Open mike 17/03/2016

108 comments on “Open mike 17/03/2016 ”

• Comments are now closed

1. b waghorn 1

   17 March 2016 at 6:54 am

   Chris Trotter is doing a hatchet job on Little and labour on henry at the moment.!!
   • chris73 1.1

     17 March 2016 at 7:24 am

     Its probably not as impressive as the self-inflicted hatchet job that Littles carrying out on himself
     • b waghorn 1.1.1

       17 March 2016 at 7:40 am

       Polly want cracker!
     • lilman 1.1.2

       17 March 2016 at 2:51 pm

       So true.
       • Halfcrown 1.1.2.1

         17 March 2016 at 6:34 pm

         So fucking true
   • tc 1.2

     17 March 2016 at 7:25 am

     Pagani and Quinn must be rostered off today so compliant chris obliges with more muddle of the road criticism from his paid soapbox.

     You don’t get the gig unless you stick to the Weldon script.
     • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 1.2.1

       17 March 2016 at 10:34 am

       Trotter is part of the VRC now? Fuck me.
       • TC 1.2.1.1

         17 March 2016 at 11:15 am

         He is a paid commentator fulfilling a messaging requirement at weldons outlet. Thats your whacky conspiracy meme dude.
         • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 1.2.1.1.1

           17 March 2016 at 11:30 am

           I repeat: fuck me.
           • adam 1.2.1.1.1.1

             17 March 2016 at 12:35 pm

             It is a cold day in hell.

             I’m agreeing with The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell

             Chris will say what he likes in the defence of social democracy. I give him beans for being a social democrat -Trotter that is. But I have never doubted in all the time I’ve know him, that he is a social democrat.
             • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell …

               17 March 2016 at 12:56 pm

               …and how offensive, to claim he’s allowed himself to be bought off.
   • Gabby 1.3

     17 March 2016 at 9:02 am

     What are Dipshit Henry’s ratings like these days?
2. Sabine 2

   17 March 2016 at 7:22 am

   yep and CV is doing it on the other thread.

   Labour must fail, or else the purists an dis-enchanted have a sad.

   really who cares.?
   • tc 2.1

     17 March 2016 at 7:31 am

     So predictable, must be a smear or two due soon to prop up a meme they’ve chosen to go with.
   • b waghorn 2.2

     17 March 2016 at 7:39 am

     I’ve always stayed away from the t word but trotter was concern trolling like pro
     • TC 2.2.1

       17 March 2016 at 10:20 am

       Thats his role as a mr reasonable. Another comfy well looked after tool of the machine.
   • adam 2.3

     17 March 2016 at 8:31 am

     No the labour party is just another liberal party, and some of us support the interests of labour. You know, working people who deserve more than sad platitudes from the weak and pitiful liberal class who goes after corporate money. The same liberals who say very little on workers rights, and are deathly silent on the poor and struggling in this country.

     When was the last time the labour party said anything to offer hope to the unemployed?

     When was the last time the labour party did anything to enhancing democracy?

     I know a lot of you are the labour party cheer squad, but you are stuck at 30% with an ever increasing percentage of the population unwilling or unable to engage in politics.

     If one, just one of this current crop was half the man Peter Fraser was, I would cut you some slack. But not one of them is fit enough, nor humanistic, nor even socialist enough to come even close.

     It’s not about labour failing, it would be nice if the labour party acknowledged they were the ones who opened the door to the ideology of extreme liberalism. That they hurt people by shifting the wealth away from the poorest in this country towards the already wealthy.

     I don’t see that happening – do you?

     Oh, and poppet’s, criticism does democracy make. If you wet liberals canny handle it, you can always go join the national party, they don’t take criticism well either.
     • Draco T Bastard 2.3.1

       17 March 2016 at 10:01 am

       When was the last time the labour party said anything to offer hope to the unemployed?

       Unconditional Basic Income
       End of Zero Hours
       So, not that long ago.

       When was the last time the labour party did anything to enhancing democracy?

       Well, you got me there. Labour no more wants democracy than does National. Individuals don’t get rich when the people make the rules rather than the elites.

       If one, just one of this current crop was half the man Peter Fraser was, I would cut you some slack. But not one of them is fit enough, nor humanistic, nor even socialist enough to come even close.

       Probably true there as well. The First Labour Government actually had a vision about the change that they wanted to bring about. The present Labour caucus seems more about keeping things as they are despite the obvious failings.

       We need a new vision and we need to organise and work towards that vision.
       • alwyn 2.3.1.1

         17 March 2016 at 12:05 pm

         And exactly what is that the Labour Party is proposing regarding the UBI?
         All they have said is that they are proposing that there should be a debate about the concept. Everything else has simply been, as the comments on this site have been, about what people like to think it would mean.
         Until Little comes out with at least a bit of detail they can’t really be said to have “done” anything.

         I came up with one idea that I have suggested to my local MP, a good Labour fellow, I proposed that while Andrew is in bank-bashing mode he should instruct the banks that they must provide 1% mortgage loans to all union members who want them.
         That would help the working people and revive the moribund union movement. Membership of the unions would rocket I should think.
         He seemed very interested so I can imagine it being Labour policy in a week or two. It wouldn’t be any sillier than some of their other ideas.
         • McFlock 2.3.1.1.1

           17 March 2016 at 12:09 pm

           Nice spin.

           “When was the last time the labour party said anything to offer hope to the unemployed?” becomes a demand for a details and that something have been “done”.

           Polly wanna cracker?
           • adam 2.3.1.1.1.1

             17 March 2016 at 12:40 pm

             “Polly wanna cracker?”

             An admission of guilt.

             Hope or a vision. Nothing a liberal like yourself McFlock can understand ah?
             • McFlock …

               17 March 2016 at 12:53 pm

               “Admission of guilt” my arse.

               You asked when was the last time Labour said anything that offered hope to the unemployed. DTB gave two recent examples. Alwyn then spun away as if you’d asked for something more than what you’d requested. Hence the parrot reference.

               So an admission of guilt of what? Doing something other than gnashing my teeth whenever Labour caucus members open their mouths? If that’s a demonstration of your personal hope and vision, I’ll stick with dreary old “actually reading what the left wing parties say, rather than making shit up”.
         • dv 2.3.1.1.2

           17 March 2016 at 12:12 pm

           So Alwyn what are the announced tax cuts in 2017?
           • alwyn 2.3.1.1.2.1

             17 March 2016 at 12:22 pm

             Neither I, nor anyone else has the faintest idea of the details.
             However if you are going to say that Little has done something for the unemployed with the little he has said about a UBI you would have to regard Key’s statements so far as doing something for the low and middle income New Zealanders.
             I certainly wouldn’t say that about either of the parties announcements. You appear to be willing to go along with airy-fairy waffle though, at least as long as it is by your side.
             • dv …

               17 March 2016 at 12:43 pm

               You appear to be willing to go along with airy-fairy waffle though, at least as long as it is by your side.

               HUH where did I say that?
               • alwyn …

                 17 March 2016 at 12:55 pm

                 I apologise. You did contribute to the UBI comments but yours were not in the category of “Oh how wonderful is Labour”.
                 I shall grovel for a few minutes.
                 • dv …

                   17 March 2016 at 2:56 pm

                   Only a FEW minutes!!!!
                   Thank you
       • adam 2.3.1.2

         17 March 2016 at 12:08 pm

         I’m not sure on their take on the UBI. The framing is – well lose, and it is not being presented as a message of hope.

         I think Bill here did a great piece on UBI and presenting it as something which can offer people hope.

         The other thing is, a UBI is fine, but what about the homeless and hungry right now – not some mythical time in the future?

         The hope I’m talking about is for people on benefits and not on benefits now!

         And the end of zero hour contracts is a win, but a defensive win. Which has been what the liberal elites have convince people they should do ever since big money came into the game.
         • Draco T Bastard 2.3.1.2.1

           17 March 2016 at 12:39 pm

           The other thing is, a UBI is fine, but what about the homeless and hungry right now – not some mythical time in the future?

           You do realise that it’s possible for a political party to work on more than one thing at a time don’t you? And haven’t you forgotten that Labour promised 10,000 per year homes?

           And the end of zero hour contracts is a win, but a defensive win. Which has been what the liberal elites have convince people they should do ever since big money came into the game.

           To some degree that’s all we’ve been getting since forever but it’s managed to change things for the better over time.
           • adam 2.3.1.2.1.1

             17 March 2016 at 12:48 pm

             Nora the explorer, Of course I get how political parties work.

             My problem is a party who uses the name labour, is weak on issues of labour. Especially the underemployed and the unemployed.

             Defensive politics is a lose, lose proposition. Ever since, the fall of the third labour government, political, labour, and human rights have been on the decline. The left has been suckered into an endless back footed defensive position. You would think after 40 odd years, they might wake up to the fact it is not a winner.

             People who vote – know it’s not a winner, and they don’t like it.

             People want results, and to feel they are getting somewhere for themselves and/or their children. The style of politics which is defensive in nature, will never give people that feeling.
             • weka …

               17 March 2016 at 1:13 pm

               I’d like to see more comment on what could be done, along side the criticism. When I start asking for detail often I get brushed off or told off. It’s very easy to see what is wrong with Labour. Not so easy to see what they or we can do about it given the realities.

               Labour are in opposition, hard to know how they could have offensive wins, but perhaps you could explain what you mean by that?
     • weka 2.3.2

       17 March 2016 at 10:06 am

       ffs adam, can we try and not talk in ideological stereotypes? Who are the liberal class exactly? Which of the people you talk to here do you consign to that? Who is the Labour cheer squad? I’ve had people insinuate that I’m part of that which tells me that the people saying that are either idiots, or disingenuous, or are not actually listening to what I am saying.

       Yes there are Labourites here, and yes the odd one is rightish, but most aren’t. Then there is the larger number of people like myself who aren’t Labourites (many don’t even vote Labour) and who have a different perspective to yourself and to the Paganis of the world. I just wish the people who want Labour to be a labour party would realise that they aren’t anymore and haven’t been for a long time and continually attacking Labour isn’t going to change that. CV’s strategy appears to be that if Labour collapsed something would rise in its place, but he won’t be up front about that and have an honest discussion about. I also really think much of what he does here re Labour is personal and as such it skews his behaviour and probably his politics.

       Misrespresenting Labour and Little on immigration today is a low point even for him. I’m all for dissent, I just want honest dissent.
       • alwyn 2.3.2.1

         17 March 2016 at 12:08 pm

         ” I’ve had people insinuate that I’m part of that “.
         That is ridiculous weka. You are part of the Green party Cheer Leaders organisation. Got your training from the Dallas Cowboys no doubt.
         • weka 2.3.2.1.1

           17 March 2016 at 12:27 pm

           Even you should be able to tell the difference between one party and another. Hint, they have different names.

           And don’t worry, I have plenty of criticisms of the Green Party.
       • adam 2.3.2.2

         17 March 2016 at 12:28 pm

         ” I just wish the people who want Labour to be a labour party would realise that they aren’t anymore and haven’t been for a long time and continually attacking Labour isn’t going to change that.”

         I agree, I’m not wanting to change the labour party. Indeed I thought it I framed my argument as such. The labour party need to realise they are not the only people who want a better future for working people. My beef, is the fact they can’t handle criticism, especially when it is pointed out they are a liberal party.

         Which raises the question, are you happy to hand the ideological debate to the Tories? Seriously, think about what you said – to me, it sound like you were happy to have the political debate framed in classical liberal terms. I know you are not, I’ve read what else you have written.

         Colonial Viper has a right to be mad. It seems, rightly or wrongly that the labour party use Chinese as their fall guy. If it is concious decision to play on the hangover of the “yellow peril” argument, I’m standing with Colonial Viper all the way. It just feels like we are back to the same debate we had when the twit Twyford brought up home buying in Auckland.

         So new low, I’m not so quick to judge. Lets wait and see.
         • weka 2.3.2.2.1

           17 March 2016 at 1:07 pm

           I don’t know what ‘classical liberal terms’ means. When you start talking about people here on ts as liberals I have no idea who you are talking about and it just comes across as an easy pejorative (I don’t know why liberal is a pejorative, but it has a different meaning where I come from).

           Hence I don’t understand what you said here,

           Which raises the question, are you happy to hand the ideological debate to the Tories? Seriously, think about what you said – to me, it sound like you were happy to have the political debate framed in classical liberal terms. I know you are not, I’ve read what else you have written.

           Can you please clarify in lay person terms?

           *

           Of course CV has a right to be mad. I’m seriously fucked off with Labour too, and with Labour party members, including CV. And all the lefties who moan about Labour but won’t vote Green. You have to remember I’ve never voted Labour, I’ve always been to the left of them. CV’s big problem now is that so many people here don’t trust him, including many of us who also don’t trust Labour, and they’ve got a right to that too.

           I don’t know what Little did. To me it looks much more like his naive relationship with the media as anything. And I agree there may be conscious or even unconscious bias or prejudice against Asians. I’d guess it’s because it’s politically convient rather than overt racism, but CV knows Labour far better than I and I also know that racism is racism on the receiving end no matter the intent, so it’s not acceptable that Labour are still making these mistakes, or god forbid, making these political moves intentionally.

           But, and it’s a big but, we simply don’t know. And all CV has done is throw some petrol on the fire of resentment on the standard about his Labour-bashing. He’s also taken an important issue and completely fucked up the narrative and pushed a whole bunch of people into a stupid arse conversation that will never get anywhere because now it’s contaminated with too many variables including his own bigotry about the left.

           I’m also mindful of the fact that CV has had to put up with significant racism here on ts in previous conversations about Asian people in NZ. The conversation I’m remembering must be one of the standard’s lowest points and he and other people of Asian whakapapa shouldn’t have to deal with that.
           • adam 2.3.2.2.1.1

             17 March 2016 at 1:48 pm

             Short handed cut and paste from Chegg.

             Definition of Classical Liberalism

             Classical liberalism is a political ideology that values the freedom of individuals — including the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and markets — as well as limited government. It developed in 18th-century Europe and drew on the economic writings of Adam Smith and the growing notion of social progress. Liberalism was also influenced by the writings of Thomas Hobbes, who argued that governments exist to protect individuals from each other. In 19th- and 20th-century America, the values of classical liberalism became dominant in both major political parties. The term is sometimes used broadly to refer to all forms of liberalism prior to the 20th century. Conservatives and libertarians often invoke classical liberalism to mean a fundamental belief in minimal government.

             http://www.chegg.com/homework-help/definitions/classical-liberalism-53

             So I’d argue it is a set of ideas which means debate is discusses in a certain way. So it’s good to talk about, markets, individual rights, but bad to make any assertions of collectivity, culture or the environment.

             National are very much a liberal party, thus when Hooton rants against them being liberal – he is being either disingenuous, or a totalitarian turd of epic proportions.

             And whilst I think liberalism was great in the 18th century, in the 21st century it is the enemy. It ignores women, it ignores race, it accepts poverty as part of the human condition, it makes wealth the expression of good, and has made markets a god.

             I’m a Christian Anarchist, as you know, so for me communality, the environment, and people living rewarding lives – is always my main goal. I don’t want limited government, I want us to work toward living without a state.

             So framing of an argument becomes important. For example, not using sexist language, but that is not enough, actually think about ways when we write and talk to put to an end to patriarch. It’s about not writing in a way which assumes male privileged and power, and indeed challenges it. Note I’m still not the best at that, so I sorely miss the great women who use to write on the standard.

             Long rant, I hope that clarifies what I was meaning.
             • Arthur …

               17 March 2016 at 2:16 pm

               A government is necessary – you have to have governments, it is essential, 7 billion people on the earth, we must have governments – it is imperative. There is so much to look after, leaving it up to a mass of individuals who are too busy with their own lives – would be a catastrophe.

               And there is nothing wrong with men in power, I see nothing wrong with it, but all men, need a strong leader, especially a male role model, they can look up too. Men ‘in society’ need ‘strong male role models’.

               Men (regarding their careers and professional lives) look up to other men, as women look up to other woman. It is because we relate to the same sex as ourselves – we just do. Not all the time, but most of the time.

               We shouldn’t demean Men by taking away their patriarchal power, why? We should enhance it – and allow them to have the power they so rightfully deserve, men by nature are more naturally aggressive, and with an intelligent mind to match – tend to be great leaders, and protectors.

               We must enhance this, and nurture this, so men become ‘whole’ – then when a strong woman comes along, they do not feel threatened, but intrigued, a non-threatened man will integrate with another power-house (a female), because she has different attributes to offer, and then success is more likely.

               I think men and women, working together is how we will acquire ‘balance’.

               But men, they are great leaders, and extremely inspirational, this should never be taken away from the man.

               Little boys need STRONG men to look up too. We must have strong men IN POWER – we must.
3. Ad 3

   17 March 2016 at 7:34 am

   The Opposition need to stay on target. They started the week with Fonterra and banks.

   PM is exposed so looks for a new hook.

   Opposition obliges.

   Labour Comms team needs far greater discipline.
   • mickysavage 3.1

     17 March 2016 at 8:08 am

     Apart from Little saying nothing but “dairy crisis” I don’t know what he could have done. When you see the statements in context there is nothing radical in what he was saying. He expressed a preference for local workers to be used and wanted immigration regulated depending on conditions.

     The pile up supported by some must have CT grinning from ear to ear. We have a PM who regularly redefines meanings of simple words depending on how much spin he applies but we have an opposition leader whose words are parsed and misconstrued and he is then attacked and written off by a bunch of nodding heads. Trotter should be ashamed of himself.
     • TC 3.1.1

       17 March 2016 at 10:24 am

       Trotter has no shame along with all these rent a quote DP tools like farrar, hooten, pagani etc
   • Grim 3.2

     17 March 2016 at 11:16 am

     +100
     In the last 8 years Labour has been controlled opposition, the illusion of choice.

     I hate John Key, understand that, he is instrumental in destroying New Zealand sovereignty and stripping our assets,

     but attacking the opposition doesn’t win votes, you have to demonstrate that your party is better for the country and the voters, otherwise voters wont give you the power to change anything.
   • Magisterium 3.3

     17 March 2016 at 11:29 am

     Labour Comms team needs far greater discipline

     How long have we been saying that? Since 2008?

     “KEEP CHINESE CHEFS OUT, WE NEED MORE DECENT KIWIS COOKING IN OUR CHINESE RESTAURANTS”, jesus…
     • mickysavage 3.3.1

       17 March 2016 at 11:36 am

       Have words lost their meaning? It was a comment to a question. It was not part of a PR strategy.
       • Sacha 3.3.1.1

         17 March 2016 at 11:51 am

         Every political utterance must be part of a coherent comms strategy, or it is easily misused by others. Ooh, look what’s happening – who could have predicted it?
         • weka 3.3.1.1.1

           17 March 2016 at 11:54 am

           What do you think Little should have said/done instead? (a guess given we don’t know what the original question was).
           • Sacha 3.3.1.1.1.1

             17 March 2016 at 8:36 pm

             Um, not used Chinese as an example, at the bare minimum.
             • weka …

               18 March 2016 at 11:36 am

               Sure, that’s the easy bit. But how do you do that and engage competently with the media? Some people are suggesting that whatever Little says and does is going to get manipulated because of CT and because of the media approach.
               • Sacha …

                 18 March 2016 at 12:01 pm

                 That’s a given,yes – so you plan your framing and key messages thoroughly anticipating it, and do not get led off-message or go all lawyerly and prevaricating on it.

                 I just have no idea why Labour does not seem to grasp this most fundamental ingredient of organised politics after years of having their noses rubbed in it.
4. adam 4

   17 March 2016 at 8:14 am

   Go the Bus Drivers!

   http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/299147/free-ride-for-some-auckland-bus-commuters
   • weka 4.1

     17 March 2016 at 11:48 am

     Excellent.

     Thousands of passengers will not have to pay to travel on some Auckland buses today, as part of a series of driver strikes.

     First Union represents bus drivers working for Howick & Eastern Buses, and said its members would be refusing to take cash or AT HOP card fares today.

     Howick & Eastern Buses serves many of the routes in east Auckland.

     The action is the latest in a series of industrial actions by bus drivers across Auckland, who remain locked in disputes with the region’s bus providers.

     A union spokesperson said the Howick & Eastern Buses drivers were fed up with attempts to remove overtime and weekend rates.
     • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1

       17 March 2016 at 12:46 pm

       Thing is, considering the way that bus services in Auckland are now set up, I doubt if it’s going to hurt the bus companies at all. They’re paid by Auckland Transport and the money that they’re not collecting goes directly to Auckland Transport and not to the bus companies.
       • adam 4.1.1.1

         17 March 2016 at 12:52 pm

         However it is very good PR with the public who use the service.
         • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1.1.1

           17 March 2016 at 2:05 pm

           It would also have one other positive effect.

           It’ll show how much the buses are really in demand. Given such information AT and the council could very well draw up a plan to make buses free.

           Unfortunately, that’s probably unlikely due to their sticking to the failed neo-liberal model.
       • weka 4.1.1.2

         17 March 2016 at 1:07 pm

         Can AT review the contract if the money stops coming in?
         • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1.2.1

           17 March 2016 at 2:02 pm

           I don’t know. There’s possibly something like that in the contracts.
5. Sirenia 5

   17 March 2016 at 8:44 am

   When will Andrew Little realise that anything he says that is mildly controversial will immediately be twisted and spun by the right and used by the Henrys and Hoskings of the media and their enablers to attack him, Labour and left politics generally?

   Don’t they have the media training to ensure they keep statements clear with a few repetitive bullet points that everyone repeats?
   • TC 5.1

     17 March 2016 at 10:28 am

     Labour never ever learn.

     A much simpler short set of slogans that cant be twisted has been required for 8 years now…..fn amateurs.
   • McFlock 5.2

     17 March 2016 at 11:11 am

     Anything he says, full stop.

     And it’s not just “the right” who make shit up about the most uncontroversial statements made by the Labour caucus.

     “Media training” for the Labour party and anyone on the left is as useful as training on how to make friends with a rabid lion.
     • weka 5.2.1

       17 March 2016 at 1:17 pm

       Then there are the people in the audience poking the gladitors with sticks, even the gladiators’ allies.
     • Sacha 5.2.2

       17 March 2016 at 9:29 pm

       distinguishing a lion from a tabby is a good start.
       • McFlock 5.2.2.1

         17 March 2016 at 10:20 pm

         every reporter is a lion.
         some are more rabid than others
   • Draco T Bastard 5.3

     17 March 2016 at 12:50 pm

     He’ll get attacked by the MSM and misreported even if he says that the sky is blue.
     • Whispering Kate 5.3.1

       17 March 2016 at 9:06 pm

       Commentators here going on about Andrew Little not being able to get across in concise language what we need to hear and that Labour need media training. At least he looks and attempts to get it across in an honest manner, although he does speak quietly. He also has a pair of honest eyes. Our leader cannot articulate the English language at all, sounds like he is drunk all the time and lies so openly even a half wit would read through them. He also owns a pair of dead eyes which give me the creeps. Give Andrew a break, its National running scared and a MSM which is in the pay of the right. Labour has to dig deep and sock it to the government, anyone who lives in Auckland knows he is telling it as it is, something has to happen to this country and curbing immigration in the interim until we can get housing, employment and our traffic problem sorted is so sensible it beggars belief anyone would question otherwise.
       • mickysavage 5.3.1.1

         17 March 2016 at 9:07 pm

         + 1
         • John Shears 5.3.1.1.1

           17 March 2016 at 9:20 pm

           +1+1
       • Draco T Bastard 5.3.1.2

         17 March 2016 at 10:27 pm

         +1

         Well said.
6. Jenny Kirk 6

   17 March 2016 at 8:53 am

   My goodness – the trolls are out in force this morning. Can’t they find anything better to do.

   Meanwhile, in the UK they’re slapping a big sugar tax on fizzy drinks – a huge change in attitude – and hugely worrying for those multi-nationals like Coca-Cola, but really good for the people’s future health.
   http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11606810
   • Sabine 6.1

     17 March 2016 at 9:35 am

     and they also just voted to remove Tax Credits for 800.000 people (mainly on lower income) and to remove 30quid from disabled people who will sign up for a disability benefit from 2017 onwards.

     fuck the sugar tax is just hogwash, like the cigarette tax. Peoples future health would be better if they could afford decent food at decent prices.
     Removing GST from food would be a decent way to go about that.
7. adam 7

   17 March 2016 at 8:55 am

   This is interesting, I hope the Kurds just do this.

   https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/03/16/kurds-are-planning-a-breakaway-region-in-syria-and-it-wont-go-down-well/

   http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-federalism-idUSKCN0WI0ZT

   And on the local front, Christchurch get’s the short shift again.

   What the…

   http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/77971099/thousands-of-sheets-of-steel-mesh-sold-with-wrong-certification
   • Ad 7.1

     17 March 2016 at 10:33 am

     More likely to see Syria re-formed as a confederation. Something like Iraq has already.
   • Kevin 7.2

     17 March 2016 at 11:12 am

     Shrift.

     Short shift is meaningless.
     • alwyn 7.2.1

       17 March 2016 at 12:12 pm

       “Short shift is meaningless”.
       No it’s not. It is what you are likely to get if you are currently on a zero hour contract. Luckily our Government is changing that.
8. millsy 8

   17 March 2016 at 9:14 am

   The likes of Barry Soper seem perfectly happy for all the jobs to go to immigrants, and for thousands of New Zealanders to get nothing.

   As long and he gets his nasi goering, who gives a shit about young people being chucked on the scrapheap.
   • Puckish Rogue 8.1

     17 March 2016 at 9:54 am

     I think you might be more comfortable here:

     http://nzfirstparty.org.nz/join.html
     • Paul 8.1.1

       17 March 2016 at 3:36 pm

       And you here

       http://www.heritage.org/
9. scotty 9

   17 March 2016 at 10:11 am

   Judging by the unwillingness of the Herald to publish the comments section following opinion pieces critical of Labours’ stance on banks and immigration – I reckon Littles’ comments have struck a chord with voters.
   Leaving National and its apologists (hi Claire,Audrey , Baz ,and Hosko) defending the Banks’ greed and uncontrolled immigration .
10. North 10

    17 March 2016 at 10:17 am

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11606612

    Shock horror ! Someone called Hosking a “git”, “arrogant”, and told him to “grow up”.

    Get a life Hosking !
    • vto 10.1

      17 March 2016 at 10:30 am

      I think it is referred to as karma for the git
    • weka 10.2

      17 March 2016 at 11:05 am

      It’s a pity to see them all misusing the word ‘troll’ too, which has quite specific definitions online and isn’t the same as calling someone names. But I guess Hoskings and the Herald journalist still don’t know how the internet works.
11. esoteric pineapples 11

    17 March 2016 at 11:21 am

    Glen Grenwald on “objective” journalism and Donald Trump

    “Large corporations hate controversy (it alienates consumers) and really hate offending those who wield political power (bad for business). Imposing objectivity rules on the journalists who work for their media divisions was a means to avoid offending anyone by forcing journalists to conceal their perspectives, assumptions, and viewpoints, and, worse, forcing them to dishonestly pretend that they had none, that they float above all that.”
    https://theintercept.com/2016/03/14/the-rise-of-trump-shows-the-danger-and-sham-of-compelled-journalistic-neutrality/
    • Grim 11.1

      17 March 2016 at 12:07 pm

      IF anything Trump has been exposing Media corruption and bias, this makes me question Glen Grenwald’s objectivity.

      Rupert Murdoch,Koch Bros, George Soro, Kissenger, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal,

      partial list of people financing media campaigns against Trump,

      Vilification of Trump on this site on a daily basis, sourcing their”information” from unknown bloggers, twitter and face-book journalists.

      When media tries to shape my opinion, instead of provide me with facts so I can form an opinion of my own that is propaganda.
      • Chooky 11.1.1

        17 March 2016 at 4:55 pm

        +100…Trumps enemies would make you want to support him

        https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/335214-trump-us-presidency-candidate/
        • Chooky 11.1.1.1

          17 March 2016 at 5:35 pm

          ‘People support Trump as politicians they hate, hate him’

          https://www.rt.com/op-edge/335791-trump-clinton-us-primaries/
12. McFlock 12

    17 March 2016 at 11:23 am

    I’m sure he’s said worse things about others, e.g., Kim dotcom and hiw wee rant before the “moment of truth”..
    • McFlock 12.1

      17 March 2016 at 1:31 pm

      argh shit, that was supposed to be in reply to North talking about all the rude words hosking gets called.
      • weka 12.1.1

        17 March 2016 at 1:38 pm

        I was wondering what you were on about. But then it’s one of those days 😉
13. Roflcopter 13

    17 March 2016 at 1:54 pm

    People up and arms and saying that Little’s comments weren’t targeting all immigrants, and that he was being carefully selective as to what he said, and it was all taken out of context… blah, blah, blah

    It would be like National targeting specific groups that rort the benefit system, and wanting to take decisive action, but being accused by the left of bashing everyone on a benefit…

    …oh wait.
14. Richard Rawshark 14

    17 March 2016 at 1:57 pm

    I don’t think I can voter Labour anymore. They really don’t do anything for me, and are so stupid, they make announcements and give the whole media of New Zealand ammo to shoot them with. I’m talking immigration. Is Andrew a complete and utter dick or what. I mean did he think for a minute. A second on this.

    In a climate where the press are looking to avenues to denigrate the opposition and have never written a pro piece since I can remember on any party Not National or right wing leaning, Andrew blathers on about immigration. When he does speak it’s a complete cock up and gets twisted all over the media with everyone laughing at him.
    Seriously needs a slap to the head.

    Between Labours multitude of own goal gaffs on and on stupidity of character and nationals piss poor performance on running the Nation you are wrecking the place.

    If you cannot get it together and put up a decent publicity campaign, mindful of the press and attractive to voters on a professional level like Keys machine, fuck off.

    If that sounds mean Labour needs it. Needs a bloody good kick up the arse, you send me multitudes of begging letters wanting money for this and that.. Money..

    Do I have any Money.

    Then you just do stupid things like bring up immigration when your opposition. Real popular subject, a favorite amongst the press of NZ who get a free kick labours leader and party card.

    Am I wrong?

    Fk fkfkfkfkfk MORONS!
    • weka 14.1

      17 March 2016 at 3:05 pm

      Yes, you are wrong. He didn’t bring up immigration, a journalist did.
    • BM 14.2

      17 March 2016 at 3:08 pm

      Join the winning side Richard and vote Blue.
      • McFlock 14.2.1

        17 March 2016 at 3:18 pm

        yessss, come to the dark side. Feel the fear and anger coursing through you. Unleash the power of your hate, young jedi, and take Jason Ede’s place at my side…
        • Puckish Rogue 14.2.1.1

          17 March 2016 at 3:33 pm

          http://mediacdn.snorgcontent.com/media/catalog/product/d/a/darkside_fullpic.png
        • BM 14.2.1.2

          17 March 2016 at 3:47 pm

          Ha ha good stuff.

          http://iforce.co.nz/i/ofgodrrc.ziv.jpg
      • Paul 14.2.2

        17 March 2016 at 3:42 pm

        Some of us have real aspirations for our society, not just greed.
    • whateva next? 14.3

      17 March 2016 at 10:34 pm

      “I don’t think I can voter Labour anymore. …” Did you ever?
15. Paul 15

    17 March 2016 at 4:23 pm

    Is Jim Mora the nadir of what is commonly called the chattering class?
    • Chooky 15.1

      17 March 2016 at 7:06 pm

      yes
    • Morrissey 15.2

      17 March 2016 at 8:11 pm

      The absolute nadir of the chattering class is Mike “Contra” Hosking, with Mora just a tad better than he is. Mora is clearly more educated, smarter and sharper. He has a pleasant manner, only occasionally letting the mask slip and speaking curtly to guests who irritate him for whatever reason. Unlike Hosking or the equally dire Paul Henry, Mora is capable of speaking thoughtfully about most subjects.

      Despite the massive advantage he has over the likes of Hosking, Henry and Larry “Lackwit” Williams, there is precious little difference in the quality of their programmes. Mora almost entirely eschews serious discussion, instead choosing to dwell on insultingly puerile topics straight off teenage-level Facebook pages, and employing dog-whistle appeals to bigotry as shamelessly as any Crosby Textor-driven National Party politician.

      So, yes, Mora is the epitome of chattering class vacuity and vanity, but his superficial charm and (sadly under-used) intellect lift him just above the horror shows on the commercial stations.
      • In Vino 15.2.1

        17 March 2016 at 9:14 pm

        I second that.
      • John Shears 15.2.2

        17 March 2016 at 9:27 pm

        They all qualify to be lifetime members of Kipling’s Bandalog.
16. Wensleydale 16

    17 March 2016 at 6:10 pm

    Just in case you’re on the verge of throwing a rope over one of the rafters and ending it all due to the dire nature of the MSM in New Zealand…

    Rejoice! Because it’s just as spirit-crushingly awful in Australia.

    Watch, and laugh in a sick, sad “I’m only laughing because the alternative is too depressing to contemplate” kind of way…

    https://youtu.be/ihrRSnkvFNw

    New Zealand really needs a Jordan Shanks.
    • left for deadshark 16.1

      17 March 2016 at 8:40 pm

      good stuff, i’ll put the rope back around the neighbour, they like Nact”s
17. Morrissey 17

    17 March 2016 at 7:59 pm

    They should be in prison of course, but at least these
    two scoundrels have been forcefully repudiated by the voters

    In the same week that President Hopey Changey presumes to lecture Cuba about human rights, and as two of the most loathsome people in the United States look to be heading for victory in the Republican and Democratic races, here’s something that makes you realize there’s still some decency in at least some voters over there….

    Black Lives Matter Voters Oust Tamir Rice Prosecutor

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LH4n8VDYZI
18. ianmac 18

    17 March 2016 at 8:11 pm

    About time.
    “Police will have to smash a cloned hard drive and memory card seized during an “unlawful” search of the home of investigative journalist Nicky Hager before returning seized computer equipment and files tomorrow.

    Hager and his lawyer Steven Price will be at the High Court at Auckland to witness the destruction of the hard drive and memory card, which contain copies of files made by detectives during the 2014 raid, according to a press release this afternoon.”
    • Sacha 18.1

      17 March 2016 at 9:07 pm

      Ian, please please add the link to the article you’re quoting. Makes it much more powerful when shared in other forums. Thanks.
      • ianmac 18.1.1

        17 March 2016 at 10:57 pm

        Oops.
        http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11607327
        • Sacha 18.1.1.1

          18 March 2016 at 6:39 am

          Thanks.

• Comments are now closed

• Log in
• Donate
• Contribute post

• Articles RSS