Open mike 29/04/2013

71 comments on “Open mike 29/04/2013”

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1. freedom 1

   29 April 2013 at 8:23 am

   it is a wee bit confusing in the job market, – from a job vacancy ad on trademe jobs:
   “We do not accept online applications if you wish to apply please email mxxxxxxd @ xxxx.net.nz.” (address edited for anonymity)

2. Rhinocrates 2

   29 April 2013 at 8:24 am

   Poll on public attitudes to “brain fades”.

   http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10880335

   The breakdown by party support is interesting/amusing, with National Party supporters being the most “trusting” – or stupid, immoral, cognitively dissonant or whatever.

3. ghostrider888 3

   29 April 2013 at 8:34 am

   from Sunday on cycling;
   two reporters left Te Atatu for TVNZ in the city, 13kms distance. With the motorist having to wait at the on-ramp for 20minutes and travel at approx 40km/h in traffic, find a park and walk the remainder, the cyclist arrived first travelling by cycle-way.

   Aucklands transport problems according to Len Brown on Firstline require 60B investment, (under-investment for decades), with a 12B shortfall to be met by tolls, fuel tax proposals etc.

   Although 600M could be invested in cycle-ways for Auckland, there would be a 20-1 long-term cost benefit according to cycle-safety specialist Glen Koorey.

   from a cyclist-accident victim on the same article; “We have become such a mean-spirited nation…people used to say about Kiwis…” (encouraging things I imagine).

   • prism 3.1

     29 April 2013 at 9:45 am

     ghost
     There was an interesting discussion on transport in the city on radionz soon after 9am today.

     • ghostrider888 3.1.1

       29 April 2013 at 2:06 pm

       ahhh, missed it; what I haven’t missed are observations of the attitudes and emotions held by many motorists questioned by the media on their approach towards cyclists. freakin’ hicks.

   • muzza 3.2

     30 April 2013 at 10:02 am

     Yup TPTB (the backers of them at least), can’t wait to get tolls on roads all over AKL.

     Just look at the mess that the nothern tunnel toll road has become!

     NZ has become a *mean spirited nation* – Thats the result of being used as an experiment!

4. Tony P 4

   29 April 2013 at 8:56 am

   It seems the whale and his followers have been involved in a stoush over a Facebook page aiming at generating discussion over the (non) merits of Charter Schools. Here’s the page owner’s take on it.
   http://howmelulaterseesit.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/beware-bullies-who-dont-want-you-to.html?spref=fb

   • ghostrider888 4.1

     29 April 2013 at 9:05 am

     an interesting read at the link

   • Daveosaurus 4.2

     29 April 2013 at 6:08 pm

     And this is what they teach in charter schools. Can you imagine that child ever being employable if they keep on believing that bullshit?

     • ghostrider888 4.2.1

       29 April 2013 at 7:25 pm

       plenty of Exclusive Brethren employers dotted all through-out New Zealand.

5. ghostrider888 5

   29 April 2013 at 8:57 am

   The Loneliness of the Long Distance Internet Blogger

6. scotty 6

   29 April 2013 at 9:05 am

   The results of the Brain fade poll , reads as if the question asked was more like,
   “Do you think John Key is a liar?”
   That would explain the party split , nicely.

   I recall somebody here , in the last week or so , saying their partner had been polled by Reids,
   and one the questions was pretty much “do you think Key is a liar”

   Reids wouldn’t change the question , after the poll result, would they? Na

   • freedom 6.1

     29 April 2013 at 9:17 am

     Wouldn’t it be great if when publishing/referencing a poll the media had to supply the actual poll data, including the questions. Even better than that would be a declaration of whomever had commissioned the poll in the first place.

     • Lanthanide 6.1.1

       29 April 2013 at 9:26 am

       This was part of the standard TV3 Reid Research poll, so we know who commissioned it.

       • freedom 6.1.1.1

         29 April 2013 at 2:00 pm

         yes lanthanide, i should have added that the noted article did include the reference to it being a TV3 poll but as a general rule we both know the identity of those commissioning polls is largely anonymous.

         • Lanthanide 6.1.1.1.1

           29 April 2013 at 4:47 pm

           Actually for the main political polling, it’s done by the newspapers or the TV networks or Roy Morgan.

           Not sure why you’d want individual names for those polls.

           Now for other polling, sure, we don’t necessarily know. But other polling doesn’t tend to be national-level political polls.

   • Lanthanide 6.2

     29 April 2013 at 9:26 am

     “I recall somebody here , in the last week or so , saying their partner had been polled by Reids,
     and one the questions was pretty much “do you think Key is a liar””

     That is what they said, but they came back and corrected that the question asked of their partner was the polling question we are shown.

     So no conspiracy here, sorry.

7. scotty 7

   29 April 2013 at 9:54 am

   Reids have done well to link Shearer with Keys’ lies.

   The ambiguous question, helped in this regard . (that and Shearers memory)

   Most ,surely would have answered that question ,with Key in mind.

   That would explain party split

   Would have been interesting if to know what angle the MSM would taken ,if Shearers’ memory hadn’t let him down.

8. joe90 8

   29 April 2013 at 10:47 am

   The dishonest and irresponsible work of Andrew Wakefield has claimed a victim

   Wales has had low Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccination rates for some time … since about 1998, in fact, when Andrew Wakefield published his bogus study in the Lancet falsely linking the MMR vaccine to autism.

   • Colonial Viper 8.1

     29 April 2013 at 11:03 am

     So what are you going to say when it comes out that the chronically sick 25 year old in question had already been immunised against measles?

     By the way, according to the schedule the dead man should have been vaccinated years before the Wakefield study came out, as an infant, so I think its more likely that he had been immunised. Yet was so sick.

     • joe90 8.1.1

       29 April 2013 at 11:09 am

       The dishonest and irresponsible work of Andrew Wakefield has may have claimed a victim.

       • McFlock 8.1.1.1

         29 April 2013 at 4:34 pm

         has most likely claimed a victim

         The point of vaccination is not just to protect yourself, but also to protect others.

         How he contracted it in the first place is the real issue, not whether his particular jab didn’t work, or whether due to allergies he couldn’t get vaccinated, or whether his parents were nutty even before Wakefield’s fraud.

       • muzza 8.1.1.2

         30 April 2013 at 10:18 am

         Bit of a climb down though innit joe, from has, to may! You get some credit, for the climb down, but its been sloppy from you lately, aer you ok?

         No matter how hard McFlock tries to spin it, then pulls out the , * you should be guilty*, for not protecting others, what a legend you are McFlock /sarc!

         What other illness did this unfortunate individual suffer from?

         • McFlock 8.1.1.2.1

           30 April 2013 at 2:17 pm

           Article title:Measles Epidemic in Wales Has Roots in Antivax Movement.

           Opening line of article: The measles outbreak in Wales may have claimed its first victim..

           I never said “you should be guilty”.
           I just think that people who refuse to vaccinate for no clear medical reason (e.g. egg allergy) are selfish idiots.

           Population perspective: clear link.
           Individual case perspective: who knows? There’s always the slim possibility he had some measles-like condition.

           When attributing primary cause of mortality in individual cases there’s always oodles of theoretical wriggle room (from poor nutrition to undiagnosed heart problems), and you look set to use every inch of it. A bit like 50 years of tobacco industry wriggling – but then they were intentionally duplicitous, rather than wildly delusional, so I guess you’re not quite in their league.

9. Anne 9

   29 April 2013 at 11:00 am

   Each year around Anzac Day, my electorate hosts a social event, the highlight of which is a lecture in memory of a popular former Labour MP who was killed in Crete in 1942. This year’s lecture was given by Nicky Hagar. The basis of the lecture was his latest book “Other People’s Wars”. It was gob-smacking stuff!

   There were a number of former and even current senior military personnel – plus senior public servants – who were apparently only too willing to apprise Nicky of the behind the scenes activity particularly in relation to the war in Afghanistan. This was a measure of their profound concern for what they saw… and the blatant lies that we in New Zealand have been told about our involvement in that war. Politicians – on both sides of the fence and including Helen Clark – were tricked into believing we were there as peace keepers. The peace keeping played a role, but from all accounts it turned out not to be their primary function.

   Add to that an over-all appraisal by Nicky about what he perceives is happening behind the political front, and I think there would be many here interested in what he had to say.

   I know the lecture was recorded (sound-wise at least) and I think it might be possible for the Standard to seek to post that recording here. Labour MP, Phil Twyford would be the person to approach in the first instance, because he initiated the annual lectures and is still heavily involved.

   • Anne 9.1

     29 April 2013 at 11:18 am

     Further to the above are two quotes from the book:

     It would be nice for someone to pause and say, “Hell, we’re coming up to the 10th anniversary [Sept.11 attacks], are we better or are we worse?. I think the answer is we’re worse. How stupid are we to have allowed a reaction led by the United States that has actually made it worse for the world? – senior defence official.

     People assume that politicians make decisions, but often they are busy, ill informed or actively excluded… The worst decisions were made by senior officials and military officers, often without [the ministers’] knowledge. – senior NZ government official.

     • karol 9.1.1

       29 April 2013 at 11:21 am

       Thanks, Anne. It is significant stuff, and I would be interested to see or read Hager’s latest lecture.

     • prism 9.1.2

       29 April 2013 at 2:04 pm

       People assume that politicians make decisions, but often they are busy, ill informed or
       excluded… The worst decisions were made by senior officials and military officers, often without [the ministers’] knowledge. – senior NZ government official.

       I think that is a salient point Anne and I’ve repeated it for me and any others who have had naive ideas about politicians and what they are doing with their time and influence while in the House and having some power.

       In the USA it may be that the control of the country has largely passed out of the hands of those elected representatives who take their role for the people seriously. Where there is money there is power, which does seem to be a correct saying, and the budget of the Defence there is astro-astronomical. Scary stuff for sincere democracy believers.

       • Colonial Viper 9.1.2.1

         29 April 2013 at 5:09 pm

         Eisenhowers departure speech warning of the dangers of the military industrial complex

     • Puddleglum 9.1.3

       29 April 2013 at 7:08 pm

       I’d recommend anyone (everyone) read the book even though it is a big read.

       It makes it pretty clear that senior defence people were determined to go against explicit government foreign policy (and directives) in order to preserve – or resurrect – their contact and ‘relationships’ with the US, UK and Australia. Ever since the nuclear ship ban and the suspension of ANZUS, parts of the defence leadership ran a de facto military foreign policy at odds with government policy, especially in the 2000s.

       There’s a word for that, and when you need to apply it to the defence forces it is particularly concerning.

       I am shocked that Hager’s book has received so little journalistic follow-through. There are stories in there that I would have thought any journalist worth their salt would have given an arm and a leg to have the opportunity to run with (if that isn’t mixing too many metaphors).

       • Anne 9.1.3.1

         29 April 2013 at 7:26 pm

         I am shocked that Hager’s book has received so little journalistic follow-through.

         A bit of jealousy mixed with narrow, establishment thinking and a naive desire to be part of the American military scenario? Most of the MSM seem happy to go along with the authoritarian and anti-democratic flow if they think that is where their best interests may lie…

         But it is heartening to know there were military and public service personnel who were willing to spill the beans in the interest of integrity and transparency.

         • Puddleglum 9.1.3.1.1

           29 April 2013 at 8:42 pm

           “But it is heartening to know there were military and public service personnel who were willing to spill the beans in the interest of integrity and transparency.”

           It certainly is – but no matter how heartening, I don’t think that’s the point. After all, the military went its own way despite the integrity of these people and their desire for transparency. The lack of ‘follow through’ reinforces that fact.

           As with so many issues, the point is not about individuals and their motives (for good or ill). It’s about structures and institutional processes that bias against (or for) certain kinds of behaviours and, therefore, in favour of certain kinds of people with certain kinds of views.

           The historical interweaving of the NZ military with the UK and then US military (training, experience under command, etc.) I imagine meant (and still means) that those with pro-UK/US leanings will have formed the useful overseas connections and ‘upward’ connections within the already established hierarchy that ensure they rise through the ranks and assume positions of power.

           That process is common to all institutions – those who align themselves with powerful interests within and around the ‘system’ do better in the ‘system’. It’s Chomsky and Hermann’s point about the media and who ends up being an editor – the very people who agree with the direction.

           The older I get the more I think that the interesting questions are hardly ever about motives, character, personal integrity, etc.. They are about the uses that structures make of people.

           • muzza 9.1.3.1.1.1

             30 April 2013 at 10:28 am

             They are about the uses that structures make of people.

             You have hit the nail, on the head!

             Structure exists to ensure a couple of things, primarily:

             1: Control

             2: To ensure that the structure which are necessary to support society, and humanity’s best social interests, remain broken!

             To what end!

   • Paul 9.2

     29 April 2013 at 4:49 pm

     I’d love to hear the speech on audio or video.
     Tried to go to the speech but it was sold out days early. I think you’ll find there is a keen interest for independent voices like Nicky Hager and, if it’s possible, maybe book a larger venue next time.
     Thank for your efforts Anne in getting people like Nicky H to speak.

     • Anne 9.2.1

       29 April 2013 at 5:17 pm

       Thanks Paul. The effort was really put in by others including Phil Twyford. Yes, we are going to have to find a bigger venue. We have been fortunate thus far in attracting excellent speakers and the word has got around. So much so, people who are not associated with the Labour Party also want to attend. I think the recording was audio only but still well worth listening to. I will try and contact Phil Twyford and see if it’s possible to have it posted here.

     • prism 9.2.2

       29 April 2013 at 7:11 pm

       See Anne at 9 above concerning Nicky Hager’s speech.

       • Anne 9.2.2.1

         30 April 2013 at 9:48 pm

         Message for Paul, karol, prism, Puddleglum, muzza and anyone else who is interested:

         Phil Twyford will be posting the Hagar lecture on Red Alert as soon as he’s received it. Will keep you posted.

10. johnm 10

    29 April 2013 at 11:00 am

    Mark Steel on the demonisation of the poor and the dickensian meanness of neoliberalism plus an extra on the french revolution.

    
    
    

11. prism 11

    29 April 2013 at 12:16 pm

    On the present submission time for a constitution. First Chris Trotter makes important points.
    http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/not-debating-constitution.html

    Also from he Sunday Star Times
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8605428/Talking-about-a-New-Zealand-constitution
    You should have a look at their poll and see what you think about it. It seems to be quite balanced and requires a bit of thought. They have a space for 130 words about your ideas for NZ which they may tweet.

    I went to a meeting in the weekend hosted by a Nelson group. My feelings are that the appointed commissioners seem to be standing aside and leaving the bringing information and discussion to each region which has to find people with something to say and who can project their ideas. The visiting commissioners seem more like window dressing, and there does not seem to be a plan for a tour of the country by informative speakers, the appointees just attend the arranged meeting and give a quick run down of their instructions. Then at our meeting the speakers were invited to make their individual points.

    There was a speaker from the country’s numerous old, white anti-Maori bigots, who also were a vocal group in the audience. Overturning agreements already reached, limiting the Treaty to a historical document with narrow meanings, and overturning decisions made already by eminent people in favour of Maori seemed to be their unswerving and bigoted goal. There was the usual white patronising and demeaning attitude to Maori heard from such people, mainly white-haired and probably old age beneficiaries, and I am one of this age so I can be reasonably objective. (Their thinking at base being – Maori are undeserving, they haven’t a case for consideration of their rights and wrongs, and that the decisions made by eminent people in favour of Maori stand for nothing)

    Unfortunately for me, the bigot was the second speaker not the last. The first was a criminal lawyer who does good work and is aware of the need of the law to serve the citizens, poor and rich, and I am asking for the right to be able to access his submission paper for The Standard readers. (I now have that okay but have to speak to my advisor on how to go about putting it up tonight.)

    But when the second speaker began and started with what to me is poisonous, backward diatribe that would have an acidic effect on good relations between Maori and pakeha and our moves forward to a better future, I had to leave. This man Bruce Moon was a co-author with John Robinson, David Round, Mike Butler, Hugh Barr, Peter Cresswell of a book called Twisting the Treaty – A Tribal Grap for Wealth and Power with a related web page headed Treatygate – The Conning of a Country which pitches it against one called Healing our History by Robert and Joanna Consedine. The large number of biased authors writing for the Twisting book make for a whiteout on the subject, one whole page of google is taken up with headings from their individual comments and initiatives.

    Some people who are focussed on one approach with a tunnel vision that pours all their energy on their chosen mission, are a horrible obstacle to gathering wide information and take up the precious time set aside for that purpose. I had better things to do. But I want to see healthy discussion on a good constitution. I don’t trust National to do anything good, they are increasingly adopting fascist, and anti-democratic policies.

    There is an academic Dr Paul Moon at AUT so don’t confuse the two. This link has something about him.
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/auckland-city-harbour-news/8382933/Key-bits-of-history

12. ghostrider888 12

    29 April 2013 at 2:03 pm

    ‘neonicotinoids’ may yet Bee banned’

13. ghostrider888 13

    29 April 2013 at 2:13 pm

    so much for “SuperGrans” to the rescue…
    and don’t expect the Army to be able to afford picking up the pieces

    • prism 13.1

      29 April 2013 at 4:31 pm

      My point that NZ government doesn’t care about families much and won’t support them is backed up by the Super Grans business. These people in power are self absorbed social climbers and wealthy isolated types. They could care about a fine racehorse with good breeding but ordinary people – no.

      And budget advisory, that would admit there is a necessity, a demand for this, and in a climate where people have to apply for five jobs a day in a recession well there is a certain coherence if they just keep on denying reality.

14. Pete 14

    29 April 2013 at 2:13 pm

    Thoughts and prayers to Parekura Horomia and his whanau.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10880438

    • karol 14.1

      29 April 2013 at 2:16 pm

      Yes. Best wishes to Parekura and his whanau and friends.

    • ghostrider888 14.2

      29 April 2013 at 2:19 pm

      Na, kia noho te Atua o te rangimarie ki a koutou katoa, Amene.

15. Bill 15

    29 April 2013 at 2:36 pm

    Following on from some comments concerning the state of private aged care in NZ the other day, this article from ‘The Independent’ on the unfolding crisis in England, Wales and Northern Ireland might be of interest to some – particularly if there are jots to be joined or comparisons made with any debt burden among NZ’s private providers.

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-5bn-care-home-crisis-that-is-seeing-record-numbers-of-providers-close-their-doors-8591849.html

    • ghostrider888 15.1

      29 April 2013 at 2:52 pm

      “part of a wider collapse in social care driven by spending cuts”. (sound familiar)
      “solving the inevitably rocketing (fixed) costs of social care for the elderly and disabled is an issue expected to dog governments for decades to come”. (energy, food, wages, oh wait Ryman et al; will be able to pay lower wages).

      • Foreign Waka 15.1.1

        29 April 2013 at 7:21 pm

        Well, NZ Government is already working on the Euthanasia bill…… it will be introduced under the umbrella that there is too much suffering. Watch this space.

16. Morrissey 16

    29 April 2013 at 4:08 pm

    Canadian foreign minister John Baird is now a human rights champion!
    April 29, 2013

    Liberals and human rights activists will welcome the news that the formerly hard right Canadian foreign minister John Baird has made a spectacular and sudden conversion to being a champion of human rights.

    After a Canadian friend of mine yesterday damned Mr Baird as “a disgusting piece of sh!t”, and urged me to “Google the useless f+ck” I decided to follow his advice and do a little bit of research on him. What I have found tends to reinforce my friend’s observation.

    John Baird has developed a reputation as an hysterical opponent of the Kyoto Protocols, and he has been roundly denounced by virtually everybody who has come into contact with him. After observing Baird’s irresponsible conservation policies, Al Gore called them “a complete and total fraud” and accused him of trying to “mislead the Canadian people”. Baird’s conservation policies have been damned by David Suzuki as a “sham”. Activists at the Cancun climate conference in 2010 were scathing of his environmental policies and awarded Canada three “Fossil” awards for disrupting and undermining U.N. climate talks.

    When he is not trashing the environment, John Baird likes to hang out with soldiers. He spent Christmas 2006 in Afghanistan with Canadian occupation troops.

    Baird is an aggressive and shameless supporter of the Likud party in Israel, and last year he made a widely condemned statement that Iran was “the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today.”

    Oh! There is one person who thinks that Baird is all right. He has been praised for his “bold leadership” by THIS fellow….
    http://www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/netanyahu-bomb-un.jpg

    But all this has changed suddenly! John Baird has now joined the struggle for human rights!

    Read the following and cheer….
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22322999

    • North 16.1

      29 April 2013 at 6:00 pm

      In terms of guise and process alone and mark it, not personal at all, shades of last appointment of Race Relations Commissioner ?

17. One Anonymous Knucklehead 17

    29 April 2013 at 5:30 pm

    RIP Parekura Horomia.

    • McFlock 17.1

      29 April 2013 at 5:38 pm

      RIP.

    • mickysavage 17.2

      29 April 2013 at 5:40 pm

      Wow. He was a really cool guy. The nats gave him a hard time because he did not accord to their concepts of a parliamentarian but he was a very gracious person. On a marae he could not be matched and when talking to kiwis his ability to relate to them was phenomenal.

      I had the pleasure of being at the Avondale Markets with him campaigning and I can honestly say that he was without his peers. Even though he was 400 kilometers from home it seemed he knew half the people. I was really, really impressed with his ability to relate to ordinary kiwis.

      Best wishes to his whanau.

18. Jenny Kirk 18

    29 April 2013 at 5:40 pm

    Labour MP and former Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia has died from health complications at his home in Tolaga Bay.

    The 62-year-old, who is survived by three sons and one grandchild, was surrounded by family, friends and Parliamentary colleagues when he passed away a short time ago.

    His condition deteriorated rapidly since his health problems were made public this morning.

    The cause of his death has not been confirmed and his family has requested privacy.

    Read more: Labour MP Parekura Horomia dies, age 62 – Story – Politics – 3 News http://www.3news.co.nz/Labour-MP-Parekura-Horomia-dies-age-62/tabid/1607/articleID/295933/Default.aspx#ixzz2RpOsKktE

    • Rhinocrates 18.1

      29 April 2013 at 5:51 pm

      Very sad. A good man with a big heart.

    • Olwyn 18.2

      29 April 2013 at 6:08 pm

      A very sad loss. May he rest in peace.

    • gobsmacked 18.3

      29 April 2013 at 6:16 pm

      RIP Parekura. Few would have a bad word to say about him. Shocking news.

      Meanwhile, this piece of sh*t works for Auckland radio stations. I’ll be writing to them telling them what I think, and why I’ll be boycotting them and their ads – you may want to as well …

      So Labour MP Parekura Horomia has passed away aged 62.

      In unrelated news KFC's share price has dropped 20 points #toosoon

      — Riccardo Ball (@rikdog72) April 29, 2013

      • felix 18.3.1

        29 April 2013 at 7:55 pm

        Speaking of wankers, the wankers at David Farrar’s troll farm are comparing him to Thatcher.

      • Tigger 18.3.2

        29 April 2013 at 11:05 pm

        Who is rikdog?

19. Chrissy 19

    29 April 2013 at 5:41 pm

    So sad to read of the passing of Parekura Horomia. R.I.P

20. Morrissey 20

    29 April 2013 at 5:48 pm

    Jim Mora poses the Ironic Question of the Month
    The Panel, Radio NZ National, Monday 29 April 2013
    Jim Mora, Jonathan Krebs, Tim Watkin

    Today, due to unforeseen circumstances, host Jim Mora found himself in the position of having ten minutes at the end of the program to fill up somehow. Being an experienced and competent operator, this was no problem for him. “We have a spare ten minutes,” he told his two guests, “so we’ll just have a chat about various issues that have come up lately.”

    First up, he read out an exceptionally foolish statement by an English chemical analysis, who after she had debunked the false claims that Syria has used chemical weapons, had gone on to claim that even if the “evidence” was entirely false, the “rebels” had done it because they were “desperate”.

    The Panelists, including Mora, actually did a good job here, discussing the Syrian question with intelligence and a degree of responsibility—thank God that Panel regulars Dr Michael Bassett or Barry Corbett or Garth “Gaga” George were not on today—and mentioned that the “rebels” were largely Al Qaeda terrorists.

    Then, in a deadly serious tone, Jim Mora asked the following question: “Is there a tendency in our society for people to voice their opinion on subjects that they know nothing about?”

    To their credit, both Jonathan Krebs and Tim Watkin stifled the guffaws and pretended to ignore the screaming irony of that screamingly funny question.

    DISCUSS:

    Is Jim Mora the world’s most brilliant deadpan comic? Or did he simply forget, for a brief time this afternoon, that the guest Panelists on his show have included such Ignorami for the Ages as John Barnett, Graham Bell, Barry Corbett, Garth “Gaga” George, Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, Nevil “Breivik” Gibson, Claudette Hauiti, and Jordan Williams?

    Here it is, one more time. Enjoy…

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    “Is there a tendency in our society for people to voice their opinion on subjects that they know nothing about?”

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    • Tim 20.1

      29 April 2013 at 6:18 pm

      Hah1. The ‘voice of the people’, the everyman’s best, bester, bestest EVER friend Jum’, the wordsmuth, the intellect…… it’s just so overwhelming.
      Save yourself the stress Morissey. Best policy is to just ignore the gittus.
      I had some conversation with the guy a few years ago. Back then he promised how he was going to rejuvinate things.
      Instead ….. same old shit, same old hacks, same old yearning to be liked, same old kaka to be perceived as the voice of reason…..
      (Same shit – different stink).

      Not sure why the Slacks et al bother these days – perhaps they just like the same brand of CHardonnay.

      IF RNZ ever consider its time for a shapkeup – it’s be Mora in the afternoon, closely followed by Kethluk Guuuuurl in the mourn

      • North 20.1.1

        29 April 2013 at 7:14 pm

        Yes Tim I agree. The Mora Borer Show has become almost unlistenable. Coast, Breeze, whatever, at least they deliver what they promise. Often in my car 4-5 pm weekdays. As a consciously careful and attentive driver over the 33 km to home Radio Live and other talkback is just too dangerous. Mora seemed the safe bet.

        Unfortunately it’s now just Aunty Affable and his unconscionable gushing over a series of wankers (in the main) who fancy themselves “celebs”. Thus emboldening them in the ignorant mouthing off of which Morrissey complains. I think the name’s Chris Wikaira, an aggressive wahanui on everything who brews yuppie fucking beer for God’s Sake. He’s one of the worst. If that’s not him I apologise to the less offensive Chris Wikaira. Not to overlook Mrs Brassy Voyeur Private Investigator………forget her name, Julia double barrelled something. David Slack is one of the few exceptions. He’s genuinely wry as well.

        Helpful redirection would be appreciated.

        • Morrissey 20.1.1.1

          29 April 2013 at 7:40 pm

          I think the obnoxious brewer you are thinking of is actually Neil Miller. Your concerns about him are entirely justified.

          Chris Wikaira is a National Party-sympathizing dope that manages to say nothing serious or interesting whenever he is on the programme. Last time he was on, his Soapbox contribution consisted of a rant about what he reckons is the poor quality of contributions to the Minecraft discussion boards.

          That horrible P.I. is Julia Hartley-Moore.

        • felix 20.1.1.2

          29 April 2013 at 8:03 pm

          Indeed North.

          Publicly funded radio fulfills a very important role in our society, but “Afternoons with Jim Mora” always leaves me wondering why we’re publicly funding what is essentially talkback radio.

    • North 20.2

      29 April 2013 at 6:33 pm

      Respects for Parekura Horomia.

      The five year old whom the pakeha school bus passed on by. Surprisingly, never bitter. Lovely man living magnificent wairua.

      In brief answer to Morrissey: yes, ugly mouthing is not merely a tendency, it is positively encouraged. It’s in the nature of an opiate for dullards, their spittle then harnessed by unscrupulous self-promoters and careerists.

21. George D 21

    29 April 2013 at 5:54 pm

    Haere ra Parekura Horomia, takoto mai, e koro.

22. ghostrider888 22

    29 April 2013 at 6:52 pm

    man, this Auckland Transport problem is gonna cost; “a multi-billion dollar shortfall”
    -tolls
    -fuel tax
    -rates rises
    -possible public transport tax
    -congestion tax

    (any 2 or more of the above)

    “even this is not a silver bullet”- Simon Lambourne.

    The Christchurch rebuild needs 17000 more workers before 18 months time passes.

    Heard Joyce talking of the need for flexibility from “officials” and “immigration” in the same sentence.
    more migrant workers will be required.

    Apparently, there is no guarantee of the entire “private investment” counted on by the government for Christchurch.

23. prism 23

    29 April 2013 at 7:14 pm

    Brian Easton will have a few words to say on the austerity program in the economy on radionz between 8.30 and 9 I think.

24. xtasy 24

    30 April 2013 at 4:33 am

    No Combrendo, still, aye, Standardistas?

    Anyway – Those that may bother to get out of their little spaces, and away from blogs and PC or laptop screens:

    01 May 2013:

    Labour Action against the owners of Pak’n Save supermarket, at Royal Oak, Manukau Road, Auckland (just near the roundabout), due to decision by that employer to introduce and accept the new youth wage rate at about $ 11 per hour, below the minimum wage of $ 13 something, close to $ 14, as it applies to adults! Also are there other employment issues of staff employed there, First Union have more info. AAAP and others are preparing to take action and present a picket there.

    As far as I know they used to have a collective agreement, but only on that site, and it appears to be under threat.

    I encourage all in the area to join and support the workers at that supermarket, especially the youth ones, 16 to 19. They are in award negotiations and need all support. Also consider doing your shopping somewhere else, at least for a time, until they have come to the party to pay staff what they deserve.

    The minimum wage, also there paid to largely migrant workers, is not sufficient to survive on, and it is an insult as it is. A living wage would be better, but we are fighting to simply even defend the minimum legal wage for those that will likely be short changed!

    Also on 01 May 2013:

    Joe Carolan communicated that due to a breakdown in negotiations with Mc Donald’s, there will be a 01 May picket outside McDonald’s in Queen Street at 03:30 pm on Mayday.

    If any have questions about Mayday, perhaps do a search, look up Wikipedia or else, it has tradition with workers being shot and killed in Chicago some many years ago, for standing up for their worker’s rights, but Mayday is a celebrated Worker’s Day in many countries, in Europe, some countries in Asia, and for some here in Aotearoa NZ.

    Labour Day is another affair, but some of us think that Mayday is the day to stand up, take a stand, join others and make a point. So a couple of pickets at mentioned venues will serve the purpose to a degree, and all are asked and invited to join!

    Thank you.

25. xtasy 25

    30 April 2013 at 4:38 am

    The action at Pak’ Save Royal Oak, Auckland is planned for 08:30 am on Wednesday (“benefit day” for the unemployed), 01 May 2013 – MAYDAY!

    Unemployed be mindful, a new, harsh, draconian regime for yours and other beneficiaries will start 15 July this year, due to law changes, so be prepared. Also sick and disabled, the onslaught and harassment will hit you and force you to look for work, so show solidarity thanks!

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