Posts by Hilary Stace
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Older white people who vote are now more powerful as there are more of them statistically. Winston just reflects his demographic.
But I have faith in the power of younger people, particularly the under 25 year olds. Many are doing politics differently in fighting for their future.
We had a conservative government right through the 1960s but an explosion of rights advocacy and activism by young people and minorities that transformed society more than the Holyoake government ever did. -
Up Front: What's the Big Idea?, in reply to Bart Janssen,
I think Jacinda's policy announcement of mental health support in secondary schools is aimed at young people - or is it for their anxious parents?
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Access: Patients X, Y and Z, in reply to Rosemary McDonald,
Shocking story. Do we think the 'system transformation' of disability support will prevent such things happening in the future? I suspect something more fundamental and child centred is required.
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Thanks Chelle. I have found that children have a natural curiosity but are also very accepting of the diversity of humanity. They learn prejudice from those around them. So, as you say, it is very important what adults say and do around children.
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Access: Disability as a wicked policy problem, in reply to Sacha,
I have heard the Minister speak several times now and she has an unfortunate patronising style. As a disabled person said, it feels like she is patting you on the head and saying, "you are doing so well". And she will mention how many hundreds of disabled people she has personally got into employment in Christchurch (but no details about who, where and how).
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Access: Fighting seclusion with…, in reply to Neil,
I appreciate your perspective from one side of the schism even though I'm on the other. Maybe there is a possible future convergence?
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Access: Fighting seclusion with…, in reply to Rosemary McDonald,
Kirsty Johnston has done a really good job on this over the last year. I think it took some persistence but it shows that long term investigative journalism still exists in NZ and is effective. Thanks too to the Human Rights Commission for their persistence and getting this report commissioned. Good too that we have Tony Ellis's warning that this report alone is not enough. But best is that the Peacocks have been vindicated.
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Access: Disability as a wicked policy problem, in reply to Angela Hart,
One to one meetings require interaction (and media, cameras etc). A group tells lots of people how good the MP is to invite carefully vetted disabled people to her morning tea, but does not require any other interaction between the MP and the disabled person. My friend who has a disabled adult daughter says the same thing. They are occasionally invited to National Party events but can never get an opportunity to actually talk to the MP privately.
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Access: Disability as a wicked policy problem, in reply to Rosemary McDonald,
Because it is seen as something of marginal interest and priority for Government. They don't realise that 24% of the population identify as disabled and then there are all the family members and carers too, and a lot of them vote.
That's one reason everybody should be going to their local MP and educating them about the issues and asking them to use their political influence to improve support and services. However, I have heard that some local MPs, particularly National Party ones in provincial areas,, are very hard to actually get a constituency appointment with.
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Access: Disability as a wicked policy problem, in reply to Angela Hart,
Will believe it when I see it, Angela. Some small positive moves all I've seen so far. Good start but not enough to overturn 15 years of injustice.
In the meantime, Rosemary, I suggest we all do what we can within the energy and opportunities we have. For example, I was canvassed by a National MP today so I told them about disability rights. So it might be a new category on someone's issues list when it wasn't before.
I am also making sure every disabled person I come across over 18 is on the roll and is going to vote. The US, as usual is leading the way. The Austistic Self Advocacy Network is encouraging their members to participate in democracy and has provided a kit called They work for us. https://autisticadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/They-Work-For-Us-A-Self-Advocates-Guide-to-Getting-Through-to-your-Elected-Officials.pdf