Wow. That is my reaction to the news from back home that Labour has managed to cobble a coalition together. Not so much that Labour put a government together, National getting over the line was always a pipe dream after counting on election night, but who they are in bed with, New Zealand First and United, with the Greens pretty well frozen out.
And the most bizarre thing of all is that Winston Peters is Foreign Minister. Probably the most nationalistic politician in New Zealand, and the portfolio is outside Cabinet, so Labour has given Peters (and United leader Peter Dunne) the OK to take potshots at the rest of the government when he sees fit. Am shuddering thinking of Winston meeting Condoleezza Rice, Jack Straw, Kofi Annan or any international big wig. Am shuddering thinking if I was still on my former career track back home having Winston as my boss eek.
And he's not fond of Asians - fucking bizarre how he got the job. Not sure whether it is evened out by the Greens not being in government LOL.
Hmm, would think of mentioning the renewed debate on proposed new anti-terrorism laws here in Australia, but my brain is hurting already (just had a debate that went nowhere on ABC Lateline just a couple of minutes ago), and will just say that civil liberties seem to have been ripped up for the proposed legislation.
And of course it was irresponsible of the ACT Chief Minister to release the bill on his website, because you know, freedom of speech and the need for a real debate over this issue, not just endless scare tactics, are so overrated. Sarcasm, people LOL.
'Police do not need to give suspects or their lawyers reasons for the detentions and can monitor lawyers. All conversations lawyers have with their clients must be in English or translated into English for the police. Police are prohibited from questioning the detainees but that ban does not apply to ASIO officers.
Detentions are secret but suspects are allowed to contact a family member or employers to say they are safe but, "not able to be contacted for the time being". If they disclose the detention they can be jailed for up to five years.'
Fuck. That vein on my forehead is starting to throb again, and my blood is getting hot again. Here is the actual draft legislation verbatim, although the Prime Minister has already said it is out of date. More arrest powers plugged into it, no doubt.
Was thinking of mentioning the normal 'US kills insurgents' or 'civilians killed according to eyewitnesses' story from Iraq, but need a bit of a breather from the deep and meaningful stuff. Otherwise my brain will just about explode. At least the referendum got a good turn out and seemed peaceful for the most part.
More later
Pauly
And the most bizarre thing of all is that Winston Peters is Foreign Minister. Probably the most nationalistic politician in New Zealand, and the portfolio is outside Cabinet, so Labour has given Peters (and United leader Peter Dunne) the OK to take potshots at the rest of the government when he sees fit. Am shuddering thinking of Winston meeting Condoleezza Rice, Jack Straw, Kofi Annan or any international big wig. Am shuddering thinking if I was still on my former career track back home having Winston as my boss eek.
And he's not fond of Asians - fucking bizarre how he got the job. Not sure whether it is evened out by the Greens not being in government LOL.
Hmm, would think of mentioning the renewed debate on proposed new anti-terrorism laws here in Australia, but my brain is hurting already (just had a debate that went nowhere on ABC Lateline just a couple of minutes ago), and will just say that civil liberties seem to have been ripped up for the proposed legislation.
And of course it was irresponsible of the ACT Chief Minister to release the bill on his website, because you know, freedom of speech and the need for a real debate over this issue, not just endless scare tactics, are so overrated. Sarcasm, people LOL.
'Police do not need to give suspects or their lawyers reasons for the detentions and can monitor lawyers. All conversations lawyers have with their clients must be in English or translated into English for the police. Police are prohibited from questioning the detainees but that ban does not apply to ASIO officers.
Detentions are secret but suspects are allowed to contact a family member or employers to say they are safe but, "not able to be contacted for the time being". If they disclose the detention they can be jailed for up to five years.'
Fuck. That vein on my forehead is starting to throb again, and my blood is getting hot again. Here is the actual draft legislation verbatim, although the Prime Minister has already said it is out of date. More arrest powers plugged into it, no doubt.
Was thinking of mentioning the normal 'US kills insurgents' or 'civilians killed according to eyewitnesses' story from Iraq, but need a bit of a breather from the deep and meaningful stuff. Otherwise my brain will just about explode. At least the referendum got a good turn out and seemed peaceful for the most part.
More later
Pauly
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