Hi Mountain Tui - unfortunately I didn't intend my my column to be about Luxon Vs Ardern, and who is best or worse. It was about whether wealthy politicians - especially those who are against bringing in CGTs - are conflicted by their ownership of property. Both sides of politics have failed the public on capital gains tax and on the housing affordability crisis.
I agree with the latter point. Given all the vitriol etc. her way I felt it felt personal and if she is used as an example, why wouldn't her circumstances be relevant. I understand your point and intention though so acknowledged.
Maybe a topic about John Key and how he just effectively endorsed Donald Trump while under investigation in the US for insider trading + being named in the Panama Papers as an enabler for hiding wealth in foreign trusts ?
This desire for balance is an interesting one but I do like the idea that government is public services - and nothing else, like Jimmy Carter exemplifies.
And it's also interesting that people are paying for lettuces like Liz Truss to speak - but then again she is the right type of person for the alt-right speech circuit. She has also expressed full throated support for Donald Trump.
Of course we don’t know what she’s doing with all of the money she is reportedly being paid. Good folk don’t go around big mouthing their good deeds. It could mostly being returned to people who really need an income readjustment? Wouldn’t that be something, Jacinda?!
However that doesn’t address the bigger problems that Bryce so thoroughly lays out. Just when I thought I understood the nature of the “revolving door” it is now clear it’s sweep is considerably larger.
And just as no one outside of Parliament and Big Lobby Inc believe that “self regulation” of lobbyists is credible, it is increasingly clear that politicians as a ‘trade’ are unable to be trusted to “self regulate” either. The very people entrusted to regulate for integrity and transparency on “the people’s” behalf, are mired in self interest and greed ( the sin that since the fall of Christianity, virtually no one now speaks of, let alone interrogates).
I feel that JA lost a deal of credibility by her refusal to contemplate any tax system revisions. Her tank might have been empty but boy, did she leave at a bad time for NZ! Hopkins was handed a poisoned chalice and we now have this disgusting government.
I am grateful for the way Covid was dealt with and the saving of lives commendable. The money spent during and after lockdowns could have been used better if invested in infrastructure instead of propping up the balance sheets and bonuses of large businesses.
That she chooses the money circuit rather than a Helen Clark institute type operation is sad but predictable.
I admired her when she became leader after Little stepped down and during the Christchurch massacre. Her leadership during Covid was commendable. Sad it all finished in a mess for the country.
You're welcome. I think the context of this article really misses a lot - suggesting that Jacinda, who had one house with a mortgage (Newshub), is comparable to Luxon who has 7 mortgage free etc.
It's sad, but the reality of our times as so many want to be balanced, but I don't think this is a balanced comparison.
I warned you all that she would never walk her talk!
$316000? to hear this evil witch speak? that is being overpaid by $320000. I would need to be paid to listen more than 10 seconds
I will note Jacinda Adern had one home with a mortgage (Newhub) and that was her family home.
Luxon has 7 properties - all mortgage free.
Jacinda was subject to vigorous pressure campaign from Jordan Williams: https://www.atlasnetwork.org/articles/nztu-campaign-successfully-fights-punitive-capital-gains-tax
Luxon didn't need one - he doesn't believe in capital gains tax.
Hi Mountain Tui - unfortunately I didn't intend my my column to be about Luxon Vs Ardern, and who is best or worse. It was about whether wealthy politicians - especially those who are against bringing in CGTs - are conflicted by their ownership of property. Both sides of politics have failed the public on capital gains tax and on the housing affordability crisis.
I agree with the latter point. Given all the vitriol etc. her way I felt it felt personal and if she is used as an example, why wouldn't her circumstances be relevant. I understand your point and intention though so acknowledged.
What are her speech topics? Perhaps they are globally useful social messages. Why shouldn’t she be paid for speaking?
Maybe a topic about John Key and how he just effectively endorsed Donald Trump while under investigation in the US for insider trading + being named in the Panama Papers as an enabler for hiding wealth in foreign trusts ?
This desire for balance is an interesting one but I do like the idea that government is public services - and nothing else, like Jimmy Carter exemplifies.
And it's also interesting that people are paying for lettuces like Liz Truss to speak - but then again she is the right type of person for the alt-right speech circuit. She has also expressed full throated support for Donald Trump.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/20/sir-john-key-named-in-us-insider-trading-case/
Of course we don’t know what she’s doing with all of the money she is reportedly being paid. Good folk don’t go around big mouthing their good deeds. It could mostly being returned to people who really need an income readjustment? Wouldn’t that be something, Jacinda?!
However that doesn’t address the bigger problems that Bryce so thoroughly lays out. Just when I thought I understood the nature of the “revolving door” it is now clear it’s sweep is considerably larger.
And just as no one outside of Parliament and Big Lobby Inc believe that “self regulation” of lobbyists is credible, it is increasingly clear that politicians as a ‘trade’ are unable to be trusted to “self regulate” either. The very people entrusted to regulate for integrity and transparency on “the people’s” behalf, are mired in self interest and greed ( the sin that since the fall of Christianity, virtually no one now speaks of, let alone interrogates).
Hypocrisy at its worst!!
One thing to be left in politics - then make all the money ( a supposed right wing right)
I feel that JA lost a deal of credibility by her refusal to contemplate any tax system revisions. Her tank might have been empty but boy, did she leave at a bad time for NZ! Hopkins was handed a poisoned chalice and we now have this disgusting government.
I am grateful for the way Covid was dealt with and the saving of lives commendable. The money spent during and after lockdowns could have been used better if invested in infrastructure instead of propping up the balance sheets and bonuses of large businesses.
That she chooses the money circuit rather than a Helen Clark institute type operation is sad but predictable.
I admired her when she became leader after Little stepped down and during the Christchurch massacre. Her leadership during Covid was commendable. Sad it all finished in a mess for the country.
Did you see this Tony?
https://www.atlasnetwork.org/articles/nztu-campaign-successfully-fights-punitive-capital-gains-tax
Thanks so much! I’ve looked for this article before and missed it!
You're welcome. I think the context of this article really misses a lot - suggesting that Jacinda, who had one house with a mortgage (Newshub), is comparable to Luxon who has 7 mortgage free etc.
It's sad, but the reality of our times as so many want to be balanced, but I don't think this is a balanced comparison.
I don't think JA is concerned about tarnishing her reputation.