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”
Tag Archives: politics
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”
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”
Making sense of the Opportunity Party: ripples or wave
A small political party outside Parliament is starting to make political ripples. It is the Opportunity Party; until recently it had ‘The’ at the start of its name and ‘Opportunity’ was pluralised. The ripples arise out of some recent credible opinion polls suggesting that the party was within striking distance of the 5% threshold forContinue reading “Making sense of the Opportunity Party: ripples or wave”
Why does the United States have it in for Cuba so badly and for so long?
The 1959 Cuban revolution was in direct response to the coup in 1952 launched by Fulgencio Batista which overthrew an emerging Cuban democracy and replacing it with his dictatorship. Young Fidel Castro first tried to oppose military coup by legal means Among those who opposed the coup was a young lawyer called Fidel Castro whoContinue reading “Why does the United States have it in for Cuba so badly and for so long?”
Iran, US imperialism and New Zealand lapdog
When Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, was assassinated in the opening stages of the US-Israeli war against Iran, I did not mourn. Khamenei was not someone who deserved to be mourned notwithstanding my contempt for the increasing use of assassination by aggressor nations; in this case the United States and Israel. Ayatollah KhameneiContinue reading “Iran, US imperialism and New Zealand lapdog”
Class political warfare via employment law
In 1894 the new reforming Liberal government passed the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. It was recognised as landmark legislation and contributed to Aotearoa New Zealand’s reputation at the time as a progressive social laboratory. This laboratory also included women’s suffrage and old age pensions. William Pember Reeves: architect of landmark 1894 legislation The ActContinue reading “Class political warfare via employment law”
Political Bytes 