Hager’s response to Key
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3:05 pm, October 18th, 2007 - 29 comments
Categories: john key -
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I’ve just listened to the audio and it doesn’t sound like Nicky Hager’s too happy with Key’s claims made on RDU last week.
At one point in that interview Key claims that Hager admits that the Brethren email may have been sent to the wrong address. Hager calls this a “complete invention” given his crystal clear testimony to the Select Committee (here) that Key is still not telling the truth about his involvement. Hager also refutes Key’s claim that he has ever apologised for incorrect facts in the book.
Nicky’s asked to give his assessment of Key, to which he replies:
“I have a suspicion that the main thing that drives him is ambition and that there isn’t a great deal of ethical underpinning. He looks to me like one of those politicians [who]… will say anything or do anything to get where they’re going. But it’s still a tentative opinion because we’ve only seen nine months of him in the National Party leadership. But it’s not a very impressive picture yet, that’s my opinion”.
He loved the play though.
Also worth noting is his reluctance to move to a new subject, even now the book is done. So little is has changed in National under Key, he suggests, it’s “quite likely that my work over the next year will be watching the politics and trying to pick up the same threads again. I’m not sure yet but if i get the right sources and get some solid information that might be what i do.”
I’m already looking forward to the sequel.
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Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
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Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
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After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
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- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
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After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
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In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
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Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
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Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...21 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...3 days ago
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Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...3 days ago
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The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...4 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...4 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...4 days ago
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Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...4 days ago
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The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...4 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...4 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...4 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
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The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...4 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...5 days ago
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Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...5 days ago
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Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...5 days ago
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The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...5 days ago
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The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...5 days ago
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Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...5 days ago
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A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...5 days ago
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The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...5 days ago
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It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
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“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...5 days ago
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Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
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The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.“Councils and voters ...5 days ago
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Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 23 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
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Guess which book Hager is talking about in this quote:
“I’ll tell you my take on it. I think the book was absolutely sound and I also think that the commotion and damage control was so overwhelming that lots of people thought that I got it wrong. … I do think that it is a good book personally”.
BTW when HC agrees to release all her private emails to Nicky Hagar I’ll buy a copy of The Hollow Men. Anyone who thinks Labour is not driven to do anything to stay elected is kidding themselves. This applies to most politicians, particularly the leadership group.
So you’re not denying what happened in the Hollow Men… but you don’t want to read it because you think (without any evidence, I might add) that it’s just as bad over at Labour?
Excellent, keep talking about how credible Hager is.
Seeds of Distrust
Burt I see you’re a Hager fan. Are you still voting National, or is ACT more your cup of tea?
Tane
Remember this…
Wed 14-Sep-05 Mike Smith writes to CEO offering to include pledge cards in election advertising
Wed 05-Oct-05 Mike Smith writes to CEO withdrawing offer to include pledges cards
A paragon of honesty. Still General Secretary of Labour’s New Zealand Council I see.
If Labour have done nothing wrong, then why not release those emails ?
Every time The Hollow Men comes up, the Right will try and link it to Seeds of Distrust. If one is good they argue, the other must be good too. Take that, Leftie!
Ummm, no. If an author writes one good thing it does not follow that everything written by the author is good.
If Dylan releases one good album it does not follow that every album released by Dylan is good. If Labour has one good policy it does not follow that every Labour policy is good. See how silly it gets?
The Hollow Men was written with a wealth of concrete inside evidence. It was so damning that brought down a leader. Neither of these things are true of Seeds.
To those National Party supporters who haven’t read The Hollow Men – shame on you. You don’t know what it is that you are supporting, or how cynically you are being used.
Ohh Wodger – you’ve got all the good inside goss. Are you a national party staffer by any chance? ‘Cos if you are can you confirm that you guys will be doing a big advertising spend on billboards in November? Oh yeah, and what will they have on them? (I hear you’re still trying to get Ansell on board but given how long it takes to get skins printed I’m assuming the art’s already done).
Robinsod
I see that you have completely failed to respond to the actual point I was making. I guess you really don’t have a good answer when Labour duplicity is exposed.
Rob
I’ll repeat my point of above…
“BTW when HC agrees to release all her private emails to Nicky Hagar I’ll buy a copy of The Hollow Men. Anyone who thinks Labour is not driven to do anything to stay elected is kidding themselves. This applies to most politicians, particularly the leadership group.”
Are you suggesting that only National listen to advisors or have influences?
And Wodger – And you choose not to respond to my questions. As for your’s (if your allegation is correct – any chance of some proof?) I can only assume further advice was taken and it was decided (a decision that was subsequently shown to be incorrect) that the pledge card wouldn’t need to go into the spend. Jeez a political party deciding not to add money to their spend if they didn’t have to? Who’d’ve thought that? I’m assuming that when you get the chance to save money you stoically turn your back on it?
Now – I’ve answered your question how about you answer mine? Or would you rather dissemble about the emails. Cos if you would I can only repeat what I’ve said earlier. Every time the Hollow Men comes up National talks about the “stolen” emails. This is misdirection and is intended to draw people away from the substance of what has been revealed. If National is so concerned about the “theft” of these emails then why did they take so long to file a complaint with the police and why are they being uncooperative? Is it because the emails were leaked by a staffer who brash was having an affair with or is it because they were leaked by English? Or is it some other reason.
But – back to my point – Wodg – are you a National Party staffer? etc…
Robbo
Are you a Labour party staffer?
It might surprise you lefties, but just because someone disagrees with you that does not make them a paid employee of the National party.
I have to wonder about the gang that run this blog though. I’d bet that they are all on the Government tit one way or another.
BTW can you quote the date of the election in 2005 w.r.t the above Mike Smith emails?
(Captcha for this comment is “Many Bribes” – seems strangely appropriate
No Wodge – I’m not a labour party staffer. Nor have I ever been. I’m pretty certain I never will be as well. Now see how simple a straight answer is?
So, once again (‘cos you seem a little slow on the uptake) are you a national party staffer? And if so can you answer my questions about the billboards?
Oh, and I don’t think anyone who disagrees with me is on the payroll (that’s more a trope of the right) but when researched information from inside the game comes up and is backed with by-the-book National party misdirection (that’s what you’ve shown so far) I figure it’s not too paranoid to suspect a Nat campaign staffer – it’s fine if you are though I find the thought I’m nattering with an insider kinda cool and it’s nice to preview your lines.
And, in case you forgot during the last par, Wodger – are you a national party staffer?
Hager’s comments on Key could just as easily apply to every other political figure of note in the house… it’s a sad fact that the days of the honest and open politician are long behind us.
No Robbo – I’m not a National party staffer. Nor have I ever been. I’m pretty certain I never will be as well.
How are you getting on with the 2005 election date?
Wodge, why would I bother talking to you – you’re just a punter for crying out loud.
rOb
Yes agree, so which one is true. If I ask you you would most likely say the nasty story about National is correct and the nasty story about Labour is not.
If I ask a National supporter they would say the the nasty Labour party story is true and the story about National is not.
I don’t have a clue, I agreed with somebody else’s perspective that the guy is a loon, but I don’t just take that stance when it suites me and reverse it when it doesn’t.
Has Hager publicly declared a stance that Seeds of Distrust was incorrect, and the story was nothing like that?
I’ll drop reminding you guys about Corngate every time Hager is mentioned on this blog to denigrate National if he has.
Burt, your continual assertion that the Hollow Men isn’t trus is absurd. If you’d read it, you’d be aware Hager has provided the primary source documents in the form of Brash’s emails. There’s no denying it, it’s there in black and whie.
JamesK
I never said it wasn’t true. I’m not a National party supporter. I’m not insanely partisan. However I can’t see how if The Holow Men is thru e that therefore Seeds of Distrust is not. That’s simply a partisan stand that defies any logic.
Shall we say they are both true? I’m happy with that position, how about you?
Burt – I’d be happy to say they’re both true but the evidence for Hollow Men is greater. It’s just the nature of investigative journalism: sometimes you get the smoking gun, sometimes you only get someone talking about how they saw the smoking gun. The Hollow Men is the former.
Robinsod
So by the reasoning both books are true, Labour are as unfit for office as National? Have we just found the first thing we agree on?
I also wonder why no police investigation had gone on over the apparent stolen emails, especially since the book has become a Govt funded play. Perhaps Corngate will be the next in the Hager season.
Burt – the info I have is that the Nat’s are behind the slow police.
Robinsod
I just saw a pig fly past my window, it had vote Labour written on it. I hope it wasn’t tax payer funded.
Nah Burt – It was probably paid for by the north koreans – I just saw a vote national pig fly by and I swear it had “authorised by the EB” typed on its arse in smallprint…
Burt – Re the significance (or “truth”) of Hollow Men and Seeds of Distrust, I think “history” has already rendered a verdict that goes beyond politically partisan views.
“Has Hager publicly declared a stance that Seeds of Distrust was incorrect, and the story was nothing like that?”
Not as far as I know – but then, it’s not the sort of thing he’s likely to say is it.
“I’ll drop reminding you guys about Corngate every time Hager is mentioned on this blog to denigrate National if he has.”
You can do what you like of course, but every time you claim that the two books must be of equal significance, you know you’re, ummmmm, not doing your best work.
Robinsod
It was flying Robinson, it’s clearly a GE pig. Must have eaten too much of Helen Clark’s special imported corn.
rOb
Is ‘best work’ defined as taking a partisan Labour party supporters stance? If so I fail. I also fail taking a partisan National party supporters stance. Oh well, at least I get to enjoy the whole story rather than being forced to block out the bits that offend my partisan views.
Burt – you’re a pugnacious bastard, I’ll give you that. Obtuse for sure but pugnacious. You’re not a computer programme are you?
Burt – “Is ‘best work’ defined as taking a partisan Labour party supporters stance?”
Best work is defined as intellectual honesty. Telling the truth.
“Oh well, at least I get to enjoy the whole story rather than being forced to block out the bits that offend my partisan views.”
Yeah tempting – one gets to feel superior to everyone. But there’s also a saying – “the hottest fires of hell are reserved for those who seek to preserve moral neutrality in the face of a crisis”. I somewhat believe in that.
In short, if you believe in anything, then I think you’re obliged to stand and be counted.
rOb
I have stood and been counted.
I said: “Shall we say they are both true? I’m happy with that position, how about you?”
I’m picking you think Corngate even if true was nothing but the EB story is the crisis?
Burt – “I have stood and been counted.”
Oh, good for you. Sorry, I thought you were claiming to be neutral.
“Shall we say they are both true? I’m happy with that position, how about you?”
We can say what we like. The public, or history, or whatever, has passed its own judgments. Hollow Men took down a party leader, Seeds of Distrust did not.
“I’m picking you think Corngate even if true was nothing but the EB story is the crisis?”
If everything Hager said about Corngate was true then it would reflect pretty badly on Labour. If everything Hager said about Hollow Men was true then it reflects extremely badly on National.
I’ve read both books. Have you Burt?
Anyway, goodnight, if you’re still up replying to this, you get the last word!