Open mike 01/09/2022

71 comments on “Open mike 01/09/2022 ”

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1. Tiger Mountain 1

   1 September 2022 at 7:26 am

   In light of Marama Davidson’s bollocking over a chocolate brand, who recalls one John Phillip “sirkey” and his relationship with Steinlager?

   There was a time when Mr Key haunted the All Black changing rooms, rarely without a Steinie in hand or far from Ritchie–and the Rugby News cover photo directly before the 2014 General Election had him wearing an All Black jersey!…and standing in front of team members as if he were Captain.

   The Natzos got away with it on a technicality to do with the periodical nature of Rugby News, though the beer product placement always grated.
   • Gosman 1.1

     1 September 2022 at 8:10 am

     The difference is Key was specifically bigging up the product. Given the fact he was in the All Black's dressing room and Steinlager was the sponsors of the team the fact he photographed with a bottle of Steinlager was incidental to his purpose of being there. He was also photographed wearing an All Black's jersey on occassion that doesn't mean he promoted Adidas or AIG.
     • Nic the NZer 1.1.1

       1 September 2022 at 8:22 am

       Key was specifically bigging up the product?

       Your saying Marama prefers the Maori language to the chocolate?
       • Gosman 1.1.1.1

         1 September 2022 at 9:25 am

         Sorry, that should have been "Key wasn't specifically bigging up the product".

         While Davidson actually stated she disliked the taste she still focused on the product (indeed she held up a selection of it) and highlighted that she thought it was a good buy.
         • Nic the NZer 1.1.1.1.1

           1 September 2022 at 9:58 am

           Oh, I see what your saying.

           Its about who/what has the better public image. Marama lends her high public image to chocolate (tut-tut), while Key looks good when hes socialising with beer (hoo-raa).
   • Hunter Thompson II 1.2

     5 September 2022 at 9:09 am

     "University students are circulating a petition asking the Government to censure the Minister of Finance (Mr Muldoon) for appearing in an advertisement for gin."

     [The Press, 22 May 1971]
2. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 2

   1 September 2022 at 7:27 am

   Andrew Bayly, admittedly not the sharpest tack in the tool box, has gone full Trump in his complete disregard for historical fact and truth with this tweet:

   It is only with National that you can protect your hard-earned retirement savings from new taxes.

   — Andrew Bayly (@bayly_andrew) August 31, 2022
   • Barfly 2.1

     1 September 2022 at 7:52 am

     Lying for votes – The National Party since….. forever
     • Cricklewood 2.1.1

       1 September 2022 at 12:42 pm

       To be fair promising 100000 Kiwibuild affordable homes was pretty close to a lie… albeit an aspirational one
3. Ad 3

   1 September 2022 at 7:53 am

   Who should a Labour supporter vote for in the QueenstownLakes election?

   Can't figure them out.
   • Ed1 3.1

     1 September 2022 at 8:35 am

     There was a website for the last local body elections that analysed candidates for political orientation – the blatant National Party candidates all say that they will keep rate rises low, but that does not catch all of them. Labour has endorsed candidates on their website. The website https://policy.nz/2022 lists candidates, but quite a few (including some Labour candidates) have not given details of policies. For the last local body elections there were some other websites that gave more considered analysis – are there any this time?
     • Robert Guyton 3.1.1

       1 September 2022 at 8:46 am

       There's policy.nz

       Here's my profile, for your amusement, but you could explore their site from this link:

       https://policy.nz/2022/southland-regional-council-invercargill-rakiura-constituency/candidates/robert-guyton
       • Ad 3.1.1.1

         1 September 2022 at 9:02 am

         Lovely but I don't need a website.

         I need actual recommendations.

         Anyone?
   • Bearded Git 3.2

     1 September 2022 at 9:59 am

     Jon Mitchell-not hard really at all.

     Olivia has ACT tendencies and is backed by Rod Drury. There are rumours, which I could not possibly support of course, that she has already overspent the $30k limit permitted.

     Glyn Lewers has probably been anointed by Boult which says it all.

     The other mayoral candidates are no-hopers.
     • Ad 3.2.1

       1 September 2022 at 11:14 am

       Appreciated BG
       • Bearded Git 3.2.1.1

         1 September 2022 at 5:29 pm

         mmm I may be wrong…Neeta Shetty may be polling quite well…in fact the two women, her and Olivia Wensley are frontrunners according to a local poll though such polls are dubious.
   • Graeme 3.3

     1 September 2022 at 6:25 pm

     Going to be an interesting race, three main contenders, Olivia Wensely, Jon Mitchell and Glyn Lewers.

     Lewers is a sitting councillor who got on a coin toss last election. An engineer, very community focused, doesn't make a fuss and gets things done. Not much profile outside Frankton (which is the commercial and community heart of the Whakatipu now) which might hamper him in Wanaka. Some say he's Boult's appointment, but think it's more he has the confidence of the current council, most of which will be returned.

     Jon Mitchell was Labour candidate in Clutha Southland last year and did quite well, especially in Whakatipu. Born in Queenstown at what's now Bungi Backpackers. Family had a photographic business in town and motels in Glenorchy. Has a background in emergency management and is a very capable guy with a future in politics, either local or national. Could be accused of being a carpetbagger as he lives in Garston and has been working mainly in Wellington lately, but a Mayor who's a little bit removed from this cliquey incestuous place wouldn't be a bad thing.

     Olivia Wensly is the daughter of a failed property developer who went tits up in 2008 leaving a huge leaky mess for the Council, and ratepayers to pick up tab. Looks the part and very well presented with lots of expensive signs and patsy video interviews about how great she is. Electoral expense return could be interesting. Doesn't like Three Waters and development contributions, but really likes Council funded development agencies and lots of cheap housing. Also like to use the phrase 'having the debate', often after she's been shot down in flames. She will go down very well with people who have been here 3 – 5 years and really aren't doing that well, which is a sizeable constituency. Could get elected if her campaign doesn't blow up in her face, which is very likely given her family history in town. If elected can see it turning to custard fairly quickly.

     Neeta Shetty will mobilise the South Asian vote but not much else, ex Council employee / contractor.

     Al Angus is a regular, not a serious contender but asks the right questions and has some very pointed one liners. Usually accounts for at least one candidate's campaign each election.
4. DB Brown 4

   1 September 2022 at 7:59 am

   Trashy Kainga Ora Tenants Strike Again

   https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/latest/129731219/racist-graffiti-scrawled-over-familys-remuera-home

   At least the racist on my street only yells insults, not paints them. Same psychological damage though. Same breaking of other tenants Right To Quiet Enjoyment.

   How many thousands of lives are Kainga Ora continuing to subject to chronic abuse in order to virtue signal they're 'protecting the most vulnerable' or 'catering for complex needs'.

   Who is the government that let all the mental health people back into the community? Were our institutions so utterly evil they were irredeemable. In that case you clean out the people, not the patients.

   FFS.
5. weka 5

   1 September 2022 at 8:52 am

   Green Party doing green politics things

   It’s actually pretty simple: the climate crisis means no new oil & gas exploration, starting RIGHT NOW. pic.twitter.com/c05oKBLWCS

   — Green Party NZ (@NZGreens) August 31, 2022
   • arkie 5.1

     1 September 2022 at 9:04 am

     Forest & Bird outlines the reality (my bold):

     Forest & Bird says all political parties who are serious about climate change and the environment need to support an important new bill to protect public conservation land from new mines.

     Last Thursday, the Crown Minerals (Prohibition of Mining) Amendment Bill was drawn from the ballot box. Introduced to the House by Green Party MP Eugenie Sage, it would prevent new mining permits being granted on conservation land.

     …

     “Five years ago, the Prime Minister promised through the Speech from the Throne that the government would end new mining on conservation land. In that time, numerous new mining activities have been approved across conservation land right across New Zealand,” says Forest & Bird Chief Executive Nicola Toki.

     “This bill is the Prime Minister’s chance to fulfil that 2017 promise, and truly protect New Zealand’s publicly owned conservation lands for biodiversity and the climate. Ending mining on conservation land would be a powerful legacy and investment in the future. The government has just published its Emissions Reduction Plan – supporting this bill is an important test of its commitment to that Plan.”

     https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/bill-end-new-mines-conservation-land-chance-fulfil-governments-promise
     • Hunter Thompson II 5.1.1

       1 September 2022 at 9:50 am

       Jacinda promised to clean up the rivers too, but that comment was made before a general election so naturally it shouldn't be taken seriously.
6. observer 6

   1 September 2022 at 9:10 am

   Luxon has now done what everyone with any sense knew he would/should do: rule out Brian Tamaki.

   Link provided, but it's Hosking so … you click, your choice.

   It's the same stupid thought process as Labour and Kiwisaver GST. Why do politicians so often fail to ask themselves (and answer) the obvious question: where will this story go? How will it play out?

   There are always 2 options:

   1) Get out in front of the story and defend your choice. Take the flak, don't be surprised by the entirely predictable. If you believe it matters, then be committed, but don't be committed for a week or month and then be un-committed. (At least it was only a day for Parker). That's a double defeat.

   or

   2) Don't create the problem in the first place.

   You don't need to be any kind of political genius to anticipate the questions when Luxon opens the door to Tamaki, and Labour open the door to an opposition attack on tax. In both cases the leader/party backed down. As they were always going to do.

   Yes, I know these are two totally different issues but the problem is the same. Incompetence.
   • Visubversa 6.1

     1 September 2022 at 10:00 am

     Does nobody have a Comms Dept anymore with at least 1 person in it who can look at a policy or an announcement and think "what is the worst way that some lying scumbag with a complete disregard for the truth can twist this for their political advantage – and how do we prevent that?"
     • Cricklewood 6.1.1

       1 September 2022 at 12:46 pm

       Probably there are too many comms staff wouldnt be suprised if they tie themselves in knots.
   • Anne 6.2

     1 September 2022 at 10:31 am

     Why do politicians so often fail to ask themselves (and answer) the obvious question: where will this story go? How will it play out?

     Labour are bad at this. I think its a combination of some arrogance and an assumption they don't have to' dot the eyes and cross the tees' because the general public will work it out for themselves. The general public can't or don't want to work it out for themselves. You have to do it for them otherwise your opponents will do it and smash your 'story' in the process.

     As for Luxon:

     https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nationals-christopher-luxon-rules-out-joining-with-brian-tamaki-led-freedoms-nz-coalition/6W6HTIJFSMT5BSMURZYC6A7XLI/

     "What I've tried to say consistently is that I've got nothing in common with Tamaki. I think they're crazy, I don't think they're serious,

     Luxon will get kudos for this statement despite his dilly dallying around. He is using the language of ordinary everyday people. He comes out and says what most people think – they're crazy. (my bold)

     I know people who get irritated with Jacinda Ardern's 'politically correct' language. They dislike her because of it. John Key was a master at the game. He called a spade a spade (even when it wasn't a spade) and the working man and woman loved it. Hence his longevity as PM.

     Jacinda needs to the same. As an example, call the VFF/Destiny church crack-pots out for what they are and people should start to approve of her again.
     • Mac1 6.2.1

       1 September 2022 at 1:22 pm

       During the Wednesday miscellaneous business debate, Robertson gave Luxon a real serve about his inability to call out Tamaki et al. especially when Tamaki blamed natural phenomena upon the gay community.

       "Now, it's probably in the Labour Party's interest for Christopher Luxon to go on deciding that he does not want to rule out Brian Tamaki. I am pleading with Mr Luxon to do the right thing. Do not say to young, gay New Zealanders that they don't matter. Do not say to the women of New Zealand that they don't have a place in leadership. Because, Mr Luxon, you will be judged by the company you keep. You have a chance and you have an opportunity to stand up for New Zealanders' values. Do the right thing, Mr Luxon, rule out working with Brian Tamaki, or else New Zealanders will continue to believe you stand for extremism, you stand for bigotry. Rule out Brian Tamaki."

       https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/combined/HansD_20220831_20220831
       • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 6.2.1.1

         1 September 2022 at 1:26 pm

         "Now, it's probably in the Labour Party's interest for Christopher Luxon to go on deciding that he does not want to rule out Brian Tamaki.

         Very probably why he decided to take a side!

         Not from any moral conviction – he is a fundy after all!
         • Belladonna 6.2.1.1.1

           1 September 2022 at 3:19 pm

           It seems to be true of all politicians – when their personal moral convictions collide with the 'politically acceptable' attitudes which make you electable.

           Right, or Left. Ethics don't hold a candle when it comes to electibility.

           Here's an overview of Luxon, Mahuta and Efeso Collins – all doing the same thing – publicly walking back what is clearly a deeply held ethical opinion, when it becomes politically advisable to do so

           https://www.todayfm.co.nz/home/opinion/2022/06/where-do-we-draw-the-line-at-politicians-being-disingenuous-hypocritical-even.html

           [link fixed]
           • left for dead 6.2.1.1.1.1

             2 September 2022 at 6:47 am

             That rubbish link of yours trawling through it for what ?
             • Belladonna …

               2 September 2022 at 1:11 pm

               If you can't be bothered reading, that's your problem.

               If you don't like the message, then that's also your problem.

               The point – labouring the issue for the terminally dense – is that politicians from *all* parties walk back their personal ethics when it conflicts with their electability.

               If you want to accuse Luxon of doing this – then you should be prepared to also accuse Mahuta & Efeso Collins of doing the same.

               If you actually have a perspective to share – I'd be interested to read it.

               But, spray and walk away accusations really don't impress.
               • left for dead …

                 2 September 2022 at 4:40 pm

                 Do you need help ? clearly your becoming unhinged,have no interest in debating with the likes of you,just pointing out a poor link.If you had an article in mind,link to it!
                 • Belladonna …

                   2 September 2022 at 7:01 pm

                   Gosh, I had no idea that you were commenting on a link not working. Not being a mind reader (yuck – what a nasty thought).

                   Perhaps you could practice using sentences to communicate.

                   Because you frequently verge on incoherence – and clearly crossed the line this time.

                   Try this link

                   https://www.todayfm.co.nz/home/opinion/2022/06/where-do-we-draw-the-line-at-politicians-being-disingenuous-hypocritical-even.html

                   It seems as though the final 'l' was missing off the original – however, a simple google search of the keywords would have found it.

                   Or, a simple comment that the link wasn't working would have prompted me to check and correct.
                   • left for dead …

                     2 September 2022 at 7:33 pm

                     How many other people do you treat like this,stay on your med's.
                   • Incognito []

                     2 September 2022 at 7:40 pm

                     Chill, please!
       • Anne 6.2.1.2

         1 September 2022 at 2:51 pm

         "Robertson gave Luxon a real serve about his inability to call out Tamaki et al…"

         Good for Grant.

         Trouble is Mac1, the vast majority of people do not listen to parliament. And those that do are better informed than most. That is why it is so important to speak frankly outside of parliament and to call the NActs out in language that your every day Joe Bloggs and his missus readily understand.
         • Mac1 6.2.1.2.1

           1 September 2022 at 3:22 pm

           Fair enough, Anne. I expect that the plain speaking will increase as first, the need to react to the mind-boggling stupidity increases as the examination of their behaviour and beliefs increases, (such as Fire and Fury, and the media's focus on loopy local election candidates), and second, the election in 2023 gets closer and the opportunity and style of debate changes.
           • Anne 6.2.1.2.1.1

             1 September 2022 at 4:45 pm

             Yes. Watched whatsername, Nicola Willis(?) trying to give Grant a serve today. Belligerence is her middle name. Labour needs to start the plain speaking imo, and that includes the dipsticks and crackpots currently running riot over NZ's green and pleasant land.
   • mikesh 6.3

     1 September 2022 at 10:36 am

     The only honest politician, on the opposition side, seems to have been David Seymour, who at least acknowledged that the move was reasonable if one wished to have GST consistency. The National Party seem to be dishonestly attempting to make political capital out of the affair.

     https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/129742208/how-the-wrongheaded-kiwisaver-fees-tax-backfired-for-labour

     This move by Labour may have been unwise for political reasons, but having made it I think they should have pressed ahead with it. Backing down just makes them look as though they've been caught out doing something naughty.
     • Stuart Munro 6.3.1

       1 September 2022 at 5:12 pm

       Yes – it lends undeserved credibility to National.
7. Poission 7

   1 September 2022 at 11:35 am

   US life expectancy drop largest 2 year fall in a century.Fall is due to both covid and opioids.

   US life expectancy extended its decline from 2020 into 2021, the country’s largest two-year drop in a century, as Covid and opioid overdoses took their toll https://t.co/amu5qc9Iqm

   — Bloomberg Markets (@markets) August 31, 2022

   Australia sees excess deaths at 12% for first 5 months of 2022,with around half due to covid,and forecasts for rest of year suggest 9% for Covid alone.As Australia relaxes rules on masks on planes,and isolation rules.

   Another month of huge excess deaths in May. Only one week in 2022 to date has been within our 95% confidence interval pic.twitter.com/ALqGVG15vE

   — Karen Cutter (@KarenCutter4) August 30, 2022

   NZ has a similar slope with excess deaths,(an absolute figure that is undeniable )

   https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/excess-mortality-p-scores-average-baseline?country=NZL~AUS

   Will the government Greenlight a higher excess death rate for the future? The minister for covid is struggling,Is it a good time to start shorting the aged care providers?
8. Visubversa 8

   1 September 2022 at 11:42 am

   It is Blue September – prostate cancer awareness month. Look out for all the advertisements aimed at "prostate havers", "penis owners", " ejaculators" etc. Just kidding – so far it is 'blokes", "men" and "he/him" all the way. Advertising naming the people they actually know will be effected by this disease, and the people who love and support them actually works! Remember this next time you see "person with a cervix".
   • arkie 8.1

     1 September 2022 at 12:48 pm

     Like this?

     Prostate cancer isn’t any more common in gay, transgender or bisexual men however the nature of relationships and emotional support mechanisms in their community is often different to that in the heterosexual community.

     https://prostate.org.nz/rainbow-blue/
     • Visubversa 8.1.1

       1 September 2022 at 1:18 pm

       Yes, just like that. Still taking about men – (but with the obligatory kiss up to gender ideology). On a specialised page and doing its best to identify exactly who is likely to be affected.
       • arkie 8.1.1.1

         1 September 2022 at 1:27 pm

         Oh my, how terrible.
         • weka 8.1.1.1.1

           1 September 2022 at 5:21 pm

           can you honestly not see the sexism? Women's health messaging is remove the word woman, men's isn't removing the word man. There are a myriad of examples of this now, including on major health websites where women are referred to as body parts and men are called men.
           • arkie 8.1.1.1.1.1

             1 September 2022 at 5:57 pm

             There is a discrepancy there for sure but in my experience the messaging that is coming from official sources (not companies) is 'women and …' rather than the removal of the word entirely.

             Sexism imbues all aspects of our society as we are still a patriarchal society, one that privileges straight men above all others and that includes in health messaging in particular. Masculinity, as our society defines it, is fragile; insecure about and fearful of perceived frailness or weakness, read: femininity (as our patriarchal system defines it), and so don't look after their health, avoid seeking diagnosis or advice and ignore messaging that they perceive to not apply to them. This is certainly a consideration of those who write this type of messaging.

             All this said, my concern is that we must work to dismantle the patriarchy together and people who are queer, gender-diverse, trans etc are helping to do just that. I just feel the focus is wrong.
             • Molly …

               2 September 2022 at 7:22 am

               Sexism is based on expectations of behaviour, presentation, competence and achievement based on the material reality of biological sex.

               It has nothing to do with the performative stereotypes adopted by those who want to appropriate a fascimile of oppression by declaration.

               As pointed out many times, medical treatment and protocols based on male bodies, have bee detrimental to women's outcomes, and this disparity has only recently been acknowledged.

               Biological sex is not the same as gender identity. Gender ideology requires this distinction to exist, YET, it also demands the removal of that distinction in all language use. Even in cases where the topic is only about biological sex – such as in medicine and health.

               Women/woman is sufficient and accurate.

               The reassurances about no impact on women from the 'Be Kind' and inclusive crowd, are constantly shown to be lies, but instead of being changed – continue to be repeated.
               • arkie …

                 2 September 2022 at 12:44 pm

                 Sexism is based on expectations of behaviour, presentation, competence and achievement based on the material reality of biological sex.

                 This is precisely what I meant by a patriarchal definition of gender roles; fixed in stone by 'material realities', unchanging, inflexible and deliberately ignorant and dismissive of the innumerable exceptions to these supposed 'realities' that have always existed.
                 • Molly …

                   2 September 2022 at 1:00 pm

                   You also said this:

                   "All this said, my concern is that we must work to dismantle the patriarchy together and people who are queer, gender-diverse, trans etc are helping to do just that. I just feel the focus is wrong."

                   Which has nothing to do with sexism based on material reality.

                   By treating gender stereotypes as fixed and immutable, and denying the reality of material sex differences, the excuse of "dismantling the patriachy", is further diminishing of women's sex based realities and a distortion of both cause and effect of sexism.

                   To say that transgender concerns can be expressed separately, and are distinct is accurate, but seemingly not permitted.

                   The concerns of women in respect to sexism and patriachy are not the same of those of men. They should not be conflated, and therefore adjusted to accommodate an inclusion of males.
                   • arkie …

                     2 September 2022 at 2:51 pm

                     It is the view of the patriarchy that gender stereotypes are fixed and immutable.

                     Is physical strength exclusive to men? Is compassion exclusive to women? Aren’t women already logical, analytical, or rebellious or uncompromising or doctors or engineers or farmers or whatever else is seen by our patriarchal society as the realm of men?

                     Are men incapable of gentleness, of caring or supporting or nursing or teaching or child-rearing and household labour or whatever else is seen by our patriarchal society as women’s role?

                     Are you saying the reality of material sex differences means these stereotypes should be maintained and enforced?

                     I will reiterate that I believe that people who are queer, gender-diverse, trans etc. just by existing, are helping to undermine those patriarchal stereotypes, and that is a positive step towards achieving social, political and economic equality of the sexes. They are, at the very least, allies of feminism surely.
                   • Molly …

                     2 September 2022 at 4:51 pm

                     @arkie

                     Don't understand the point you are making in your first two paragraphs, or your definition of 'patriachy'. However, can reply to the remainder.

                     "Are you saying the reality of material sex differences means these stereotypes should be maintained and enforced?"

                     No, the majority gender critical view is diametrically opposed to this premise. It is gender ideology that connects gender stereotypes to definitive expressions of sex.

                     "I will reiterate that I believe that people who are queer, gender-diverse, trans etc. just by existing, are helping to undermine those patriarchal stereotypes, and that is a positive step towards achieving social, political and economic equality of the sexes. They are, at the very least, allies of feminism surely."

                     You can reiterate this opinion all you like.

                     To persuade or convince, it is helpful for you to explain how.

                     1. What is your definition of 'patriarchy'?

                     2. How does it impact on the groups you identify?

                     3. Do those impacts overlap, or are they discrete or a combination of the two?

                     4. What is this magical component or effect associated with "just by existing"?

                     5. As an final question about language, what are your definitions of the terms you have used:

                     a)queer, b]gender-diverse, c)trans

                     "They are, at the very least, allies of feminism surely."

                     Not necessarily, examples that contradict that assumption are easily found.

                     Eg. Here's an example of a prominent, feted gender ideology activist's take on misogyny. (Jeffrey Marsh – website and links).

                     https://twitter.com/Marianneradfem/status/1564734227618439169

                     If you take time to research, you will find multiple instances of gender activists telling women how they are doing feminism wrong, how their insistence on biological sex realities supports the patriarchy, sexism, is self-inflicted etc.

                     I'm interested to see how you come to your position.
                   • arkie …

                     2 September 2022 at 5:36 pm

                     I feel I have defined the terms suitably enough throughout this thread but I am also keenly aware that definitions do not always provide us with strict rules or boundaries, in fact they very rarely do, the story of Plato and Diogenes is a good example: Plato was asked to define a man and said; “A featherless biped.” Later Diogenes burst in, brandishing a plucked chicken, exclaiming; “Behold, a man!”

                     As a thought experiment, are you able come up with a succint definition of a chair, that includes all chairs while also excluding all things that are not chairs?
                   • Molly …

                     2 September 2022 at 5:48 pm

                     @arkie.

                     So, the chair analogy….Let's park that word game with the prevalence of left-handedness ho-hum and move on.

                     As is often the case, when provided with the opportunity to be succinct and provide clarity, words and language is treated as a movable feast in explanations rather than an effective tool for clear communication.

                     "I feel I have defined the terms suitably enough throughout this thread "

                     Yes. I am assured you feel that way. However, the reality is you haven't defined them at all.

                     You are not only failing to convince me of the common ground between women and other demographics. I remain critical of your coherence in what you believe to be the effects of patriachy, or indeed of those groups you have named but not defined in any meaningful way.

                     (No comment on the example of Jeffrey Marsh as women's rights ally? Oh, well. )
                   • arkie …

                     2 September 2022 at 6:15 pm

                     What you call a ho-hum word game is very much essential to effective and clear communication, in that we cannot rely on definitions alone to be accurate about the meaning of words; we more often understand things by what Wittgenstein called family resemblances; similarities, affinities and correspondences. One particular affinity, relevant to this discussion is that our patriarchy disempowers all those who are not straight cis white men, so all those demographics that do not have those qualities are largely prevented from exerting social, political or economic power and thus are allies in the struggle for equality.
                   • Molly …

                     2 September 2022 at 6:23 pm

                     @arkie.

                     I appreciate you taking time to reply.

                     Unfortunately, I find within your answers nothing to engage with on this issue. I'm not interested in tossing word salads.
                   • arkie …

                     2 September 2022 at 6:42 pm

                     That is a shame, despite the barbed vulgarity.

                     I, likewise, am uninterested in dueling definitions with those unwilling to engage in a simple demonstration of the limitations of language.

                     Ho-hum.
                   • Molly …

                     2 September 2022 at 7:22 pm

                     @arkie "Barbed vulgarity?" (where?) and "dueling definitions" (interesting concept when you have provided none to query…).

                     Bah humbug indeed.
   • Sacha 8.2

     1 September 2022 at 2:31 pm

     Clutch that pearl necklace.
     • Molly 8.2.1

       2 September 2022 at 7:44 am

       One constant, I've noticed, is that men who are particularly vehement about the acceptance on the slogan 'Trabswomen are Women', are usually also quick to draw on particularly sexist dismissive terms to negate or refute women's concerns.

       Very few women would wear pearls nowadays, Sacha. It is possibly, more likely they will be found on the necks of those men who enjoy cross-dressing like fifties housewives, rather than the grown women of today.

       However that is by the by.

       The other suspicion I have about men who so emphatic about other men being accepted as women, is this:

       For all their talk about acceptance, inclusion and kindness, and let's admit it – complete ignorance about being female, a girl or a woman – their insistence that transvestitites, autogynophiles, men who just declare themselves as women MUST BE accepted in all ways as women, is because they are both unable and unwilling to accommodate such men alongside themselves as 'men'.

       That is why, they choose to abuse women who say they accept that diversity of trans people, but not the lie of biological sex change. They are unable to accept transwomen as men, because their idea of men is limited, so any variation must belong in the non-men category. Is this descriptive of you?

       (In other words, contribute something better than snide sexist dismissals. Pearl clutching…?)
     • Anker 8.2.2

       2 September 2022 at 6:54 pm

       there are no limitations of language Arkie. Women -= adult human female. End of. Men are free to identify as women all they like. But they can never be women. You can't change biological reality.

       You have a bloody nerve talking about breaking down the patriarchy. In all my years I have never felt so patronized and gas lit as I have by the trans rights activists. Listen to you. The prioritizing of the rights of male bodied people over women to enter their change rooms, sports competitions prisons etc etc, is a f…g outrage and the most sexist thing I have ever experienced in my lifetime.
       • Molly 8.2.2.1

         2 September 2022 at 7:34 pm

         Well, Anker. I find your language to be clear and to the point, without equivocation, so find myself agreeing.

         It always interests me when people are unable to provide definitions for words they themselves introduce to conversations, particularly on this topic. When provided with opportunities to clarify themselves, they divert off into discussions about how language is fluid and needs to be observed out of context. (Taking the piss, is the more abbreviated term I associate with this approach.) Because THEY are unable to be clear, they assume the problem lies within language, not their misuse of language, or lack of coherent thought.

         (I've never before come across the idea of magical influence on women's oppression by "just existing" before. I imagine it is similar to a unicorn manifestation which grateful women should welcome with open arms. I wonder why so many women wasted time on consciousness raising, protesting and activism in the past. All we needed was a coterie of magical gender identities…)
   • Sabine 8.3

     1 September 2022 at 5:04 pm

     Yep, we had a nice billbord about cancer and blokes. It was actually quite well done, and it was quite clear at whom it was aimed.

     And no one gives a fuck about the well being of the domesticated mental support providing therapy animal that used to have a name but can't be named anymore lest some people who like to appear non male or people who like to appear male but are non male pack a sad.
     • Molly 8.3.1

       1 September 2022 at 9:14 pm

       Talk Peach, a charity focused on women's gynaecological cancers actually does have two hit's for the word "women" when doing a site search:

       site: https://www.talkpeach.org.nz/ women

       Fear not. Those hits are outdated. The dreaded word has now almost been edited out entirely. but still remains in the "Our Story' precis. Give it time.
       • Sabine 8.3.1.1

         2 September 2022 at 9:00 pm

         I think this is the group that advertised for donations to beat that mythical cancer that some people who can not be named have. So i emailed them to inquire about the mythical human being that would get gynecological cancers . I have yet to receive an answer.
         • Molly 8.3.1.1.1

           2 September 2022 at 9:10 pm

           I did receive an answer.

           Along the lines of "Meanie. Why are you being mean when I'm just trying to be kind? Also, I have cancer, and you're mean."

           Not wishing to engage in any form of one-upmanship in terms of kindness, meanness or sickness, I repeated my concern and wished her well.

           It seems the word 'women' was a step too far when discussing gynaecological cancers.
           • Anker 8.3.1.1.1.1

             2 September 2022 at 9:33 pm

             Brilliant Molly and Sabine as always
             • Molly …

               2 September 2022 at 10:03 pm

               
9. Anker 9

   2 September 2022 at 7:02 pm

   • Rumour has it the shiny new NZ Health are debating what is a woman……if they don’t know what a woman is get the f..k out of health. Go and work in fantasy instead
   • Molly 9.1

     2 September 2022 at 7:38 pm

     Good God. Someone better tell them what a woman is as soon as possible.

     Apparently, there is some confusion that may result in a long waiting list for healthcare for chairs…. Stool samples may take on a completely different meaning.

     
   • Muttonbird 9.2

     2 September 2022 at 9:09 pm

     Probably just working out how to protect all people.

     Hard to know because you gave fuck all context and zero links.
10. Anker 10

    2 September 2022 at 9:31 pm

    The context Muttonbird is of a public service captured by gender ideology.

    I said it was a rumour/. Would it bother you if it were true?

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