Posts by Paul Williams
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Up Front: One, Redux, in reply to Deborah,
Yes, because there’s not a lot we can do, except listen, and listen, and listen, for as long as people in Christchurch want to talk. Or not, just as suits each person living in Christhchurch.
Deborah's said what I would've.
Emma, thanks for your wonderful writing. PAS, with the many new and old voices, has helped me connect with this tragedy despite being on the other side of the ditch.
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The beauty of Bob's case has made me feel terrible that I wouldn't let my almost seven year old help with the Ikea furniture... in my defense, it was only 'cause I was struggling...
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Back to the posts re Tracy Thorn, though I'd leap to the defence of her original stuff, I have to admit I love Everthing But the Girl's version of The Only Living Boy in NY
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OnPoint: Dear Labour Caucus, in reply to Rob Stowell,
Rob, Labour's not got a fully developed alternative to National, yet. I understand that Shearer and co. see the holiday as a time to seriously sound out public priorities. I don't think that'll mean a complete reorientation from their pre-election approach though.
My personal view is that redistribution must be combined with strategies to increase meaningful and sustainable employment. I'm not a growth fetishist though, but my understanding of the demographics is that we forecast a declining tax base relative to government costs so unless we're going to provide fewer services to our ageing population, we have to earn more offshore. That being the case, I agree with Shearer that we have to consider more than increasing tourism and dairying.
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OnPoint: Dear Labour Caucus, in reply to Rob Stowell,
How is Shearer’s vision for NZ ‘left’?
We have growing and shameful inequality in NZ. I don’t think there’s any way to halt it that doesn’t involve turning away from ‘the markets’ for some straightforward old-fashioned wealth redistribution.
Sharing it round- there’s an idea!Rob, I read this speech as identifying an urgent need to reduce poverty, retain assets and create meaningful work amongst a number of other things. I'm not sure what you particularly mean by "left", however those few goals are, IMO, vastly different from what National aims too do and entirely consistent with Labour's values.
I'm not at all averse to more "sharing it around", I do however want to see policies that will grow the economy also and I agree with Shearer that increasing tourism and intensifying dairying are not the answer.
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Oh fantastically well said Bart, thank you, thank you, thank you!
< /said without prejudice to any of the parties to the disagreement>
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OnPoint: Dear Labour Caucus, in reply to Russell Brown,
Yeah, elections bring out the partisan in him. They do in me too.
Chardonnay is meant to be the consolation, I gather :)
Pink Gin too.
But on the issue of a voice/constituency for class, I'm picking Jan Logie to be very effective.
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OnPoint: Dear Labour Caucus, in reply to nzlemming,
Also, I don't believe that Farrar is that far right, but only because I don't think he actually has any political principles beyond gaining power.
I don't think that's entirely fair. I can't see him walking away from National any time soon, but he's also publicly criticised them on various matters.
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David, your post is remarkable and like Che, I've gained a little perspective on my minor challenges. I can entirely relate to the challenges of kids with allergies. My 6 yr old had a similar combination of allergies and slept badly as a result. Fortunately, she grew out of most and nows sleeps well. I hope this is your experience too.
Regardless of whether the fundraiser comes off for the Hays (and others here too perhaps), I'm picking up a few of the PA books for friends.
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OnPoint: Dear Labour Caucus, in reply to Hilary Stace,
Including me. They have worked effectively on several specific issues by giving a large wave of on-line support or opposition. I have long wished someone would start something similar here.
It's a model that works, you opt in on the issues you care about and pool your finances. On climate change and on same sex marriage, I think it's had a real and measurable impact. I guess eventually there'll be an issue that the "membership" is divided on and then we'll see how robust the model is.
Something similar in NZ is only a handful of creative people away, possibly they're here? The model is entirely scalable (I understand most of the people hours are voluntary).