The ‘veil of good intentions’ is an interesting phrase that does not have a specific meaning. Rather it is more metaphorical or symbolic associated with modesty, purity and mystery. Ben Rhodes is a former Deputy National Security Adviser in the White House, 2009-17 It is a phrase that particularly struck me when reading an absorbingContinue reading “Removing the ‘veil of good intentions’: a lesson for New Zealand foreign policy”
Author Archives: otaihangasecondopinion
Don’t blame Jews for Israel’s genocidal ethnic cleansing (or for Zionism)
In my various previous posts critical of Israel’s ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, including through genocide, wherever possible I have avoided using the word ‘Jews’. I deliberately use ‘Israelis’, ‘Israel’ or ‘Zionism’ instead. My rationale is that because Jews as people, either as an ethnic group or religious faith (or both), do not deserve to beContinue reading “Don’t blame Jews for Israel’s genocidal ethnic cleansing (or for Zionism)”
Sinister ‘Free Speech Union’ attacks investigative journalist for being investigative
On 6 June I published a Political Bytes post criticising the mis-named Free Speech Union (FSU) for opposing the exercise of free speech, in the context of fulfilling his duty of care for student wellbeing, by Otago University Vice Chancellor Grant Robertson when raising a personal concern: Opposing free speech in practice. FSU attacks Grant Robertson’sContinue reading “Sinister ‘Free Speech Union’ attacks investigative journalist for being investigative”
For whom the opportunity bell tolls
The phrase ‘for whom the bell tolls’ has a long history signifying the interconnectedness of humanity and the inevitability of death. Dramatic poet John Donne (1572-1631) originally formulated the phrase to emphasise that no person is an island by highlighting the importance of community and human connection The ringing of a bell, traditionally used to announce aContinue reading “For whom the opportunity bell tolls”
Destroying the essence of Palestinian childhood
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has been reported to be considering the Government’s response to an horrific United Nations special investigation into Israel’s approach to Palestinian children in Gaza and its occupied territories on the West Bank of the River Jordan. More on this further below. Released on 18 June the report concluded that Israel wasContinue reading “Destroying the essence of Palestinian childhood”
When opportunity knocks for the Opportunity Party?
Opportunity Knocks’ is a British television and radio talent show that first began in 1949. It provided a platform to fame for acts such as Spike Milligan and Frankie Vaughan. The popular show which also helped launch many other entertainment careers finally ended in 1990. I was reminded of this show by the interest beingContinue reading “When opportunity knocks for the Opportunity Party?”
Hypocrisy of Free Speech Union opposing free speech in practice
With some origins in ‘Athenian democracy’ free speech is one of the noblest rights which people have struggled for and defended in a multitude of ways for centuries. Put simply it is the right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint. Particularly with such a broad principle, this right is not absolute when oneContinue reading “Hypocrisy of Free Speech Union opposing free speech in practice”
Gleichschaltung and the far right momentum: lessons for New Zealand
Gleichschaltung is an interesting German word meaning synchronisation or coordination. In the context of German history it was used to describe the process of Nazification in the mid-1930s; that is, establishing a system of totalitarian control and coordination over all aspects of German society. Gleichschaltung in motion I first came across it in a pieceContinue reading “Gleichschaltung and the far right momentum: lessons for New Zealand”
When a falsified ‘golden handshake’ is neither ‘golden’ nor a ‘handshake’
On 7 May The Post published a paywalled article by Tom Hunt under the eye-catching heading of Wellington council’s $200k-plus club quietly keep personal grievance pay: Alleged ‘golden handshake’ for Council staff. Legislate amendment to reduce employee protection At the heart of the issue is a recent amendment to the Employment Relations Act thatContinue reading “When a falsified ‘golden handshake’ is neither ‘golden’ nor a ‘handshake’”
Inhumanity of US economic sanctions against Cuba – infant mortality and starvation; time to end New Zealand’s silence
Cuba is facing a humanitarian crisis that has been caused by an unjustified escalation of an unjustified over 60-year old economic war by the most economically and militarily powerful country in the world, the United States. Increasing infant mortality and the use of starvation are part of the escalation’s inevitable outcomes. But there is noContinue reading “Inhumanity of US economic sanctions against Cuba – infant mortality and starvation; time to end New Zealand’s silence”
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