Excellent writing MT. The media love to appear balanced, so it is handy to be able to roll out a ‘left wing commentator’, but they have a stock of ex-lefties who at some stage became bitter (perhaps not getting the recognition they (thought they) deserved.) Chris Trotter is probably the most extreme example but there others like Josie Pagani and even Peter (who?) Dunne - all willing to put the boot into anything leftish. There could be a great thesis for a psychology student wanting to explain what happens, and why some succumb and some don’t…
Incidentally I too am gobsmacked by the Chris Trotter rhetoric - I vaguely remember him from years ago & expected a much different attitude, but there you go - never "assume" because it makes an ass-out-of-u-&-me. The "equality" v "equity" question needs to be at the forefront 💯. Brilliantly argued 👍 thank you 🙏
Yes I am very supportive of this clearly stated rationale of democracy to which almost all of us Kiwis subscribe! It is in real and present danger from the likes of Seymour and Trotter! Be aware, and be wary, fellow Kiwis….
This is one of your best yet MT! Thank you. I read this just after having a discussion with someone about Seymours supposed quest for equality via the TPB. I said yes but he'd have us all wearing the same size gumboots regardless of fit (and how well we could manoeuvre in them) not to mention someone with a disability might need a more expensive custom made pair. He'd cry privelage then. As for Chris Trotter, he started losing the plot some time back maybe 6 years ago or so. I wondered if it was some type of dementia setting in. I also wonder if he still meets with all the old socialists like Matt McCarten etc for Friday drinkies at Galbraiths (if it survived Covid) in Auckland. Oh to be a fly on the wall.
Hey MT, have you seent this on the spinoff by Madeline Chapman?
"The Weekend: How to get hired"
"There’s been a lot of talk about getting hired on The Spinoff this week. A few months ago for this newsletter I wrote about two new appointments to the Human Rights Commission: Stephen Rainbow as chief human rights commissioner and Melissa Derby as race relations commissioner. I was surprised by their appointments as their history of comments and views regarding human rights issues felt at odds with the commission’s work.
This week, I wrote about the documents (requested through the Official Information Act) that showed neither Rainbow nor Derby was shortlisted for their respective roles by the independent assessment panel. In fact, Rainbow had been added to the shortlist by justice minister Paul Goldsmith then, when he was “not recommended” following his interview, Rainbow was hired anyway. Derby wasn’t part of the original interview process but was invited to apply late by Goldsmith, interviewed late and was subsequently hired........"
Thank you for continuing to remind us of the Atlas Network connections in NZ by calling out the Gibbs family’s wealth from earlier privatisations, John Bishop (MP Chris Bishop’s father) being a founder of the Taxpayers Union, Seymour’s close ties to Atlas. And John Key coming out supporting Trump isn’t as startling as may have first appeared - he was responsible for giving NZ citizenship to Peter Thiel, one of the people behind Project 2025, who, along with Vance, Elon Musk, et al, will be running the US if their puppet, Trump, gets elected.
Fab points Lesley and yes it's important - I think. The dots are all starting to form and the puzzle is becoming clearer for us all. Andrew Bayly is just the latest in that vision.
I suspect Trotter is one of those boomers who while voting left like an automaton is uncomfortable with the reality of colonialism which has cossetted him and Labour Party ilk.
Excellent writing MT. The media love to appear balanced, so it is handy to be able to roll out a ‘left wing commentator’, but they have a stock of ex-lefties who at some stage became bitter (perhaps not getting the recognition they (thought they) deserved.) Chris Trotter is probably the most extreme example but there others like Josie Pagani and even Peter (who?) Dunne - all willing to put the boot into anything leftish. There could be a great thesis for a psychology student wanting to explain what happens, and why some succumb and some don’t…
Peter Dunne the self proclaimed voice of reason, remember that? - lmao!
👍💯👏👏👏 Bravo! No notes 😻
Incidentally I too am gobsmacked by the Chris Trotter rhetoric - I vaguely remember him from years ago & expected a much different attitude, but there you go - never "assume" because it makes an ass-out-of-u-&-me. The "equality" v "equity" question needs to be at the forefront 💯. Brilliantly argued 👍 thank you 🙏
Not worth subscribing that’s for certain.
Yes I am very supportive of this clearly stated rationale of democracy to which almost all of us Kiwis subscribe! It is in real and present danger from the likes of Seymour and Trotter! Be aware, and be wary, fellow Kiwis….
This is one of your best yet MT! Thank you. I read this just after having a discussion with someone about Seymours supposed quest for equality via the TPB. I said yes but he'd have us all wearing the same size gumboots regardless of fit (and how well we could manoeuvre in them) not to mention someone with a disability might need a more expensive custom made pair. He'd cry privelage then. As for Chris Trotter, he started losing the plot some time back maybe 6 years ago or so. I wondered if it was some type of dementia setting in. I also wonder if he still meets with all the old socialists like Matt McCarten etc for Friday drinkies at Galbraiths (if it survived Covid) in Auckland. Oh to be a fly on the wall.
Hey MT, have you seent this on the spinoff by Madeline Chapman?
"The Weekend: How to get hired"
"There’s been a lot of talk about getting hired on The Spinoff this week. A few months ago for this newsletter I wrote about two new appointments to the Human Rights Commission: Stephen Rainbow as chief human rights commissioner and Melissa Derby as race relations commissioner. I was surprised by their appointments as their history of comments and views regarding human rights issues felt at odds with the commission’s work.
This week, I wrote about the documents (requested through the Official Information Act) that showed neither Rainbow nor Derby was shortlisted for their respective roles by the independent assessment panel. In fact, Rainbow had been added to the shortlist by justice minister Paul Goldsmith then, when he was “not recommended” following his interview, Rainbow was hired anyway. Derby wasn’t part of the original interview process but was invited to apply late by Goldsmith, interviewed late and was subsequently hired........"
I did see that piece KSJ. There is just so much ick to cover - but appreciate you passing along :-)
Thank you for continuing to remind us of the Atlas Network connections in NZ by calling out the Gibbs family’s wealth from earlier privatisations, John Bishop (MP Chris Bishop’s father) being a founder of the Taxpayers Union, Seymour’s close ties to Atlas. And John Key coming out supporting Trump isn’t as startling as may have first appeared - he was responsible for giving NZ citizenship to Peter Thiel, one of the people behind Project 2025, who, along with Vance, Elon Musk, et al, will be running the US if their puppet, Trump, gets elected.
Fab points Lesley and yes it's important - I think. The dots are all starting to form and the puzzle is becoming clearer for us all. Andrew Bayly is just the latest in that vision.
I suspect Trotter is one of those boomers who while voting left like an automaton is uncomfortable with the reality of colonialism which has cossetted him and Labour Party ilk.
He seems to be an outlier, but I note in comments is calling people opposed to the TPB “fascists” and “baddies”.