2008 September

Car Free Day – 22nd September, 2008

Next Monday is International Car Free Day. The title I hope is self explanatory…

Ride a bike, Ride a bus, Ride a skateboard or just walk it! In New Zealand it’s just a fun thing passed on by word of mouth. In China, they’re actually enforcing it by closing streets to vehicles, allowing only pedestrians and cyclists from 7am to 7pm.

It’s a shame in Auckland we’re divided by the large, vehicle only bridge but it seems that some people are finding ways to still have fun regardless.

Also, don’t forget this Friday… International Talk Like A Pirate Day! Yarrr!

Say What We Want Or Shut Up

In the past, National have have no trouble bullying the press when it comes to reporting things they don’t want reported.

Like bullying the journalist who reported the “we would love to see wages drop” quote. And bullying Barry Soper, political editor of Newstalk ZB on numerous occasions (Kate Wilkinson on scrapping employer kiwisaver contributions, Bill English on borrowing for tax cuts)

They’ve now taken it a step further with muck-raker Tony Ryall telling the Auckland DHB to shut up, unless they have something negative to say about the government’s achievements regarding health. Or else there’s going to be trouble for them when he becomes Minister.

That is absolutely disgusting political interference. Threatening a non-partisan state body for distributing facts? Do people not deserve to go into this election armed with the truth about the governments achievements and it’s failings?

Tony Ryall is famous for running his mouth about the status-quo and not offering any solutions in true National Party style. So although Labour doesn’t have a spotless record on Health, how about focusing on how National will do better?

A Little Information is a Dangerous Thing

Caught on Scoop and elaborated on over at No Right Turn is a story of the Anti-Abortion group, Right To Life, having a tantrum because they weren’t allowed to procure the names and other personal information of the new abortion advisory committee.

The qualifications? Maybe. Identifying information in the hands of these people? Hell NO.

Although, as pointed out by I/S, the Abortion Supervisory Committee is covered by the Official Information Act, the individuals that serve on the committee have a right to privacy. A right to not be harassed. And those rights supersede RTL’s “right” to be sticky-beaks.

This is Right To Life’s latest action in a plan to draw Abortion in as an election issue. I would like to see a thorough and reasoned debate on it but we all know that won’t happen. It’s very dangerous to let loose such an emotionally charged issue during an election campaign as I don’t believe any government would draw a party line on such a thing and it would all come down to a conscience vote anyway.

Although, perhaps, it’s better than waiting until after the election, with a probable chance of a National-led government. National does not has the chops to tackle the issue, I mean, who is likely to give this issue a better look? The party of old white men, with heavy religious backers that have voted against almost every socially progressive change brought through parliament? Or the bunch of anti-family, lesbian man-haters? Oh, right.

Bluebaiting

It all started in that little place called Kiwiblog…

What began as a backhanded swipe at a trumped-up little prick caught the attention of the famous Redbaiter who quickly replied.

So I decided to have some fun with a small troll.

And a shit fight ensued.

Back…

Well, I’m back – I hope…

Things have been pretty busy around here, have been putting off writing for a little while but hopefully should be able to start again