Category: Democracy
The battle lines are drawn. On one side is a small but powerful tribal elite claiming racial privilege is necessary to improve Maori disparity, and anyone who disagrees is racist. On the other side is the majority of the population who say everyone should be treated equally, that race does not cause inequality, and calls for racial privilege is racist.
Predominantly journalists need to go back to their role as neutral observers and reporters of the news. And with regards to contentious issues, they need to return to providing a balance of perspectives so their audiences have reliable information on which to make up their own mind.
Here we get close to the core of the problem. The media have effectively set themselves above the communities they purport to serve. They are interested only in people who agree with them; the rest can be dismissed as deplorables, to use Hillary Clinton’s infamous term.
History is clear. The best way to grow an economy is for the Government to get out of the way and let businesses do what they do best: create jobs and wealth. New Zealand’s future should harness the entrepreneurialism, energy, and expertise of Kiwis wanting to build a good future for themselves and their families.
Treasury’s pre-election forecasts confirmed that Government spending exceeds revenue by more than what was forecast in the May 2023 Budget. Far too many commentators are concluding the increase is not too bad. Do not be fooled. The forecasts are not realistic. They are too optimistic.
No other government in New Zealand’s history has treated voters with the level of arrogance and contempt shown by the Jacinda Ardern–Chris Hipkins 2020 Labour Government. It will take a herculean effort from a new government to repair the damage and heal the divisions.
We must follow the path of 20th century fighters against racism, such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, by demanding equality. The aim must be now, as it was then, solidarity among all people, living in freedom without division by accident of birth.
If our climate models used realistic scenarios instead of those discredited by the UN - and the correct value for methane - we would not need an emissions trading scheme, a carbon tax, or any of the myriad of climate regulations that have been imposed onto the country.
The division the Ardern-Hipkins Labour Government has created through the insanity of their unmandated power sharing arrangements with the iwi elite has not only damaged the social fabric of New Zealand, it has undermined democracy itself.
Make no mistake the outcome of the forthcoming General election will define for the foreseeable future our Nation, our democracy, our freedoms, and the Rule of Law. No event will prove to be more important in our history.