think one of the most powerful/coherent..and ultimately ‘fair’ policies..

   ..is the one that wd allow pasifika to return to their homelands after retirement..if they should so choose..

   ..and to be able to take their nz pensions with them..

   ..these are people who have worked in hard/menial jobs for mosrt of their lives..

   ..and i think it is a total travesty that if when retired..they decide they would like to return to ‘the islands’..

   ..they will lose their pension..

   ..that pretty much both sucks and blows..eh..?..
   • Rosie 4.1

     15 June 2014 at 1:07 pm

     “..and i think one of the most powerful/coherent..and ultimately ‘fair’ policies..

     ..is the one that wd allow pasifika to return to their homelands after retirement..if they should so choose..

     ..and to be able to take their nz pensions with them..”

     Nice idea. Many Pasifika people seem to get stuck with employers that demand “flexibility”, you know that ol’ chestnut, “flexibility”, so only fair for NZ to offer “flexibility” in regards to retirement/living options. Why not eh.
5. Gruntie 5

   15 June 2014 at 9:24 am

   Just heard Key on this mornings Media Watch he was “one of us – the tax payers”
   Is he ? Why don’t you do a fact check just to see how much tax Mr Key “actshully” pays.
   Ian Grant
   • tc 5.1

     15 June 2014 at 9:46 am

     Whilst that fact check is being done how about proof of his PM salary being donated to charity, Shinkey is on record as calling the Nat party a charity so evidence please John.
     • felix 5.1.1

       15 June 2014 at 10:35 am

       All Key has ever said about this in public is that he donates “a good part” of his leader-of-opposition salary to “charities and good causes” and he intends to continue the practice if he becomes PM.

       Now that he is on record that he thinks the National Party counts as a charity, we have a good indication of how widely he might interpret the phrases “good causes” and “a good part”.
6. tc 6

   15 June 2014 at 9:36 am

   I see the elite wealthy yachties have the hand out again to go off and play in Ellisons next circus.

   Interesting politics and timing as dalton reckons its over in a few weeks when he would’ve known this date for months.

   Cue some tough talking from John and joycee ending in a rollover and cash to see them past 2014 and give the next govt that decision they lack the bollocks to make.
   • bad12 6.1

     15 June 2014 at 1:23 pm

     Pretty sure i heard on my wireless something to the tune of Joyce was offering 5 and Grant wanted 10, million that is,

     The news on that same wireless just quoted an ”unnamed private sponsor” as saying Grant hadn’t been back to them asking for some actual up front cash,

     i have to wonder about these people, Heroes all,Dean and Grant, us lot have been milked by how many millions now so these clown’s can gad about on the mill pond,

     Barely a month after the last bout of selfless sacrifice from our Heroes, Grant and Dean, where an unkind person would have raised suspicions that the ‘team’ had installed a handbrake aboard,(or perhaps Larry cunningly installed a weight disadvantage by smuggling a tonne of filthy lucre aboard), Dean, ever the impoverished struggler managed, according to the Herald, to sell off the million dollar house in one of Auckland’s pricier suburbs,

     Phew, homelessness may have loomed for Dean had it not been for the lucky chance of finding a vacancy a few doors further up the same street from the previous lackluster abode, saved from becoming just another vagrancy statistic by being able to stump up something in the order of 5 million we all breathed a sigh of relief,

     Seems fair tho don’t you think, hell according to Nick Smith a bedroom these days costs 900 thousand…
7. ianmac 7

   15 June 2014 at 9:51 am

   Is it strange that the Minister and MP, Paula Bennett who is the representative for for the Westies should abandon the area for a “better” electorate?
   West Auckland, made notorious for its crime by TV shows like Outrageous Fortune, does not have the resources to stop violence in an area increasingly affected by inequality, according to those working in the area. ….
   http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/10159389/Once-upon-a-crime-in-the-West
   What a great little lady she is!
   • phillip ure 7.1

     15 June 2014 at 10:15 am

     i predict her departure will see a ladder-shortage in west ak..
   • Once was Tim 7.2

     15 June 2014 at 6:21 pm

     What are your definitions of ‘little’ and ‘lady’ @ianmac?
     • Colonial Viper 7.2.1

       15 June 2014 at 6:24 pm

       lol right. If you have any value to add with your comment on the topic of Bennett fleeing her electorate, I’ll be interested to see it.
       • Once was Tim 7.2.1.1

         15 June 2014 at 7:35 pm

         Only that she sure as hell should take her leopard skin-clad noddy wagon into the nearest paint and panel for a quick ‘cashy’ job. Midnight Blue perhaps?
         She’s already taken advice on other aspects of ‘re-imaging’ including the haircut.
         Suzie (Darling) Wood will be so proud of her (even though she’s [Suzie Darling] neglected to take advantage of the last visit to the Caci Clinic – the TVNZ make-up artist ran out of plasticine)
8. Not a PS Staffer 8

   15 June 2014 at 10:31 am

   I feel uncomfortable with the Herald story on the family backgrounds of the 12 and 13 years olds charged in connection with Mt Kumar’s murder in Henderson.

   It is very clear that this information is being provided by the police to the media. Why?

   I feel that this information should be presented in a court context.

   http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11274242
   • Draco T Bastard 8.1

     15 June 2014 at 12:01 pm

     It is very clear that this information is being provided by the police to the media. Why?

     It would be in the public record which the journalists would have access to. Hell, there may even be a bit in the newspapers about whatever court cases that the parents were involved in.
     • Colonial Viper 8.1.1

       15 June 2014 at 12:11 pm

       Also the journalists may have talked to the neighbours. (They would have done if they were any good). Assuming the Herald still has a court reporter a search of the court news would have been pretty simple.
     • Ergo Robertina 8.1.2

       16 June 2014 at 12:38 am

       Where is this ‘public record’ journalists (and it would have to be available to the public) can access?
       If the parents’ criminal record was obtained from the paper’s own court reports/records it would surely be attributed as such.
       Media don’t seem to cover small-time court now, so they would not have that info, and even if they did it would not show relationships.
       Courts are notoriously arcane places from which to extract information after the fact.
       The most likely source for this story is high ranking police.
   • JK 8.2

     15 June 2014 at 8:58 pm

     And I feel uncomfortable with the fact that one of the teens who assaulted and killed the 15 yr old after a rugby game gets let off totally from being charged with manslaughter – is there a different standard for poorer boys and not-so-poor boys ?
     • Nakiman 8.2.1

       15 June 2014 at 10:48 pm

       JK its got nothing to do with money, the boy died from a heart condition.
       I know of a case where a guy was shot in the face and back by three people at close range with frozen paint balls from high powered paint ball guns. He fell to the ground and died, apparently of a heart attack and no one was charged with manslaughter. I was surprised by that.
   • Nakiman 8.3

     15 June 2014 at 10:31 pm

     Yes how unfortunate for the facts to get published when some on the left want to spin their bullshit and try to blame poverty or lack of police. No surprise it was just violent feral scum breading more violent scum.
9. Ergo Robertina 9

   15 June 2014 at 10:33 am

   This morning Wallace Chapman interviewed American human rights lawyer and prison campaigner David Forte who blames an ‘excess of direct democracy’ for some states’ grossly high incarceration rates (there are huge differences between the best and worst states).
   Allowing direct election of prosecutors, judges, and laws in some states engenders ‘this one-way ratchet of punitiveness’ according to Forte.
   And recently Swiss voters rejected caps on top CEO pay, and a higher minimum wage, so it’s not just the USA where direct democracy does not work.
   The Forte interview was part of Wayne Brittenden’s Counterpoint.

   http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday/audio/2599692/wayne-brittenden's-counterpoint
   • Colonial Viper 9.1

     15 June 2014 at 12:21 pm

     Direct democracy requires that the populace is educated, informed, and has access to all the facts presented in a fair manner.

     From this, you can see how those with power start to influence the outcome of direct democracy.

     By the way, in those US states with “grossly high incarceration rates” I think you will find that hispanics and blacks are very poorly represented in voter turnout: rich white counties will be where the voters are from.
     • Draco T Bastard 9.1.1

       15 June 2014 at 3:47 pm

       Direct democracy requires that the populace is educated, informed, and has access to all the facts presented in a fair manner.

       From this, you can see how those with power start to influence the outcome of direct democracy.

       Which is why I suggested this.
     • Ergo Robertina 9.1.2

       16 June 2014 at 1:06 am

       CV, what David Forte is saying is that direct democracy produces reactionary outcomes. No group is immune from manipulation by those with money and power.
       And Draco, no fancy software will change the fact.
       The answer is to elect (at least some) politicians with integrity who think for themselves, rather than party hacks who identify with power.
       As Marilyn Waring told The Nation this weekend no-one remotely like her could get through party selection for National now.
       • Draco T Bastard 9.1.2.1

         16 June 2014 at 10:00 am

         And Draco, no fancy software will change the fact.

         It’s not the fancy software that would do it, it’s the freely available knowledge that can be referred to at any time.

         The answer is to elect (at least some) politicians with integrity who think for themselves, rather than party hacks who identify with power.

         They’re too few and far between and most likely belong to small, radical parties to be able to rely upon representative democracy.
10. phillip ure 10

    15 June 2014 at 10:34 am

    thing to do should you meet craig:..

    ..point to the sky..and say:..’look..!..chem-trail..!’..

    ..and take note of his reactions…
11. ffloyd 11

    15 June 2014 at 10:58 am

    There is a very creepy photo of CC on Stuff. He is reclining in some type of bullrush grass and is gazing soulfully into the camera lens. It’s very scary. A little bit reminiscent of DC who had one taken reclining by a beach which I thought at the time didn’t seem quite right. I don’t no why. Maybe because it is usually a more feminine thing to do. Hope to see one of key sometime time soon reclining somewhere…….. preferably Hawaii.
    • Lanthanide 11.1

      15 June 2014 at 11:07 am

      Yes, the photo is very strange. You should have a read of this if you haven’t: http://www.thecivilian.co.nz/nation-certain-this-picture-should-be-used-but-unsure-how/

      But even more importantly is the story that accompanies the photo http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10159390/No-easy-ride-on-the-Shore-for-Craig:

      East Coast Bays looms as his top option, and there are rumours that the sitting MP, Foreign Minister Murray McCully, may be offered a diplomatic post to ease him out.

      But it seems no-one’s told the voters in the electorate yet and McCully told the Sunday Star-Times he would rather “saw off his arm with a rusty screwdriver” than take a diplomatic post.

      …

      McCully said yesterday he had no intention of stepping aside. “I am the National Party candidate for East Coast Bays and intend to campaign to win the seat.”

      Asked if he would soft-pedal or withdraw if Key asked him to, he did a partial sidestep.

      “I won’t answer that question, but what I will say is leaders and boards do sometimes make strategic decisions and caucus members need to understand that.

      “But I have not been asked to consider any of those issues. I have had no suggestion made to me that the leader and the board would put me in that position . . . other than from the news media, who I regard as unreliable correspondents in this respect,” he said.

      TheStandard should add this photo to their bank of stock photos, because CC looks very creepy in it: http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1402743879/434/10159434.jpg
      • Draco T Bastard 11.1.1

        15 June 2014 at 12:30 pm

        TheStandard should add this photo to their bank of stock photos, because CC looks very creepy in it: http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1402743879/434/10159434.jpg

        ZOMG, it’s a snake in the grass.
        • Rosie 11.1.1.1

          15 June 2014 at 1:11 pm

          I actually did laugh out loud when I saw that photo this morning. So funny, a suit lurking in the grass with an odd come hither look
          • Clemgeopin 11.1.1.1.1

            15 June 2014 at 1:40 pm

            Looks like he is being seductive and inviting Maggie Barry, Paula Bennett, Murray McCully and John Key to join him for a five-some conservative frolic in the grass.
            • Rosie 11.1.1.1.1.1

              15 June 2014 at 2:01 pm

              Oh God No. The image, it’s burns in my brain!
              • Clemgeopin …

                15 June 2014 at 2:18 pm

                Did your mind picture them frolicking away au naturel? Yeah, I see what you mean!
            • Once was Tim 11.1.1.1.1.2

              15 June 2014 at 6:37 pm

              Throne of Queens
    • Colonial Viper 11.2

      15 June 2014 at 12:58 pm

      Hmmmm looks like a good spot to bury a body or two.
      • North 11.2.1

        15 June 2014 at 5:04 pm

        Oooh. ” ICKY ! ” doesn’t cut the mustard here. So where goes the age old advice about voters running hell for leather in the opposite direction from strange men ? Was this pic that raunchy Christine Rankin’s idea ?
12. dimebag russell 12

    15 June 2014 at 11:18 am

    colin craig has been given a safe seat in area 52!
    • Clemgeopin 12.1

      15 June 2014 at 12:27 pm

      The conservatives are primarily a so called ‘Christian’ party with many unchristian ideas/values but are too ashamed or cunning or strategic to openly admit it.
      • Colonial Viper 12.1.1

        15 June 2014 at 1:02 pm

        Using the name and symbolism of Christ to promote an agenda and politics which is directly against His teachings of mercy and compassion towards the poor, the suffering and the dispossessed (as described by the Beatitudes) is pretty much by definition, satanic.
        • Lanthanide 12.1.1.1

          15 June 2014 at 1:13 pm

          Apparently they want a tax-free threshold of $25,000. Seems pretty left wing?
          • millsy 12.1.1.1.1

            15 June 2014 at 1:15 pm

            They also want to freeze the minimum wage…
            • Lanthanide 12.1.1.1.1.1

              15 June 2014 at 1:24 pm

              Funnily enough, their policy of tax-free up to $25,000 and 20% flat rate equates to a “before-tax” pay-rise of $1.57/hour (for full time of 2080 hours) for those on the current minimum wage of $14.25.

              So these policies together would give someone on the minimum wage an effective boost to $15.83 in the current tax environment. Labour is campaigning on $15/hour so that’s actually more than them.
              • Draco T Bastard …

                15 June 2014 at 4:23 pm

                Labour is campaigning on an immediate $15 per hour and then for it to be shifted to $17 per hour over time.

                And, because Labour’s website sux I can’t actually find that.
                • Clemgeopin …

                  15 June 2014 at 5:12 pm

                  Yes, the website needs to be clearer. All the so far announced policies should be listed one below the other with just a title and a crucial sentence or two, and links given for more detailed explanation for each policy.
          • Clemgeopin 12.1.1.1.2

            15 June 2014 at 1:26 pm

            What is left wing about giving the $25,000 tax free threshold to the wealthy?
            It is more left wing and progressive to target assistance to the poor and the less wealthy.
            • Colonial Viper 12.1.1.1.2.1

              15 June 2014 at 5:23 pm

              In a progressive income tax system everyone benefits from the lower income tax rates at the bottom tiers.
            • Clemgeopin 12.1.1.1.2.2

              15 June 2014 at 5:56 pm

              But will also generate less revenue coming in from the wealthy and from those who are earning well. Instead, isn’t targeting assistance to the less well off better by not forgoing all revenue at the lower rung?

              But I do understand it is also a numbers games.
          • tracey 12.1.1.1.3

            16 June 2014 at 2:59 pm

            hence the problem with media and politicians lazy analysis in terms of left and right. Having some right policy and some left policy doesnt equate to centre. Imo centre is also an invention for palatable branding purposes.

            I dont agree with all policy from left parties nor disagree with all from right…
        • Clemgeopin 12.1.1.2

          15 June 2014 at 1:21 pm

          Good point. It always surprises me as to how anyone that professes to be a Christian or religious or even respects Christ’s or Christian or humanitarian values can ever be a right wing supporter in politics! If one thinks about this, the two things can not honestly jell.
          • Once was Tim 12.1.1.2.1

            15 June 2014 at 6:41 pm

            +1
            but then there’s a big difference between the ‘religious’ and the ‘Christian’ more often than not.
13. joe90 13

    15 June 2014 at 11:46 am

    Satao, one of the last great tuskers has been killed.

    .

    I first learned about Satao through an emotional and beautifully written blog post by Mark Deeble, who described him as being so intelligent that he knew he needed to protect his enormous tusks by intentionally hiding in bushes so they couldn’t be seen. At the end of the post Mark wrote:

    I am appalled at what that means – that the survival skills that the bull has painstakingly learnt over half a century have been rendered useless by the poachers’ use of mass-produced Chinese goods; GPS smart-phones, cheap motorcycles and night vision goggles.

    I think the old bull knows that poachers want his tusks, and I hate that he knows.

    More than anything, I hate the thought that poachers are now closing in on one of the world’s most iconic elephants.

    http://www.theguardian.com/environment/africa-wild/2014/jun/13/kenyas-biggest-elephant-killed-by-poachers
    • bad12 13.1

      15 June 2014 at 12:52 pm

      For sure, it is said of the Fiordland deer after the onset of helicopter hunting when 1000’s where culled that in low scrub/tussock country the heavily antlered males upon hearing the helicopters approach and knowing their inability to outrun the flying beasts dealing death from the sky would sit in among the low scrub with their antlers tilted backward to the ground in an attempt at camouflage,

      Didn’t help the poor old deer too much, but, showed a remarkable ability in the animals ‘to learn’…
14. aerobubble 14

    15 June 2014 at 1:15 pm

    So this guy, connect to ACT, gets a seat on the panel of Q&A. Again another ACT person, from a party with near zero votes. That’s my first gripe.

    Second. The toady suggested that we should not consider changing our carbon policy because we would just export our dairy to China, as China would start up producing milk, which of course would be higher carbon emitting. Apart from been disingenuous, defeatist and wrong; in that China would grow its dairy herds without much consideration of us, that toady should not be promising that China’s herds would be farters, he doesn’t know that (and why won’t we be selling them better dairy science – it is a free market).

    And then there was the other implicit promise, that our current (Labour introduced) carbon policy is the most perfect system there is, and the world will come around to introduce it, because we’re just hiding waiting to jump out when the world gets its act together.

    Then there’s the cat herding. I mean the whole problem with global policy is that everyone has a different take, this isn’t a new problem, its as old as carbon charging. So here we have this creepy toady basically declaring that the status quo is a great victory, that the present policy is perfect, and he promises that there will be no surprises around China own sourcing (or the world turning on dairy output).

    Its hard to fathom what purpose the business classes of NZ are helped by being so ill served by the extreme right talking nonsense. Please select moderate economic voices who don’t promise the earth, while ignoring reality, both human and environment.

    We obviously have come to depend too much on diary, cannot maintain our present capacity due to the huge costs of pollution both carbon and river pollution, and we haven’t even started to discuss how massive farm land prices and farm debt, is forcing so many into dairy.
    • phillip ure 14.1

      15 June 2014 at 4:58 pm

      the thing is that franks was once thought of as that oxymoron..an intelligent-rightie..

      ..now he is just fucken barking..projectile-vomiting randisims wherever he goes..

      ..that was quite the performance..and didn’t kelly rark him up a treat..?

      ..he makes glenn beck look like a moderate..

      ..the face of modern-act..

      ..(with his denial/claim the invasion of iraq by bush/blair having nothing at all to do with the current clusterfuck there..

      ..still giving me after-chuckles..

      ..and there must be more in that vein..

      ..it’s the ‘what’s to do with him/her!’-meme..(must be said with palms of hands turned up in gesture of disbelief..)

      ..the murders of sharon tate et al..?.. charles manson..?..what’s it got to do with him?..

      ..the asset-stripping of new zealand..?..john key..?..what’s it got to do with him?..

      ..the dismantling of the welfare-state/creation of poverty/nequality in nz..’strewth’ richardson..?..what’s it got to do with her..?

      ..and so it goes..

      (and of course..it’s screaming out for a gif..of franks going ‘what’s it got to do with him..?’..
      • Once was Tim 14.1.1

        15 June 2014 at 6:53 pm

        I reckon Franks’ problem is that he just has an ego the size of a bus (albeit disguised by mild-mannered disposition).
        I have to witness the prick almost daily.
        (God he’s gorgeous!! And JUST LOOK at his contributions to a society – that doesn’t exist, of course! Territorial? or some such; well-mannered (usually); driven by ideology dressed up as principle; good, wholesome family values ….. etc., etc., – otherwise known as slime. I needed him last week though – I was damn short on 10 litres of 10W40)
        • tracey 14.1.1.1

          16 June 2014 at 3:12 pm

          two words sum up franks. Jordan williams
15. Chooky 15

    15 June 2014 at 2:23 pm

    Martyn Bradbury from ‘The Herald on Sunday’ on legalising marijuana and abortion

    ‘ Martyn Bradbury : Unmentionable issues need champion’

    There are three rules of New Zealand politics. Never criticise farmers. Never ask why cannabis is illegal and never, ever mention abortion. Ever. To everyone’s surprise, two political parties this month found the courage to breach those last two rules.

    Ever since the “anti-smacking law” fiasco, Labour has been terrified to promote any social policy that can be warped into politically correct social engineering gone mad. Amending Section 59 of the Crimes Act closed a legal loophole abusive parents exploited to escape assault charges by claiming discipline as a defence. Watching such a noble gesture get twisted into a narrative of the PC stormtroopers of Helengrad, kicking down the front doors of honest Kiwi mums and dads to arrest them for lightly tapping little Johnny on the bottom, shellshocked Labour into never mentioning social policy again.

    This has depressed the quality of political vision for the left, which is why the Greens and Internet parties’ policies on decriminalising cannabis and abortion are so welcome.

    At last year’s International Cannabis Policy Symposium in Auckland, Professor Richie Poulton pointed out that 10.3 per cent of users who smoke cannabis by age 15 go on to have psychotic disorders, whereas only 4.7 per cent of those who used cannabis by aged 18 went on to have psychotic disorders. The conclusion from the symposium was that cannabis isn’t the major health risk it’s been built up to be. If protecting adolescents from early cannabis use is the solution, prohibition is the problem.

    Regulation removes tinny houses near schools, prohibition builds them. Between 2007 and last year, 890 New Zealanders were jailed for possession of cannabis and 737 more have been imprisoned for possession of a bong.

    Our war on drugs has led us to the awkward position where the US is becoming more progressive on cannabis than we are.

    Decriminalisation of abortion is needed now. It’s not just the nonsense of Section 187A of the Crimes Act, whereby women must feign mental distress to get a basic medical service, it’s the manner in which pro-life fanatics have managed to isolate and constrict access to abortions that desperately needs challenging by decriminalising it.

    I’m 100 per cent pro-choice. Those attempting to tell a woman what to do with her body in the 21st century should be outed for the misogynistic medieval glee club that they are. Women have every right to safe, legal access to any medical procedure they require. An abortion is one such. What is worse than the 14,745 abortions carried out in 2012? Forcing 14,745 women to have children they didn’t want. Ceausescu’s Romanian orphanages are a horror reminder of that path.

    The Green and Internet parties have shown vast courage to bring these issues into the open. Progressive voters should consider rewarding that bravery this election.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11274164
    • bad12 15.1

      15 June 2014 at 4:05 pm

      Advertising for Colon the Conservative seems to be a really intelligent thing to be doing at this point in the electoral cycle…
    • Clemgeopin 15.2

      15 June 2014 at 10:10 pm

      Craig said yesterday that while he was polling in East Coast Bays, he had not begun major campaign work in the area. He expected to announce where he would stand at the party’s campaign launch next week. Craig said he would not talk to Key about a deal until after he announced his electorate.

      From Stuff news :

      “I have some people who think that we should be carrying on a negotiation with National, but we said we wouldn’t and we won’t.”

      WHAT HAPPENED IN 2011

      EAST COAST BAYS

      Individual vote Murray McCully (National) 21,094 Simonne Dyer (Conservative) 1614

      Party vote National 62.86 per cent Conservatives 3.74 per cent.

      RODNEY

      Individual vote Mark Mitchell (National) 20,253 Colin Craig (Conservative) 12,222

      Party vote National 62.15 per cent Conservative 6.38 per cent

      UPPER HARBOUR

      A new seat in 2014 seen as safe for National’s Social Development Minister Paula Bennett

      • Sunday Star Times
      • tracey 15.2.1

        16 June 2014 at 3:16 pm

        if he GENUINELY believes he can win a seat without national he would know where was going to stand and begun his door knocking.

        There are so many denials from both sides it must be a done deal.
    • tracey 15.3

      16 June 2014 at 3:14 pm

      and no disclosure about bradury at beginning or end of article.
16. Draco T Bastard 16

    15 June 2014 at 4:24 pm

    Conservative Party is requesting to change their logo to “vote”.
    • Colonial Viper 16.1

      15 June 2014 at 4:36 pm

      Stupid is as stupid does…I think it would be considered “confusing” on a ballot paper, and should be refused.
    • McFlock 16.2

      15 June 2014 at 5:04 pm

      I wonder if they intended to slightly crop the right side and bottom of the oval?

      Might be elections office that did it, though 🙂
      • North 16.2.1

        15 June 2014 at 6:13 pm

        ‘Vote’ is not simply confusing. It is an exhortation to cast a vote. Placement on a ballot paper alongside the name of a particular party’s candidate shapes as a partisan political exhortation in favour of that candidate and party, electorate and list.

        What of the long standing legal requirement that all concerted public political expressions and exhortations of whatever form be ceased/taken down by 7.00pm (?) on the day before the election ? Apart maybe from formal campaign wrap-ups from party leaders at a set time after 7.00 pm.

        Is the law to be amended to accommodate Mr Craig At The Beach In A Suit ? Doubt it.

        Craig can’t be injuncted from staggering to the voting booth a huge cross of wood awkwardly across his shoulder, nor Rankin buckling under the weight of a massive, extreme kitsch, diamante studded, shitmetal crucifix, but no. This ain’t on.

        You wonder at the idiot who conceived it really.
        • Draco T Bastard 16.2.1.1

          15 June 2014 at 7:36 pm

          What of the long standing legal requirement that all concerted public political expressions and exhortations of whatever form be ceased/taken down by 7.00pm (?) on the day before the election ?

          That seems to be what the Conservative Party is trying to bypass. Such a move is obviously as corrupt as John Banks electoral funding.
    • Clemgeopin 16.3

      15 June 2014 at 5:34 pm

      I objected by email as follows:

      With reference to the Conservative party logo request, http://www.elections.org.nz/news-media/application-register-conservative-party-logo:

      I strongly object to this logo as it can easily mislead people into voting for this party by mistake because the logo ASKS people with the word, ‘vote’ in the bubble picture. This is like directing, misleading, advertising or soliciting for the vote.

      Please reject this cunning logo
17. ianmac 17

    15 June 2014 at 5:19 pm

    I am having trouble with the non loading of other posts. The one on the Kiwiassure and the one on DC’s speech were there earlier this afternoon, but now gone! They were worth another visit but have vanished for me in spite of Refreshing. Anyone?
18. Jenny 18

    15 June 2014 at 8:33 pm

    Brilliant post by astute Epsom voter, Curwen Rollerson.

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/06/15/guest-blog-curwen-rolinson-the-campaign-to-elect-paul-goldsmith/

    Spread the message…..
19. fisiani 19

    15 June 2014 at 10:04 pm

    The Roy Morgan poll , so beloved by the loony Left is published in a few hours. Bad news I’m afraid folks.
    • Clemgeopin 19.1

      15 June 2014 at 10:16 pm

      How do you know it is bad news? What are the numbers?
    • tracey 19.2

      16 June 2014 at 2:53 pm

      c’mon mr mental health professional, dedicated to truth and mental well being. How do you know the numbers when it hasnt been published yet?
    • Lanthanide 19.3

      16 June 2014 at 6:13 pm

      Since it still isn’t published, I assume in your reality a “few hours” means 20+?
20. North 20

    16 June 2014 at 6:18 am

    NaziYahoo accuses Hamas……..80 Palestinians arrested……..remind me again how many Palestinian kids rot in IDF detention……..average stay etc etc.
    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/15/israel-raids-hamas-kipdnapping-netanyahu
21. North 21

    16 June 2014 at 6:31 am

    Love your work NaziYahoo………
    http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.592352
22. philj 22

    16 June 2014 at 10:06 am

    xox. Perfect photo of CC. Auditioning for the next vampire movie….?

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