Category Archives: Media Grabs

Drought, Flood, Fire – You voted for it !

Posted on February 4, 2015 by admin

We are in a drought earlier than in previous years. As stuff reported with large areas of the country drying out alarmingly quickly, weather forecasts are offering little hope of significant rainfall anytime soon. (as of the end of January) This … Continue reading →

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No prophet is accepted in her own country

Posted on January 31, 2015 by admin

Booker Price winner Eleanor Catton has done us all a favour with her criticism of New Zealand’s “neoliberal, profit-obsessed, very shallow, very money-hungry politicians who do not care about culture. They care about short-term gains. They would destroy the planet in order to … Continue reading →

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History is knocking on our door

Posted on January 25, 2015 by admin

Today I have woken to the best news for ages, the Greek election win for the anti-austerity Syriza party. This is not only good news for Greece but Europe and the planet. This is a defeat of the criminal austerity … Continue reading →

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Capitalism is winning: We are cooked.

Posted on January 20, 2015 by admin

It’s official: 2014 was the hottest year in recorded history. According to both NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the year 2014 was the hottest ever measured, based on records going back to the year 1880, The Washington Post reported … Continue reading →

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I am not “Charlie Hebdo” I am not an “Journal Irresponsable”

Posted on January 15, 2015 by admin

The Charlie Hebdo and anti-Jewish attacks in Paris is a story of two distinct parts. The second is only too familiar. The first is the story of a few mad, misguided, violent criminals, known to the authorities, murdering innocent people at will and in turn being killed. … Continue reading →

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Who are the real (war) criminals ?

Posted on January 5, 2015 by admin

One of the most frustrating stories to follow over the years must be the Israeli / Palestinian conflict. Heavy smoke billows from a section of Gaza City in the Gaza Strip following an Israeli military strike Tuesday. | AFP-JIJI The … Continue reading →

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Don’t start another War – Call the Police

Posted on January 1, 2015 by admin

At the beginning of the year 2015 it is time to reflect. This is what I am reflecting on this time: $14 Million (US) an Hour for 13 Years: War on Terror’s Astounding Cost For the investment in some cardboard … Continue reading →

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State’s “social” role : Corporate Welfare

Posted on November 29, 2014 by admin

I have to thank Brian Fallow for his article in the NZ Herald of 28 November to have alerted me to the “Productivity Commission’s” inquiry into how to improve the market for social services. My old nightmare predictions were confirmed. Our neo-liberal … Continue reading →

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Planet Key

Posted on November 26, 2014 by admin

Toby Manhire in the NZ Herald on 21 Nov 14 quotes John Key talking on a Northland radio station “When we talk about the Treaty and sovereignty and all those matters, you take a step back and say, well, what was really … Continue reading →

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Open letter to Andrew Little

Posted on November 20, 2014 by admin

Dear Andrew Little The commentariat is running hot over your narrow victory in the Labour leadership contest. Bryce Edwards in a most comprehensive piece with many links gives a good summery. And there is the NZ Herald editorial under the headline: Daring policies will … Continue reading →

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