Open Mike 22/05/2017

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 22nd, 2017 - 45 comments
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45 comments on “Open Mike 22/05/2017 ”

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  1. Ed 1
    22 May 2017 at 6:42 am

    The neoliberal totalitarian corporate state of New Zealand, run by the puppet government of Bill English, allows corporations to pay 500 times less for water than the citizens of the country.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11859175

    • One Anonymous Bloke 1.1
      22 May 2017 at 8:12 am

      Strictly speaking, ‘totalitarian’ means ‘everything that isn’t compulsory is forbidden’.

      Neoliberal corporatism is bad enough.

    • Wayne 1.2
      22 May 2017 at 8:44 am

      ed
      Surely you forgot fascist as well.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 1.2.1
        22 May 2017 at 8:49 am

        fascism was the high point of corporatism

        The Oxford Dictionary.

        These days we just get a new convention centre and a failed free market in state housing.

      • marty mars 1.2.2
        22 May 2017 at 9:54 am

        And he forgot people that wear onesies to the supermarket – those utterly depraved individuals have destroyed everything worthwhile in society.

  3. North 3
    22 May 2017 at 7:32 am

    Whom better to identify predictable and boring than the disturbingly facile
    Heather du Pastique-Allan ?

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11859007

    Paraphrased – “Just know it people…..there are no issues……(at least that me and my squeeze Bazza Soper can get our heads around)……you might as well not even vote.”

    • garibaldi 3.1
      22 May 2017 at 2:25 pm

      Careful , you are getting into Mike Hosking’s speciality with that question.

  4. Robert Guyton 4
    22 May 2017 at 7:50 am

    Parker comes out swinging
    And in the red corner…Labour’s David Parker!
    http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/92814216/environment-southland-faces-blowtorch-over-declining-freshwater-quality
    David Parker’s comments at the Invercargill meeting were accurate and insightful…and provocative! The air in the kitchens of Environment Southland councillors will be blue this morning, with the arrival of The Southland Times newspaper and its in-your-face front page 🙂

  5. The decrypter 5
    22 May 2017 at 8:25 am

    It’s like being in a library–a good one.

  6. AsleepWhileWalking 6
    22 May 2017 at 9:23 am

    Free speech noose about to tighten again with a separate internet sanitized from unhelpful information after public’s browsing history made available to government.

    http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/theresa-may-internet-conservatives-government-a7744176.html

  7. Karen 7
    22 May 2017 at 9:28 am

    Excellent longish read from Scott Hamilton about the racist cabal promoting the idea of Europeans reaching NZ before Māori.

    https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/22-05-2017/the-white-tangata-whenua-and-other-bullshit-from-the-one-new-zealand-crew/#.WSHrX6848mY.twitter

  8. AsleepWhileWalking 8
    22 May 2017 at 9:33 am

    DOOMSDAY SEED VAULT FLOODED! Seeds are safe including those from NZ but still…we need to think about our environment and look after it better.

    http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-05-20/arctic-doomsday-seed-vault-save-world-has-flooded-thanks-global-warming

  9. Molly 9
    22 May 2017 at 9:37 am

    There was a good Chris Hedges article on Truthdig a few days ago: Trump is the symptom, not the disease.

    I agree with many of his points, and having watched the documentary of the MOVE bombing a couple of years ago, was struck with how at the time in my life, would have had difficulty comprehending this attack. Even now, it seems unbelievable that there has been no prosecutions (other than those of the victims).

    The media has launched itself onto Trump with a glee and vivacity that is exacerbated by the collective unspoken agreement that he is a safe target. In terms of entertainment and column inches, this may work for them. But the quality of reporting – still seems to be lacking in most cases, and the choice of storylines is also insufficient to make readers/viewers understand what is going to happen to them due to his legislative changes.

    The quality of articles – including the choice of story, and the sources needs to improve. And not just with Trump – with ALL politicians in power, even those we support. That should be a pre-requisite for participative democracy.

    (Was initially a response to Bill on the Pence post, but realised it had nothing to do with Pence, moved to Open Mike)

    In terms of alternative media filling the void, the FCC have voted to dismantle Net Neutrality with Trumps support. This deserves more airtime than Trump’s shenanigans in the Oval Office, as it affects all and reduces access to alternative sources of news.

    • Ad 9.1
      22 May 2017 at 9:43 am

      In what respect is Donald Trump a safe target?

      Why is attacking what Donald Trump and his administration does and says the wrong thing to do?

      • Johan 9.1.1
        22 May 2017 at 12:06 pm

        Ad, I believe it has something to do with upholding the Constitution. Trump and team cannot run the presidency like TTO.

      • Bill 9.1.2
        22 May 2017 at 5:29 pm

        Trump’s an easy target. And bad targeting.

        An almost exclusive focus on Trump, leaves Pence and everyone/thing else that needs to shoved into the sea in the clear.

    • Bill 9.2
      22 May 2017 at 5:22 pm

      I wasn’t aware of the MOVE bombing until searching off the back of your comment. Absolutely….dunno what in words.

  10. The Chairman 10
    22 May 2017 at 10:02 am

    Anybody know Labour’s stance on English’s plan to resurrect the TPP?

    It’s been said Labour should be able to make hay from this, yet can anybody direct me to where Labour have come out swinging?

    As a number of National supporters also oppose the TPP, does this open a way for Labour to muster that 40% rate? Could resurrecting the TPP be Nationals downfall?

    • McFlock 10.1
      22 May 2017 at 12:07 pm

      Not by itself. there’s a certain amount to be said for blinglish’s desperation to be ignored as he continues his drift into obscurity.

      I’ve never before seen a PM fade slowly into the background while still being PM. Even Goff, as a caretaker opposition leader, showed grit and vibrancy. Our current PM is a tepid bowl of tapioca pudding.

      • The decrypter 10.1.1
        22 May 2017 at 1:03 pm

        A tepid bowl of tapioca pudding?- as you see him ,fair enough, . I see him more as a blacmange pudding , Now, “going forward” as blancmange says, I am quite happy with my own description of his –(blancmange’s) serious, almost stately , -manly,-dear I say it voice act. I’ve got as far as calling it his “Staccato” performance .–the jerky, hesitant forceful voice delivery. What I do need help with is the perfectly timed clenched fist pumps with —every-point—- he—is—- making– If —you—can—-help–please–do–so.

      • The Chairman 10.1.2
        23 May 2017 at 3:41 pm

        To date, everything Labour have come up with (including Kiwibuild) has failed to significantly grow their support. Even Key’s departure failed to largely help. Therefore, considering the vast opposition against the TPP, National’s resurrection of the TPP could be the one that finally knocks them down.

        There is little risk of losing support from within the left opposing this and if Labour can capture the discontent within the right, it will give them the boost they require to win the election.

        • McFlock 10.1.2.1
          23 May 2017 at 3:48 pm

          “significantly”.
          A lovely vague word there that sounds reasonable but really just tries to pretend the status quo is eternal.

          Good luck with that.

          • The Chairman 10.1.2.1.1
            23 May 2017 at 4:25 pm

            Its use doesn’t pretend the status quo is eternal. Nor, in the context of the discussion is it vague. Anything from 5% upward would be considered a significant increase.

            • McFlock 10.1.2.1.1.1
              23 May 2017 at 4:50 pm

              So if Labour got 25% in an election and almost three years later was polling 30%, that would be significant?

              • The Chairman …
                23 May 2017 at 5:02 pm

                Yes. However, I was referring to from where they’re currently polling – not their last election result.

                Some say 40% is doable. And opposing the resurrection of the TPP could well be the vehicle to help achieve that.

                • McFlock …
                  23 May 2017 at 5:13 pm

                  2 points:
                  wasn’t kiwibuild a policy from the last election?; and

                  Saying Labour have failed to “significantly grow their support” from where they are currently polling is a bit like saying they are where they are. More interesting is that they seem to have significantly grown their support from where they were, no?

    • Tautoko Mangō Mata 10.2
      22 May 2017 at 4:58 pm

      Andrew Little speaks on this in answer to Bill English– about 1.17 min

      http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=201844637

  11. Shane Le Brun 11
    22 May 2017 at 1:31 pm

    I have recently done an analysis on the Cost of Medical Cannabis in New Zealand, versus the alternatives available internationally..
    https://i2.wp.com/mcawarenessnz.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/MCANZ-costs-1.png

    So far Labour has said nice things, has a weak Private Members bill, but the patients are accusing labour of tokenism, would be good for labour to flesh out how they plan to make Medical Cannabis more affordable.

    http://mcawarenessnz.org/2017/05/07/costs-cannabis-food-vs-pharmaceutical-grade/

  12. joe90 12
    22 May 2017 at 1:33 pm

    That time when an Egyptian dictator, a King and a Donald laid hands….

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DAYgZj2WAAEI0Yw.jpg

  13. greywarshark 13
    22 May 2017 at 2:31 pm

    I have been thinking of the present day and that perhaps we are in a period of existentialist furore.

    “Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes individual existence, freedom and choice. It is the view that humans define their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe.”
    http://www.philosophybasics.com/branch_existentialism.html

    “In simpler terms, existentialism is a philosophy concerned with finding self and the meaning of life through free will, choice, and personal responsibility. The belief is that people are searching to find out who and what they are throughout life as they make choices based on their experiences, beliefs, and outlook.”
    http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/existentialism.htm

    Existence precedes essence:
    “To claim that existence precedes essence is to assert that there is no such predetermined essence to be found in humans, and that an individual’s essence is defined by them through how they create and live their life.
    As Sartre puts it in his Existentialism is a Humanism: “man first of all exists, encounters himself, surges up in the world – and defines himself afterwards.” [9]”
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existence_precedes_essence

    Came on this chosen for the frontispiece of her book by Jan Morris ex James Morris.
    I was the world in which I walked, and what I saw
    Or heard or felt came not but from myself
    Wallace Stevens

    Some other thoughts:
    The only absolute certainty is formed by the absolute lack of alternatives.

    It is not merely “do what works”, but “to accomplish what purpose in what time frame at what cost”.

    As long as the authority is secretive, the population will be subjugated.

    Amid the lack of certainty, put faith in the wiser to believe.

    Devil’s Motto: Make it look good, safe, innocent, and wise.. until it is too late to choose otherwise. (R.Douglas et al?)

    James S Saint

    and
    “Those who sacrifice liberty for security wind up with neither.”
    “Ben Franklin”

    The RNC has announced that’s its changing the Republican emblem from
    an elephant to an condom because it more clearly reflects the party’s political
    stance: a condom stands for inflation, halts production, destroys the next generation, protects a bunch of pricks, and gives one a sense of security while screwing others.
    Peter Kropotkin
    http://www.ilovephilosophy.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=180246

    • Incognito 13.1
      22 May 2017 at 10:39 pm

      Thanks greywarshark, you have given me inspiration for possibly another Guest Post.

  14. joe90 14
    22 May 2017 at 3:26 pm

    Ain’t karma a wonderful thing.

    A professional big game hunter is dead after he was crushed by a wounded elephant as it was fatally shot.

    Theunis Botha, 51, was on a hunt in Gwai, Zimbabwe, when his group was charged by four breeding elephants.

    A female elephant picked up Botha in her trunk after he fired at the others and collapsed on top of him – crushing him to death – after she was shot by another hunter.

    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/theunis-botha-big-game-hunter–10469997

    • mickysavage 15.1
      22 May 2017 at 4:54 pm

      Amazing. Flanningan can’t say who she is acting for, Slater breaks a confidence and also misrepresents what she said. And then he gets upset and huffy and his blog starts running attack posts on her.

      I enjoyed this question from the Judge:

      “Justice Kit Toogood asked Slater: “You say you felt betrayed, but did you not betray her express injunction that this [conversation] cannot go anywhere else?”

      “I did dance around on that but I guess technically I did,” Slater said.”

  16. Ad 16
    22 May 2017 at 4:41 pm

    Really useful article explaining why China will continue to buy up our farms and farm companies and food companies:

    “China’s Epic Race to Avoid a Food Crisis”

    https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2017-feeding-china/

  17. Morrissey 17
    22 May 2017 at 4:52 pm

    The vengeful activities of a rogue regime cost a lot of money
    —why does the British taxpayer put up with this illegal persecution?

    http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31159594

    https://theintercept.com/2017/05/19/sweden-withdraws-arrest-warrant-for-julian-assange-but-he-still-faces-serious-legal-jeopardy/

  18. David Mac 18
    22 May 2017 at 7:01 pm

    I like it in NZ because I think we are a nation of socialists. Our right has had to lean so far left they’re sporting Savage quiffs. If I set out knocking on back-doors declaring “Hi I’m David, I’m hungry, could I have a slice of bread please?” How far would I go before not offered a bite to eat? I suggest miles. In some places I’d have my sneakers taken from me.

    I think talk of how hard the battlers are doing is losing traction with those that could vote Left. I think it’s the wrong flag to be running up the pole. Exploit the aspects of the current status quo that chews at them. Their working adult kids are living in their basements, prospects of them mustering a deposit in the current climate, impossible. Their grand-kids, cousins, work-mates, brothers and Mums, we are all emotionally touched to varying degrees by the current housing thing.

    First of all, the left needs to win the election, then worry about the décor. I think the way to do that is to not worry about the mindset that frequents this board, our votes are won. Appeal to that vast middle ground that are wondering ‘Geeez, is Steph ever going to have a place of her own?’

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