Martin Hirst
AUT Associate Professor Martin Hirst is going to be an adviser to the EPMU’s inquiry into the state of journalism in NZ.
Hirst writes in The Press that as a marxist he regards the USSR, Eastern Europe, China and Cuba not as communist states but as “totalitarian forms of state-capitalism”. This is a common view it seems from Marxists and Maoists.
My goodness, isn’t this a wonderful twisting of words. Even the nasty communist states are capitalists so hence capitalism is evil and communism is pure light and goodness.
And in the free market West we merely have a “charade of democracy”.
Funny how so many millions of people always want to escape the communist countries for the so called charade of democracy.
Associate Professor Hirst is in charge of the journalism curriculum at AUT incidentially.
So of course a man who can debate issues on the facts. He would never of course call someone a neo Nazi just because he disagrees with their political views.
August 25th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Then, with one leap, Martin was free from the ties that bind.
August 25th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Does he have tenure?
If not, bye bye!
August 25th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Tenure is not part of the NZ Tertiary system.
August 25th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Boy, that this totalitarian leftist dumbarse (I mean who the hell doesn’t know of the radical differences that exist between the ideas of Libertarians and Neo-Nazis?) has the gall to call Trevor Loudon a Neo-Nazi.
At least Trevor allows argumentative comments to be published on his site. Martin of course holds them for “moderation”. He blames “trolls”, but anyone familiar with communist control freaks and their attitudes to freedom of political expression knows that this is merely a smokescreen for a widespread strategy to censor ideas that challenge leftism.
The real point is that here is one journalist/ instructor of journalists who admits that it is his mission to change the world rather than report objectively, and who probably encourages his naive impressionable students to think the same.
This supports my oft made claim that there are many more such propagandists for this poisonous ideology claiming to be “journalists”. The mainstream media still has some degree of credibility with some people God only knows why.
August 25th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
A soon as I see someone refer to another as “comrade”, it’s nutbar alert time. With idiots like this inculcating the minds of many of our so-called young and brightest, no wonder our Universities are churning out cloistered brainwashed pinkos like Rogered Nome.
August 25th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
<i>Funny how so many millions of people always want to escape the communist countries for the so called charade of democracy.</i>
I think Prof. Hisrt’s point, David, is that they were escaping from state capitalism not communism. I imagine he believes if it were actual communism that was instituted in Russia then we’d all be crossing borders into the USSR.
[But how come every single communist Marxist state has enslaved its citizens, won't let them leave, and impoverishes them? It is coincidence?]
August 25th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Funny that everyone is trying to get out of North Korea and Cuba, and into the US and UK…
August 25th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
I’m suprised really…
Finally – there is someone who publically claims to be a Marxist, yet the speil of anti-leftism seems to be down on normal.
I guess its just less fun when people admit their political leanings…
August 25th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
That is probably very true Parrot.
I might be wrong but I think we have plenty of politicians who were student Marxists way back when and would nowdays pretend that Marxism was not at the core of their belief system.
Though I suspect that anyone that knows of Marty’s work would have though this was common knowledge.
Martin is refreshingly candid and I applaud him for it and the rigour and perspective that his politics will give to the unbias reporting of news in NZ.
August 25th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
What does the learned professor mean by being outed? Has he been hiding in the closet? Up to now he hasn’t been receiving many comments on his blog thoughtful or otherwise so he really should thank Trevor for raising his profile instead of calling him a “beady eyed, neo-nazi goon”.
August 25th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
The guy might be a raving nutcase but what he says is absolutely right
It is impossible for journalists to be unbiased.
And trying to be objective is not necessary if journalists are open about their biases
August 26th, 2007 at 7:54 am
I used to read Professor Hirst’s work regularly, when he was a syndicated writer for the Times, the Economist, the Guardian, and the Washington Post.
Oh, that’s right. He wasn’t.
Professor of journalism at A”U”T is a bit of a misnomer, really. Like a “law” degree from Waikato.
August 26th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Emmess
Yes, its perfectly true that objective journalism is impossible. Its the pretence to objectivity that rankles. You say its OK if they’re “open about their biases”. They’re not open. The mainstream media is full of left wing charlatans and poseurs pushing their propaganda and opinion under the guise of “news” or objective comment.
Two recent issues have rammed this point home. The twin myths of Global Warming and the Iraq war “quagmire”. In reality, both outcomes of the left’s political machinations and mainstream media propaganda agents, but you’d have a hard time convincing the general populace of this. People think they’ve been told the truth.
Leftists love referring to opinion polls as proof of the correctness of their thinking (an idea just has to be popular, not rational). Such polls are most often only reflections of how well the leftist’s mainstream media propaganda machine is working rather than records of informed opinion.
August 26th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
DPF
“As a marxist he regards the USSR, Eastern Europe, China and Cuba not as communist states but as “totalitarian forms of state-capitalism”. This is a common view it seems from Marxists and Maoists.”
Its been a commen view amoung socialists and commuists since the Fourth International in the ’30s as they saw Stalin’s version of socialism as a betrayl of working class, because power in the Soviet Union was being concentrated in the hands of the bureaucratic elite thanks to the nationalization and central planning of the means of production. The Fourth International, which was led by Leon Trotsky termed Stalinst Russia, a degenerated workers state. Like all megalomanics, whether “left” or “right”, fascist or communist, Stalin didn’t particularly appreciate dissent, so he had his agents hound the Fourth International and eventually had Trotsky murdered.
“And in the free market West we merely have a “charade of democracy”.”
The free market in the West is as much of a charade as its form of “democracy”. If genuine libertarians believe that the New Right ideology represents a libertarian beliefs, you need to get your head examined, or maybe dust off your original copies of John Locke, David Ricardo, and Adam Smith, rather than relying on the New Right propenents, selective and out of context quoting of their writings.
August 26th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
I meant
If genuine libertarians believe that the New Right ideology is representative of libertarian beliefs….
August 26th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
“Boy, that this totalitarian leftist dumbarse (I mean who the hell doesn’t know of the radical differences that exist between the ideas of Libertarians and Neo-Nazis?) has the gall to call Trevor Loudon a Neo-Nazi.”
RB, this is why he accused Trevor Loudon of being a neo-Nazi.
http://indymedia.org.nz/newswire/display/45086/index.php
August 26th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Martin is a turncoat from that nest of vipers. the Peoples Democratic Liberation Front of Judea. Or at least that’s what the comrades from the vastly superior Democratic Socialist Front for the Liberation of Galilee decided in an opinion poll last week.
August 26th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
“RB, this is why he accused Trevor Loudon of being a neo-Nazi.
http://indymedia.org.nz/newswire/display/45086/index.php”
So, because one person who may have been a member was a fascist, means that ALL people who may have been members of the organisation are neo-nazis?
Are you kidding?
I had better leave VUWSA, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary and the Automobile Association right away!
August 26th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
James W.
Follow the link to the comments in the anarchia blog and read some of the comments, particularly re. Paul Spoonley’s book, “the Politics of Nostalgia” and his chronicling of ZAP’s links to the fascist movements in the 80s and 90s.
August 26th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
I just have. It’s a very tenuous link at best. From what I can tell, there may have been some people in the ZAP organisation who were fascist. I cannot see how this makes Mr Louden a neo-nazi. With no proof, Dr Hirst risks defamation proceedings.
August 27th, 2007 at 11:03 am
There’s a good analysis of DPF’s lousy spin on this issue (really Bro you can do better than this, surely. Or are you losing your mojo?) available at http://www.thestandard.org.nz/?p=54 (Farrar, you’re a disgrace)
August 27th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
“There’s a good analysis of DPF’s lousy spin on this issue”
“Good analysis”? Don’t make me puke. Its a disgusting hate driven cowardly slander. You commie scum really come out from under your rocks with your poison darts when your fellow travellers are exposed don’t you?
August 27th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
What do you mean “exposed”, you fool? Hirst expressly stated his political views in an 800 word opinion-piece in a major daily publication. It’s not Watergate dude. Dr Robinson prescribes Redbait a cup of tea and a wee rest and no Ayn Rand (or any of that other crazy shit you oddballs read) for a couple of days might help too, eh?
August 27th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
“Hirst expressly stated his political views in an 800 word opinion-piece in a major daily publication.”
So what’s his real beef, and why is he calling Trevor Loudon names then?
Marxist lecturers in Universities are not only preying on naive and impressionable youth, they’re using freedom to destroy freedom.
August 27th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
Duh, Redbait – ‘cos having your name and photo (and a call for your resignation) published on a loony conspiracy theorist’s website is a bit creepy. Do you not understand that?
August 27th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Trevor Loudon is no “looney conspiracy theorist”. He’s an extremely well informed and level headed political analyst who sees things much clearer than a lot of people in New Zealand. He did nothing to justify this so called academic calling him a Neo Nazi thug.
….and he did not call for Mr. Hirst’s resignation.
Can’t you disgusting commies ever write anything that isn’t smug, supercilious, arrogant and sneering and a distortion of the facts? Mr. Loudon at least has his integrity. You have nothing other than the customary (for communists) smears, sneers, propaganda and lies.
I’d call for Hirst’s resignation tho, on the grounds that as an instructor in journalism, he seems to be pretty ignorant of many of the basic requirements (such as simple fact checking- he stated TL was an MP) and amazingly narrow in his political perspectives. I’d also call for it on the grounds that he has apparently advocated armed insurrection. Should this be the position of a lecturer at a university?
Should someone who reportedly desires a totalitarian political outcome be holding a job at a democratically based educational institute? Should Mr. Hirst be permitted the freedom to attack freedom while being paid by the taxpayer, or does he maintain that he instructs his students completely objectively in matters political (as they pertain to journalism)?
Frankly, after witnessing Mr. Hirst’s erratic behaviour in his attacks on Mr. Loudon, and becoming alerted as to how passionately he believes in his cause, I’d find that hard to accept.
I’d also call for it on the grounds that his intemperate attack on Mr Loudon shows IMHO, a degree of immaturity and bad judgment that brings his abilities as an instructor into serious doubt.
But hell, who would pay any attention to what I might call for?? I get no real result from all my bitching here, except the satisfaction of knowing I can occasionally get up the noses of smug arrogant commie robots like you Robinson.
August 27th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
First of all there is a massive difference between a socialist and a communist/marxist. But regardless of that I have no problem with universities hiring dozens and dozens of communists. I mean one can’t expect them to actually work in the private sector they wish to abolish.
But I do have a problem when said person starts calling someone a neo Nazi. That is what I objected to re Hirst.
August 28th, 2007 at 7:29 am
“First of all there is a massive difference between a socialist and a communist/Marxist.”
Only in a certain context is such a statement true. For instance, a room full of Trotskyists, Marxists and Klarkists might find plenty to argue about, but anyone who is not part of the gathering would only hear a noisy party.
You could say that there are “massive differences” between Christianity and Islam. However the core issue is belief in God, and the idea that God is the Saviour.
In political systems, Socialists and Communists both believe in government, and that belief in government will bring Nirvana.
A true Conservative does not share such a belief.
The Conservative sees government as playing an important role in the framework of a civilized society, but that role is not the major role that Socialists and Communists give it.
A Conservative sees a better world coming through the inherent goodness in every individual. Government should provide a legal framework for individuals to interact, but government should not promote itself, or promote itself as a religion, or as an article of faith, or as a means to any Nirvana type political end.
To a Conservative therefore, the difference between a socialist and a communist is only cosmetic as they both follow the same core belief. Socialists and Communists worship government and believe that government should promote itself, and impose ideas and customs upon the people.
To a Conservative, who just wants to be left alone, the difference between a Communist and a Socialist is therefore unimportant.
August 28th, 2007 at 7:49 am
To an atheist, there are differences between Islam and Christianity but they are unimportant.
To a Conservative, there are differences between Socialism and Communism, but they are unimportant.
August 28th, 2007 at 7:59 am
“Arrogant commie robots”?! Jeez Redbait take a pill (Dr Robinson prescribes anti-psychotics and a talking cure to ease Redbait’s paranoia)
August 28th, 2007 at 9:58 am
Ha ha, wot a laff you tired old commies with your tired old concepts are.
You want to see paranoia, look at the insane responses your comrades are posting on New Zeal.
BTW, your suggestion is typical of communists. Anyone who challenges their totalitarian ideals is classified as insane and/or sent for re-education.
Same old same old. You all claim that communism hasn’t worked because it “weren’t dun rite” but whenever you’re discussing your sick religion, the same old mindsets that have underpinned commie tyrants throughout history don’t take long to surface. Dinosaurs.
August 28th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
No Redbait, I am actually concerned for your mental health as you are exhibiting tendencies well outside of the norm (even DPF is trying to talk you down) and I think you should consult someone. Seriously. Rather than provoke a sick man further I’m, just gonna drop out of this thread. Take care, Robinson.
August 28th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
“I’m, just gonna drop out of this thread.
Yawn….
You were never in it man. Accusations of insanity are just so old hat Stalinist.. move forward you sad commie troglodyte..
August 28th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Redbait, are you really not aware of how deluded your ranting sounds? Look, for your own sake do this – Print off your last 5 comments and take them out to the real world (y’know that scary place you try to avoid). Stop a few people on the street and ask them to read what you’ve written (don’t tell them you wrote them or they may start backing away slowly). Then ask them one question: “Does this sound crazy?” Don’t take the results too badly.
August 28th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Robinson:
“Redbaiter” is a lost cause. He’s not interested in trying to understand the uncomfortable complexity that is reality. To him left of centre = Stalin, and right of centre = moral perfection. It really is that simple to him. You can try to convince him otherwise but don’t get your hopes up.
August 28th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
“Redbait, are you really not aware of how deluded your ranting sounds?”
Robbie, your question is presumptuous on two grounds. 1) It assumes that your opinion on such matters is objective, when its glaringly obvious its just the bigoted ranting of an incoherent slow thinking commie throwback who doesn’t have the faintest idea of how to deal with any challenge to his mindless left wing garbage, and 2) It assumes I give a damn for it anyway, when nobody with a brain would do so.
Get real you simpleton, and next time you think about wasting bandwidth with such futile rubbish, think again.
August 28th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Redbait, at no stage have I offered bigoted or incoherent arguments. On the contrary I have tried to be reasonably measured with you (as one should be when dealing with the mad). I haven’t even endorsed a leftwing view (let alone a communist one!) yet you seem to think I’m a commie pinko whatever etc. Once again, for your own sake. Stop. Think about your over-wrought reaction to anyone who disagrees with you. Ask yourself “is this rational?”. Seek help. I know I’m not objective, nobody is – that’s why I encouraged you to check your comments with a random cross-section of people. I’m only trying to help you bro; here’s a number you might want to try: 0800 920 092
August 28th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
“I’m, just gonna drop out of this thread.”
A lie? 20 lines later and your still rambling away with your sad infantile commie claptrap. Keep taking the bait you laughable simpleton.
August 28th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Are you like stroking a fluffy white cat and wearing an eyepatch when you type that shit? ‘Cos I won’t think any worse of you if you are bro. I’m not sure I could…
August 28th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Gee, you’re really stupid. I’ve already said I don’t give a damn for your opinions on Redbaiter, but you keep posting them here. You’ve already said you’re “gonna drop out of this thread”, but apparently you can’t. What is it with commies that they apparently can’t wait to prove how dull and mechanical they are? Some genetical malfunction?
August 28th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
“I’ve already said I don’t give a damn for your opinions on Redbaiter”
He says whilst sporting a petulantly drooping bottom lip. hehe you crack me up RB. Keep up the whole “alias refering to itself in the third person” thing as well. Let those multiple personalities run free hey RB?