Just when I was about to say: It's Groundhog Day !!! (again) … suddenly I find it's all over (bar a certain amount of shouting).
#POTUS2020
Those damn Ruskies & “Convergence Moonbats” who apparently exert an extraordinary control over US voters appear to have switched sides at the last possible moment.
fucksake, you're posting Breitbart media on a left wing blog? Do you want to be taken seriously or are you link whoring? Going by your recent comments and lack of engagement in the debate, I'm guessing it's the latter.
also getting sick of the maybe this is useful/maybe it's not rhetoric. You'll get some respect if you stand up for your convictions and be more honest about what lines you are running.
The day I stopped taking this blog seriously. Moderators here come down like a tonne of bricks at the slightest bit of off script commentary from some…then happily allow Draco T Bastard and Greywarshark to make a stand over their staunchly held belief that disabled people Who can't ever have a clear thought, feed themselves, understand anything, control themselves to do simple stuff, are destructive and sometimes violent are an unconscionable drain on resources and should not be allowed to live.
Maybe these are 'left-wing' beliefs…judging by the way so called left -wing Labour is as happy as their openly right- wing mates to allow those with disabilities (not covered by ACC) to languish in a below poverty line mire.
Clearly DTB and GWS earned respect from you weka because they 'stood up for their convictions and were clear about the lines they were running.'
Just a reminder…
" Left-wing politics supports social equality and egalitarianism, often in opposition to social hierarchy.[1][2][3][4] Left-wing politics typically involves a concern for those in society whom its adherents perceive as disadvantaged relative to others as well as a belief that there are unjustified inequalities that need to be reduced or abolished.
Clearly to some so-called lefties here the best solution to the problems of disadvantage and social inequity experienced by those with disabilities is to cull them…
I think you misunderstand. The people who own and run the blog are by and large left wing. More correctly the blog is aligned with the labour movement, which covers a range of positions.
The kaupapa of the site is for authors to write what they want and for commenters to engage in robust debate. To that end, authors are generally lefties, but commenters can say all sorts of things across the political spectrum so long as it is within the rules. Roughly speaking that's: don't pretend opinions are facts, don't use tone or language that excludes other people, focus on the politics rather than attacking people, don't put the site owners at legal risk, don’t be a dick/troll/flame or engage in disruptive patterns of behaviour.
The problem with the conversation you link to isn't TS's moderation policy or kaupapa, it's that the left itself is still largely useless on disability. You pushed back, why didn't other commenters?
Same with feminism btw, and you're basically teaching your grandmother to suck eggs here if you think I don't know the problems with the left.
Your idea that I respect Draco or Grey's position on disability is really off.
Thing is though, we don't moderate people for their political beliefs. We expect other commenters to push back. I will moderate the above commenter if they keep spamming the site with Trumpism and don't engage in the debate. But if they do engage in the debate, then it's on the rest of us to point out the problems with their position and argument. That is the purpose of the commentariat.
Finally, I'd appreciate support rather than attacks. I've been holding a progressive position on this site for a number of years and it's cost me a lot in a number of ways. You can thank me that we didn't have CV overloading the site with pro-Trump comments this election and making the place a misery (and all the aggro that would have come from that), but my actions there meant that I couldn't write here for over a year. Milt also lost commenting rights for that time.
If you want the place to be better, than make it better. Give me a Guest Post and I will totally moderate that to a standard that protects disabled people. I'd love to have more intelligent disability debate here. But I'm just one person. I voted against the EoLC Bill, but I simply didn't have the spoons to write a post before the election. That's my disability, so you know, maybe factor some of these things in.
Note this goes back to August 2020 being brought up again after it was vigorously discussed then. I think that this attack by Rosemary should be met with an attempt to outline the situation for needy people, with a large portion being disabled in some way. Some thoughts.
The desire for smaller government and less taxes is a neolib mantra; a crazy idea at a time when need is growing; that it is bad for a well-functioning society can be observed, but getting government back with settings for effectiveness apparently takes a lifetime, though adopting it was done in a few years.
Under the present system people are becoming more disabled through lack of timely care or services, and the erratic way of the neolib economic system has us at its behest. When government steps away and allows private business to decide procedures and approaches, we end up with a similar system to bad government but with managers who get large bonuses for finding ways to decrease spending and lessen demand. This is hard on disabled people who can find needed budgets vanishing or being replaced by a new concept that doesn't serve the real needs.
There is no willingness or ability by people like Rosemary and Ad to be able to formulate reasonable policy to cope with the growing numbers of people who are being affected by today's chemical-impregnated society, abandonment of respect for humanity in general and parents' roles in particular, stress from removal of life opportunities and a place in society for un/underemployed and handicapped people, and the increase in those facilitated to live longer, unproductive lives to age 90+, and the growing numbers with depression and drug induced harm.
The demands and expectations are so high and wide that everything that is done will never be regarded as enough. The vaunted 'progress' of the Labour Party in closing down badly performing institutions then selling off the properties, shows that responding emotionally to structural problems is bad policy. These were able to provide a haven for needy people, and give respite to stressed relatives.
The buildings themselves were in need of re-organisation and repair, but the problem lay with the practices that needed to be properly assessed, scrutinised and modernised. They led to the unpleasant traditions of treatment such as at Lake Alice now being revealed. Meeting the sad histories of the residents with soothing and understanding talk but removing the institutions that should have been permanent, was a mean, low move.
The staff should have been replaced with better-trained personnel. But neolib-based ideas of 'community integration' became the talk and the fashion, with no solid procedures for proper support and treatment, and accompanied by solid budgets to ensure care and opportunities for as full a life as possible for the residents. Talk of 'wrap-around' treatments for individuals has met with the reality of rationed care on shrinking budgets; just talk and dishonest at that.
In this case, the issue is probably your opening sentence in the previous comment,
"Must we continue to do everything to save babies that are so damaged?"
That you go on to say *if we save disabled babies we should make sure we look after them properly, doesn't overcome the problem of your first sentence appearing to say that whether we should save them is to be debated.
A blog that allows two regulars to spew vile hate speech reminiscent of the Reich.
Which, of course, is a load of bollocks. The Third Reich set out to eliminate viable populations.
Who can't ever have a clear thought, feed themselves, understand anything, control themselves to do simple stuff, are destructive and sometimes violent
Such people are already at the end of their gene pool and nothing we do is actually going to change that. They're never going to have children.
While keeping them alive through maintaining the flow of excessive resources to them may actually cause other deaths through other forms of poverty. The perpetual child that started that conversation was getting $1200 a month and the carers were complaining that it wasn't enough meanwhile the UB is significantly less than that even now that its gone up.
We actually don't have unlimited resources and so we have to make decisions as to what the best use of the resources we do have. Should we let some people die because of poverty while keeping alive those who, quite simply, don't have a life?
Caring for a “perpetual child” is nothing like a UB. Keeping a person in prison is even more expensive and deportation is a cheaper option – some caring law-abiding righteous citizens go as far as saying “lock them up and throw away the key”.
Paying for the care of a “perpetual child” doesn’t mean that money is taken away from somebody else with potentially fatal consequences. Government spending is not a zero-sum game as you keep pointing out here. Not sure why you raise this strawman here and now!?
A “perpetual child” is still a child, somebody’s child. They are not an animal that you put down when it has outlived its ‘usefulness’.
It is important that life's tragedies are actually discussed. While we are clinging to ideas of what are impossible to challenge in NZ, there are things happening to others in the world and huge suffering which we basically ignore. While we are high-minded in the extreme about treatment of one lot of people who must be considered as supremely important, another group are disdained, abandoned. That happens in NZ, and as I said, elsewhere in the world. Yet we are living in a globalised economy. So we must open our minds to how we can devise rules that enable all of us a reasonable freedom of decision, for ourselves, and for the others in the population. One might not consider something right personally, but may reserve making judgments about others' rights.
Perhaps we all should have lessons in ethics instead of some person drumming some religious discourse into children at school.
These are some of the divisions within the subject of ethics
Some more on google – Deontological ethics, Teleological ethics, Virtue ethics, Intergenerational ethics.
Don't know what these are about – they are listed on Google so some highly educated people know about them. It is not surprising then that we have difficulty considering sensitive matters.
No, we don’t need to discuss life’s tragedies, we need to talk about them and give them meaning in and to our lives.
There are different kinds of challenges, e.g. intellectual or practical. Ethics falls under Philosophy and in the context of debate it can remain intellectual/academic but when it applies to dealing with or solving social problems and policy formation, it needs to move away from the esoteric to the realistic.
Question everything, criticise, challenge dogma, but be constructive, not antagonistic, and fight for what you can influence and change – don’t tilt at windmills. This requires an open & curious mind, a kind & respectful mind, and an informed (which is not necessarily educated) mind.
Know your limitations, be humble and modest, and know and respect the limitations of your fellow countrymen/women as well. Aim high, but not too high, and don’t give up but learn and adjust – be resilient and patient.
You seem to have a bias against religious education. Indoctrinating young minds with questionable ethics instead is no panacea.
Above all, work together with likeminded people – the power of one cannot be understated but they never achieve anything without bringing others alongside. Others are not losers, the enemy, terminally stupid, or to be convinced/converted, et cetera. Differences of opinion don’t need to separate us, they do differentiate us – we’re all in it together.
Thank you. This passage really needs to be on the headline of every post.
I've lived through the experience of three close family members with substantial disabilities virtually all my life. This is an intensely personal topic.
Fundamentally I'm with Ad's perspective above, there is no place for cruel utilitarian measures here. A universal respect for all human life is one of humanities great ethical advances and we let it slip at our peril.
At the same time I could speak in depth to the immense human cost that this principle can and does impose on family and wider society in general.
Many years ago we were at a local Christmas Party for families with disabled children. It was a happily chaotic affair, loud, noisy and everyone quite determined to be cheerful.
And then there was one mother, quite attractive as I recall, sitting alone next to her infant on the floor. Even then I knew what the child had, Cat's Cry Syndrome and appalling affected at that.
In this room she had won the prize of all prizes, her baby so damaged that even the others shied slightly away from her, fearing maybe the contagion of her fate.
For just a few moments our eyes met, and in them I saw something that haunts me still.
A universal respect for all human life is one of humanities great ethical advances and we let it slip at our peril.
That is actually a major problem as it precludes any respect for all other life which results in farmers that pollute and then complain when others point out that they're wrong, a fishing industry that over-fishes the oceans etcetera.
Keeping a person in prison is even more expensive and deportation is a cheaper option – some caring law-abiding righteous citizens go as far as saying “lock them up and throw away the key”.
Not even remotely related.
Government spending is not a zero-sum game as you keep pointing out here.
And, as I keep pointing out, is limited by the available resources. So, no, not a strawman. We really do have limited resources. Just need to look at climate change for proof of that.
A “perpetual child” is still a child, somebody’s child.
I resent the years wasted of my time when it comes to how near impossible it is to trust government departments to work how they need to work. Through experience I have found the coroner, the HDC, a DHB and ACC to be useless when it comes to a man dying and no one checking up collectively on what the actual facts are. Had I done nothing the coroner, HDC, a DHB and ACC would get away with their useless analysis.
The public need to get it why a person like me is forced to go to the media. A dead man cannot get justice otherwise. I have been feeling sickened for over a week about useless services.
I think most people have no idea just how bad it can be dealing with those departments. People get there is something very wrong with WINZ, because of the coverage in recent years. But all those departments have been negatively affected by neoliberal ideology and budget cuts.
Had a post mortem been done this would have helped. Contacting and working with the next of kin would have meant the right decisions could have been made like the coroner not closing the file when they had not even sited the ACC injury form which differs compared to the vascular surgeon's comments. ICU say stuff like a short time later when it took 7 hours for the injury to be imaged.
NIL complications intra op was written when the man's micro circulation shut down and grade 4 bougie intubation was required. 3 surgeries in one week all required the grade 4 bougie with intubation. Just went in for a simple surgery.
Unless the summary of facts are clear people will get away with medical manslaughter.
I'd appreciate it if you avoid directing your anger at me, personally.
I'm posting this because it is an indication that there is going to be massive social unrest in the USA over the next month or so. That's what I think is most important – the people inside the US experiencing this as it rolls out.
I dislike BOTH candidates for so many reasons and strongly believe sharing information because the Biden supporters are convinced they have won. As I watch their over the top celebrations I think about the social consequences of the shockwave that will roll through the USA if this situation gets reversed.
Perhaps if you should TELL PEOPLE they need to make their political positions + intent clear with every post. It’s a Sunday. I have my own troubles and really did not need to have this type of nastiness dumped on me.
@k…can you count….?..what does 300 electoral seats vs. 214 say to you..?..no court is going to overturn that…and seriously…you post material from a far right site..and you expect no comeback..?…that's taking naivety a tad too far..isn't it..?
Let me make it clearer then. If you post a link to a 40 min video on a known white supremacist, pro-fascist media site and you write two sentences that don't tell us why we should watch it, then many are going to consider this either bad faith posting (spam) or promotion. Moderators tend to get a bit tetchy once this kind of commenting becomes a pattern of behaviour.
This is a robust debate site. It's helpful if you read the Policy and About linked at the top of each page, so you know what the place is like and what the expectations are.
"I'm posting this because it is an indication that there is going to be massive social unrest in the USA over the next month or so. That's what I think is most important – the people inside the US experiencing this as it rolls out."
Many would agree with this but not understand why you posted the link. I still don't. Yes, there is an expectation that people explain what they mean. If you want to argue that there is voter fraud, then please do and provide evidence. If you want to argue that the count isn't finished yet, likewise. If you want to argue that Biden won but many won't accept it and this will cause problems, then please tell us what you think. And so on.
[three week ban for dropping a deliberate flame in an already tense situation. One week for each time you’ve been modded on this this year already. I expect future bans to increase in length. Bring the good stuff Gabby, you know you can do it. – weka]
Just had a look at your comment from yesterday and see you replied. In part with this,
"I think I failed to make a key point, that is that people seem to believe the reports of fraud to be true."
Thanks for this, because it helps me understand that you are probably just not used to how the debate works here (rather than being deliberately vague). I would encourage you to stick with it and be more explanatory with your thinking rather than limiting that and linking. People will debate and argue with what you say (that's what we do here), but the way you engage will determine much of how that goes.
[What were you hoping (!) to achieve with this pointless comment other than to fan the flames in an already tense situation, which fortunately has been defused, but not thanks to you? Please give the Moderators a good reason why you should be treated differently from Gabby – Incognito]
I was hoping to get a laugh. That was great comedy, imo. Lighthearted, non-directional. Clearly non-political. Apologies I didn't have time to judge the tenseness of the situation first.
Also, I'm got these partial banners covering two of the most tense posts on this sub-thread, including weka's policy notes:
These are permanent despite reloading the page and shutting the browser. I couldn't really read what was going on. Reckon everyone needs an early night.
Apology accepted but I hope you understand that making light of somebody explaining they’re having troubles can easily drive them off the site. I can’t help you with the technical issues you seem to be having, they are very odd indeed.
The model predicts Trump will earn 197 electoral votes. That leaves 63 votes a toss-up – still not enough to overcome the Democrat's lead.
Bitecofer highlighted Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania as states the incumbent will have difficulty winning this time around.
"The complacent electorate of 2016, who were convinced Trump would never be president, has been replaced with the terrified electorate of 2020, who are convinced he’s the Terminator and can’t be stopped," she said. "Under my model, that distinction is not only important, it is everything."
Hello NZ – being insular. It's raining ….. and the newspaper report says we can expect more during November – something to do with La Nina, and northerly weather coming down on us – possibly from the USA influence? But when it is a drought for months, will we have to buy our water from the international/national bizziness people who have sway over our government and are sequestrating our water reserves? We need to get wise to the way that rich nations got rich – by being pirates and thieves of other countries assets.
I've got to get my whole roof replaced, and I think the ridge wood needs repairing. Rain all in November, December too close to Christmas, January hot as hell. I think I'll have to wait for January.
But watch out for businesses trying to outrun government as in The NZ Initiative's: ' Instead of officials evaluating the importance of applications, businesses should be able to bid in an auction system, Partridge said.' They have already chosen to run the country into the ground except for the high spots where they build their mansions and towers.
During the current COVID-19 crisis, PPE has been a massive concern for health-care workers on the frontlines—and rightly so. Such equipment is designed to protect wearers from hazards. Standard precautions include wearing properly fitting gowns, eyewear, face shields, masks, and gloves.26 After each patient, replace masks and gloves. Furthermore, if any PPE is visibly soiled, wet, or torn, it should be switched out. But not all infectious material is visible. Much of it can land or dry clear—the coronavirus included. Hence, we could be seeing tighter guidelines suggesting complete PPE changes between patients.
I've always seen Prof Baker as a 'day late and a dollar short". It seems to be some weeks after an issue is raised and debated on here that he suddenly seems to be quoted in the media as supporting it as a path of action. I also have the feeling that the business is always right angle appeals somewhat. Runs with the hares and hunts with the hounds maybe?
As to business bleating about it's skilled workers – it's now 7 months after the border has shut. The arguments for bolstering the workforce with short term unskilled or lightly skilled workers is starting to look hollow. There has been all these months to start upskilling people – why did they not use it if only to train the trainers.
I’ve always seen Prof Baker as a ‘day late and a dollar short”. It seems to be some weeks after an issue is raised and debated on here that he suddenly seems to be quoted in the media as supporting it as a path of action.
Maybe Prof Baker barks up the right tree instead of bleating to MSM or on Social Media if/when he doesn’t get his way or just for an ego trip?
I would like to have Espiner involved in some historical issues which people are trying to resolve so that they can finally get on with what is left of the rest of their life.
Stuff which you can actually partially prove but you lack the resources to go after some snakes.
If you think of something then suggest it to him, he might be keen to take it up. He seems to be off like a sniffer dog, so perhaps would like some more leads.
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Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is today congratulating Hon. Paul Goldsmith on his appointment as Minister for Media and Communications and urges him to rule out state intervention in the private media sector. ...
Asia Pacific Report The West Papuan resistance OPM leader has condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden, accusing their countries of “six decades of treachery” over Papuan independence. The open letter was released today by OPM chairman Jeffrey P Bomanak on the eve of ANZAC Day ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: writer and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024, Lauren Groff.The book I wish I’d writtenIf I wish I’d written a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Fechner, Research Fellow, Social Marketing, Griffith University mavo/Shutterstock Imagine having dinner at a restaurant. The menu offers plant-based meat alternatives made mostly from vegetables, mushrooms, legumes and wheat that mimic meat in taste, texture and smell. Despite being given that ...
“Three Strikes is a dead-end policy proposed by a dead-end government. The Three Strikes law ignores the causes of crime, instead just brutalising people already crushed by the cost of living.” ...
By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist An Australian-born judge in Kiribati could well face deportation later this week after a tribunal ruling that he should be removed from his post. The tribunal’s report has just been tabled in the Kiribati Parliament and is due to be debated by MPs ...
With its clear mandate for police use, political nuances, and nuanced public trust, Denmark's insights provide valuable considerations for Australia and New Zealand. ...
Books editor Claire Mabey reviews poet Louise Wallace’s debut novel. A famous poet once said to me that he’s always suspicious when a poet publishes a novel. I never really understood why but maybe it’s something to do with cheating on your first form. Louise Wallace is a poet. She’s ...
For a few months at the turn of the millennium, TrueBliss burned bright as the biggest pop stars in the country. Alex Casey chats to two superfans who still hold the flame. During a humble backyard wedding in Nelson, 1999, one of the cordially invited guests had to excuse themselves ...
How will the recent wave of job cuts impact ethnic diversity in the media? In November last year, I was working a very busy day in the newsroom of a large online news site, interviewing whānau about their concerns over the imminent closure of one of the few puna reo ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Knight, Researcher, Queensland University of Technology Have you ever felt sick at work? Perhaps you had food poisoning or the flu. Your belly hurt, or you felt tired, making it hard to concentrate and be productive. How likely would you be ...
Despite heavy criticism and an ongoing select committee process, the Police Minister says the Government will forge ahead with a ban on gang patches. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Whiting, Lecturer – Creative Industries, University of South Australia Shutterstock Everyone has a favourite band, or a favourite composer, or a favourite song. There is some music which speaks to you, deeply; and other music which might be the current ...
A new survey says ‘outlook not great’ for those charged with building infrastructure, while RMA changes delight farmers and depress environmentalists, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. First RMA changes announced ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato Getty Images When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also ...
A leaked document shows the Canterbury/Waitaha arm of health agency Te Whatu Ora is scurrying to save $13.3 million by July. The “financial sustainability target”, which was “allocated” to Waitaha, is consistent with what’s happening in other districts, says Sarah Dalton, executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists. ...
A look at the state of the previous government’s affordable housing scheme, and what could come next.Remind me: What’s KiwiBuild again?First announced in 2012, KiwiBuild was a flagship policy of the Labour Party heading into both its 2014 and 2017 election campaigns. With Jacinda Ardern as prime minister, ...
Labour in opposition will be shocked to learn which party had six years in power but squandered any chance to make real change. Grant Robertson’s valedictory speech was a predictably entertaining trip down memory lane. The acid-tongued incoming Otago University chancellor administered a sick burn to the coalition government. He ...
Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is seen some as its ‘silicon shield’ against invasion – but how will overseas expansion affect that protection? The post The state of Taiwan’s silicon shield appeared first on Newsroom. ...
There’s relief for building owners bending under the weight of earthquake strengthening rules – and costs – that came into force seven years ago. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced a scheduled 2027 review of the earthquake-prone building regulations will now start this year. Owners will also get ...
Opinion: It has been announced that nine percent of roles at Oranga Tamariki will be disestablished, presumably to help fund the tax cuts promised by the coalition Government. I am reminded of the graphics used to illustrate pandemic events, where five thousand people are standing in a field and then ...
After more than two sleepless days, running through savage terrain, Greig Hamilton didn’t know if he was going to finish one of the most gruelling psychological assaults in sport. He was metres away from the finish line, a yellow gate made famous in a Netflix documentary; a race he’d dreamed ...
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The following interview with former Green Party MP Sue Kedgley came about because she features in the new memoir Hine Toa by activist Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku; the two knew each other at the University of Auckland in the early 70s, when they were both took on leadership roles in the ...
COMMENTARY:By Murray Horton New Zealand needs to get tough with Israel. It’s not as if we haven’t done so before. When NZ authorities busted a Mossad operation in Auckland 20 years ago, the government didn’t say: “Oh well, Israel has the right to defend itself.” No, it arrested, prosecuted, ...
NEWSMAKERS:By Vijay Narayan, news director of FijiVillage Blessed to be part of the University of Fiji (UniFiji) faculty to continue to teach and mentor those who want to join our noble profession, and to stand for truth and justice for the people of the country. I was privileged to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Three weeks from now, some of us will be presented with a mountain of budget papers, and just about all of us will get to hear about them on radio, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Lowry, Ice Sheet & Climate Modeller, GNS Science Hugh Chittock/Antarctica New Zealand, CC BY-SA As the climate warms and Antarctica’s glaciers and ice sheets melt, the resulting rise in sea level has the potential to displace hundreds of millions of ...
The government's plan to reintroduce a three strikes regime is being strongly opposed by lawyers, who argue there is no evidence it reduces crime or helps people rehabilitate. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Jerker B. Svantesson, Professor specialising in Internet law, Bond University Do Australian courts have the right to decide what foreign citizens, located overseas, view online on a foreign-owned platform? Anyone inclined to answer “yes” to this question should perhaps also ask ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giovanni E Ferreira, NHMRC Emerging Leader Research Fellow, Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney Last week in a post on X, owner of the platform Elon Musk recommended people look into disc replacement if they’re experiencing severe neck or back pain. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University anek.soowannaphoom/Shutterstock NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey caught the headlines yesterday, courtesy of a blistering speech condemning the latest GST carve-up. New South Wales, he claimed, would be A$11.9 billion worse off over the ...
While police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...
While police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...
By Miriam Zarriga in Port Moresby Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived at Kokoda Station, Northern province, at the start of his state visit to Papua New Guinea. Both Albanese and Prime Minister James Marape will meet with the locals and the Northern Provincial government before they begin their ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Wallace, Professor, School of Politics Economics & Society, Faculty of Business Government & Law, University of Canberra Shutterstock An important principle was invoked by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week in defence of the government’s Future Made in Australia industry ...
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Security forces reinforcements were sent from France ahead of two rival marches in the capital Nouméa today, at the same time and only two streets away one from the other. One march, called by Union Calédonienne party (a component of the ...
A poll last August found that just 16% of New Zealanders oppose bringing back the ‘Three Strikes’ law. The nationwide poll of 1,000 New Zealanders was commissioned by Family First NZ and carried out by Curia Market Research. ...
The solo show from Ana Scotney is both sprawling and intimate, and a must-see, writes Mad Chapman. In the opening moments of Scattergun: After the Death of Rūaumoko, writer and performer Ana Scotney lays out the groundwork, literally. Silently moving around the square stage, Scotney is not so much dancing ...
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Just when I was about to say: It's Groundhog Day !!! (again) … suddenly I find it's all over (bar a certain amount of shouting).
#POTUS2020
Those damn Ruskies & “Convergence Moonbats” who apparently exert an extraordinary control over US voters appear to have switched sides at the last possible moment.
"Those damn Ruskies "
IKR?!
He really doesn't want to go:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z9YPawV1vs
Please tell me that this is an actor and not Trump.
For anyone who may be interested (40mins+ long..and can be summarised by legal challenge announced by Trump lawyers).
For the last 160 years the winner in Ohio also won the presidency so maybe they have something of substance, maybe they don't.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=392513575493994
fucksake, you're posting Breitbart media on a left wing blog? Do you want to be taken seriously or are you link whoring? Going by your recent comments and lack of engagement in the debate, I'm guessing it's the latter.
also getting sick of the maybe this is useful/maybe it's not rhetoric. You'll get some respect if you stand up for your convictions and be more honest about what lines you are running.
fucksakes weka…"left wing blog" is it? A blog that allows two regulars to spew vile hate speech reminiscent of the Reich.
https://thestandard.org.nz/daily-review-11-08-2020/#comment-1739987
The day I stopped taking this blog seriously. Moderators here come down like a tonne of bricks at the slightest bit of off script commentary from some…then happily allow Draco T Bastard and Greywarshark to make a stand over their staunchly held belief that disabled people Who can't ever have a clear thought, feed themselves, understand anything, control themselves to do simple stuff, are destructive and sometimes violent are an unconscionable drain on resources and should not be allowed to live.
Maybe these are 'left-wing' beliefs…judging by the way so called left -wing Labour is as happy as their openly right- wing mates to allow those with disabilities (not covered by ACC) to languish in a below poverty line mire.
Clearly DTB and GWS earned respect from you weka because they 'stood up for their convictions and were clear about the lines they were running.'
Just a reminder…
" Left-wing politics supports social equality and egalitarianism, often in opposition to social hierarchy.[1][2][3][4] Left-wing politics typically involves a concern for those in society whom its adherents perceive as disadvantaged relative to others as well as a belief that there are unjustified inequalities that need to be reduced or abolished.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left-wing_politics
Clearly to some so-called lefties here the best solution to the problems of disadvantage and social inequity experienced by those with disabilities is to cull them…
I think you misunderstand. The people who own and run the blog are by and large left wing. More correctly the blog is aligned with the labour movement, which covers a range of positions.
The kaupapa of the site is for authors to write what they want and for commenters to engage in robust debate. To that end, authors are generally lefties, but commenters can say all sorts of things across the political spectrum so long as it is within the rules. Roughly speaking that's: don't pretend opinions are facts, don't use tone or language that excludes other people, focus on the politics rather than attacking people, don't put the site owners at legal risk, don’t be a dick/troll/flame or engage in disruptive patterns of behaviour.
The problem with the conversation you link to isn't TS's moderation policy or kaupapa, it's that the left itself is still largely useless on disability. You pushed back, why didn't other commenters?
Same with feminism btw, and you're basically teaching your grandmother to suck eggs here if you think I don't know the problems with the left.
Your idea that I respect Draco or Grey's position on disability is really off.
Thing is though, we don't moderate people for their political beliefs. We expect other commenters to push back. I will moderate the above commenter if they keep spamming the site with Trumpism and don't engage in the debate. But if they do engage in the debate, then it's on the rest of us to point out the problems with their position and argument. That is the purpose of the commentariat.
Finally, I'd appreciate support rather than attacks. I've been holding a progressive position on this site for a number of years and it's cost me a lot in a number of ways. You can thank me that we didn't have CV overloading the site with pro-Trump comments this election and making the place a misery (and all the aggro that would have come from that), but my actions there meant that I couldn't write here for over a year. Milt also lost commenting rights for that time.
If you want the place to be better, than make it better. Give me a Guest Post and I will totally moderate that to a standard that protects disabled people. I'd love to have more intelligent disability debate here. But I'm just one person. I voted against the EoLC Bill, but I simply didn't have the spoons to write a post before the election. That's my disability, so you know, maybe factor some of these things in.
edited.
Excellent response, thank you!
Someone who is an advocate for cool, clear thinking on disability and goes OTT as you do Rosemary ends up losing credibility yourself.
Note this goes back to August 2020 being brought up again after it was vigorously discussed then. I think that this attack by Rosemary should be met with an attempt to outline the situation for needy people, with a large portion being disabled in some way. Some thoughts.
The desire for smaller government and less taxes is a neolib mantra; a crazy idea at a time when need is growing; that it is bad for a well-functioning society can be observed, but getting government back with settings for effectiveness apparently takes a lifetime, though adopting it was done in a few years.
Under the present system people are becoming more disabled through lack of timely care or services, and the erratic way of the neolib economic system has us at its behest. When government steps away and allows private business to decide procedures and approaches, we end up with a similar system to bad government but with managers who get large bonuses for finding ways to decrease spending and lessen demand. This is hard on disabled people who can find needed budgets vanishing or being replaced by a new concept that doesn't serve the real needs.
My original comment: 11 August 2020 at 8:50 pm https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018758982/family-fights-chaotic-system-in-caring-for-disabled-foster-child
Must we continue to do everything to save babies that are so damaged? If so there needs to be special funding set aside for carers both of severely disabled children, and those caring for fully functioning but disabled people.
Carers who step forward should be securely provided for not be under this crazy neolib thing of getting private entities to tender, and then go through the process again in a few years time automatically.
There is no willingness or ability by people like Rosemary and Ad to be able to formulate reasonable policy to cope with the growing numbers of people who are being affected by today's chemical-impregnated society, abandonment of respect for humanity in general and parents' roles in particular, stress from removal of life opportunities and a place in society for un/underemployed and handicapped people, and the increase in those facilitated to live longer, unproductive lives to age 90+, and the growing numbers with depression and drug induced harm.
The demands and expectations are so high and wide that everything that is done will never be regarded as enough. The vaunted 'progress' of the Labour Party in closing down badly performing institutions then selling off the properties, shows that responding emotionally to structural problems is bad policy. These were able to provide a haven for needy people, and give respite to stressed relatives.
The buildings themselves were in need of re-organisation and repair, but the problem lay with the practices that needed to be properly assessed, scrutinised and modernised. They led to the unpleasant traditions of treatment such as at Lake Alice now being revealed. Meeting the sad histories of the residents with soothing and understanding talk but removing the institutions that should have been permanent, was a mean, low move.
The staff should have been replaced with better-trained personnel. But neolib-based ideas of 'community integration' became the talk and the fashion, with no solid procedures for proper support and treatment, and accompanied by solid budgets to ensure care and opportunities for as full a life as possible for the residents. Talk of 'wrap-around' treatments for individuals has met with the reality of rationed care on shrinking budgets; just talk and dishonest at that.
In this case, the issue is probably your opening sentence in the previous comment,
"Must we continue to do everything to save babies that are so damaged?"
That you go on to say *if we save disabled babies we should make sure we look after them properly, doesn't overcome the problem of your first sentence appearing to say that whether we should save them is to be debated.
+100 Weka
Thanks
Which, of course, is a load of bollocks. The Third Reich set out to eliminate viable populations.
Such people are already at the end of their gene pool and nothing we do is actually going to change that. They're never going to have children.
While keeping them alive through maintaining the flow of excessive resources to them may actually cause other deaths through other forms of poverty. The perpetual child that started that conversation was getting $1200 a month and the carers were complaining that it wasn't enough meanwhile the UB is significantly less than that even now that its gone up.
We actually don't have unlimited resources and so we have to make decisions as to what the best use of the resources we do have. Should we let some people die because of poverty while keeping alive those who, quite simply, don't have a life?
We will always work to defeat cruel utilitarian haters like you. Count on it.
Reminiscent doesn’t mean equal or identical.
Caring for a “perpetual child” is nothing like a UB. Keeping a person in prison is even more expensive and deportation is a cheaper option – some caring law-abiding righteous citizens go as far as saying “lock them up and throw away the key”.
Paying for the care of a “perpetual child” doesn’t mean that money is taken away from somebody else with potentially fatal consequences. Government spending is not a zero-sum game as you keep pointing out here. Not sure why you raise this strawman here and now!?
A “perpetual child” is still a child, somebody’s child. They are not an animal that you put down when it has outlived its ‘usefulness’.
It is important that life's tragedies are actually discussed. While we are clinging to ideas of what are impossible to challenge in NZ, there are things happening to others in the world and huge suffering which we basically ignore. While we are high-minded in the extreme about treatment of one lot of people who must be considered as supremely important, another group are disdained, abandoned. That happens in NZ, and as I said, elsewhere in the world. Yet we are living in a globalised economy. So we must open our minds to how we can devise rules that enable all of us a reasonable freedom of decision, for ourselves, and for the others in the population. One might not consider something right personally, but may reserve making judgments about others' rights.
Perhaps we all should have lessons in ethics instead of some person drumming some religious discourse into children at school.
These are some of the divisions within the subject of ethics
Some more on google – Deontological ethics, Teleological ethics, Virtue ethics, Intergenerational ethics.
Don't know what these are about – they are listed on Google so some highly educated people know about them. It is not surprising then that we have difficulty considering sensitive matters.
No, we don’t need to discuss life’s tragedies, we need to talk about them and give them meaning in and to our lives.
There are different kinds of challenges, e.g. intellectual or practical. Ethics falls under Philosophy and in the context of debate it can remain intellectual/academic but when it applies to dealing with or solving social problems and policy formation, it needs to move away from the esoteric to the realistic.
Question everything, criticise, challenge dogma, but be constructive, not antagonistic, and fight for what you can influence and change – don’t tilt at windmills. This requires an open & curious mind, a kind & respectful mind, and an informed (which is not necessarily educated) mind.
Know your limitations, be humble and modest, and know and respect the limitations of your fellow countrymen/women as well. Aim high, but not too high, and don’t give up but learn and adjust – be resilient and patient.
You seem to have a bias against religious education. Indoctrinating young minds with questionable ethics instead is no panacea.
Above all, work together with likeminded people – the power of one cannot be understated but they never achieve anything without bringing others alongside. Others are not losers, the enemy, terminally stupid, or to be convinced/converted, et cetera. Differences of opinion don’t need to separate us, they do differentiate us – we’re all in it together.
Thank you. This passage really needs to be on the headline of every post.
I've lived through the experience of three close family members with substantial disabilities virtually all my life. This is an intensely personal topic.
Fundamentally I'm with Ad's perspective above, there is no place for cruel utilitarian measures here. A universal respect for all human life is one of humanities great ethical advances and we let it slip at our peril.
At the same time I could speak in depth to the immense human cost that this principle can and does impose on family and wider society in general.
There are no easy or cheap answers here.
Thank you. By coincidence, I came across this tonight and it felt appropriate to link to it here and now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwgr_IMeEgA
Many years ago we were at a local Christmas Party for families with disabled children. It was a happily chaotic affair, loud, noisy and everyone quite determined to be cheerful.
And then there was one mother, quite attractive as I recall, sitting alone next to her infant on the floor. Even then I knew what the child had, Cat's Cry Syndrome and appalling affected at that.
In this room she had won the prize of all prizes, her baby so damaged that even the others shied slightly away from her, fearing maybe the contagion of her fate.
For just a few moments our eyes met, and in them I saw something that haunts me still.
That is actually a major problem as it precludes any respect for all other life which results in farmers that pollute and then complain when others point out that they're wrong, a fishing industry that over-fishes the oceans etcetera.
Not even remotely related.
And, as I keep pointing out, is limited by the available resources. So, no, not a strawman. We really do have limited resources. Just need to look at climate change for proof of that.
Your logical fallacy is: Appeal to emotion
That is some seriously fascist/evil shit you are preaching there..draco…I have two words for you ..stephen hawkings…
Doesn't fit the description given.
Besides the eager rush to claim scarcity of resources as an excuse, what actually do you have against children, "perpetual" or otherwise?
I resent the years wasted of my time when it comes to how near impossible it is to trust government departments to work how they need to work. Through experience I have found the coroner, the HDC, a DHB and ACC to be useless when it comes to a man dying and no one checking up collectively on what the actual facts are. Had I done nothing the coroner, HDC, a DHB and ACC would get away with their useless analysis.
The public need to get it why a person like me is forced to go to the media. A dead man cannot get justice otherwise. I have been feeling sickened for over a week about useless services.
I think most people have no idea just how bad it can be dealing with those departments. People get there is something very wrong with WINZ, because of the coverage in recent years. But all those departments have been negatively affected by neoliberal ideology and budget cuts.
Had a post mortem been done this would have helped. Contacting and working with the next of kin would have meant the right decisions could have been made like the coroner not closing the file when they had not even sited the ACC injury form which differs compared to the vascular surgeon's comments. ICU say stuff like a short time later when it took 7 hours for the injury to be imaged.
NIL complications intra op was written when the man's micro circulation shut down and grade 4 bougie intubation was required. 3 surgeries in one week all required the grade 4 bougie with intubation. Just went in for a simple surgery.
Unless the summary of facts are clear people will get away with medical manslaughter.
I could go on and on.
I'd appreciate it if you avoid directing your anger at me, personally.
I'm posting this because it is an indication that there is going to be massive social unrest in the USA over the next month or so. That's what I think is most important – the people inside the US experiencing this as it rolls out.
I dislike BOTH candidates for so many reasons and strongly believe sharing information because the Biden supporters are convinced they have won. As I watch their over the top celebrations I think about the social consequences of the shockwave that will roll through the USA if this situation gets reversed.
Perhaps if you should TELL PEOPLE they need to make their political positions + intent clear with every post. It’s a Sunday. I have my own troubles and really did not need to have this type of nastiness dumped on me.
@k…can you count….?..what does 300 electoral seats vs. 214 say to you..?..no court is going to overturn that…and seriously…you post material from a far right site..and you expect no comeback..?…that's taking naivety a tad too far..isn't it..?
Let me make it clearer then. If you post a link to a 40 min video on a known white supremacist, pro-fascist media site and you write two sentences that don't tell us why we should watch it, then many are going to consider this either bad faith posting (spam) or promotion. Moderators tend to get a bit tetchy once this kind of commenting becomes a pattern of behaviour.
This is a robust debate site. It's helpful if you read the Policy and About linked at the top of each page, so you know what the place is like and what the expectations are.
https://thestandard.org.nz/policy/
https://thestandard.org.nz/about/
"I'm posting this because it is an indication that there is going to be massive social unrest in the USA over the next month or so. That's what I think is most important – the people inside the US experiencing this as it rolls out."
Many would agree with this but not understand why you posted the link. I still don't. Yes, there is an expectation that people explain what they mean. If you want to argue that there is voter fraud, then please do and provide evidence. If you want to argue that the count isn't finished yet, likewise. If you want to argue that Biden won but many won't accept it and this will cause problems, then please tell us what you think. And so on.
Well that's a bit snoflaky.
[three week ban for dropping a deliberate flame in an already tense situation. One week for each time you’ve been modded on this this year already. I expect future bans to increase in length. Bring the good stuff Gabby, you know you can do it. – weka]
Just had a look at your comment from yesterday and see you replied. In part with this,
"I think I failed to make a key point, that is that people seem to believe the reports of fraud to be true."
Thanks for this, because it helps me understand that you are probably just not used to how the debate works here (rather than being deliberately vague). I would encourage you to stick with it and be more explanatory with your thinking rather than limiting that and linking. People will debate and argue with what you say (that's what we do here), but the way you engage will determine much of how that goes.
Burn the Yorkshire puddings again?
[What were you hoping (!) to achieve with this pointless comment other than to fan the flames in an already tense situation, which fortunately has been defused, but not thanks to you? Please give the Moderators a good reason why you should be treated differently from Gabby – Incognito]
See my Moderation note @ 6:51 PM.
I was hoping to get a laugh. That was great comedy, imo. Lighthearted, non-directional. Clearly non-political. Apologies I didn't have time to judge the tenseness of the situation first.
Also, I'm got these partial banners covering two of the most tense posts on this sub-thread, including weka's policy notes:
These are permanent despite reloading the page and shutting the browser. I couldn't really read what was going on. Reckon everyone needs an early night.
Apology accepted but I hope you understand that making light of somebody explaining they’re having troubles can easily drive them off the site. I can’t help you with the technical issues you seem to be having, they are very odd indeed.
Tomorrow is a new day with a fresh start.
As you can see, specifically covered is Gabby's comment for which that person received a three week ban.
Breitbart is run by Jared Kushner nothing more than Trumps lies and innuendo.
[Link required]
I'd rather Rachel "The Doc" Bitecofer's take.
https://twitter.com/RachelBitecofer/status/1325177182176489472
The lady has form, too.
The model predicts Trump will earn 197 electoral votes. That leaves 63 votes a toss-up – still not enough to overcome the Democrat's lead.
Bitecofer highlighted Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania as states the incumbent will have difficulty winning this time around.
"The complacent electorate of 2016, who were convinced Trump would never be president, has been replaced with the terrified electorate of 2020, who are convinced he’s the Terminator and can’t be stopped," she said. "Under my model, that distinction is not only important, it is everything."
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/451218-trump-predicted-to-lose-reelection-in-model-that-forecast-dem-takeover-of
Hello NZ – being insular. It's raining ….. and the newspaper report says we can expect more during November – something to do with La Nina, and northerly weather coming down on us – possibly from the USA influence? But when it is a drought for months, will we have to buy our water from the international/national bizziness people who have sway over our government and are sequestrating our water reserves? We need to get wise to the way that rich nations got rich – by being pirates and thieves of other countries assets.
I've got to get my whole roof replaced, and I think the ridge wood needs repairing. Rain all in November, December too close to Christmas, January hot as hell. I think I'll have to wait for January.
Dr Michel Baker usually sounds sensible and informed. His latest suggestion offers a tweek to our quarantine system that would help open our borders wider to countries of worth in the Covid-19 contest between people and virus. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/430096/covid-quarantine-system-we-need-an-additional-step
But watch out for businesses trying to outrun government as in The NZ Initiative's: ' Instead of officials evaluating the importance of applications, businesses should be able to bid in an auction system, Partridge said.' They have already chosen to run the country into the ground except for the high spots where they build their mansions and towers.
Also wot abart the workers? The PPE we have isn't good enough to ensure no infection – how can we make get better results? It mightn't be war as we know it Scotty, but it is a battle. And we must look after our staff, especially the front-line workers.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/430083/troubling-that-quarantine-workers-are-catching-covid-19-union
Nov.6/20 https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/429973/covid-infected-nurse-did-everything-right-report-finds
Do we have them changing their outfits after each patient? That is what is recommended in a paper looking into the hazards.
https://www.rdhmag.com/infection-control/article/14185691/thanks-to-covid19-we-are-discussing-the-hierarchy-of-hazard-controls-for-dentistry (As a layman I can't assess the quality of the info but it sounds authoritative and informed.)
During the current COVID-19 crisis, PPE has been a massive concern for health-care workers on the frontlines—and rightly so. Such equipment is designed to protect wearers from hazards. Standard precautions include wearing properly fitting gowns, eyewear, face shields, masks, and gloves.26 After each patient, replace masks and gloves. Furthermore, if any PPE is visibly soiled, wet, or torn, it should be switched out. But not all infectious material is visible. Much of it can land or dry clear—the coronavirus included. Hence, we could be seeing tighter guidelines suggesting complete PPE changes between patients.
I've always seen Prof Baker as a 'day late and a dollar short". It seems to be some weeks after an issue is raised and debated on here that he suddenly seems to be quoted in the media as supporting it as a path of action. I also have the feeling that the business is always right angle appeals somewhat. Runs with the hares and hunts with the hounds maybe?
As to business bleating about it's skilled workers – it's now 7 months after the border has shut. The arguments for bolstering the workforce with short term unskilled or lightly skilled workers is starting to look hollow. There has been all these months to start upskilling people – why did they not use it if only to train the trainers.
Maybe Prof Baker barks up the right tree instead of bleating to MSM or on Social Media if/when he doesn’t get his way or just for an ego trip?
https://www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/leadership-ministry/expert-groups/covid-19-technical-advisory-group
Maybe the group operates in good faith and on a ‘no surprises’ basis and the discussions within those meetings are confidential?
And further interesting news from NZ for those feeling 'ennui' (where are you) after the anti-climax of the USA excitlement!
Love this. Some fun and No.8 Wire ingenuity and pazazz! https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/429743/move-over-rock-n-roll-here-s-farm-music
And down, or up, country things are going on that are good and amazing. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/countrylife/audio/2018771690/farmer-fuelled-by-flour-power
Did you catch up on the latest fact-stranger-than-fiction NZ spy story? https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/429696/the-poets-the-spies-the-vodka-and-the-magpies – From Guyon Espiner
This might be where the interviewer pressed the rentier about how many houses she actually owned, and the question got rolled around like a marble in a bottle. I think this is the right link but haven't checked iit. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018771233/investor-won-t-back-down-on-claims-first-home-buyers-hurting-supply
I would like to have Espiner involved in some historical issues which people are trying to resolve so that they can finally get on with what is left of the rest of their life.
Stuff which you can actually partially prove but you lack the resources to go after some snakes.
If you think of something then suggest it to him, he might be keen to take it up. He seems to be off like a sniffer dog, so perhaps would like some more leads.
Desperation has driven me to it. A matter unrelated to the above death.
The property investor seem to believe that moving out of a room means that room will be forever vacant.