Filed under: Politics | Tags: Abuse, Anti-smacking, Politics, Referendum, Section 59 Crimes Act, Smacking, Sue Bradford, Violence
The question on the paper reads “Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?”. When I received my citizen initiated referendum voting paper I asked myself “What accelerant would best burn my ballot?”.
Nine million dollars wasted during a recession. The question is absolute bullshit. Anyone half literate agrees. It does not ask the Government to do anything. If the referendum was binding, nothing would come of any vote. And fortunately anyway, our Prime Minister has the sense to shut the whole thing down before the vote is out.
No is yes and yes is no. The question requires one to acknowledge that smacking is “good parental correction”, against the judgement of the social agencies who we trust with our most vulnerable and child experts the world over.
We are taught that violence is never the answer for anything. New Zealanders’ pacifist psyche has surprisingly been discarded on this issue. All of a sudden violence is a reasonable way to deal with a situation you cannot handle. Don’t say it is not violence to smack a child. To use physical force to get someone to do what you want, or to stop them doing something you don’t want them to, is violence. What message does this teach children?
The issue has been distorted. The repeal of section 59 of the Crimes Act was to remove the defence of “reasonable force”. The cases where this law was used to keep child abusers from justice have been well documented. Those who have distorted this argument are absolving these child abuses of their actions. How was it the country was so easily deceived by coercive lobby groups? The PM has rightly said he will only look at reversing the amendment if it is shown not to work. The police have come out repeatedly saying there is no sign it isn’t working. Is the country not listening?
Social norms change. A referendum 40 or 50 years ago on something like smoking in restaurants or airplanes, women’s rights to choose, homosexuality, corporate punishment or pay equality would have received different results than now. Things that were once not acceptable are now common place and visa versa. It’s called evolving. Otherwise it would be only wealthy landowners casting their votes while their slaves sustain their lavish lifestyles. Or life in Iran.
People are already using violence less against their children. In thirty years time smacking will be a dirty word. And the Neanderthal’s children will herald a brighter future where violence is not acceptable. Ever.
Filed under: Politics | Tags: Ehud Olmert, Gaza, Hamas, Human Rights, International Law, Israel, Terrorism, United Nations, United States, War Crimes
As if contestants in the TV show survivor, Israeli soldiers have been granted immunity from prosecution by their prime minister for participating in the last game show challenge.
From the BBC:
In Israel, Prime Minister Olmert told a weekly cabinet meeting that soldiers who had put their lives on the line for their country need not fear prosecution for war crimes overseas.
“The commanders and soldiers that were sent on the task in Gaza should know that they are safe from any tribunal and that the State of Israel will assist them in this issue and protect them as they protected us with their bodies during the military operation in Gaza,” he said.
What is Olmert saying here? That international law does not cover Israel? That, theoretically, an Israeli soldier could rape, massacre, torture, in fact do anything they desire, safe in the knowledge that their PM will not allow them to be held accountable? Does this not encourage the crimes we have heard reported from Gaza in the past conflict? Why concern oneself with abiding by international conventions when you are exempt from their consequences?
Olmert expects the international community to condemn and punish Hamas criminals for violating international law, rightly, however will not play ball and allow his own forces to be held accountable for their actions. In insisting their troops are outside of international law, with the assistance of the US, Olmert and his predecessors are allowing and even encouraging Israeli soldiers to violate human rights. So when kids on beaches are shelled, when homes are bulldozed with the occupants still inside and marked UN buildings and refugee camps are fired upon, Olmert and his associates are as culpable as the commander who gives the order to fire. Perhaps the next time he is outside of his country’s borders, Olmert should be held accountable to the international laws he flouts and be tried at the Hague.
Filed under: History, Politics, religion | Tags: Ceasefire, Ehud Olmert, Gaza, Hamas, Israel, Palestine, Palestinians, Propaganda, Terrorism, United Nations, War Crimes, War on Terror
Delivering a speech laced with propaganda Goebbels would be proud of, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has announced a unilateral ceasefire in Israel’s invasion of Gaza.
Apparently Israel has achieved its objectives in the war, which must have been to inflict as many casualties on the Gaza’s civilian population. Claims by Olmert that the military have resisted attacking “terrorists” in some cases during the operation because of the potential harm to civilians runs contrary to media reports and UN claims. No doubt the insulated ignorant within Israels borders will lap up Olmerts assurances. Few outside the nation will.
The unilateral ceasefire is hope for the gullible. Hamas is not a signitary and have pledged to continue the fight while occupying forces remain in Gaza. Israel have reserved the right to respond. Considering it was Israels inability to honour the conditions of the last ceasefire which began this disgusting war, this ceasefire is as worthless as Olmert’s word.
So what has been achieved? Israel points to the damage inflicted on Hamas and the governments infrastructure as evidence of the operation’s success. Hamas leaders are dead or in hiding. Many militants are dead. However Hamas will not struggle to recruit replacements. With over 1,000 dead and 5,000 injured, it won’t be hard to find people who want to fight against the Israeli aggressors. Israel has won no support from Palestinians. With every war crime a new terrorist/freedom fighter is born. Peace is very clearly not on Olmert’s agenda. And so the war continues.
Filed under: Life, Politics | Tags: Britain, Climate Change, Energy consumption, Environmentalism, Gerry Brownlee, Global Warming, LCD screen, New Zealand, Plasma screen, Technology, Television, TV
I bought a TV the other day. I had no idea what I was looking at when I bought it, I just wanted the cheapest one with a screen large enough to be seen from the beanbag positioned one and a half metres away. I’m pleased with the one I got, despite the poor reception we have to put up with and will continue to put up with until I get up on the roof to wiggle the aerial or pay to get the satellite operating as more than a roof ornament.
Dubbed the “4×4s of the living room” plasma screens have just been banned in Britain. Turns out they are “energy guzzlers”, and hardly the acquisition of a responsible world citizen. And with global warming an accepted reality for everyone that can comprehend that pollution must obviously have an adverse effect on our environment, banning the sale of these living room equivalents to a coal-power station makes sense, doesn’t it?
Apparently not. (more…)
Filed under: Politics, religion | Tags: America, Anti-Semitic, Anti-Semitism, Gaza, Hamas, Hezbollah, Human Rights, Hypocrisy, Israel, Lebanon, Murder, Palestine, Robert Fisk, Terrorism, Zionism
After the bombing of UN schools, mosques and universities, as well as firing at marked aid workers and their vehicles, it is evident Israel has no concern for civilian populations in their latest military campaign against the people of Gaza. From the same military who coated parts of Lebanon in cluster bombs, indiscriminate killing devices, in the final hours of the 2006 war with Hezbollah after a cease fire was agreed, as well as past refugee camp massacres and the shelling of a Gaza beach two years ago, no one is surprised, however most are shocked. For most commentators, politicians and people on the street, there is no defence for Israel’s military actions.
However there are some who do support these actions. And not just Israelis who lap up their military’s “defensive” attacks, intended to muster electoral support for an ailing government. Letters to editors and blog comments show the aggressive state has supporters outside its borders. Opponents of Israel are labelled “anti-Semitic” wilfully ignorant to the fact the Palestinians are also Semites! According to these people the conflict traces back only as far as the pitiful Hamas rockets fired into Israeli southern towns, cited as Hamas breaking an existing truce, ignoring Israel’s own failure to honour the agreement. To these people, who choose to see only half the story, Israel’s aggressive bombing campaign and invasion are entirely justified; every innocent death is merely unfortunate, collateral damage in Israel’s pursuit for peace. (more…)
Filed under: Books, Politics | Tags: Aung San, Aung San Suu Kyi, Book review, Burma, Human Rights, Junta, Justin Winton, Myanmar, Ne Win, Nobel Peace Prize, Non Fiction, Perfect Hostage
Perfect Hostage: Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma and the Generals
by Justin Wintle
The problem with reading many non-fiction books is that you know how it is going to end. Reading a history of World War Two, for example, you know will know before hand who will be victorious and who will be defeated come 1945. Such is the case with Perfect Hostage, Justin Winton’s biography of Burma’s most famous political prisoner, Aung San Suu Kyi. As you read this book, such is the brilliance of the writing and the subject, you will be pulled by every ebb and flow of Burma’s people struggle to gain democracy. But alas, any optimism you may feel will be short-lived, as no sooner then the military given its people basic rights it again tightens its iron grip on the country. And of course, you know that to this day, Burma, or Myanmar as the junta calls it, remains impoverished due to the tyranny of the military and Suu Kyi remains under house arrest.
Filed under: Philosophy, Politics | Tags: All Blacks, Apartheid, Bryan Habana, Butana Komphela, Cheeky Watson, Desmond Tutu, Luke Watson, Nelsen Mandela, Politics, Racism, Racist, Rugby, South Africa, Springbok, Springboks
I enjoying the sight of a deflated Springbok, defeated by a superior All Black team, especially if I’ve woken up at three in the morning to witness it. But I don’t like the thought that there may no longer be a Springbok team for my boys to beat. The recent announcement that the South African Rugby Union has decided to abandon the famous emblem of the country’s world champion rugby side for a less controversial symbol will end a 102 year tradition. But this is just another episode in the politics v sports saga.
The small gold antelope leaping on the left chest is apparently to some, like street names, place names and other emblems, a reminder of South Africa’s painful history. The Springbok side was once whites only, barring even non-whites from touring. Even a former rugby board once said blacks would never be allowed to wear the emblem because they have their own symbols. Butana Komphela, chairman of parliament’s Sports Portfolio Committee, has insisted the change be made to the Protea, which is the emblem for all other South African sports.
“The Springbok divides us,” he said. “We have a responsibility to unite our country on one national emblem.” (more…)
Filed under: Journalism, New Zealand Election 08, Politics | Tags: New Zealand, Journalism, Journalist, Herald on Sunday, Te Waha Nui, AUT University, Deborah Coddington, Public Relations
I’ve just had an opinion piece by Deborah Coddington in the Herald on Sunday bought to my attention. Coddington commented on the performance of the media through the election, commending some for fine work, whilst slamming others for their waffling and incompetitance.
“And why, on election night, did Sainsbury have Noelle McCarthy wittering on breathlessly?
She came over like a pretty little teenager woken up by adoring dad to join the grown-ups’ party.
It was cruel to watch and McCarthy was completely out of her depth.
The Irish lass is dangerously muddled – does she want to be a celebrity or a journalist? Posing for gossip pages in designer frocks is not really the best way to be taken seriously.”
However, and this is where my and my fellow former student friends get to slap ourselves on the back, Coddington says the future of journalism is in safe hands.
“And are we in New Zealand well-served in the future?
Most definitely, if the publication put out by AUT journalism students, Te Waha Nui (Big Mouth), is any indication.
I picked up their pre-election special in late October and was impressed – good questions asked, short items clearly written, no sign of student smart-arse.
Let’s hope they’re our future Cliftons, Robinsons, Edwards, Clarks – political reporters who’ve become household names for their talents and skills, as opposed to celebrity scribblers who rise without trace because they can dress up and attend the opening of an oyster.”
Well done Te waha nui 2008! Now let’s try find some bloody jobs. Sorry Deborah, but it looks like we’ll end up in PR!
Filed under: New Zealand Election 08, Philosophy, Politics | Tags: ACT, Election 2008, Labour, Left wing, National, New Zealand, Politics, Right wing
Elections are always going to leave one section of voters elated and the other disappointed. The victors and their supporters will seek to quickly bring up the changes they’ve desired throughout the campaign. There will be some soul searching and some hard questions asked, but eventually those defeated and their supporters will move on and live to fight another day. There will be some venting, comments posted on message boards and blogs. There will be some sour grapes, but there will also be some insightful analysis and considered commentary. However many on the right slate those on the left as being sore losers for whatever comment they make on the election result on Nov 8. People have rightly said that National does not have the mandate to, along with Act, steer the country hard to the right. The election result was not a sign that New Zealand has shifted to the right, because National has gone to great lengths to adopt much of Labour’s policies and shift itself far further to the left then it was under Don Brash. National are going to find it difficult to govern this term, economic crisis aside, as the government formed comprises of many conflicting ideologies. National may have won the election my a large margin, but Labour did not lose because voters rejected the party, they merely support change. To point this out to people is not sour grapes or being a sore loser, it is merely stating fact. However rather than argue these assertions made often by those on left, many choose to brag “we won, you lost”, stoked that “Helengrad’s dykocracy” has ceased to be. Just like prior to the election many National supporters could not articulate why they supported the party apart from saying “it is time for change” and “Labour’s fucked up the country”, they can also not engage in debate or conversation following the election. Morons will only make eventual Labour victory all the more sweeter for supporters, but I encourage them to be more humble than their unintelligent counterparts.
Just as many on the left sometimes disown some of their comrades for ill thought out comments, well done those on the right capable of doing the same, and engaging in civilised discussion with opponents. Debate should not be silenced by personal attacks and slogans, although we can all be guilty at times.
Filed under: Music, Politics | Tags: anti flag, Australia, Election, New Zealand, Politics, punk, Rise Against, Tour
Pittsburgh’s Anti-Flag were to offer New Zealanders an avenue to let off some energy and some political rage on December 3, but according to their website they will be postponing their Australian and New Zealand tour “until further notice” due to “circumstances beyond our control”, whatever that means. Looking at the upcoming overseas schedule they won’t be returning until at least the middle of next year. Holders of tickets are advised to return to place of purchase and get a refund.
I was looking forward to this show like nothing else. Not just because the two previous times I have seen them were for pathetically short slots at festivals, and not just because even during these short shows they totally kicked arse, but because I was looking forward to running around in a sweaty mosh pit full of like minded individuals singing political slogans at the top of my lungs. How better to get over being sold out by your countrymen and women? Man I love this band!
Oh well, I suppose I’ll be waiting for Rise Against on March 31 then.
Filed under: Politics | Tags: Communist League, Election 2011, Fidel Castro, Gordon Copeland, Greens Progressives, Helen Clark, Jim Anderton, John Key, Keith Locke, Labour, National, New Zealand, Peter Tashkoff, Phil Goff, Prime Minister, Rogernomics, Tim Groser
A month or so back, I saw then trade minister Phil Goff speak at a pre-election foreign affairs debate at the Owen Glenn Building at Auckland University. Despite the high calibre of political minds present, an unfortunately small crowd attended, made to appear even smaller by the huge venue. It is a shame that more did not get to witness the debate, as one politician clearly stood out above all others. Labour’s Phil Goff left his opponents in his wake; Jim Anderton was the next most impressive, a strong debater with a quick wit, Gordon Copeland was good although naive at times, Keith Locke was knowledgeable but lack assertion, and Act’s Peter Tashkoff has been living in a cave. Even National’s Tim Groser seemed to agree Goff was in a league of his own, in that despite his clear trade experience he seemed more ready to point to Goff’s superb record than illustrate his own credentials or National’s focuses in the area. When questions were fired at the stage from the audience Goff readily took the lead, fielding most the questions no matter how hostile. Almost as though intimidated, most of the other debaters left him to it, with the exception of Anderton and perhaps Locke and Grosser. I still remember the fiery response Goff gave a Communist League candidate in the audience who launched into Goff on Afghanistan. The crowd seemed universally impressed, as did the candidates. Most remarkable was how he spoke. Whilst others stood, at times, timidly behind the microphone (Locke frequently had calls to speak up), Goff walked across the stage, right up to the audience and without amplification his voice still filled the auditorium. There is something immediately impressive about someone who can speak clearly at such a volume, good humoured, not aggressive, assertive and at ease. John Key is going to have his hands full in the debating chamber at parliament and in campaign debates in three years time. (more…)
Filed under: Politics | Tags: ACT Party, Election 2011, Helen Clark, John Key, Labour, Maori Party, National, New Zealand, Phil Goff, Politics, Rodney Hide
Considering National has had to adopt so many Labour policies, with National winning the election it is fair to say the only change most New Zealanders wanted was Helen Clark. Although I think the anti-Clark sentiment is completely unfair, the people have spoken, won over by a campaign devoid of substance and policy, rather built on empty rhetoric and sloganeering. With that in mind, it is safe to say, as most analysts have, that National have not a mandate to revert to the policies of the nineties. If the “hidden agenda” creeps into policy, they’ll be gone by lunchtime. The election was not a swing to the right for the electorate, as some have said. And Key appears to be aware of this, getting the Maori party onside has effectively weakened the bargaining strength of an Act party pushing round their weight and seek undue influence considering their small vote. To most people’s pleasure, they could find themselves undermined or cut out altogether. Winnie would be happy!
New Zealand has got what they wanted, a Labour Party without Clark. Although not in government, with Phil Goff at the helm, it is only a matter of time. Congratulations Goff, give ‘em hell!
The next three years should very interesting!
Filed under: New Zealand Election 08, Politics | Tags: John Key, National, Obama, Section 59
On waking up today I was greeted by the host of articles about our new, already beloved Leader. Stories of John Key’s desire to help “all” New Zealanders. A story of John Key’s fantastic sense of humour in the NZ Herald when he joked with his family that a puppy was not on the way, because that’s what Obama had promised his kids, but wait, maybe a puppy is on the way! The NZ Herald made light of John Key’s reputation for flip-flopping in this instance, and it really seems as though John Key might truly be Obamaesque change if you believe the Herald. The term “all New Zealanders” must be rather exclusive, because with a range of anti-union and anti-worker policies on John Key’s desk, it seems he is looking out for very different interests to Obama.
Personally, it disturbs me to think that a man like John Key can even draw on comparisons between himself and Obama, and that our beloved media are now even doing the work for him. It seems that if your a politician on the right of the spectrum you rarely have to lift a finger these days, as your profile will be taken care of by the media. Compare this to the misinformation spread about the section 59 repeal and its “perceived” law against smacking a child which the media perpetuated and it truly makes you wonder. The reality of the law being that only the legal argument of reasonable force was removed, but not what constitutes child abuse.
Thankfully in the face of the weakening media and the lack of background checks and research, we have a committed blogosphere where we can get a better handle on where things are actually going. Personally I look forward to be fired from my job after 89 days for no reason. At least it means I’ll get a range of work experience and will be doing my bit to get NZ back on track.
-NATURALHIGHNZ
Filed under: New Zealand Election 08, Politics | Tags: ACT, Bill and Ben, Election 2008, Greens, Kiwi Party, Labour, Maori Party, MMP, National, New Zealand, New Zeland First, Politics, Progressives, United Future
Sure it might be a bit sour grapes, but the election result is not quite indicative of how New Zealand voted yesterday. Even though we are fortunate to live under MMP, which ensures most voters are counted, this year’s result clearly illustrates that changes must be made to the system. As much as I can’t stand Winston Peters at times, more people voted for his party than Act, United Future or the Progressives, yet under the absurdities of the system as it is they get MPs whilst New Zealand First does not. In fact 88,072 (without special votes) cast their vote for New Zealand First but each has been effectively disenfranchised. Meanwhile Act with only 3.72 per cent of the vote has five MPs and the greatest influence on power.
Legal Beagle at Public Address worked out what the results would have been if the House of Representatives no threshold:
New Zealand National Party – 55 seats
New Zealand Labour Party – 41 seats
The Greens – 8 seats
New Zealand First Party – 5 seats
Māori Party – 5 seats
Act New Zealand – 4 seats
Jim Anderton’s Progressive – 1 seat
United Future New Zealand – 1 seat
The Kiwi Party – 1 seat
The Bill and Ben Party – 1 seat
With those numbers, coalition arrangements would be entirely different:
Nat/Act/UF/KP: 61
Lab/Prog/Greens/NZ First/Maori: 60
Which is a different story altogether. Then of course there is the Bill and Ben Party. Which way would they go?
Election Results — Overall Status |
| Polling Places Counted: | 6,304 of 6,304 (100.0%) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Votes Counted: | 2,103,842 | ||||
| Special Votes: | 208,001 | ||||
| Less than 6 votes taken in Polling Places: | 1,261 | ||||
| Party | Party Votes |
% Votes |
Electorate Seats |
List Seats |
Total Seats |
| National Party | 951,145 | 45.45 | 41 | 18 | 59 |
| Labour Party | 706,666 | 33.77 | 21 | 22 | 43 |
| Green Party | 134,622 | 6.43 | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| ACT New Zealand | 77,843 | 3.72 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Mäori Party | 46,894 | 2.24 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Jim Anderton’s Progressive | 19,536 | 0.93 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| United Future | 18,629 | 0.89 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| New Zealand First Party | 88,072 | 4.21 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kiwi Party | 11,659 | 0.56 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Bill and Ben Party | 10,738 | 0.51 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party | 7,589 | 0.36 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New Zealand Pacific Party | 6,991 | 0.33 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Family Party | 6,973 | 0.33 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alliance | 1,721 | 0.08 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Democrats for Social Credit | 1,112 | 0.05 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Libertarianz | 1,070 | 0.05 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Workers Party | 824 | 0.04 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| RAM – Residents Action Movement | 405 | 0.02 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Republic of New Zealand Party | 298 | 0.01 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 70 | 52 | 122 | |||
Filed under: Music, New Zealand Election 08, Philosophy, Politics | Tags: Asset sales, Deregulation, Election 2008, Environmental Degradation, Human Rights, Labour, National, New Zealand, Politics, Positive thinking, Protest, punk, Roger Douglas, Students
It never feels good when you lose. Every four years New Zealand grieves after yet another All Black World Cup early exit. However this hurts more. Because it actually matters! The only person who risks losing their job after an All Black loss is the coach, whereas more must be a little uncertain now. The environment is going to get shafted, as will workers rights and equality for minorities. But what can you do? The country has spoken, even if no one can really justify their vote for National. “Change” seemed to be all that people wanted, regardless what that might actually mean. Churchill was clearly right when he said the best argument against democracy is talking to the average voter for five minutes, but then he also said it is the best system we’ve got. Times like this it doesn’t feel like the case though. Gone is one of our most competent and experienced Prime Ministers, exchanged for a money trader with no prior interest in politics. Act has grown, taking with them New Zealand’s most hated politician ever into government. It’s going to be hard but I want to look at the silver lining. (more…)
Filed under: History, New Zealand Election 08, Politics | Tags: ACT, Alliance, Election 2008, Greens, Helensville, Jim Anderton, Labour, Libertarianz, Maori Party, MMP, National, New Zealand, New Zealand First, Politics, Progressives, RAM, Satire, United Future, Worker's Party
What a lovely sunny day to go out to a polling booth and express your rights democratically! What a joy! Casting my votes I felt privileged not only that I get to vote, a right not extended to all the peoples of this earth, but that we have MMP in this country so I at least get a party vote, as no doubt my candidate vote will be wasted, as I live in conservative Helensville!
If there is anyone out there who doesn’t know who to vote for, particularly if you live in Wigram, please cast your vote for Jim Anderton and the Progressives, who my little brother would vote for if he were old enough, unfortunately he turns 18 on the 13th of this month.
It is a shame that whilst my little bro, who is very interested and knowledgeable in politics, cannot vote, many who do not care or know remarkably little can vote. So to help them with casting their vote, I have constructed a diagram to inform them of what each party stands for. Rather than being based on specific policy, which people clearly ignore, I have placed each party on a continuum through time. So if you are unsure today, cast your vote for your favourite era! (more…)
