Comments on: You make it hard for me to agree with you!

By: JL

JL — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:52:05 +0000

I remember reading in the Dominion Post (or elsewhere) that the gap between rich and poor in New Zealand has narrowed – for the first time in many many years. A noble achievement for Labour and one which the National party could reverse, as a result of their economic theory and policy.

By: underground

underground — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:45:53 +0000

I think overseas factors have had more to do with the recession than the failings of Labour, although I think you and I will agree that this government has not done enough to use the fruits of the economic purple patch of a few years back to make the hard times easier for the majority of Kiwis.

By: homepaddock

homepaddock — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:53:35 +0000

You get reactionaries in all parties, but fortunately they don’t usually have control.

“Throughout history Labour has been handed ailing economies and deficits after National governance. Perhaps it is a myth that National are better with the economy than Labour.”

National has also taken over ailing economies & deficits from Labour. Most recently in 1990 and the economy was in a much better shape when Labour took power in 1999 but now we’re in recession.

By: underground

underground — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:16:22 +0000

Got me there mate, my evidence is completely anecdotal! Just the experience of seeing National supporters shoot down arguments which appeal to human rights as “politically correct” and pat themselves on the back for offending anyone who cares about anyone other than their own. Saying this group is a solid part of National’s support unfortunately cannot be backed up empirically, but I maintain these “reactionaries” are there none the less and can be found from blog posts to letters to the editor. Damn I wish I could refer to some stats!

As for National and the economy, what will the cost of National’s glorious tax cuts be for example? What social policies will face the axe? Neither you or I know that, because they don’t want to release specifics and enter into the debate. With that in mind, how can you be confident they know how to run the economy well? Those I have spoken to in charitable organisations, some of which receive government funds, and social workers who work with the poor and disadvantaged are concerned about the future and whether they will see a cut in funds and an increase in clients. It surprises me we hear so little from those at the coalface about economic and social issues.

Throughout history Labour has been handed ailing economies and deficits after National governance. Perhaps it is a myth that National are better with the economy than Labour.

By: homepaddock

homepaddock — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:49:14 +0000

“Within National’s core support, this group is certainly prevalent. The socially conservative bigots who still believe it is 1950, and have resisted every social change since then. The idiots who equate offending people with being right and discredit all who disagree with them as “political correct”.

As a journalism student you will understand the importance of facts and figures to back up assertions. What are yours for the statement above?

“I fear for the fate of those at the very bottom of the heap.”
The people at the bottom have the most to lose from the recession wer’e facing and the most to gain from economic growth which John Key & National are better equipped to help NZ achieve – they know how make the cake bigger rather than just trying to slice the same sized cake into more pieces as Labour does.