A government of spin
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- Date published:
8:00 am, November 14th, 2015 - 52 comments
Categories: Hekia parata, making shit up, Media, national, same old national, spin, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, you couldn't make this shit up -
Tags: flag referendum
It is interesting that as this regime gets older the criticisms of the left, as has been painstakingly recorded in the Standard, are becoming more self evident.
This is a government of spin with the goal of privatising state assets, further attacking already marginalised workers rights and lessening environmental protection and enhancement all for the sake of corporate profit.
To achieve these goals it is willing to sacrifice other core tenets of the conservative world view. It is now much more multi cultural and until this week more respectful of women than it used to be. Although it appears that old habits die hard and Key’s display this week must have Crosby Textor scratching its collective head talk of dead cats notwithstanding.
And two recent examples show how it is completely obsessed with the handling of the PR related to issues rather than the issues themselves.
The first one relates to the flag process. The handling of the feedback from the consultation was done in a way that hid negative comments. From Matt Nippert at the Herald:
Nearly a third of public submissions to the Government’s flag consideration panel, all of them critical of the process and supporting the current ensign, were ignored in official reports and advertisements purporting to show public opinion.
Labour Party MP Trevor Mallard said the revelation showed the process was suffering from “total spin” and the panel was pushing to change the flag in breach of its mandate to be neutral.
The Herald Insights data website analysed the word cloud of submissions on standfor.co.nz and came to the conclusion that the word cloud had been manually filtered to remove negative terms. Again from the Herald:
While the official wordcloud put out by the panel claimed “equality” was the most prominent reply in submissions seeking to determine what New Zealand “stands for”, the analysis showed this was mentioned only 1272 times.
In comparison, 8315 submissions called for the current flag to be kept, and 5026 claimed the $26 million process was a waste of money. Neither of these opinions were recorded in the flag panel wordcloud.
Manipulation of data to remove opposing views by a Government entity charged with managing a referendum should not happen.
The second example involves the rewriting of a report by the Education Review Office to minimise political damage for the Minister. It was on the Herald website but has since mysteriously disappeared. Bomber posted this from the original article:
A damning report by an education watchdog about babies and toddlers was partially rewritten after high-level meetings about its “risk” to the Government.
Documents show Ministry of Education advisers also tried to mitigate the impact of the Education Review Office report by planting good-news stories to balance negative media coverage, and carefully crafting a communications “narrative” during “war-room” meetings before its release.
Politicians and sector experts say the behaviour is concerning, and have raised queries about potential political interference in an independent body, plus a lack of transparency at the agencies.
Idiot Savant posted this further passage from the article.
Its imminent release sparked a flurry of activity at the ministry, including meetings with ERO and internal “war rooms” about risks, after which a message was sent by a communications manager saying the report was being rewritten – one day before its intended release – to “put the onus of responsibility more firmly on providers”.
Sources say the ministry wanted the report “reframed” as it was seen as a threat to the Government and could have potentially embarrassed the minister, Hekia Parata.
Why has the article been removed? Was pressure bought to bear? Surely the conduct of the Ministry of Education is a valid matter to be reported on.
Both examples confirm what should be already apparent. This Government is more interested in PR and spin than in achieving good.
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- Potaka Brings Whakaata Māori to its Knees
Today’s Whakaata Māori announcement is yet another colossal failure from Minister Potaka, who has turned his back on te reo Māori, forcing a channel offline, putting whānau out of jobs, and cutting Māori content, says Te Pāti Māori. “A Senior Māori Minister has turned his back on Te Reo Māori. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National restricts access to disability care homes
With disability communities still reeling from the diminishing of Whaikaha, a leaked document now reveals another blow with National restricting access to residential care homes. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt must help save 230 manufacturing jobs
Labour is calling on the Government and Mercury Energy to find a solution to the proposed Winstone Pulp mill closure and save 230 manufacturing jobs. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt shirks its responsibility to Whakaata Māori
The Green Party has called out the Government for allowing Whakaata Māori to effectively collapse to a shell of its former self as job cuts and programming cuts were announced at the broadcaster today. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...2 weeks ago - Release: PM fails in constitutional role and leadership
The failure of the Prime Minister to condemn his Minister for personally attacking the judiciary is another example of this Government riding roughshod over important constitutional rules. ...2 weeks ago
- Waititi urges Rotorua Lakes Council to immediately stop works at Lake Rotokākahi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and Member of Parliament for Waiariki, which includes Rotorua, has written to Rotorua Lakes Councillors requesting they immediately stop sewerage piping works at Lake Rotokākahi in Rotorua. “Mana whenua have been urging Rotorua Lakes Council to stop works and look at alternative plans to protect the ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Patient care at risk from redundancies
Patient care could suffer as a result of further cuts to the health system, which could lose thousands of staff who keep our hospitals and clinics running. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Govt to wake up on child poverty
The Green Party says the latest statistics on child poverty in this country highlight the callous approach that the Government is taking on this issue of national shame. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Police are off the beat under National
Foot patrols around the country have decreased 15 percent since National took office, despite National’s Mark Mitchell claiming otherwise. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Climate denial is an insult to Pacific leaders
Winston Peters’ climate denialism at the Pacific Islands’ Forum is an embarrassing new low. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must end solitary confinement
The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. ...2 weeks ago
- Fossil fuels never the answer in climate crisis
The Government’s moves to enable the import of Liquefied Natural Gas is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that this country needs. ...2 weeks ago
- Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision
Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Uber court decision recognises workers’ rights
The Court of Appeal decision that Uber drivers are entitled to employee rights such as minimum wage, sick leave, holiday pay and collective bargaining is welcome news for the drivers involved and their unions. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls on Govt to divest from illegal settlements
The Labour Party is calling on the Government to tell the two major wealth funds, the NZ Super Fund and ACC, to withdraw investments from companies listed by the United Nations as complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt backtrack on fast-track still not enough
Labour welcomes news that the National Government is backing down on its reckless proposal to give Ministers final sign-off on significant projects, but it’s still not enough. ...2 weeks ago
- Fast track still on track to environmental destruction
Our environment remains at risk despite the Government's proposed changes to its controversial fast-track legislation. ...2 weeks ago
- Ohinemuri River pollution highlights mining risks
The harrowing images of the severely polluted Ohinemuri River caused by an old mining shaft could become a more common occurrence under the mining regime the Government is looking to roll out. ...2 weeks ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...11 hours ago - Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...12 hours ago
- Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris. “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...14 hours ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...3 days ago
- Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...3 days ago
- New appointments to the FMA board
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...3 days ago
- District Court judges appointed
Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...3 days ago
- Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender
New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...4 days ago
- Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...4 days ago
- Improving access to finance for Kiwis
5 September 2024 The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...5 days ago
- Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...5 days ago
- Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations. “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...5 days ago
- More choice and competition in building products
A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...5 days ago
- Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul
On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...5 days ago
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...5 days ago
- International tourism continuing to bounce back
Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...6 days ago
- Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency
The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “That is ...6 days ago
- Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape
The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...6 days ago
- Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...6 days ago
- Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review
Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...6 days ago
- Government backs women in horticulture
“The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...6 days ago
- Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout
The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...6 days ago
- Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants. “This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and ...6 days ago
- New priorities to protect future of conservation
Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...7 days ago
- Faster 110km/h speed limit to accelerate Kāpiti
A new 110km/h speed limit for the Kāpiti Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) has been approved to reduce travel times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Wellington, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. ...7 days ago
- IVL increase to ensure visitors contribute more to New Zealand
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka say. “The Government is serious about enabling the tourism sector ...7 days ago
- Delivering priority connections for the West Coast
A record $255 million for transport investment on the West Coast through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s road and rail links to keep people connected and support the region’s economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government is committed to making sure that every ...1 week ago
- Road and rail reliability a focus for Wellington
A record $3.3 billion of transport investment in Greater Wellington through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will increase productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. We're focused on delivering transport projects ...1 week ago
- Record investment to boost economic and housing growth in the Waikato
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Waikato through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more efficient, safe, and resilient roading network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With almost a third of the country’s freight travelling into, out ...1 week ago
- Building reliable and efficient roading for Taranaki
A record $808 million for transport investment in Taranaki through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Taranaki’s roads carry a high volume of freight from primary industries and it’s critical we maintain efficient connections across the region to ...1 week ago
- Supporting growth and resilience in Otago and Southland
A record $1.4 billion for transport investment in Otago and Southland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more resilient and efficient network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in Otago ...1 week ago
- Delivering connected and resilient roading for Northland
A record $991 million for transport investment in Northland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s connections and support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that every transport dollar is spent wisely on the projects and ...1 week ago
- Top of the South to benefit from reliable transport infrastructure
A record $479 million for transport investment across the top of the South Island through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will build a stronger road network that supports primary industries and grows the economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We’re committed to making sure that every dollar is ...1 week ago
- Government delivering reliable roads for Manawatū-Whanganui
A record $1.6 billion for transport investment in Manawatū-Whanganui through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s importance as a strategic freight hub that boosts economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. ...1 week ago
- Restoring connections in Hawke’s Bay
A record $657 million for transport investment in the Hawke’s Bay through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support recovery from cyclone damage and build greater resilience into the network to support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that ...1 week ago
- Transport resilience a priority for Gisborne
A record $255 million for transport investment in Gisborne through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and restore the cyclone-damaged network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With $255 million of investment over the next three years, we are committed to making sure that every transport ...1 week ago
- Prioritising growth and reduced travel times in Canterbury
A record $1.8 billion for transport investment Canterbury through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Christchurch is the economic powerhouse of the South Island, and transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and ...1 week ago
- Supporting growth and freight in the Bay of Plenty
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Bay of Plenty through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and unlock land for thousands of houses, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in the Bay of ...1 week ago
- Getting transport back on track in Auckland
A record $8.4 billion for transport investment in Auckland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will deliver the infrastructure our rapidly growing region needs to support economic growth and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Aucklanders rejected the previous government’s transport policies which resulted in non-delivery, phantoms projects, ...1 week ago
- Albanese promises to legislate minimum age for kids’ access to social media
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will introduce legislation this term to enforce a minimum age for children to access social media. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make the formal announcement on Tuesday. This follows a discussion at ...54 mins ago - Pro-Palestinian activists hold protests to disrupt defense expo in Australia
By Efe Özkan Pro-Palestinian anti-war activists in Australia have protested in Melbourne, disrupting a defence expo set to open on Wednesday. Protesters gathered yesterday in front of companies connected to weapons manufacturing across Melbourne as police were called to prevent an escalation of the events, according to 7News Melbourne. Many ...2 hours ago
- ‘Didn’t care enough’: here’s what the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide foun...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Wadham, Professor, Director, Open Door: Understanding and Supporting Service Personnel and their Families, Flinders University After three years of investigations, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has delivered its final report with 122 recommendations. The commission has carried much ...5 hours ago
- What is 3-phase power? And how do I know if my house needs it?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Asma Aziz, Senior Lecturer in Power Engineering, Edith Cowan University If you’re building, renovating or planning to install a solar battery, your builder or installer might ask whether you’ve considered upgrading from single-phase to three-phase power. This upgrade often comes with a ...6 hours ago
- MSG is back. Is the idea it’s bad for us just a myth or food science?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Dr. Victor Wong/Shutterstock MSG is making a comeback. The internet’s favourite cucumber salad recipe includes fish sauce, cucumber, garlic and – as the video’s creator ...7 hours ago
- South Australia is proposing a law to ban kids under 14 from social media. How would it work?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University Artie Medvedev/Shutterstock The South Australian government is moving ahead with plans to ban children under 14 from social media. Under the proposal, teens aged 14 ...7 hours ago
- Australia’s construction industry needs more hands on deck – so why is it ignoring skilled migra...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martin Loosemore, Professor of Construction Management, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock Australia’s construction industry is facing a perfect storm: enormous targets for building – 1.2 million new homes and A$230 billion worth of infrastructure over the next five years – at ...8 hours ago
- At Melaka Art & Performance Festival I watched dancers overcome by a trance in the rain, and the...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan W. Marshall, Associate Professor & Postgraduate Research Coordinator, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University Feifei Liao performing in the village ruins. Photo by and courtesy of Teo Swee An. Melbourne-based Tony Yap is a leading figure in ...8 hours ago
- Google is facing another crucial court case in the US – and it could have major consequences for o...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbora Jedlickova, Senior Lecturer, School of Law, The University of Queensland One month after a US court ruled Google had illegally maintained its monopoly on internet search, the tech giant will this week face the start of yet another important antitrust case. ...8 hours ago
- Christopher Luxon refuses to speak about Treaty Principles Bill after it was handed to Cabinet
The Prime Minister says ACT leader David Seymour will have more to say on the Bill soon. ...9 hours ago - Jesus’s vision fulfilled: David Seymour restores unity to the church
The Christian church has had quite a few dust-ups with itself over the last 20 centuries. This week, the Act Party brought it together. Since Jesus prayed that his followers may all be one (John 17:20-21), Christians have barely stopped fighting. Yes, they’ve occasionally broken off to slaughter people in ...9 hours ago - PODCAST: The Politics of Desperation – Trump, Netanyahu, Maduro, Ortega
Podcast: A View from Afar with Paul G Buchanan and Selwyn Manning. Building upon recent episodes of A View from Afar, Political Scientist Paul G Buchanan and journalist Selwyn Manning discuss The Politics of Desperation. This episode flows on from our discussions about long transitions and the moment ...9 hours ago
- Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste is powerful and symbolic, but also political
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shannon Brincat, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of the Sunshine Coast Author provided, Author provided Timor-Leste has had much to celebrate recently. August 30 marked 25 years since the Popular Consultation – or “The Referendum”, as many call ...10 hours ago
- What’s the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? One’s about plumbing, the other...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Todorovic, Associate Professor of Medicine, Bond University Explode/Shutterstock In July 2023, rising US basketball star Bronny James collapsed on the court during practice and was sent to hospital. The 18-year-old athlete, son of famous LA Lakers’ veteran LeBron James, had ...10 hours ago
- If we truly want our Paralympic athletes to shine, their coaches need more support
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Bennie, Associate Professor, Health and Physical Education/Sport Development, Western Sydney University The 2024 Paris Paralympics delivered heightened attention and awareness of a pinnacle sporting event for para athletes. Australia has often set the standard for para sport, consistently achieving top ...11 hours ago
- New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this week
We round up everything coming to streaming services this week, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, ThreeNow, Neon and TVNZ+. If you love celebs out of their comfort zone: Celebrity Treasure Island (TVNZ+, starting September 9) We’re back on the beach for a new season of celebrity ...12 hours ago
- Harris’ lead dips in national US polls and it’s very close in the key states
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris ...13 hours ago
- Rewriting history: how the Treaty ‘principles’ evolved and why they don’t stand up to scrutiny
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Kelsey, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images ACT Party leader David Seymour has said the goal of his Treaty Principles Bill is to stimulate an overdue conversation on te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi. ...13 hours ago
- Surge in non-disclosure agreements at Health NZ sparks Labour complaint
Nearly 70 staff at Te Whatu Ora have signed non-disclosure agreements since the end of November. ...13 hours ago
- ‘Numerous questions’, but Fiji govt sticks with new anti-corruption chief
By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist The Fiji government is backing the appointment of the country’s new anti-corruption chief who was under investigation by the office she now heads, which has left Fijians asking questions. Barbara Malimali — who was also the Electoral Commission chairperson — was revealed as the ...13 hours ago
- Pope Francis calls for end to tribal ‘spiral of violence’ in PNG visit
Inside PNG reports that Papua New Guinea is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, a proclamation even Pope Francis acknowledges. But Papua New Guinea is also challenged with socio-economic developments that do not reach the rural majority despite the presence of numerous extractive industries. The Pontiff in his remarks ...13 hours ago
- Anne Salmond: A Cabinet of principles?
The effrontery of David Seymour’s riposte to Church leaders over his Treaty Principles Bill is breathtaking. He accuses them of being undemocratic. When the Act Party took the idea of a referendum on Te Tiriti to a general election in 2023, it won just 8.6 percent of the vote. The other ...14 hours ago - Public feedback sought on new tolls for lower North Island
Consultation on the proposed tolling schemes for the Manawatū Tararua Highway and the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway is now open. ...14 hours ago
- A new festival celebrates the art of the picture book
Picture Me is a brand new book festival happening in Wellington and Christchurch between 11–28 September. Here’s the inside scoop on the international headliners and what they’ll be doing while in Aotearoa. A good picture book has a timeless quality: a story you don’t mind reading over, and over and ...14 hours ago
- Minister tried to hide NZDF criticism of boot camp comments
The criticism was revealed to RNZ in an official information act response, but new documents show Judith Collins asked for them to be redacted. ...14 hours ago
- LIVE@12:45pm – The Politics of Desperation – Trump, Netanyahu, Maduro, Ortega
The LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today at 12:45pm September 9, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 8:45pm (USEDT). Building upon recent episodes of A View from Afar, Political Scientist Paul G Buchanan and journalist Selwyn Manning will discuss The Politics of Desperation. ...15 hours ago
- David Seymour hits out at church leaders over Treaty Principles Bill
The ACT leader says churches are abandoning their core beliefs, after 400 Christian leaders condemned his controversial Treaty Principles Bill. ...15 hours ago
- Some home truths about gene technologies
In response to criticism of proposed changes to our GM settings, scientist Revel Drummond says we should discuss the issue of regulatory change from a position of educated debate, not fear-mongering. New technologies often get pushback from sectors of society. In the 19th century people feared the unknown effects on ...15 hours ago
- Dane and Stacey on making travel a business, owning half a dog, and finding balance
Earning money while you travel sounds like a dream to many of us – so how hard is it to make the dream a reality? Travel content creators Dane and Stacey joined Kiwibank’s This is Kiwi podcast to talk about documenting their adventures online, and remembering to sometimes put the ...15 hours ago
- Councils’ credit ratings downgraded over debt, rising costs
A reduced rating will mean higher borrowing costs for two major city councils. ...15 hours ago
- Is America ready to elect a Black woman president?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University It’s the big question that has loomed over Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign from the start: is the United States ready for a Black woman president? I get ...17 hours ago
- Murdoch to Musk: how global media power has shifted from the moguls to the big tech bros
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Ricketson, Professor of Communication, Deakin University Until recently, Elon Musk was just a wildly successful electric car tycoon and space pioneer. Sure, he was erratic and outspoken, but his global influence was contained and seemingly under control. But add the ...17 hours ago
- Africa desperately needs mpox vaccines. But donations from rich countries won’t fix this or the ne...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joel Lexchin, Professor Emeritus of Health Policy and Management, York University, Canada Africa says it needs an estimated ten million doses of mpox vaccine to control this public health emergency. The situation is particularly concerning in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ...17 hours ago
- Plot twist: how giving old graveyards new life as parks can improve our cities
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Stokes, Industry Professor, Environment and Sustainability, Macquarie University Camperdown Cemetery in Newtown, Sydney Rose Marinelli/Shutterstock Old graveyards are a forgotten land asset that can find new life as urban parks in crowded cities. As the density of our cities increases, efficient ...17 hours ago
- 91% of Australian teens have a phone – but many are not keeping their identity and location secure
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yeslam Al-Saggaf, Professor in Computing, Charles Sturt University Halfpoint/ Shutterstock , CC BY Most Australian teenagers have their own smartphone. According to a 2023 survey, 91% of young people between 14 and 17 owned a phone. At the same time, ...17 hours ago
- Pay-by-weight airfares are an ethical minefield. We asked travellers what they actually think
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Denis Tolkach, Senior Lecturer, James Cook University Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock Imagine checking in for a flight with your two teenage children. At the counter, you are told that your youngest teenager’s suitcase is two kilograms over the limit. You get slapped with ...17 hours ago
- Popes were once confined to Rome. Now they travel the world – and Francis’ current journey is pa...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University Pope Francis is continuing the tradition of papal journeys, having embarked on the longest trip of his papacy yet to Asia and the Pacific. In recent decades, apostolic journeys have emerged as a powerful ...17 hours ago
- Inside the cold war between Live Nation and the Powerstation
Auckland’s best live music venue is feuding with the world’s biggest promoter. Only one side is willing to speak about what happened that fateful night in April. The artist is dressed in black, with a DJ and live drummer, and the crowd bobbing in unison to sinewy R&B. Footage from ...17 hours ago
- How well are NZ companies reporting their climate impacts? Our new tracker shows very mixed results
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Walton, Professor of Sustainable Business, University of Otago Interpreting corporate reports on carbon emissions can be challenging. The current, adhoc approach to how businesses share this information makes it difficult to see whether they have set the right targets, have realistic ...18 hours ago
- Air New Zealand braces for turbulence
In today’s extract from The Bulletin, Stewart Sowman-Lund looks at the compounding pressures facing the national carrier. To receive The Bulletin in your inbox every weekday morning, sign up here. Diving profits A couple of months ago, we talked about the controversy over surging flight prices in New Zealand, with ...19 hours ago
Spin?
Lies.
Suggest you use the term public assets rather than state assets when talking about the sales.
The later is neoliberal term designed to distance the owners, i.e. citizens, from their own property by inserting a faceless entity, i.e. the state.
Spin is also a neoliberal euphemism.
It should be called for what it is.
The Kirsty Johnston article seems to have disappeared off The Herald website, but Google Cache is our friend. Full article is here:
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:7wzs6ewBpXAJ:www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm%3Fc_id%3D1%26objectid%3D11544478+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=nz
EDIT – Now see that it is quoted in full on the other post on TS, but will leave the link here anyway.
In para 3: to “sacrifice other core tenants” is surely the function of Paula Benefit? I believe you mean “sacrifice other core tenets.” 🙂
[ heh – cheers. Fixed.] – Bill
If ‘equality’ was the most prominent word in the word cloud, then there are more hypocrites in New Zealand than I thought.
The article about Double Loop Politics outlines all the Plays in the Political Game. We are being governed by the playbook not the people we elected. Some of the applies to Labour but the article also address the part money plays and the Right historically has greater access to this resource. He suggests a solution too
http://thestandard.org.nz/making-the-opposition-the-enemy/
All governments are involved in spin. So are all opposition parties.
But the examples given point to political interference in what are meant to be apolitical bodies. That’s something different but, I dare say, also something governments of all stripes indulge in to some degree or other.
The question as to the extent of that interference and identifying the point at where it can be said to have fallen over into the sphere of (how to say?) ‘diktat’ is something else again. I’d suggest that if the ‘The Herald’ is being persuaded to pull stories, and if there is nothing wrong with the sources or basic info of those stories, then that’s government censorship and something different again.
If that censorship dovetails with the politicisation of government departments (as it appears to do in the second example) then we’d be wasting our time looking for ‘any lines’ as they have all been well and truly crossed.
Social democracy always tends towards authoritarianism. It’s ordinary people who halt and reverse that tendency at any given point in time, and it is ordinary people who, by silence, endorse it at any given moment in time.
If my basic take is right, then we have to take into account that academics and public servants in NZ are already muzzled to some extent. So maybe that’s where the discussion and push back has to start – with them ‘simply’ speaking out about their fear of speaking out.
You’ve written my thoughts in a far better way than I could have.
Very good comment.
Academics have been pressured and muzzled since the 80s and it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s worse now but also applied more nastily. I don’t know about the pubic service but it’s hard to imagine that it’s not worse there. What’s also changed is that as you point out there are lines that have been well and truly stepped over. That, and the fact that the culture has been quite specifically changed so our tolerance is higher. The Overton window of ethics has been moved, not so much left or right as into a hall of distorting mirrors. Plus, pandas.
If you are on the TEU collective contract your right to criticise and be conscience of society is protected. If you opt for the individual contract it is not.
Like the new Code of conduct the Government wants to impose on Scientists and how they responded by speaking out and Joyce denying he had evidence of them being suppressed…
Most advertising has a 90% rating of BS ,its designed to take your money, in this case the emotive vote nothing of value while the real crime goes unpunished because it is controlled by those whose who have the money hence the power to dish out favour, about the length of time of human civilization, hasnt changed much eh?
+100 good Post !…so does this mean the ‘Government’s flag consideration panel’ is corrupt?
…how much was each member paid ?…and who are they again?…they should be held to account for their actions in suppressing what many NZers want …their existing flag
And why is the existing New Zealand flag option not in the first referendum ?!
( James Shaw and the Greens did a deal with John Key to ensure the existing NZ flag was kept out , snubbing both Labour and NZF…why?)
The Greens and James Shaw want the Red Peak design…(so does John Key)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11518283
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/72361005/John-Key-would-vote-Red-Peak-over-status-quo
https://www.greens.org.nz/news/article/greens-seek-red-peak-option-flag-referendum
and one of those involved in Red Peak design has been offered a free trip to Israel?!
http://rowansimpson.com/
“I was recently invited to travel to Israel as part of a delegation organised by Square Peg Capital and the Australian Israel Chamber of Commerce”.
“The Greens and James Shaw want the red peak design”
No they don’t , some may, some may not, How would we know ?
I am a Green and I would rather the flag was changed as part of a discussion about the country moving towards a Republic.
and as to snubbing Labour is an independent party who have in the past, done their “snubbing” as they are perfectly entitled to.
But Labours position re the flag was a poor and hypocritical one.
The Greens position was sensible as per normal.
Chooky is making shit up about the GP. I’ve not seen any decision by the GP to back the Red Peak design as first choice. I’ve not seen any statement from Shaw saying he wants the RP design. I’m open to being wrong about that, Chooky can give a direct citation but I doubt she will find one.
@ weka…”Green co-leader James Shaw said he would vote for Andrew Fyfe’s black and white Koru only if his first choice, Red Peak, wasn’t available.”
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/72204624/Parliament-lowers-popular-Red-Peak-flag-to-half-mast
ACT’s David Seymour is lobbying the Prime Minister to delay the first referendum until early next year so New Zealanders can fly their favourite flag over the Christmas break. He’s already flying his favourite, Red Peak, in his parliamentary office. But just seven other MPs who responded agree with him.
Despite a black and white silver fern being an early favourite, no MPs voted for Alofi Kanter’s black and white silver fern design.
And Green co-leader James Shaw said he would vote for Andrew Fyfe’s black and white Koru only if his first choice, Red Peak, wasn’t available.
Thanks. So Shaw has stated his personal preference, but the GP hasn’t decided on one flag to back.
re “GP hasn’t decided on one flag to back”..perhaps not Green voters…however
1.) …the Green Party backed Red Peak being on the first referendum ( joining forces with John key and Act)
2.) …the Green Party stopped the existing New Zealand flag ( which polls say most New Zealanders want ) being on the first referendum
3.) … and snubbed Labour ( which wanted the existing flag on the first referendum) and NZF which does not believe in the referendum ….and many New Zealanders who want the existing flag and think the referendum is a waste of money
that’s not what you said upthread,
“The Greens and James Shaw want the Red Peak design”
“The Greens and James Shaw want the Red Peak design”
….that is the perception many voters have …yes!
( see the links below)
that’s the spin that you in your disgruntlement are posting.
who is the spinner?….see links below…
you believe the GP want the NZ flag changed to the Red Peak design. Problem is, the GP isn’t a person and you’ve not demonstrated how the party came to the decision collectively or where they release that decision. It’s a stupid assertion but it fits with your recentish antipathy towards the Greens. Bloody weird strategy given that the only way that we will get a left wing government is with the Greens. But then you appear to now be a NZF voter, so I guess you don’t care.
@ weka…the Greens are not immune from criticism or questioning…( that is authoritarianism to think they should not be criticised or questioned)
James Shaw, who was supported by the Green Party, wanted and succeeded in getting Red Peak flag as an option in the first referendum thereby supporting John Key and Act ( see links below)
…and James Shaw , supported by the Green Party , did a deal with John Key and Act which meant that the existing New Zealand flag was excluded as an option in the first referendum ( thereby snubbing Labour and NZF who refused to do deals with John Key over this issue and argued whether the two referendums were a waste of taxpayers money($26 million dollars)…especially as most New Zealanders want to keep their existing flag)
I also know that you have said you support the Red Peak flag option
Sure, but what I responded to originally was you statement that the GP want the RP design as the flag. You made that up.
“I also know that you have said you support the Red Peak flag option”
That’s not the only thing I said about it so please don’t apply your reductionist and skewed views to my comments.
“the Greens are not immune from criticism or questioning”
I quite agree. I just like criticism to be more substantial and less spun.
people can make up their own minds on the facts (see the links)…and they have been making up their own minds on the Greens and their actions in support of John Key and Act on the Red Peak flag and $26 million referendums…when most New Zealanders want to keep the existing flag and every attempt is being made to deny them this option
Sure, but you’re shifting the goal posts now. The GP supported RP being in the referendum. That’s not the same thing as the GP wanting RP as the national flag.
As for facts, I see that one of the links you’ve dropped is Bomber’s anti-Green Party post on how they’re likely to form govt with National. That’s not facts, that’s rhetoric and supposition, and pretty weird ones at that (no idea what his strategy is there).
It is true that the Greens could form a govt. with National.
All it would take is National clearing out the corrupt individuals within their caucus, the reversal of most of their policies and rejection of neo-liberalism.
… and once that is done, they must convince a majority of Green party members that they have done so, can be trusted and that it is in New Zealands best interests that they form a govt with National.
So while it is theoretically possible for the Greens to form a govt with National, it’s not happening anytime this generation.
@naturesong…I am talking about the Greens and the flag issue…and how it has put off Green voters/ supporters and potential Green voters
weka is trying to make it about whether the Greens would join with John Key Nactional …a red herring
…so I suggest you address your comments to weka not me
@ TTD…”A groundswell of support and an unlikely political alliance won a remarkable victory for Red Peak supporters with Prime Minister John Key backing down to allow its inclusion on the flag referendum ballot.
A law change to include Red Peak was debated under urgency last night after Mr Key agreed to pick up a Green Party bill.
In return the Green Party agreed to vote against any bid by the Labour Party to include a yes/no vote on changing the flag in the first referendum – a critical factor in persuading the Government to adopt the bill.”
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11517949
‘The machinations of shanking Labour – Green Peak’
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2015/09/25/the-machinations-of-shanking-labour-green-peak/
‘Green Peak – the 5.1% strategy for 2017’
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2015/09/26/green-peak-the-5-1-strategy-for-2017/
( by snubbing Labour the Green party ensured a second costly referendum on the flag which Labour wanted to avoid )
‘Flag debate: Greens reap rewards of Red Peak move’
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/72352455/Flag-debate-Greens-reap-rewards-of-Red-Peak-move
“OPINION: What’s cute, cuddly, vegetarian and suddenly popular with Prime Minister John Key?
Green Party MP Gareth Hughes just overtook a pair of pandas to become this week’s most beloved political figure.
With a deft manouevre, Hughes has delivered Red Peak to the voting public…
So, the Greens find themselves hauling National out of a hole….
Well Greens have helped to ensure that we don’t get stuck with one of four lacklustre flags. Two black and white, 2 with a pointy feather and the s. cross from the sky above us. The koru is down to earth but is not green, thats the whole point of it so that is out, the clever black and white fern is sport oriented.
Thank goodness for red peak. I don’t want it but I think those who want a change will go for it, and its marginally satisfactory even if it very like a corporate flag from elsewhere.
@ greywarshark re “Thank goodness for red peak. I don’t want it but I think those who want a change will go for it, and its marginally satisfactory even if it very like a corporate flag from elsewhere.”
A commentor said this on ‘The Standard’:
…“the Red Peak flag was created by a Xero product design director (Dustin), has had its online campaign coordinated by another Xero associate (Simpson), and was included in the top 40 while the Xero CEO (Drury) was one of the dozen on the selection panel; perhaps we should ask how has the Greens relationship with that company changed recently?
Two years ago:
Norman issued a media release yesterday questioning whether Palantir, a firm co-founded by wealthy US technology investor and Xero shareholder Peter Thiel, had been hired by the Government to spy on New Zealanders…”
( pause for reflection?)
Thanks for background Chooky. I admit that going for red peak was making a choice from the throwouts of the best of the worst choices of some committee who took all the designs down a dark alley and never found them again.
I don’t want to see Key impose his symbolic victory over NZ democracy in my face high on a flagstaff but the peak is the furthest away from anything I see as really meaningful.
This is how utterly superficial the Red Peak choice is for a New Zealand flag…it is Farcical …it makes a MOCKERY of New Zealand ….and IRONICALLY Red Peak is a copy of a security firm logo
…Red Peak was designed and PROMOTED and judged by a company that has as a shareholder Peter Thiel ! ( see above) With red Peak we are being played …and the Greens are either stupid or part of this trickster collusion
RED PEAK the logo for Active Security Group
http://www.activesecuritygroup.co.uk/
“PROVIDING HOME, RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL ELECTRONIC SECURITY SYSTEMS SINCE 1998”
:privatising state assets” or more to the point “privatising state and local body assets” given half a chance.
PR: The dark history of spin and its threat to genuine news
The word propaganda has been dropped after it got a bad name from the NAZI use of it but that is what we’re dealing with here and the cause hasn’t changed in over 100 years – it’s to protect the rich and remove the governance of the people from the people. They’ve been quite successful.
IMO this is the inevitable result of losing public broadcasting. Only the news media can really keep a government honest and National has cleverly targeted and neutered those members of the media with the ability to take them on.
News sources such as The Herald are neutered by their own self interest. They need to make a profit, profits come from advertising, the big advertisers are the same corporates who try to influence governments. The Herald was never going to oppose the SkyCity deal for example, no matter how corrupt it was. SkyCity spends too much money on Herald advertising.
We really only have publicly-owned broadcasting now; profit driven entities who do little public good. We badly need a return to public broadcasting.
+1
DH, do you read the Herald? Can you remember the last time SKYCITY advertised in it?
Besides a small internet-only campaign earlier this year, SKYCITY is not a major Herald advertiser.
But having worked in journalism for 20 years myself, I can tell you that even if it was, newspaper journalists are extremely protective of their editorial independence. In my long experience, advertisers never manage to influence editorial coverage.
You also seem to have a very selective memory of the Herald’s coverage of the NZICC project. The newspaper gave SKYCITY a very tough time indeed.
Regards
Colin Espiner
General Manager Communications
SKYCITY Entertainment Group
I’d say the Herald’s line is more likely to be about its editor craving continued personal access to eastern suburbs dinner parties hosted by members of certain political parties than by simple exchange of dollars for influence, wouldn’t you?
Another point is that increasingly actual consultations themselves are partisan in their intent. There is no real canvassing of public opinion about options but rather a driving down to an pre-determined ideological path.
This was the case with the ‘consultation’ on local government’s so called ‘loopy rules’. House builders and developers were invited to comment on rules that they didn’t like. However there was no corresponding invitation for residents to say that they did want to live in well built, warm dry homes, nor for councils to comment on the reasons for the “loopy” rules. Presumably any comments along these lines would simply have been ruled ‘out of scope’ as they have been in the case of the flag comments. I had a go at explaining this here
http://www.publicgood.org.nz/2015/04/07/rules-reduction-review-an-extraordinary-attack-on-local-government/
Other examples that I have noticed that have fitted with this model – where the so called “consultation” could be shown to lead to predetermined outcomes were:
The SSC’s open government partnership “consultation” –
The MFAT “consultation” on The TISA
The “consultation” on the review of spying legislation
This ^^^^^^^
I have to give it to Crosby Textor, they have cracked how to manipulate the masses, quite masterful. I just wonder why they do it? I know they like to “win”, but “at the end of the day” what a hollow victory, what an empty vacuous life they will have when society collapses, and all their money is spent on security, and protection and baubles. Wow.
They do it for the money they get today and the success they associate with getting more moeny. They are not forward thinkers and think no further than the money and the game required to get it.
All the new flag options are complete dross – the panel apparently could not cope with large amounts of people telling them they were complete dross so hid the results they didn’t like. Probably won’t vote in the first shitty vote as I do not care which crappy corporate thing is going to be in run off. I want a new flag when we no longer have to bow to a queen or king!
In response to all the spinning and war room games remember there are lies, damn lies and Crosby Textor
Lucy
When you feel that you’ll be happy not bowing to a king or queen keep in mind Bob Dylan’s words:
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bobdylan/gottaservesomebody.html
BOB DYLAN LYRICS
“Gotta Serve Somebody”
You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls.
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody,
It may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.,,,,,,,
You may be a state trooper, you might be an young turk
You may be the head of some big TV network
You may be rich or poor, you may be blind or lame
You may be living in another country under another name.
Yes that is the point. A flag represents sovereignty and after this Key prick is finished we wont have anything but a reinforced monarchist government, not a republic in waiting,or we will be a subsidiary of an international corporate system or a south seas Hawaii which we are even now
They might as well tell it like it is A stars n stripe in one corner the union jack in the other and china in the middle with a little french flag at the bottom to remind us of the rainbow warrior and the french invasion of our nation
That should about cover it oh i forgot Aust. just colour the background yellow cause we are all gettin gutless in dealin with National corp
smilin
I think you have got something there. It’s different, it’s symbolic, it’s reality, it’s…..
I’m sorry, but removing non-values from the flag values cloud is not ‘spin’. If Keep Our Flag campaigners wanted their values in the cloud they could have spammed “southern cross”, or “union jack”, or “european values”. Instead they spammed non-values that don’t belong in a word cloud, which got removed.
Now, if they had been properly phrased as values, I would totally agree that it was spin to remove them.