Every three years the voters of New Zealand get the opportunity to have their say, whether they deserve it or not. As a long haired secondary school student many years ago I recall one of the cynical but determined and dedicated teachers drumming into us that in regards politics, the people got what the people deserved, and in his opinion, that obviously was not very much. As someone who has a passing interest in both international and domestic affairs, I am continually surprised at the depths of ineptitude and self-serving policies and promises put forward by politicians across the spectrum, and the greed and willingness of voters to elect them on this basis. Greece is a case in point where voters of the present generation (and perhaps the previous generation too), were only too prepared to mortgage the futures of their children and grandchildren in their rush to accept promises made by immoral politicians. They now languish ignominiously as the bankrupts of the EU, scolded and humiliated, still failing to accept responsibility, instead blaming those nasty German bankers who loaned them the money. Looking at the “Bribe o meter” put together by the New Zealand Taxpayers Union http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/bribe_o_meter it is easy to see those parties most likely to lead us down a similar path PartyTotal cost of announced spending promises per New Zealand household National Party $4,422.05 Labour Party $13,237.23 Green Party $5,764.75 NZ First $15,061.77 Like capturing the tears of a unicorn, the ability to generate additional revenue and the willingness of taxpayers to contribute more is something that is a rare thing indeed –unfortunately, as any homeowner on a budget knows to contribute more in one area is to take from another. That holiday to Fiji taken on a whim has to be paid for, and it’s cost maybe to defer the new bathroom for a year or two, or the braces for little Johnnie’s crooked teeth. Many of us know that to spend more than we earn is often at the expense of our credit card, and the whim that comes at 22% interest is a cruel mistress – why should Government spending be any different? In a discussion with one of the young people in this office, I likened the possible post-election situation to giving the family credit card to a disgruntled teenage daughter, having no discretion over how she used it, or how much she spent, hoping that she’d remember to pay the power and the water, buy the groceries and pay the mortgage, and wondering whether the joint family income would be enough to pay for all that, as well as all the other things she felt were necessary (perhaps feeding the neighbours kids as well as concert tickets, make up, and a new house for the poor family presently renting down the street). As someone in business in the autumn of my career, whilst I may be occasionally disappointed in the present government, I remain even more concerned about those who would unwind the fiscal stability we as a nation presently enjoy, and it saddens me that it is those taxpayers in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s who will pay for the promises being made today – in fact, the cost may well be borne (as in Greece), by those yet too young to vote. That being so, who people vote for shouldn’t really concern me too much – those idealistic voters who feel they can change the world have the ability to change the Government. Unfortunately it is often these same people who feel someone other than themselves should make the sacrifices and pay for this change, and this is inevitably the case – their idealism may end up beggaring their children, but who am I to interfere? Personally, I prefer the fiscal responsibility and stability we’ve enjoyed in recent years, rather than being held hostage by an aging roué seeking a final run at the baubles of office. There are still some who remember the humiliation of a publicity stunt that went awry, a lack of integrity that proved to the public that to some an honest answer is a stretch too far. . Of course the feel good factor sparked by the gender and personality of one person that has little depth, with increased taxation seemingly the answer to every question, although no detail follows. The Jacinta effect has made huge impression on many but unfortunately all too few have been looking beyond the smile at the many and varied taxes that have been promised, and that will confront most taxpayers. Voters who neglect to do proper due diligence may find their enthusiasm dulled as the need to pay for ever indulgent policies becomes apparent. Where, up until Jacinta rolled Little, Labour Party Policy was to gradually increase the age of Superannuation (in line with virtually every modern nation), but Jacinta has now enshrined it at 65 until such time as she resigns. Hmmm, again, the young should question how they’ll be able to afford this remarkable show of largesse in favour of the elderly, regardless of whether or not it is needed. Much more worrying is the influence the unions may have after the election – Jacinta is trying to keep the published policy of the Labour Party under wraps, but those who remember the bad old days of the 80’s have reason to wonder why, in these days of industrial harmony and almost full employment, the unions would need to force compulsion and strong arm employees and employers alike. Be careful what you wish for is an expression that comes to mind. I was recently pleasantly surprised to see the lack of integrity and blatant dishonesty shown by one politician, and subsequently by her party, heavily spanked in the polls, their unwillingness to confront the issue not shared by those who matter. This is in direct contrast to another party, who, when confronted with a young MP who’d made an error of judgement, immediately called for and were presented with the ultimate sacrifice. Surely we should expect those who make our laws to abide by those same laws, rather than to pick and choose those that suit depending on personal circumstances. Comments are closed.
|
Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
|