We’re 6 months into a new Government, a Government few ever imagined we’d end up with, the result of a few disaffected voters entrusting their mandate to an aging and corrupt roué, a politician of questionable morality, determined to rest the baubles of power from the establishment, and perhaps most importantly intent on political utu, uncaring of the wishes or wellbeing of the majority of Kiwi voters.
In a quote attributed to French Political thinker, Alexis de Tocqueville, he states “in a democracy, the people get the government they deserve”, and if that is the case, you’d have to wonder how we ended up deserving so little… It is not the corruption and deceit of the flea on the tail that wags the dog that disgusts me, it is the determination to change the law regards “waka jumping” – having a history of betrayal, both as betrayer and betrayed, and seemingly unable to keep his party acolytes in check, he is determined to legislate in the face of public and academic opprobrium will prevent history repeating. Moving on, it intrigues me that the people of New Zealand would accept someone who has only ever worked in the hallowed halls of academia, (other than a short spell in a Fish and Chip shop as a pre-teen) as our leader, or a multitude of others who have qualifications as “Union Organiser” or “University Lecturer” as cabinet ministers. Photogenic she may be in the eyes of some, a sad reflection that perhaps we have actually ended up with what we deserve. Where else would this happen? Unfortunately Canada went with a populist young leader, one who has subsequently embarrassed them on the world stage, and it is apparent we can expect the same. In the “real world” we expect a high degree of competency with Doctors, and the mechanics who service our cars - perhaps slightly less with lawyers, so why then do we accept the efforts of Ministers with Zero experience, particularly where billions of dollars and the future of our children is at stake. In a flurry of broken promises, the Government has reneged in reducing the cost of GP’s visits, but not sending the future wealthy to university for free – astounding. Despite proclaiming loudly and promising that no new taxes would be imposed, the addition Fuel tax, and the imposition of GST on low value imported shipments prove this to be a lie. Maori kids previously destined to permanent failure within the public school system, who instead have thrived and prospered under “Charter Schools”, are about to be dragged back into mediocrity (at best) at the insistence of the Teachers Union. So much for the PM’s promise to end “povidy”. The present situation dictates that those who contribute most by way of tax dollars have least say, but that is the price of democracy. In the eyes of many, both local and central government have been captured by the “Lovies”, the “Social Justice Warriors”, the “Do Gooders” and the idealistic, and the Unions have possession of the public purse, and are determined to make the most of the opportunity. Let’s see what Paid Parental Leave and our temporary new Prime Minister brings, and try not to gag as Women’s magazines fawn over the inevitable arrival of a baby into the “first family”. to edit. |
Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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