They remind me of the Roman Empire in its last days and hopefully they will meet the same fate.

Yes possibly but remember the test is not an equal weighing of contrasting opinions but whether the AG’s decision is so wrong as to be irriational or so unreasonable that no reasonable decision maker, in that position, could have made it.

My, initial, view is that there is siginificant room for the HC to find that the review fails however the risk is all on the Government. A finding that the AG’s decision to rely on the advice of Crown Law (is that the crux of the Review DPF?) would be a huge pounding. Dimissing the Review would be not unexpected given the high threshold.

It will be an interesting case.

Dear Ron,

You will be well aware of the broad base of opposition against the Electoral Finance Bill and also, the also Appropriation (Continuation of Interim Meaning of Funding for Parliamentary Purposes) Bill. Never before in NZ’s political history has there been such a broad base of opposition to a bill with the EFB attracting opposition from diverse groups such as HRC, Law Commission, unions, public lobby groups, societies, NZF supporters, greenies, nats, lawyers, political commentators, family first and the legalise marijuana party.

At their core these bills serve to load the electoral dice in favour of the incumbent government and at the expense of electoral equity. Their impact on the future of NZ is to place the muzzle voice of NZ citizens and relegate them to tri-annual voter lemmings. This is not the kind of democracy that I want for me or my family

Ron, you stand at a critical political crossroads. The path down which your party wants you to walk contains the hope of continued electoral power and the promise that history will never forgive your duplicity in the damage that is about to be inflicted on our democracy. Remember that this democracy is the one that many of our fathers died to protect, for your benefit and mine.

Down the other path awaits the sure knowledge that you have demonstrated a level of personal ethics that is, sadly, increasingly rare and by definition increasingly valuable in the NZ political scene. This path guarantees an enhancement of your personal brand and increases your political capital inside and outside of parliament.

There is a saying that ‘Integrity is who you are when the light is off’. That’s true enough, however in this instance you and your actions are well under the glare of public attention. What will it be: duplicity or integrity?

Forget the party-led spin, bluster and obfuscation. You know that these bills spell disaster for democracy in NZ. Everything hangs in the balance. Ron, what will you do?

Kind regards,
Andy

PS. I have posted this letter to kiwiblog.co.nz

It didn’t seem to ask me for my name, but I’m happy to be listed. The email I used is the same one I’m registered here with and it’s just firstname.lastname format (the firstname part is Camryn, this isn’t a pseudonym).

Jesus walks on water = “Self-proclaimed Jewish leader can’t swim!”

Oh, and don’t forget that other self-perpetuating myth:

You’re better off with Labour

Yep, off to Australia, off to the mortgagee sale, off to the High Court to challenge the government, off to…… (feel free to add to the “off to” list)

Tane and Robinsod are left to snipe around the edges of this debate seeking to create any story out of their review of the KTB donors. There is huge irony in their attempts as the transparency displayed at KTB is what they claim to believe in. Tane says he wants anonymous donations banned and yet shills for Labour who have clearly stated their intention to rely on such donations.

I’m sure had a National Government brought an EFB to Parliament there would’ve been demonstrations of ’81 Springbok tour proportions with Tane, Rogernome and Robinsod at the forefront. Not even the Democrats’ most left leaning politicians here in the US would ever attempt to do what Labour is trying to do here.

I do hope that the judiciary in NZ shows some balls on this issue and finds against the Crown Law opinion.

I have to say, Tane has had me wondering. A PR ploy?

Could John/d4J be another one,, possiblities are endless.

Just stick to the issues with horse blinkers on

Best way to beat non entities.

Even though I couldn’t make the paypal work (again), so had to go and transfer money from my bank account. I put my name on it, feel free to add my name to the donation list. Wouldn’t want people getting excited about an anonymous donation now.

I’m alreamy ham one. He’s at http://www.thestandard.org.nz. Our is interesting if we have a look.

You know, you guys should really keep up this attack, since you started wailing, and you know its funny because it is almost comment for comment but people have started donating again…hell, six more in 10 minutes, keep it up….you’re doing great.

I’ve scratched around for some spare notes and donated. Go for it…. Kill the Bill

[DPF: Yes I know I am far far too tolerant. It's a weakness.]