The comment that $250,000 can stop anything summarises just how rotten this system has become. Congratulations Bryce for doing more than any commentator for putting a spotlight on these issues. Decent standards and restrictions on the revolving door are fundamental to our democracy
In America when a government gets elected the positions in the most powerful select committees of its Congress literally get allocated to the members of the party that attracted the most money for the party.
Thus the corporation get there paid puppets where they want them.
And the casualty is the democratic process! Doesn’t matter where the money comes from or who the players are, lobbying is a carbuncle that needs lancing with the largest and hottest poker one can wield.
Totally obscene that people who aren't elected get such secret access to influence policy - for or against. It doesn't matter whether I like, dislike, or am indifferent to a particular politician (or journalist!) it is personally unacceptable to me that there is this incestuous relationship without a strong ethical & transparency framework. Thanks for such a well explained article to shed light on the subject.
A 21st century, "small c" conservative Socialist political movement could succeed in New Zealand, attracting those disillusioned with traditional politicians and politics. Initially, it might confuse many people. It would face opposition from both the left and the right & the outdated media. However, the greatest threat would be to opportunists across the political spectrum, including politicians, media, and lobbyists, nuts like Bryan Tamaki, the wrong kind of leftists & the wrong kind of capitalists - all who would have the most to lose.
To effectively tackle the issue of lobbyists, two key challenges must be addressed: The widespread apathy/mental laziness among the broader-general public.The manipulation by professional groups, including lobbyists, mainstream media, and certain liberal politicians and their influencers, who exploit this depressing laziness. Although difficult, taking radical and serious action on these two fronts could lead to meaningful progress in combating New Zealand's tendency toward widespread complacency.
The comment that $250,000 can stop anything summarises just how rotten this system has become. Congratulations Bryce for doing more than any commentator for putting a spotlight on these issues. Decent standards and restrictions on the revolving door are fundamental to our democracy
I completely agree Richard! Congratulations to Bryce!!
So 250K could stop the Fast Track Bill?
Let's start fundraising now! Anyone interested in a weekend cakestall?
I wish!!!
Thanks Bryce,
You and the team at Democracy Project are top notch.
We will be as bad as America before you know it.
In America when a government gets elected the positions in the most powerful select committees of its Congress literally get allocated to the members of the party that attracted the most money for the party.
Thus the corporation get there paid puppets where they want them.
And the casualty is the democratic process! Doesn’t matter where the money comes from or who the players are, lobbying is a carbuncle that needs lancing with the largest and hottest poker one can wield.
Totally obscene that people who aren't elected get such secret access to influence policy - for or against. It doesn't matter whether I like, dislike, or am indifferent to a particular politician (or journalist!) it is personally unacceptable to me that there is this incestuous relationship without a strong ethical & transparency framework. Thanks for such a well explained article to shed light on the subject.
A 21st century, "small c" conservative Socialist political movement could succeed in New Zealand, attracting those disillusioned with traditional politicians and politics. Initially, it might confuse many people. It would face opposition from both the left and the right & the outdated media. However, the greatest threat would be to opportunists across the political spectrum, including politicians, media, and lobbyists, nuts like Bryan Tamaki, the wrong kind of leftists & the wrong kind of capitalists - all who would have the most to lose.
To effectively tackle the issue of lobbyists, two key challenges must be addressed: The widespread apathy/mental laziness among the broader-general public.The manipulation by professional groups, including lobbyists, mainstream media, and certain liberal politicians and their influencers, who exploit this depressing laziness. Although difficult, taking radical and serious action on these two fronts could lead to meaningful progress in combating New Zealand's tendency toward widespread complacency.