Simon Bridges seems to feel sorry for all those disillusioned voters who voted for the Greens and Labour expecting to get a greener government, i.e. greener than the previous government, the one before, and the one before that one. I too feel their pain.
Those previous governments were on a journey to perfection, I get that – they were on the cusp of something special. But we continuously have to do more and do better in the areas of Climate Change and the environment, Simon says. I get that too.
Fortunately, the National Party is now truly seriously serious about the environment. They’re working with the government very closely at the moment – Simon Bridges and one colleague (Dr Nick Smith or Dame Maggie?) – with both Jacinda Ardern and James Shaw. But let’s be clear, this is a PR exercise in futility because this government is not green enough.
Simon Bridges believes that we should have an independent Climate Commission that advises this government and Parliament on what needs to happen. And he’s committed to following that through. Wow! Much better than a Working Group! Problems solved. And all without necessarily heaping on more taxes in a radical fashion as is being proposed, apparently, by the TWG. Kiwis don’t like radical; they’re more like Hobbits who treasure their way of life and don’t take kindly to any attacks on it – don’t mess with Hobbits and take away their precious. It seems Kiwis want a greener government but not too green and most certainly not radically green (deep green?). We can tolerate a smallish disaster, obviously. Speaking for myself, I feel a huge relief that I can save the Planet without having to a pay a cent extra tax. And Simon didn’t even need a TWG for that! The man is a genius and we’re so lucky to have him as our Leader of the Opposition.
National cares deeply about the environment and they’ve put out a discussion document on it – much more effective than a Working Group and a lot cheaper too – you’ll get what you pay for unless you’re National. They want Kiwis to trust them with the environment as much as they do with the economy. No worries there, Simon. When Simon Bridges became leader, he made it clear that the environment would get a refreshed, a renewed strong priority from him as much as those ten bridges in the North.
But Simon Bridges is not sure about the new Sustainable New Zealand Party. He said:
I don’t know. I think if I listen to Vernon [Tava], what he is saying is he’s not a blue-green; he’s a true green party. I genuinely have had nothing to do with that. Let’s kind of see where they get to.
“I think if I listen to” is confusing. Does he mean “when”? Has he listened to Vernon? Is he not sure but he thinks he has? Has he thought about it but is he colour-blind? What has he genuinely had nothing to do with? The listening, the thinking, the branding, or something else? Does he hear voices and is he channelling Vernon? He makes no sense.
Vernon Tava is not colour-blind and uses clearer messaging; they are a green-green party unlike the Greens who are not really green enough and actually eco-socialists. I’m glad that at least one of these two men who have the environment close at heart knows what he wants and is honest about it.
Luckily, Mr Bridges was more unequivocal about his support for students who want to demonstrate for their future:
Well nothing about climate change is unimportant. So I’m certainly not saying that, and don’t mistake what I say for that.
Wisdom in motion and so eloquently put it brings tears to my eyes.
He offers a few free words of advice, which is the sign of a generous man:
But I do think look there may be some students out there who passionately have followed this debate, who’ve read up on it, and for them it may be right.
…
The ends justify the means. Have a day off just because it’s a good cause.
Simon Bridges is a true inspiration to us all and he’s on the side of the real Greens and the environment. What could go wrong with him in charge?
*A short snappy title for readers who lack perseverance
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