This entry was posted on Thursday, February 24th, 2011 at 8:00 am and is filed under Uncategorized.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
116 Responses to “General Debate 24 February 2011”
Also puts matters into perspective when the intense media coverage is elsewhere.
Without the oxygen of faux outrage, liberal hand wringing and idiotic running editorial drivel that passes as news then Hone and his minders are all but invisible
Paula Rebstock’s Welfare Working Group has thrown down the gauntlet to the Government. Prime Minister John Key’s initial response – changes will take a while to consider – suggests he is not in a hurry to pick it up. That’s a pity.
Mr Key’s remarks were made before Christchurch was tipped on its head. He has other priorities now, but the earthquake only makes it more imperative that the Government tackle long term welfare dependency. To rebuild Christchurch the Government will have to reach into everyone’s pockets. Even more than before, it cannot afford to allow people to drift into idleness.
The welfare system is listing. Tinkering will not put it right. More than a third of a million working-age people are on a benefit. Almost half of them have spent at least five of the past 10 years receivng a benefit. About 222,000 children are growing up in benefit-dependent households.
For the majority of those who have spent time on the dole, sickness and, more recently, domestic purposes benefits, that holds true. However, a growing minority now view welfare not as temporary help, but a valid lifestyle choice. The cost is borne not just by society, but by their children. What chance does a child born into a household where there is no expectation that individuals should look after themselves have of living a full life?
The group’s recommendations should be given urgent consideration and they should be considered as a package. Cherrypicking the politically easy bits will not change attitudes.
And a hand-wringing do-gooder, who has done nothing other than drawing a fat salary, and who is close to useless, opines:
Collins Children’s Commissioner John Angus has warned the Government against adopting some of the Welfare Working Group’s “hardline” proposals for sole parents. Dr Angus, who is due to retire shortly, welcomed some of the working group’s ideas, such as more support for childcare and a transition payment to help mothers get into work.
But he said some suggestions could put the wellbeing of children at risk and the Government should take “a cautious approach”.
Dr Angus said the Government should think carefully before adopting a proposal to require sole parents who have another child while on a benefit to take up paid work when their new child is 14 weeks old.
Manolo — thanks for an interesting post. It is amazing that even a centre-left/left-wing publication like the Dominion Post is starting to get serious about welfare reform!
It may be that governments and the people have started to realise that we just cannot fund welfare for every one that wants it, in perpetuity. And also that the effect of long-term welfare is debilitating on families and communities.
Let’s hope John Key takes up the challenge. I appreciate he is rightfully engaged on other matters at present.
Also — just while thinking about John Key — I think he has done a great job in this current crisis.
He hears about the earthquake around 1 PM, convened an emergency Cabinet meeting at 3 PM and then flew down to Christchurch by late afternoon. He wanted to see the situation for himself. He is not afraid to get stuck in straight away. I also think the way he has spoken has been excellent.
I don’t agree with him on everything that he has done, or mostly not done, but I give him a big rap for the way he comes through in emergencies and crisis situations. I thought he spoke very well in Greymouth after the Pike River tragedy. As a leader in a crisis I think he is excellent.
You know (speaking as a righty) – if this happened and Goff, Clarke or even Winston was running the country – I would be 1000% behind them in trying to do whatever can be done to help the souls in Chch.
I read the standard and have been shocked / saddened and even disgusted at the vile that some of the left have made at Key over this (see open mike thread of yesterday)
This is the time that we should be coming together as a country, standing side by side, and yet there are people that simply cannot bring themselves to do so.
It makes me ashamed that they call themselves kiwis
I don’t agree with him on everything that he has done, or mostly not done, but I give him a big rap for the way he comes through in emergencies and crisis situations.
I do agree 100%. Key’s handling of this crisis has been excellent, so far.
The politically active left are very self involved oportunists tanky. Things like this make it clear for all to see, hell I/S was virtually accusing Key of causing the earthquake.
A pretty repugnant bunch really. I doubt the own mirrors.
Why do the people at TVNZ NEWS not realise that the fundamental point of showing split screen presentations is to emphasise that people are in different places, and accordingly format the two images, preferably with a decent black bar between them, to clearly show this.
BREAKFAST frequently has shots now where you have to think “Oh, yes, these people are in different locations, not in the same studio and staring straight ahead, totally disregarding each other, in comparison to the usual sycophantic fawning of front-people over each other.” It would often be laughable, especially if a team like the Two Ronnies, or John Clease, pushed it slightly over the edge, but like in this morning’s earthquake reports it is just disturbing.
Counteract the confusion of the poorly designed set, which doesn’t help this situation, and slam a definite division down between split screen shots.
A minor point seemingly. but so easy to fix.
It is probably one keystroke on the control room desk.
The next TVNZ journalist trolling through kiwiblog for material, tell your bosses and do them, and us, a simple service.
Many Kiwis may not like this idea but IMHO it is time that the government and the New Zealand rugby union contacted the IRB and told them that NZ is no longer available as a venue for the Rugby world cup.
The RWC is going to cost the tax payer at least 50 million, that money would be better spent on the people of Christchurch.
The RWC is a luxury we simply cannot afford at this point in time.
On the day after the quake the scummy news (on the ground) people on TV1 breakfast were attempting to make capital that JK had said there were 65 dead but that there was officially only 32 (from memory).
That line fell flat on it’s face when it was pointed out the difference between those seen to be dead and those identified was different.
Bloody pathetic.
I discovered how low the news media would go 12 years ago in an incident we were personally involved with, since then they have only got worse.
Wonderful to see NZ coping so well. Less wonderful to see that people’s houses are being burgled in Christchurch. As there’s a National State of Emergency in affect, perhaps the police could be given discretion to shoot such people, thus freeing themselves to serve the decent law-abiding people?
I am getting seriouslly pissed-off with TVNZ “reporters” continually asking officials if they have enough resources to do what is required in ChCh. The none-too-subtle sub-text is that the evil National government has cut essential services. How many times do reports have to get the answer “we have all the resources we need and more are coming and offers of assistance are flooding in” before they ask some sensible questions.
This from Police Commissioner Howard Broad as he defended the process of identifying victims of the Canterbury quake.
“Now just imagine if we get this wrong, if we’re sloppy, if we tell a family that their loved one is dead and we made a mistake. So we’re not going to do that, we are going to work carefully, methodically and we’re going to get it right. Unfortunately that means that this will take some time and we’re going to experience some criticism for the amount of time that this takes.”
I for one like a public servant who says publiclly that he plans to get things right.
Bring on the RWC – not neccesarily a rugby fan, but definitely a fan of celebrating everything we can. Would be a great pick me up for the people of NZ. (Not sure that anyone would be brave enough to be in Christchurch though?)
Trev Mallard, I know you read Kiwiblog and as I seem to be permanently banned from commenting on Red Alert (for what I am unsure) would you please be so kind as to answer this simple question.
You mention that Phil has been in Christchurch and we have all seen and heard a number of interviews he has given. You also make the point that he has been offering whatever practical help he can. The question is just what practical help can an MP from out of town actually offer in circumstances such as these that is not being provided by professional and trained Services?
I applaud him for his compassion and for the heart wrenching stories he has been able to relate but what is the role of an opposition MP or Leader of the Opposition in natural disasters?
It was funny to see Korin, Coren, Coreen(?) interviewing the cop in Breakfast 1 news with a warm scarf tightly knotted around his neck and the cop with his collars open looking like it was twenty degrees C.
Dr Angus said the Government should think carefully before adopting a proposal to require sole parents who have another child while on a benefit to take up paid work when their new child is 14 weeks old.
How about: no fathers name, no benefit then go ask the fathers to assist as ythey should. NO descression at all.
I am aware of families living together and having more kids because they get so much money,
One person working and the other on the DPB and having more kids. One in Aussie working and the other in NZ on DPB, apparently quite ok, separated in distance, not living together for now.
In praise of John Key don’t forget Bob Parker. IMHO he has been outstanding , particularly in his communication with the news services. One has to commend him for the leadership under what has to be the huge pressure in these circumstances. He personally will know more than a few of thedead and missing and will know hundreds of people personally affected by the devastation but he has put that to oneside to front for Christchurch.
How many could say that the Mayors of their cities could do this. We look at their pay’s sometimes and think they are well paid but when it comes to this its peanuts if they have done their prep for the cityand front up in this way.
NZ’s Man of the Year.
It willbe intersting to see TVNZ do a this is your life for him in a few years.
Talking of which TVNZ coveragehasbeen crap. Stupid people asking dumb questions. TV3 done them like a diner.
As DPF reports, No Right Turn, regarding ‘A national state of emergency’ posts – “I can think of some very cynical reasons for this. Primarily, it tells everyone that the government is doing something – and in particular, it tells everyone that John Key is doing something”
“…Update: I have since OIA’d the government’s advice on this declaration, which should include their reasons. If they have a case, they can make it – and we can judge them on it.”
Posted by Idiot/Savant at 2/23/2011 12:37:00 PM [has the Idiot part right]
Simpler than OIA requests, someone ask Phil Goff if he supports the declaration of ‘A national state of emergency’
He should change his name to moronic echo chamber savant I think. They don;t have to make a case, its a lawful act. If we think it wasn’t justified we have an election in november in which the left will get bitchslapped back into box. Yeah thats right I’m calling the election, not based on Keys behaviour but rather the lefts reation to a national disaster as a political oportunity.
Hey I/S you want to go talk to some people on the groud I can give you a couple addresses. they’ll tell you what they think of your grandstanding. Couse you’ll be flat on your while they’re talking because they will have put you there. But thats life really.
Gaddafi ordered Lockerbie bombing: Ex-minister
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi personally ordered the Lockerbie bombing in 1988, former justice minister Mustapha Abdeljalil told Swedish daily Expressen, the paper reported on its website Wednesday.
“I have proof that Gaddafi gave the order on Lockerbie,” said the minister, who stepped down Monday to protest the ongoing violence in Libya.
Libyan national Abdelbaset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi was in 2001 convicted of the bombing of Pan AM Flight 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie on December 21, 1988 that killed 270 people, most of them Americans.
Key could have decided to reveres the increase he gave the bludgers last week, he could have cut spending on BMW’s or ministerial travel…..but no…..he is going to hit middle NZ once again.
Australia had massive flooding and has imposed a tax levy on all Australians to pay for the damage.
How about a one off 10% extra tax take from next months pay packet from every non Cantabrian.
The rich would contribute the most. Those not paying tax would still have their full benefit and the option of chipping in elsewhere.
The good people of Waikato, Southland, Hawkes Bay and Northland etc would help pay the costs. Or do we just borrow another 5 billion (the non insured 1/3 of 15 billion cost) from foreign money lenders.
“How about a one off 10% extra tax take from next months pay packet from every non Cantabrian.”
How about the money grabbed by the ETS, much of which goes to other counties to supposedly prevent a possible environmental disaster in future go to assist a real environmental disaster in New Zealand now.
Before the earthquake Chc streets were clogged with traffic more than usual. It took me one hour to get form Hornby to the center of the city about a week ago (5pm).
during the emergency (I’m out of town) I heard that fire engines couldn’t get to their destination due to traffic. It’s time to rediscover the bicycle. Not to mention composting toilets. Also it is illegal to collect your own roof water in Chc.
during the emergency (I’m out of town) I heard that fire engines couldn’t get to their destination due to traffic. It’s time to rediscover the bicycle.
Can’t carry much water on a bicycle. Nor long ladders.
February 24th, 2011 at 9:15 am
Could it be that evil corporates are not so evil?
…..
We shouldn’t have a black and white position but I know people in the realestate industry who are ***** evil. We need more democracy regards what is built. Time up.
How about: no fathers name, no benefit then go ask the fathers to assist as ythey should. NO descression at all.
I am aware of families living together and having more kids because they get so much money,
One person working and the other on the DPB and having more kids. One in Aussie working and the other in NZ on DPB, apparently quite ok, separated in distance, not living together for now.
I know a couple like this as well. Just out of school, the girl got pregnant while at school to the boy. She’s on the DPB and he’s working as an apprentice, they are both living with his parents. Her stepmother tells me they are rolling in money.
The problem is (beyond the obvious defrauding of the taxpayer), this couple will have no incentive to permanently commit to each other. In a couple of years they will split, the girl will get another boyfriend (while still on the DPB) and probably some more children.
Just naming the father isn’t enough. There should be random investigations of those on the DPB (maybe 5% a year get checked) like random tax audits, and then prosecution for fraud. Which should then make getting back onto the DPB later when their relationships fall apart that much harder.
As double d said, DO NOT fall into the mistake of visiting that site which shall not be named. I have, and it was a mistake. The vast majority of commentators there are extremely bitter, negative, anti-business people who are idealogically driven (“National and the right are automatically evil, nothing good can ever come out of them”). They will only drag you down into gloom and despair.
She is like a de-sexed frog, kermit, then re-sexed again, hooked up to a reversed sex android with wayyy too much cafffeeein or cocaine, then sparked up a human with no emotion, but sparked up!
The new model, Petra 2300!
[DPF: 20 demerits. Leave the personal abuse out of it. Criticise performance if you must, but have some sympathy for how difficult it would be fronting television for a disaster with such loss of life]
Under the circumstances and in consideration of the short time in their new roles, both Corin and Petra are doing a fine job on our nations breakfast tv. There may be some (bobbie) who are difficult to please but by and large they are in the minority.
The coverage of the quake by media outlets has been exemplary, with the limited resources a small country like New Zealand has the coverage has been of international media standards.
Paul Henry had his chance but his ego got in the way, so for his followers , get over it and of course get a life.
How about a one off 10% extra tax take from next months pay packet from every non Cantabrian.
I suggest you tell Nick Smith to use the tax money the government collected with the ETS to fund Canterbury’s reconstruction, instead of paying the Russians.
The Saudi satraps are quaking in their boots and feeling the heat.
Saudi’s $36bn bid to beat unrest
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia announced financial support measures, worth an estimated SR135bn ($36bn), in a bid to avert the kind of popular unrest that has toppled leaders across the region and is now closing in on Libya’s Muammer Gaddafi.
The measures include a 15 per cent salary rise for public employees to offset inflation, reprieves for imprisoned debtors, and financial aid for students and the unemployed.
Saudi Arabia’s ruling family has thus far been spared the type of popular discontent that has toppled presidents in Tunisia and Egypt and brought Libya to the brink of civil war.
On the topic of insightful questions from the TVNZ journalists you’d have to think that the one who asked “so you have just finished talking to your wife in the rubble? Was she alive?” (or something very similar) has to take the cake.
Viking2 (3,420) Says:
February 24th, 2011 at 10:31 am
In praise of John Key don’t forget Bob Parker. IMHO he has been outstanding , particularly in his communication with the news services.
Couldn’t agree more.
I heard a brief bit of an interview with someone who I though was his son yesterday and he was suggesting he has 3 or 4 broken ribs from being chucked across his council office when it hit. You’d never know by watching him.
Sorry, I might be alone on this one, but personally I couldn’t care less about the hosts of any TV program. Irrelevant “personalities” for an irrelevant medium.
News and commentary on local TV stations are shallow and an absolute waste of time.
I think the TV media coverage has been poor. They have tended to stick to the CBD for the dramatic, visual shots. RNZ, not limited by “visual” has given a more spread or balanced cover.
The tv stations made an effort to get to the suburbs on foot of complaints that the suburbs were feeling left out.
Last night one of our tv ‘celebrities” concluded his coverage by saying “thats the end of the SHOW”. So that’s what this is for some of these jacked up,flown in JAFA’s ,a show.
Can’t help feel it’s all about them and not the ‘tradgedy”.
Two Japanese journalists were arrested over night when they tried to break into Christchurch Hospital to interview earthquake victims, the Canterbury District Health Board says.
The incident had been referred to police, a CDHB spokeswoman told NZPA today.
- NZPA
Dickheads.
And Bruv have you heard from Dime? Haven’t seen a post on any of his normal haunts since Tuesday?
Just realised that MyNameIsJared was also banned yesterday. I saw him get 20 demerits, I think on one of the earthquake threads, and it must have tipped him over the limit.
I have been watching the ‘earthquake coverage with interest, but can someone, somewhere, please tell me wher JIM ANDERTON is in all this? Isn’t he the local MP (for Wigram?) ? If he is, exactly where IS he? I certainly haven’t seen / heard him interviewed on either TV or radio – it’s as if he simply doesn’t exist. Can someone tell me exactly WHAT he is /has been doing over the last few days?
Muammar Gaddafi, Libya’s long-standing ruler, has reportedly lost control of more cities as anti-government protests continue to sweep the African nation despite his threat of a brutal crackdown.
Protesters in Misurata said on Wednesday they had wrested the western city from government control. In a statement on the internet, army officers stationed in the city pledged “total support for the protesters”. The protesters also seemed to be in control of much of the country’s east, and an Al Jazeera correspondent, reporting from the city of Tobruk, 140km from the Egyptian border, said there was no presence of security forces.
“From what I’ve seen, I’d say the people of eastern Libya are the ones in control,” Hoda Abdel-Hamid, our correspondent, said.
Last night TV3 spoilt a very good coverage by showing a sheila, (dark skin, black hair – you work it out) from a State housing area who has almost certainly never done anything to help herself (except to other peoples’ property) whinging about ChCh’s mayor not giving her area enough attention over the last 30 hours.
February 24th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
I have been watching the ‘earthquake coverage with interest, but can someone, somewhere, please tell me wher JIM ANDERTON is in all this? Isn’t he the local MP (for Wigram?) ? If he is, exactly where IS he? I certainly haven’t seen / heard him interviewed on either TV or radio – it’s as if he simply doesn’t exist. Can someone tell me exactly WHAT he is /has been doing over the last few days?
From what I’ve heard he’s been visiting the shelter in Addington and helping out there.
I just made the criminal error of reading Open Mike in The Standard from yesterday.
I simply could not believe that people who write on that site could not put aside their political differences for just one day and devote their comments to the unfolding tragedy in Christchurch.
But no, largely the comments were devoted to telling us what a two faced, lying, unemotional show pony John Key is. Not one of their regular contributors stepped in to say “c’mon guys this is not the time or place”. Any one who remonstrated with them was dismissed as a right wing nutter.
In their eyes the tragedy is that John Key is getting too much media coverage not that people have died, been badly injured etc.
I think the below quote from Irish Bill who I understand is a regular contributor sums it up. This was with regard to Key’s announcement that the death toll was 65.
“65 is the figure the PM made up. I know that there’s more important stuff to worry about today (and I’m lucky in that I know my family down there is okay) but it irks me that Key would just go on the telly and make numbers up”
I have also visited that sewer, if any of us ever needed to be reminded that many on the left are vicious low life (insert word here that brings demerits) then that site does it for us.
The hypocrisy is breathtaking, did they say the same things when Klark took centre stage during the funeral of Sir Ed?…of course not.
Tinman
Her comments were put to Parker who was very dignified. He rather subtly suggested that digging buried people out from under collapsed buildings ranked somewhat higher on the ladder than her toilet problem and that in all of this there is still a place for people to do something to help themselves. I’d love to see how the same message would have come out had he had a few more hours less sleep.
President Barack Obama condemned the “outrageous” crackdown by Libyan security forces on protesters and said Washington would work with international partners to hold Muammar Gaddafi’s government accountable.
“The suffering and bloodshed is outrageous and it is unacceptable. So are threats and orders to shoot peaceful protesters,” Obama said in his first public comments on the violence in Libya.
He did not directly criticize Gaddafi and he stopped short of backing sanctions against the oil-producing North African country.
Anyone interested in trying to fathom the true agenda of Barry Obama, the current leader of the free world,
might tune in to Fox, channel 092 Sky 8 pm tonight.
Is Barry, like Helen was in NZ , a clever talker on all and everything, but when it all boils down it, just a social control
manipulator. blinded by a philosophy that was formed in their teens . Devoting their whole life, i’m talking their
whole life, in Helens case right down to a faux marriage to advance a career to further a political end that they
really, truely believe in, however misguided.
Seems to me Barry is blinded by chips on his shoulder. How do you think he might have reacted in say, the Cuban
missile crisis ? Democrat pres. JFK rose to the challenge. i doubt Barry would have were he president at that time.
Thank sweet Jesus that he wasnt president then. we would all be living in a totally different world.
How Barry reacts to events in the middle east which are occurring now will have just as much influence on all our futures.
i have grave concern that Barry is not up to his task.
Some pundits scoff at J Key as a smile and wave leader with no depth. That could be true.
But its much more serious for us all in the long run when Barry is found out to be just an empty suit,
or even worse.
Banana Llama the looters were inevitable I’m afraid-As soon as the media reports a death the feral lowlifes will rub their grimy little criminal hands together and hit their house. Happens all the time and it disgusts me…up here in Auckland we have to get a housesitter in for a few hours if there is a family funeral.I hope they get what’s coming to them…
Is Barry, like Helen was in NZ , a clever talker on all and everything, but when it all boils down it, just a social control manipulator. blinded by a philosophy that was formed in their teens
Offshore_Kiwi
It is worse. Much worse . We will learn in time just how much Helens sexuality influenced / corrupted the direction of development in New Zealand.
Nookin (446) Says:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Tinman
Her comments were put to Parker who was very dignified. He rather subtly suggested that digging buried people out from under collapsed buildings ranked somewhat higher on the ladder than her toilet problem and that in all of this there is still a place for people to do something to help themselves. I’d love to see how the same message would have come out had he had a few more hours less sleep.
Thanks.
I turned off immediately after.
Still can’t understand TV3s showing the slag complaining though, quite spoilt the good job they had been doing.
With a thousand Libyans (and perhaps many more) dead already from the Qaddafi regime’s attacks on its own population, and with reports of thousands of mercenaries and militiamen streaming toward Tripoli, President Obama finally spoke to the nation about this violence on Wednesday afternoon. He announced solemnly that he was sending Secretary of State Clinton to Geneva to visit the U.N. Human Rights Council and “hold consultations”—next Monday! But fear not: Undersecretary of State Bill Burns is apparently traveling sooner than that to “several stops in Europe” and then even in the actual Middle East, to “intensify our consultations.”
This is not so much a feeble response as a non-response. It is an announcement to Qaddafi that we won’t even get the secretary of State moving for five more days—five more days of likely slaughter.
The verbs the president employed in his remarks are toothless: we will “monitor” and “coordinate” and “consult.” We will “speak with one voice.” While he “strongly” condemned “the use of violence in Libya” the president could not bring himself to condemn the regime or its leader, the man who is imposing this reign of terror. He did say “the Libyan government has a responsibility to refrain from violence, to allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need, and to respect the rights of its people. It must be held accountable for its failure to meet those responsibilities, and face the cost of continued violations of human rights.” But at what cost? He did not say.
The “international community” have known for a very long time that Gady is a murdering,terrorist supporting piece of shit.
That incldes Obama, saint tony Blair (who embraced him) the non entity Korean global wamist head of UN etc.
It’s only now that he’s about to be knocked over that they are pretending to care. Hypocrites.
I’ll bet the same people who want the west to intervene now are the same ones who condemned, was it Reagan, when the USA tried to zap the little shit for bombing a disco in Germany all those years ago.
Same with Mugabe. We all know but do nothing. Speech at the UN, no problem.
Someone could produce a treatise on the subject of, say ,
“How Helen Clarks sexuality changed New Zealand”
What about, ” a self declared asexual. by Marg Wilson”
l Margaret Wilson, said,” my career must override my urges.”
The Question is,
how much has genuine conviction verses, how much has the sexuality of these women
changed New Zealand
Is it heathly ?
Has it served us well ?
What can we learn for the future ?
Saudi Arabia’s ruling family has thus far been spared the type of popular discontent that has toppled presidents in Tunisia and Egypt and brought Libya to the brink of civil war.
At least until the CIA decides it doesn’t need them anymore, Manolo.
Banana Llama the looters were inevitable I’m afraid-As soon as the media reports a death the feral lowlifes will rub their grimy little criminal hands together and hit their house.
Definitely needs a particular crime and penalty for this aggravating factor. Real harsh, like say an extra five years on top of the current tarriff for this particular scum-baggery. No need for a mens rea (guilty mind) test for this particular act either done during a time like this or a family home during a funeral. Actus reus (guilty act) is sufficient, in this case, to establish guilt and apply the penalty, without judicial discretion to waive it. Easy. Problem gone.
Ah, but wat, your Wisconsin governor has got a bit of a problem. The people object. And they are marching in their tens of thousands even as I post this. They say Americans are learning the art of democracy from Egypt.
For inconsistency consider this:
The Police and Fire Service are exempt from this removal of the right of collective bargaining
and
the governor has enacted tax cuts for corporates that actually caused his so-called fiscal crisis.
And Indiana has already backed down on the same proposal.
In the California Highway Patrol, it’s not uncommon for officers to have their salary doubled for their final year of service. This entitles them to double their pension, as it is indexed to their last year’s salary. I am sure if a NZ politician got such a deal we’d all be over it like a rash, and it would be canned. But this is what you are arguing in favour of Luc.
I’m arguing in favour of the right to collectively bargain. That’s all.
You began this discussion by accusing the Democrats of subverting the democratic process and have not been able to rebut the reply that, first, it’s their democratic right to flee the state, and second, that Republicans have done the same thing.
Indiana has backed down. The Tea Party backed governor of Florida has endorsed collective bargaining. The polls in Wisconsin are overwhelmingly against the Republicans. The longer it drags on, the worse it will get for the governor.
By the way, did you hear that he got stung with a prank phone call where he compares himself to Reagan? He thinks he’s the Messiah! He thought he was talking to David Koch. Have you heard of him?
Luc, you fail to grasp the basic reason collective bargaining is wrong for public servants. It endows the power to stop the normal functioning of society to unelected persons. It is anti-democracy. I will accept you hold the view that collective bargaining should be a right for public servants, but you must accept my view is that it bestows powers to the collective that should only be bestowed on elected representatives.
My position is that the taxpayer should be represented as the employer in these affairs, and we should have the right to tender for services at the market price. The actions of the public service unions are analogous to the actions of a monopoly in the market. And if service, which is actually under an existing contract, is withdrawn (e.g. by strike action) then it has the potential to cause more disruption to the lives of ordinary citizens than 9/11 in NY.
Luc, would you support the right for Telecom to withdraw services to customers unless they paid a 20% increase in charges?
It’s the same principle. And it includes the emergency services.
February 24th, 2011 at 8:11 am
Hone Hawariwa packs his bags and a sad. Page 13 of the Dompost. total number of people who give a rats… 3
Sweet sweet perspective.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 8:27 am
Also puts matters into perspective when the intense media coverage is elsewhere.
Without the oxygen of faux outrage, liberal hand wringing and idiotic running editorial drivel that passes as news then Hone and his minders are all but invisible
As it should be
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 8:32 am
Ya gotta laff.
Hot on the heels of the chest beating, wailing and gnashing of teeth over the price of milk here vs Australia comes the following: http://www.smh.com.au/national/range-of-mps-object-to-price-war-for-milk-20110223-1b5nw.html
When all is said and done, far more is said than done.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 8:58 am
The Dom Post editorialises:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/opinion/4697247/Editorial-The-benefit-of-early-investment
Paula Rebstock’s Welfare Working Group has thrown down the gauntlet to the Government. Prime Minister John Key’s initial response – changes will take a while to consider – suggests he is not in a hurry to pick it up. That’s a pity.
Mr Key’s remarks were made before Christchurch was tipped on its head. He has other priorities now, but the earthquake only makes it more imperative that the Government tackle long term welfare dependency. To rebuild Christchurch the Government will have to reach into everyone’s pockets. Even more than before, it cannot afford to allow people to drift into idleness.
The welfare system is listing. Tinkering will not put it right. More than a third of a million working-age people are on a benefit. Almost half of them have spent at least five of the past 10 years receivng a benefit. About 222,000 children are growing up in benefit-dependent households.
For the majority of those who have spent time on the dole, sickness and, more recently, domestic purposes benefits, that holds true. However, a growing minority now view welfare not as temporary help, but a valid lifestyle choice. The cost is borne not just by society, but by their children. What chance does a child born into a household where there is no expectation that individuals should look after themselves have of living a full life?
The group’s recommendations should be given urgent consideration and they should be considered as a package. Cherrypicking the politically easy bits will not change attitudes.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:03 am
And a hand-wringing do-gooder, who has done nothing other than drawing a fat salary, and who is close to useless, opines:
Collins Children’s Commissioner John Angus has warned the Government against adopting some of the Welfare Working Group’s “hardline” proposals for sole parents. Dr Angus, who is due to retire shortly, welcomed some of the working group’s ideas, such as more support for childcare and a transition payment to help mothers get into work.
But he said some suggestions could put the wellbeing of children at risk and the Government should take “a cautious approach”.
Dr Angus said the Government should think carefully before adopting a proposal to require sole parents who have another child while on a benefit to take up paid work when their new child is 14 weeks old.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10708318
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:08 am
Manolo — thanks for an interesting post. It is amazing that even a centre-left/left-wing publication like the Dominion Post is starting to get serious about welfare reform!
It may be that governments and the people have started to realise that we just cannot fund welfare for every one that wants it, in perpetuity. And also that the effect of long-term welfare is debilitating on families and communities.
Let’s hope John Key takes up the challenge. I appreciate he is rightfully engaged on other matters at present.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:12 am
Also — just while thinking about John Key — I think he has done a great job in this current crisis.
He hears about the earthquake around 1 PM, convened an emergency Cabinet meeting at 3 PM and then flew down to Christchurch by late afternoon. He wanted to see the situation for himself. He is not afraid to get stuck in straight away. I also think the way he has spoken has been excellent.
I don’t agree with him on everything that he has done, or mostly not done, but I give him a big rap for the way he comes through in emergencies and crisis situations. I thought he spoke very well in Greymouth after the Pike River tragedy. As a leader in a crisis I think he is excellent.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:15 am
Could it be that evil corporates are not so evil?
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/canterbury-earthquake/69329/business-leaders-to-meet-pm-over-quake-effort
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:19 am
Petrol prices are set to soar – oil cracked $100usd barrel, and, our dollar is plummeting in value –
Fill up now, before it hits the pumps!!
We could see $3.00 litre before the year is out.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:22 am
Yes Key has done a great job and is no-doubt genuine in his concern and sympathy.
He will be a shoe-in at the next election.
He has shown great personality, responsibility and leadership.
No coalitions required.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:23 am
You know (speaking as a righty) – if this happened and Goff, Clarke or even Winston was running the country – I would be 1000% behind them in trying to do whatever can be done to help the souls in Chch.
I read the standard and have been shocked / saddened and even disgusted at the vile that some of the left have made at Key over this (see open mike thread of yesterday)
This is the time that we should be coming together as a country, standing side by side, and yet there are people that simply cannot bring themselves to do so.
It makes me ashamed that they call themselves kiwis
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:23 am
I do agree 100%. Key’s handling of this crisis has been excellent, so far.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:29 am
Cometh the hour…
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:30 am
Just saw him on 3. This is a man who has not really rested for a few days now.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:32 am
“I do agree 100%. Key’s handling of this crisis has been excellent, so far.”
I am certainly no fan of Key for a number of reasons. However, I fully agree with you.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:36 am
The politically active left are very self involved oportunists tanky. Things like this make it clear for all to see, hell I/S was virtually accusing Key of causing the earthquake.
A pretty repugnant bunch really. I doubt the own mirrors.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:37 am
Christchurch CBD dust cloud just after the earthquake.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:38 am
Why do the people at TVNZ NEWS not realise that the fundamental point of showing split screen presentations is to emphasise that people are in different places, and accordingly format the two images, preferably with a decent black bar between them, to clearly show this.
BREAKFAST frequently has shots now where you have to think “Oh, yes, these people are in different locations, not in the same studio and staring straight ahead, totally disregarding each other, in comparison to the usual sycophantic fawning of front-people over each other.” It would often be laughable, especially if a team like the Two Ronnies, or John Clease, pushed it slightly over the edge, but like in this morning’s earthquake reports it is just disturbing.
Counteract the confusion of the poorly designed set, which doesn’t help this situation, and slam a definite division down between split screen shots.
A minor point seemingly. but so easy to fix.
Vote:It is probably one keystroke on the control room desk.
The next TVNZ journalist trolling through kiwiblog for material, tell your bosses and do them, and us, a simple service.
February 24th, 2011 at 9:44 am
Yvette,
Like the classic, “We cross live now to So-and-so in the Auckland newsroom.”
I think in that case, though, they’re trying to convey a sense that the news broadcast is hovering over all of New Zealand.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:46 am
Why am I seeing “jounalists” interviewing eachother like a bunch of useless bloody Golgafrinchans?
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:52 am
tankyman @ 9.23am
simple solution – DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT visit the aforementioned website.
will save you a lot of stress and at times like this we need positive messages.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Many Kiwis may not like this idea but IMHO it is time that the government and the New Zealand rugby union contacted the IRB and told them that NZ is no longer available as a venue for the Rugby world cup.
The RWC is going to cost the tax payer at least 50 million, that money would be better spent on the people of Christchurch.
The RWC is a luxury we simply cannot afford at this point in time.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:56 am
On the day after the quake the scummy news (on the ground) people on TV1 breakfast were attempting to make capital that JK had said there were 65 dead but that there was officially only 32 (from memory).
That line fell flat on it’s face when it was pointed out the difference between those seen to be dead and those identified was different.
Bloody pathetic.
I discovered how low the news media would go 12 years ago in an incident we were personally involved with, since then they have only got worse.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:58 am
I disagree BB, I say bring them in and take them for every cent we can. Hit them with an earthquake tax at the airport as well.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:59 am
I think the rugby world cup will be a big celebration and pick me up for grieving Kiwis and a grieving country.
The people need something after this.
New Zealand will band togther and manage it OK.
That’s not a bad idea actually Murray, just like an airport tax, people would pay twenty bucks or so each, no problem.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:04 am
Wonderful to see NZ coping so well. Less wonderful to see that people’s houses are being burgled in Christchurch. As there’s a National State of Emergency in affect, perhaps the police could be given discretion to shoot such people, thus freeing themselves to serve the decent law-abiding people?
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:06 am
I am getting seriouslly pissed-off with TVNZ “reporters” continually asking officials if they have enough resources to do what is required in ChCh. The none-too-subtle sub-text is that the evil National government has cut essential services. How many times do reports have to get the answer “we have all the resources we need and more are coming and offers of assistance are flooding in” before they ask some sensible questions.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:06 am
@Malcolm, I agree but the only problem with that is too many Maoris with crow-bars and sledge-hammers would be shot on site.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:11 am
This from Police Commissioner Howard Broad as he defended the process of identifying victims of the Canterbury quake.
“Now just imagine if we get this wrong, if we’re sloppy, if we tell a family that their loved one is dead and we made a mistake. So we’re not going to do that, we are going to work carefully, methodically and we’re going to get it right. Unfortunately that means that this will take some time and we’re going to experience some criticism for the amount of time that this takes.”
I for one like a public servant who says publiclly that he plans to get things right.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Bring on the RWC – not neccesarily a rugby fan, but definitely a fan of celebrating everything we can. Would be a great pick me up for the people of NZ. (Not sure that anyone would be brave enough to be in Christchurch though?)
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:17 am
Trev Mallard, I know you read Kiwiblog and as I seem to be permanently banned from commenting on Red Alert (for what I am unsure) would you please be so kind as to answer this simple question.
You mention that Phil has been in Christchurch and we have all seen and heard a number of interviews he has given. You also make the point that he has been offering whatever practical help he can. The question is just what practical help can an MP from out of town actually offer in circumstances such as these that is not being provided by professional and trained Services?
I applaud him for his compassion and for the heart wrenching stories he has been able to relate but what is the role of an opposition MP or Leader of the Opposition in natural disasters?
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:21 am
It was funny to see Korin, Coren, Coreen(?) interviewing the cop in Breakfast 1 news with a warm scarf tightly knotted around his neck and the cop with his collars open looking like it was twenty degrees C.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:23 am
Dr Angus said the Government should think carefully before adopting a proposal to require sole parents who have another child while on a benefit to take up paid work when their new child is 14 weeks old.
How about: no fathers name, no benefit then go ask the fathers to assist as ythey should. NO descression at all.
I am aware of families living together and having more kids because they get so much money,
Vote:One person working and the other on the DPB and having more kids. One in Aussie working and the other in NZ on DPB, apparently quite ok, separated in distance, not living together for now.
February 24th, 2011 at 10:30 am
I agree about the TV reporting, it is like they are trying to be controversial, jumping on any point.
Coreen: you are not letting thousands of people who live in the CBD in?
Cop: yes that is a legitimate reason.
Not really a time to be controversial reporters and make a name for yourselves.
That’s one thing you could say about Paul Henry, he never really tried to be controversial, he just was.
A sign of a far better reporter.
I can’t imagine he would be anything but supportive at this time though, if he was on air.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:31 am
In praise of John Key don’t forget Bob Parker. IMHO he has been outstanding , particularly in his communication with the news services. One has to commend him for the leadership under what has to be the huge pressure in these circumstances. He personally will know more than a few of thedead and missing and will know hundreds of people personally affected by the devastation but he has put that to oneside to front for Christchurch.
How many could say that the Mayors of their cities could do this. We look at their pay’s sometimes and think they are well paid but when it comes to this its peanuts if they have done their prep for the cityand front up in this way.
NZ’s Man of the Year.
It willbe intersting to see TVNZ do a this is your life for him in a few years.
Talking of which TVNZ coveragehasbeen crap. Stupid people asking dumb questions. TV3 done them like a diner.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:38 am
As DPF reports, No Right Turn, regarding ‘A national state of emergency’ posts –
“I can think of some very cynical reasons for this. Primarily, it tells everyone that the government is doing something – and in particular, it tells everyone that John Key is doing something”
“…Update: I have since OIA’d the government’s advice on this declaration, which should include their reasons. If they have a case, they can make it – and we can judge them on it.”
Posted by Idiot/Savant at 2/23/2011 12:37:00 PM [has the Idiot part right]
Simpler than OIA requests, someone ask Phil Goff if he supports the declaration of ‘A national state of emergency’
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:46 am
Indeed Yvette – I/S is more Idiot than Savant with his post from yesterday.
I’d love to tell him so, but of course, he doesn’t allow his view to be contested.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@Viking2, I have to agree after watching him get through a flawless ten minute interview with Coreen.
He sounds tired and croaky but a truly inspirational and dedicated man.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 10:57 am
@Malcolm, I agree but the only problem with that is too many Maoris with crow-bars and sledge-hammers would be shot on site.
WTF?
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 11:03 am
@Bobux relax, I was simply making the point that criminal profiling by police is a bad thing.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 11:04 am
He files for an OIA release.
Well theres some… interesting prioroities.
He should change his name to moronic echo chamber savant I think. They don;t have to make a case, its a lawful act. If we think it wasn’t justified we have an election in november in which the left will get bitchslapped back into box. Yeah thats right I’m calling the election, not based on Keys behaviour but rather the lefts reation to a national disaster as a political oportunity.
Hey I/S you want to go talk to some people on the groud I can give you a couple addresses. they’ll tell you what they think of your grandstanding. Couse you’ll be flat on your while they’re talking because they will have put you there. But thats life really.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 11:05 am
The bloody hands of Gaddafi are exposed:
Gaddafi ordered Lockerbie bombing: Ex-minister
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi personally ordered the Lockerbie bombing in 1988, former justice minister Mustapha Abdeljalil told Swedish daily Expressen, the paper reported on its website Wednesday.
“I have proof that Gaddafi gave the order on Lockerbie,” said the minister, who stepped down Monday to protest the ongoing violence in Libya.
Libyan national Abdelbaset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi was in 2001 convicted of the bombing of Pan AM Flight 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie on December 21, 1988 that killed 270 people, most of them Americans.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/02/23/138957.html
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 11:19 am
Thats what happens when you flip a rock Manolo.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 11:32 am
Does this Idiot/Savant person actually work for a living?
If so I would wager that he is a public servant of some type.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 11:32 am
Yeah, it’s weird, it’s like the world suddenly caught a fuck this, we want a democracy bug.
The weird (and good thing) is that Bimbo from U2 and that creepy old Irish guy who did that song, no one likes Mondays or something, aren’t involved.
Fingers crossed, North Korea and then the big one, CHINA are next.
Tell me why, I don’t like a corrupt dictatorship called the Communist Party of China anymore?
I want to shoo, oo, oot it all day down, shoot it all down.
Although, in their case it would be machetes hacking the corrupt Chinese police, or PSB officers, to little bits.
Go Chinese people, you can do it!
Jiayou!
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 11:44 am
I did wonder how long this would take….
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10708404
Looks like our taxes are going up again people.
Key could have decided to reveres the increase he gave the bludgers last week, he could have cut spending on BMW’s or ministerial travel…..but no…..he is going to hit middle NZ once again.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 11:46 am
Australia had massive flooding and has imposed a tax levy on all Australians to pay for the damage.
Vote:How about a one off 10% extra tax take from next months pay packet from every non Cantabrian.
The rich would contribute the most. Those not paying tax would still have their full benefit and the option of chipping in elsewhere.
The good people of Waikato, Southland, Hawkes Bay and Northland etc would help pay the costs. Or do we just borrow another 5 billion (the non insured 1/3 of 15 billion cost) from foreign money lenders.
February 24th, 2011 at 11:59 am
Sigh. Jo Giles confirmed dead.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
would not be impressed with a tax.
i already pay multiple EQC levies and have given the amount of money i can afford willingly by donation.
To then be forced to pay more, firstly it undermines the initial acts of charity and it sets a bad precedent for the future.
So next time there is a big event, will people give willingly or will they wait until the levy so as not to get hit twice?
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
“How about a one off 10% extra tax take from next months pay packet from every non Cantabrian.”
How about the money grabbed by the ETS, much of which goes to other counties to supposedly prevent a possible environmental disaster in future go to assist a real environmental disaster in New Zealand now.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Before the earthquake Chc streets were clogged with traffic more than usual. It took me one hour to get form Hornby to the center of the city about a week ago (5pm).
Vote:during the emergency (I’m out of town) I heard that fire engines couldn’t get to their destination due to traffic. It’s time to rediscover the bicycle. Not to mention composting toilets. Also it is illegal to collect your own roof water in Chc.
February 24th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
big bruv (8,578) Says:
February 24th, 2011 at 11:44 am
I did wonder how long this would take….
“My preference is not to do it but I’m not ruling it out”.
ESP BB?
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
I feel quite disgusted after watching more TV1 interviews.
Are these people, journalists, no more than programmed predators, like rats or sea-gulls?
Don’t they have a human factor that kicks in?
Sensationalism, that’s what it is about, hey guys?
Get the news, as controversial as possible, any issue?
Fuck that, New Zealand may be one of the first countries to see a checks and balance of freedom of speech, no, freedom of press, gone mad.
I feel ashamed of all TV1 reporters.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
during the emergency (I’m out of town) I heard that fire engines couldn’t get to their destination due to traffic. It’s time to rediscover the bicycle.
Can’t carry much water on a bicycle. Nor long ladders.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
adze (439) Says:
February 24th, 2011 at 9:15 am
Could it be that evil corporates are not so evil?
…..
Vote:We shouldn’t have a black and white position but I know people in the realestate industry who are ***** evil. We need more democracy regards what is built. Time up.
February 24th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Here’s a question from some*****.
No demerits OK DPF?
“How are people ….trapped, to survive without food and water?”
OK, THAT’S A VERY GOOD QUESTION, ESPECIALLY IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES!!!!
Great jourlanism!!
Pullitzer prize!
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Bobbie – many people have died. No need for your bitter attitude, it just brings a black cloud over everything.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Who was that *****?
Well done!
I want to congratulate her on her amazing question!?
And now Coreen, can the economy cope with this?
OK, they are Lizard People?
Why else would he ask this question so close?
I hate, I hate TVNZ journalists!!
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
HOW CAN THE ECONOMY COPE WITH THIS?
Coreen.
Cutting, cutting question.
Nice one Coreen.
Bring back Paul Henry, for God’s sake.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Viking,
I know a couple like this as well. Just out of school, the girl got pregnant while at school to the boy. She’s on the DPB and he’s working as an apprentice, they are both living with his parents. Her stepmother tells me they are rolling in money.
The problem is (beyond the obvious defrauding of the taxpayer), this couple will have no incentive to permanently commit to each other. In a couple of years they will split, the girl will get another boyfriend (while still on the DPB) and probably some more children.
Just naming the father isn’t enough. There should be random investigations of those on the DPB (maybe 5% a year get checked) like random tax audits, and then prosecution for fraud. Which should then make getting back onto the DPB later when their relationships fall apart that much harder.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Coreen and Petra dish are a total failure.
No warmth, no emotion, zero personality, they are lost, no emotion, no skill.
All they do is bring more stress on our leaders and helpers. Such as Bob Parker and John Key.
Just fuck off. Coreen go back to business. You aint no star. Petera dish go back to making babies, you aint got no talent or ability.
For God’s sake bring back Paul and Pippa.
Just ask the PM, he needs some warmth and talent.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
tankyman @ 9.23am, Murray @ 9.36 am, double d @ 9.52am:
As double d said, DO NOT fall into the mistake of visiting that site which shall not be named. I have, and it was a mistake. The vast majority of commentators there are extremely bitter, negative, anti-business people who are idealogically driven (“National and the right are automatically evil, nothing good can ever come out of them”). They will only drag you down into gloom and despair.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
The fact that Paul Henry was not fired by his PM is a wonderful factor.
Now we have Coreen!!!!!!!!!
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
And PEEEEEEETRRRRRAAAAAA!
She is like a de-sexed frog, kermit, then re-sexed again, hooked up to a reversed sex android with wayyy too much cafffeeein or cocaine, then sparked up a human with no emotion, but sparked up!
The new model, Petra 2300!
[DPF: 20 demerits. Leave the personal abuse out of it. Criticise performance if you must, but have some sympathy for how difficult it would be fronting television for a disaster with such loss of life]
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Under the circumstances and in consideration of the short time in their new roles, both Corin and Petra are doing a fine job on our nations breakfast tv. There may be some (bobbie) who are difficult to please but by and large they are in the minority.
Vote:The coverage of the quake by media outlets has been exemplary, with the limited resources a small country like New Zealand has the coverage has been of international media standards.
Paul Henry had his chance but his ego got in the way, so for his followers , get over it and of course get a life.
February 24th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
I suggest you tell Nick Smith to use the tax money the government collected with the ETS to fund Canterbury’s reconstruction, instead of paying the Russians.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
The Saudi satraps are quaking in their boots and feeling the heat.
Saudi’s $36bn bid to beat unrest
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia announced financial support measures, worth an estimated SR135bn ($36bn), in a bid to avert the kind of popular unrest that has toppled leaders across the region and is now closing in on Libya’s Muammer Gaddafi.
The measures include a 15 per cent salary rise for public employees to offset inflation, reprieves for imprisoned debtors, and financial aid for students and the unemployed.
Saudi Arabia’s ruling family has thus far been spared the type of popular discontent that has toppled presidents in Tunisia and Egypt and brought Libya to the brink of civil war.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b02f1ffa-3f62-11e0-8e48-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1EpXKWhp4
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
For fuck’s sake bring back Pippa and Paul.
I f you don’t I am gonna switch off.
Like most of NZ.
You think you are in control of us but but you aint.
No one likes Petra or Koreen.
Dump them and bring back Paul and Petra.
I love them both, like most Kiwis.
Now everyonr will go to TV3.
They see your weaknesses.
Dumb fucks.
I hope you fail.
Why am I helping you?
Because I don’t give a fuck!
Haha!
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
On the topic of insightful questions from the TVNZ journalists you’d have to think that the one who asked “so you have just finished talking to your wife in the rubble? Was she alive?” (or something very similar) has to take the cake.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Couldn’t agree more.
I heard a brief bit of an interview with someone who I though was his son yesterday and he was suggesting he has 3 or 4 broken ribs from being chucked across his council office when it hit. You’d never know by watching him.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Bobbie Black – whatever valid point you may have been making a little while ago,
you are now starting to rave –
“No one likes Petra or Koreen.
Dump them and bring back Paul and Petra.”
You should lay off the piss and go to bed –
Vote:aren’t you in a country where it would be about 1.30 am?
February 24th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Sorry, I might be alone on this one, but personally I couldn’t care less about the hosts of any TV program. Irrelevant “personalities” for an irrelevant medium.
News and commentary on local TV stations are shallow and an absolute waste of time.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@Yvette, yeah you got me.
Take care and stay safe.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
I think the TV media coverage has been poor. They have tended to stick to the CBD for the dramatic, visual shots. RNZ, not limited by “visual” has given a more spread or balanced cover.
The tv stations made an effort to get to the suburbs on foot of complaints that the suburbs were feeling left out.
Last night one of our tv ‘celebrities” concluded his coverage by saying “thats the end of the SHOW”. So that’s what this is for some of these jacked up,flown in JAFA’s ,a show.
Can’t help feel it’s all about them and not the ‘tradgedy”.
That’s what you get with personality cults.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
er@yvette I think we just had a sexual experience.
I am in Munich.
How about you?
[DPF: 20 more demerits]
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
That Petra really gets on my tits, I well remember her as one of the most outspoken idiots who supported the anti smacking bill.
Corin I can live with, however I prefer him to be back doing business news and would love to see Paul Henry back.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Herald reports:
Dickheads.
And Bruv have you heard from Dime? Haven’t seen a post on any of his normal haunts since Tuesday?
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
yo! Been a busy Dime! Was in wellington for a few days.
spent time with a cute hooker too. was quite lovely
what a week. still have one friend who i cant contact and she lives inner city. not good.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Heh. I reckon dime supports more single mums than the DPB…
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
I thought bobbie black (robert black) was already suspended?
James – someones gotta!
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Heh, I reckon they support him often.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Just realised that MyNameIsJared was also banned yesterday. I saw him get 20 demerits, I think on one of the earthquake threads, and it must have tipped him over the limit.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Isn’t it nice without them
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
I have been watching the ‘earthquake coverage with interest, but can someone, somewhere, please tell me wher JIM ANDERTON is in all this? Isn’t he the local MP (for Wigram?) ? If he is, exactly where IS he? I certainly haven’t seen / heard him interviewed on either TV or radio – it’s as if he simply doesn’t exist. Can someone tell me exactly WHAT he is /has been doing over the last few days?
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Power appears to be ebbing away from Gaddafi.
Let’s hope the dictator and his family are thrown out and executed.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/2011223125256699145.html
Muammar Gaddafi, Libya’s long-standing ruler, has reportedly lost control of more cities as anti-government protests continue to sweep the African nation despite his threat of a brutal crackdown.
Protesters in Misurata said on Wednesday they had wrested the western city from government control. In a statement on the internet, army officers stationed in the city pledged “total support for the protesters”. The protesters also seemed to be in control of much of the country’s east, and an Al Jazeera correspondent, reporting from the city of Tobruk, 140km from the Egyptian border, said there was no presence of security forces.
“From what I’ve seen, I’d say the people of eastern Libya are the ones in control,” Hoda Abdel-Hamid, our correspondent, said.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Last night TV3 spoilt a very good coverage by showing a sheila, (dark skin, black hair – you work it out) from a State housing area who has almost certainly never done anything to help herself (except to other peoples’ property) whinging about ChCh’s mayor not giving her area enough attention over the last 30 hours.
What I can’t figure out is why.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Komata (467) Says:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
I have been watching the ‘earthquake coverage with interest, but can someone, somewhere, please tell me wher JIM ANDERTON is in all this? Isn’t he the local MP (for Wigram?) ? If he is, exactly where IS he? I certainly haven’t seen / heard him interviewed on either TV or radio – it’s as if he simply doesn’t exist. Can someone tell me exactly WHAT he is /has been doing over the last few days?
From what I’ve heard he’s been visiting the shelter in Addington and helping out there.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
I just made the criminal error of reading Open Mike in The Standard from yesterday.
I simply could not believe that people who write on that site could not put aside their political differences for just one day and devote their comments to the unfolding tragedy in Christchurch.
But no, largely the comments were devoted to telling us what a two faced, lying, unemotional show pony John Key is. Not one of their regular contributors stepped in to say “c’mon guys this is not the time or place”. Any one who remonstrated with them was dismissed as a right wing nutter.
In their eyes the tragedy is that John Key is getting too much media coverage not that people have died, been badly injured etc.
I think the below quote from Irish Bill who I understand is a regular contributor sums it up. This was with regard to Key’s announcement that the death toll was 65.
“65 is the figure the PM made up. I know that there’s more important stuff to worry about today (and I’m lucky in that I know my family down there is okay) but it irks me that Key would just go on the telly and make numbers up”
What a vile lot
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Frederick
I have also visited that sewer, if any of us ever needed to be reminded that many on the left are vicious low life (insert word here that brings demerits) then that site does it for us.
The hypocrisy is breathtaking, did they say the same things when Klark took centre stage during the funeral of Sir Ed?…of course not.
I hate them with a passion.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Tinman
Serves you right for watching TV3
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
The Fleebaggers (Dems who fled out of state to subvert the democratic process) from Wisconsin will no longer be paid by direct deposit to their bank account, they have to pick up their cheque in person, on the senate floor during a session
http://michellemalkin.com/2011/02/22/come-and-get-it-fleebagger-wi-democrats-will-have-to-pick-up-paychecks-in-person/
Hit ‘em where it hurts them the most, in the wallet.
Vote:Mind you I still think they should be sacked for abandonment of employment.
February 24th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
WTF with people looting? i can understand bread and water but i doubt thats what they were after, should fire them out to sea.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Tinman
Vote:Her comments were put to Parker who was very dignified. He rather subtly suggested that digging buried people out from under collapsed buildings ranked somewhat higher on the ladder than her toilet problem and that in all of this there is still a place for people to do something to help themselves. I’d love to see how the same message would have come out had he had a few more hours less sleep.
February 24th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
The Messiah speaks on Lybia, at last. Quick on Mubarak, laggard on Gaddafi.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/24/us-libya-usa-idUSTRE71K6D520110224
President Barack Obama condemned the “outrageous” crackdown by Libyan security forces on protesters and said Washington would work with international partners to hold Muammar Gaddafi’s government accountable.
“The suffering and bloodshed is outrageous and it is unacceptable. So are threats and orders to shoot peaceful protesters,” Obama said in his first public comments on the violence in Libya.
He did not directly criticize Gaddafi and he stopped short of backing sanctions against the oil-producing North African country.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Anyone interested in trying to fathom the true agenda of Barry Obama, the current leader of the free world,
Vote:might tune in to Fox, channel 092 Sky 8 pm tonight.
Is Barry, like Helen was in NZ , a clever talker on all and everything, but when it all boils down it, just a social control
manipulator. blinded by a philosophy that was formed in their teens . Devoting their whole life, i’m talking their
whole life, in Helens case right down to a faux marriage to advance a career to further a political end that they
really, truely believe in, however misguided.
Seems to me Barry is blinded by chips on his shoulder. How do you think he might have reacted in say, the Cuban
missile crisis ? Democrat pres. JFK rose to the challenge. i doubt Barry would have were he president at that time.
Thank sweet Jesus that he wasnt president then. we would all be living in a totally different world.
How Barry reacts to events in the middle east which are occurring now will have just as much influence on all our futures.
i have grave concern that Barry is not up to his task.
Some pundits scoff at J Key as a smile and wave leader with no depth. That could be true.
But its much more serious for us all in the long run when Barry is found out to be just an empty suit,
or even worse.
February 24th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Banana Llama the looters were inevitable I’m afraid-As soon as the media reports a death the feral lowlifes will rub their grimy little criminal hands together and hit their house. Happens all the time and it disgusts me…up here in Auckland we have to get a housesitter in for a few hours if there is a family funeral.I hope they get what’s coming to them…
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
bereal:
Yes. That or worse.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Offshore_Kiwi
Vote:It is worse. Much worse . We will learn in time just how much Helens sexuality influenced / corrupted the direction of development in New Zealand.
February 24th, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Nookin (446) Says:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Tinman
Her comments were put to Parker who was very dignified. He rather subtly suggested that digging buried people out from under collapsed buildings ranked somewhat higher on the ladder than her toilet problem and that in all of this there is still a place for people to do something to help themselves. I’d love to see how the same message would have come out had he had a few more hours less sleep.
Thanks.
I turned off immediately after.
Still can’t understand TV3s showing the slag complaining though, quite spoilt the good job they had been doing.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
The Messiah’s foreign policy perfectly dismembered by Elliot Abrams:
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obamas-pathetic-response-libya_552426.html
With a thousand Libyans (and perhaps many more) dead already from the Qaddafi regime’s attacks on its own population, and with reports of thousands of mercenaries and militiamen streaming toward Tripoli, President Obama finally spoke to the nation about this violence on Wednesday afternoon. He announced solemnly that he was sending Secretary of State Clinton to Geneva to visit the U.N. Human Rights Council and “hold consultations”—next Monday! But fear not: Undersecretary of State Bill Burns is apparently traveling sooner than that to “several stops in Europe” and then even in the actual Middle East, to “intensify our consultations.”
This is not so much a feeble response as a non-response. It is an announcement to Qaddafi that we won’t even get the secretary of State moving for five more days—five more days of likely slaughter.
The verbs the president employed in his remarks are toothless: we will “monitor” and “coordinate” and “consult.” We will “speak with one voice.” While he “strongly” condemned “the use of violence in Libya” the president could not bring himself to condemn the regime or its leader, the man who is imposing this reign of terror. He did say “the Libyan government has a responsibility to refrain from violence, to allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need, and to respect the rights of its people. It must be held accountable for its failure to meet those responsibilities, and face the cost of continued violations of human rights.” But at what cost? He did not say.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
The “international community” have known for a very long time that Gady is a murdering,terrorist supporting piece of shit.
That incldes Obama, saint tony Blair (who embraced him) the non entity Korean global wamist head of UN etc.
It’s only now that he’s about to be knocked over that they are pretending to care. Hypocrites.
I’ll bet the same people who want the west to intervene now are the same ones who condemned, was it Reagan, when the USA tried to zap the little shit for bombing a disco in Germany all those years ago.
Same with Mugabe. We all know but do nothing. Speech at the UN, no problem.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
It’s a shame Ronald Reagan isn’t still around to see Gaddafi hanging from a lampost.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
Someone could produce a treatise on the subject of, say ,
Vote:“How Helen Clarks sexuality changed New Zealand”
What about, ” a self declared asexual. by Marg Wilson”
l Margaret Wilson, said,” my career must override my urges.”
The Question is,
how much has genuine conviction verses, how much has the sexuality of these women
changed New Zealand
Is it heathly ?
Has it served us well ?
What can we learn for the future ?
February 24th, 2011 at 8:13 pm
Wisconsin governor attempts to ban leeching state sector unions
http://www.aei.org/article/103208
Same should happen here and everywhere.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 8:31 pm
The Brigadier has died…
http://tardisnewsroom.blogspot.com/2011/02/brigadier-nicholas-courtney-has-died.html
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Saudi Arabia’s ruling family has thus far been spared the type of popular discontent that has toppled presidents in Tunisia and Egypt and brought Libya to the brink of civil war.
At least until the CIA decides it doesn’t need them anymore, Manolo.
Banana Llama the looters were inevitable I’m afraid-As soon as the media reports a death the feral lowlifes will rub their grimy little criminal hands together and hit their house.
Definitely needs a particular crime and penalty for this aggravating factor. Real harsh, like say an extra five years on top of the current tarriff for this particular scum-baggery. No need for a mens rea (guilty mind) test for this particular act either done during a time like this or a family home during a funeral. Actus reus (guilty act) is sufficient, in this case, to establish guilt and apply the penalty, without judicial discretion to waive it. Easy. Problem gone.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Libya has been suspended from the UN Human Rights Council.
The fact that it was ever on there in the first place tells you all you need to know about this leftist wet dream.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
Another fantastic Chris Christie quote..
“Weathermen and Teachers, the only two professions rewarded for failure”
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
“The Brigadier has died…”
Thanks for the heads up. Very said to hear that.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Ah, but wat, your Wisconsin governor has got a bit of a problem. The people object. And they are marching in their tens of thousands even as I post this. They say Americans are learning the art of democracy from Egypt.
For inconsistency consider this:
The Police and Fire Service are exempt from this removal of the right of collective bargaining
and
the governor has enacted tax cuts for corporates that actually caused his so-called fiscal crisis.
And Indiana has already backed down on the same proposal.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
The only ‘people’ objecting are the union members. Most of who have simply abandoned their jobs. It’s not good for anyone but them Luc.
Anyway, them dems can’t resist payday. They’ll be there to pick up their cheque soon.
Vote:February 24th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
In the California Highway Patrol, it’s not uncommon for officers to have their salary doubled for their final year of service. This entitles them to double their pension, as it is indexed to their last year’s salary. I am sure if a NZ politician got such a deal we’d all be over it like a rash, and it would be canned. But this is what you are arguing in favour of Luc.
Vote:February 25th, 2011 at 12:02 am
RN
I’m arguing in favour of the right to collectively bargain. That’s all.
You began this discussion by accusing the Democrats of subverting the democratic process and have not been able to rebut the reply that, first, it’s their democratic right to flee the state, and second, that Republicans have done the same thing.
Indiana has backed down. The Tea Party backed governor of Florida has endorsed collective bargaining. The polls in Wisconsin are overwhelmingly against the Republicans. The longer it drags on, the worse it will get for the governor.
By the way, did you hear that he got stung with a prank phone call where he compares himself to Reagan? He thinks he’s the Messiah! He thought he was talking to David Koch. Have you heard of him?
Vote:February 25th, 2011 at 12:13 am
Luc, you fail to grasp the basic reason collective bargaining is wrong for public servants. It endows the power to stop the normal functioning of society to unelected persons. It is anti-democracy. I will accept you hold the view that collective bargaining should be a right for public servants, but you must accept my view is that it bestows powers to the collective that should only be bestowed on elected representatives.
Vote:My position is that the taxpayer should be represented as the employer in these affairs, and we should have the right to tender for services at the market price. The actions of the public service unions are analogous to the actions of a monopoly in the market. And if service, which is actually under an existing contract, is withdrawn (e.g. by strike action) then it has the potential to cause more disruption to the lives of ordinary citizens than 9/11 in NY.
February 25th, 2011 at 12:21 am
Luc, would you support the right for Telecom to withdraw services to customers unless they paid a 20% increase in charges?
Vote:It’s the same principle. And it includes the emergency services.
February 25th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Collective bargaining only for elected representatives?
Like who? City councillors? MPs?
Vote: