Posts by Euan Mason

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  • Field Theory: Not doing enough,

    Who were the “independent” witnesses who claimed that the stripper was not groped by Chiefs players? In what sense were they “independent”? Did they observe her the entire time? Why would a professional stripper tell stories about groping if it did not happen? She would have everything to lose by lying.

    The NZR “verdict” has all the hallmarks of a self-serving whitewash.

    Canterbury • Since Jul 2008 • 259 posts Report Reply

  • Speaker: After the Apocalypse,

    Compelling reading, Clinton, and bone-chilling. Many thanks.

    Canterbury • Since Jul 2008 • 259 posts Report Reply

  • Polity: Key peddles cynical “interest…,

    Since when has the truth ever stopped Key from making outlandish claims? Homelessness, the housing crisis, child poverty, the widening gap between rich and poor, unswimmable rivers, our appalling record on climate change mitigation, fraudulent carbon credits, expanded GCSB spying on NZers, his use of black ops, and even his ponytail pulling are all the fault of the "last Labour Government".

    Canterbury • Since Jul 2008 • 259 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Orcon IRL on Journalism: The Video, in reply to Kevin McCready,

    You guys have forgotten that it’s about finding and reporting truth.

    Couldn't agree more.

    Canterbury • Since Jul 2008 • 259 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Orcon IRL on Journalism: The Video,

    “We’re talking a lot about journalism lately – and we’re doing it because journalism is facing something approaching an existential crisis.”

    RadioNZ is a great example of independent, but publicly-funded journalism. An independent fourth estate is essential for democracy, and so extending the RadioNZ model may provide a more secure home for the rigorous journalistic analysis that we so desperately lack in a world largely inhabited by least cost, press release parroting advertising outlets (present company exempted from that criticism :) ).

    Canterbury • Since Jul 2008 • 259 posts Report Reply

  • Polity: Hekia's waynebrave, in reply to Julienz,

    I believe we are talking about choice not compulsion.

    "The sweeping change will allow any school, tertiary provider or an approved industry to apply to be a "community of online learning" (COOL)."

    The same argument is used for charter schools and charter schools have worked out so well..........

    Canterbury • Since Jul 2008 • 259 posts Report Reply

  • Polity: Hekia's waynebrave,

    The prime benefit to the government of this nonsense is that we're no longer talking about child poverty or homelessness.

    Canterbury • Since Jul 2008 • 259 posts Report Reply

  • Polity: Why did the TPP fail?,

    The US was interested in securing profits for big corporates and ran into concerns about losses of domestic jobs due to freer trade. In New Zealand the TPP was supported by either those who mistakenly dreamed it would provide substantial gains in free trade or those who still believe that earnings for the rich benefit everyone. ISDS provisions were a major assault on our sovereignty that would have locked us into a neoliberal economy just as that ideology is in its death throes. It will be a relief if we finally abandon the TPP.

    Canterbury • Since Jul 2008 • 259 posts Report Reply

  • Polity: Hidden Costs,

    Thanks for the post Rob. I experienced one or two dark moments during my PhD studies, but perhaps not in the same category as those you describe. Overall those years were some of the most satisfying of my life; complete freedom to pursue ideas I was passionate about, unshackled by the need to secure big funding and almost no administrative responsibilities. We were both students, with two small children, and while financially poor, we were very rich in our mental lives. Uncertainty about the outcome commonly afflicts PhD candidates I suspect, and I was no exception in that regard, but a few joyous "aha" moments and steady progress provided sufficient motivation for me to keep going.

    Canterbury • Since Jul 2008 • 259 posts Report Reply

  • Speaker: The Uncomfortable Silence,

    Great writing. Readers will all grieve with you.

    Canterbury • Since Jul 2008 • 259 posts Report Reply

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