THE MUDDLE OF THE MIDDLE

There's a worrying trend I notice, for people to become inured to the bad actions and decisions of politicians and government and industry leaders, saying "what can you do"? As a result they do nothing and many don't bother using their democratic rights to vote - especially in local elections.

Robert said this in his most recent post:

 

I found this pathetic and told him so in a comment to which he replied:

"The 'news' is what TV1 and Radio New Zealand says it is. You need to think for yourself!"

Apart from the oxymoronic nature of that I find it worrying because it reminds me of what the MAGA red hat wearing Americans say when defending Trump against any comments or criticisms from the authentic news channels - not only American ones. It's silly. You cannot summon up news and information from the ether through antennae in your head.

Then again ... Robert is a Catholic Christian:

We are bombarded with conflicting news channels for sure but it's up to any reasonable person to apply good judgement when selecting what to watch, read or listen to. It's best to seek balance by using both left and right leaning media - to a degree and not to subscribe to the too radical left or right. Sensible and reasoned argument doesn't own a position on either side.
 

I'll respond to Robert's three non-gripes:

1. "North South ferries... don't really care".

The inter Island ferry stock is aging and needs replacement within a few years. In addition to the actual ships, new infrastructure must be built. This service isn't just a luxury for travellers and cannot be dismissed by saying "I don't really care". Freighting between the two islands could be at risk from the new government's decision to abandon ferry replacement (saving 3 billion to help reward the top 2% in tax cuts). This will have a catastrophic effect on the economy and also 'derail' the option of having larger, more efficient lower-carbon emitting ships. It's dumb short-term thinking that will have financial impact and, because the current aging fleet has reliability issues, will put lives at risk.

I care.

2. "Speed limit on new safe roads.... some are doing those now anyway".

That's not the point is it? Did you mother ever say "Just because Johnny down the road wants to jump off a cliff, you don't have to."? In a recent post on defacing the 'No Dogs' signs on our conservation walks I noted how a dingbat commenter suggested that the signs should be higher to prevent them being defaced. This is not a solution but merely endorsement of stupid opinions and bad behaviour. 

Reducing speed limits on sections of roading in the country that are patently not suitable for high speed travel is commonsense and will save lives. Sure there will still be petrol heads across all demographics who will continue to speed but that is not a reason to do nothing.

3. "Smoking law.... need to know what they are REALLY proposing".

The coalition government has stated that, before March 2024 it will repeal laws that restrict the number of retailers allowed to sell cigarettes, ban those born after 2008 from buying them and cut the amount of nicotine allowed in tobacco. These laws were world-leading and brave but now lives will be lost as a result and further generations of Kiwis will become addicted. This because the coalition government is concerned more with revenue gathering than with health.

Sheesh!