I have published three previous blog posts on Israel’s ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza by means of genocide. Ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank is also occurring although through violent repression rather than genocide. The first (5 March) discussed Zionist Israel’s close supportive relationship with South Africa under apartheid and, sinceContinue reading “How to justify 400,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza: Ask ‘Zelda’”
Tag Archives: politics
Postscript on Ethnic Cleansing, Genocide and New Zealand Recognition of Palestine
My last Political Bytes post (28 May) discussed why New Zealand should officially recognise the state of Palestine: New Zealand should recognise Palestinian state. The heading I gave the post was Reasons for supporting ethnic cleansing, through genocide, in Palestine. This was my attempt at irony; by exploring the reasons that underpin the support for the genocidalContinue reading “Postscript on Ethnic Cleansing, Genocide and New Zealand Recognition of Palestine”
Gender Pay Inequity Perpetuation and Venality
On 6 May the Government ignited a political earthquake with its unexpected blindsiding decision to ram through parliamentary urgency the gutting of the pay equity provisions of the Equal Pay Act 1972. With multi-partisan support the Act had been amended to include these provisions in 2020. The decision was announced by Workplace Relations Minister BrookeContinue reading “Gender Pay Inequity Perpetuation and Venality”
When Politics gets in the Pocket of the Gun Lobby
Will 2025 be any different from 2024 in respect of the gun lobby’s influence over the National-ACT-NZ First coalition government’s firearms policy? This question now has a sharper focus with the Government’s intention this year to rewrite the Arms Act 1983. This legislation is administered by the Ministry of Justice. It is a reasonable questionContinue reading “When Politics gets in the Pocket of the Gun Lobby”
Imperialism, the Chagos Islands and the fight to return
I have just finished reading Tariq Ali’s excellent book Winston Churchill: His Times, His Crimes (Verso, London, 2021). Although with a chronological structure, it is thematic. It places the crimes of Churchill (these were many and horrific) in the context of the times in which they were situated. Tariq Ali’s book on Winston Churchill aContinue reading “Imperialism, the Chagos Islands and the fight to return”
Haka, Hikoi and the Empowerment of the Kohanga Generation
Internationally at least the haka is most associated with Aotearoa New Zealand’s national men’s rugby team, the All Blacks. It immediately preceded the start of test matches. The haka is a customary Māori way of welcoming visitors but traditionally also served to invigorate warriors as they headed into battle. It is both a show ofContinue reading “Haka, Hikoi and the Empowerment of the Kohanga Generation”
Fast-tracking wealth accumulation and the ‘war on nature’
The Fast-Track Approvals Bill currently before Parliament is up there with the most controversial decisions of the National-ACT-New Zealand First coalition government. This coalition, elected a year ago, is one of the most right-wing governments Aotearoa New Zealand has ever had. One has to go back to the National government elected in 1990 to findContinue reading “Fast-tracking wealth accumulation and the ‘war on nature’”
Why Socialism (why not New Zealand)
When people think of the German born Albert Einstein (1879–1955) usually this would be as the theoretical physicist who is widely held as one of the most influential scientists in the world. They would think of him being best known for developing the theory of relativity. Some would also be aware of his important contributions toContinue reading “Why Socialism (why not New Zealand)”
Careful what you ask for Labour Party: following UK Labour not smart politics
Labour leader Chris Hipkins is presently in the United Kingdom to learn from the British Labour Party led by new Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Although Leaders of the Opposition are entitled to an annual overseas study trip (Chris Hipkins also went to the UK last year), this one has attracted more than usual media interest,Continue reading “Careful what you ask for Labour Party: following UK Labour not smart politics”
Towards an economy based on provision of human needs
A critical feature in Karl Marx’s theoretical construct of political economy provides a valuable insight on how economies in countries such as Aotearoa New Zealand, function and how they might function better in order to achieve the well-being of their peoples. This construct begins with the statement that any product begins first with both aContinue reading “Towards an economy based on provision of human needs”
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