Summing up the flag "debate"

"the thing is that Key is manipulating democracy to brand NZ Inc, and people are resisting that"

Someone said this, somewhere and they are correct.

Keeping Stock folds - good

He's called "time" because he's been exposed by Nicky Hager.

Good. And right.

Besties

Beasties

Join the dots

Dirty Politics

Russel Norman reveals the National Party as corrupt

Bryan Gould on Collins' corruption and more

"The impression already given to overseas business interests - and confirmed by many recent instances - is that the way to get things done in this country is to get the ear of the Prime Minister or of his close colleagues and advisers. In that way, private deals can be struck, rules can be changed or bent, tax benefits can be conferred, ministerial interventions to grant citizenship can be arranged - and if a generous donation is given to a political party by way of thanks and recognition, then who can complain?"

He is quite correct.

Read the rest of Bryan Gould's revealing article here.

Collins - deeper hole, still digging

It's getting worse for Judith Collins. People are noticing. And writing comments. Here's one:

Clemgeopin6
19 March 2014 at 12:52 pm

Some thoughts:

[1] Cup of Tea Collins says, “So I had no idea where I was.” Does she know where she is at now?
[2] Key said she was on her final warning. Hasn’t she passed it now? Will Key sack her now or just swallow?
[3] Key said the Cabinet office ‘cleared ‘her! How do we know that to be true? Why then does he not release the advice?
[4] Key’s and Nat party response so far is a clear indication that Collin’s Oravida BS has already harmed and will continue to hurt Key and the National party.
[5] Key today advised Labour saying, “Oravida focus bad for votes”! Since when was Key a well wisher of Labour party? Is he saying that Labour should simply concentrate on their policies but even though they are the main opposition party, they should simply ignore the corrupt goings on with regard to Oravida and Collins? I think Key is actually very worried that the Oravida scandal and knows that it is bad for ‘National’ vote, not Labours!
[6] Some NAT/ACT supporters are deliberately or cunningly missing the point: It is the corruption angle for personal gain that is paramount in this scandal here.
[7] Also, now in China they shoot the bribe taking corrupt officials. Hence that custom official’s presence at the dinner is so significant. Something is rotten in the states of China and New Zealand!
[8] It is obvious and any fool will know that it was a pre-arranged dinner, not something she just happened to ‘pop in for a cup of tea’ on way to the airport. This sort of crap explanation to justify BS is unforgivable and insulting to our intelligence.
[9] Seems like a tax payer funded misuse of official position/trip for personal/family financial benefit and also party’s benefit in donation. Definitely serious conflict of interest.
[10] On the one hand, I think Collins very unbecoming behaviour with the Oravida saga is definitely a sackable shameful offense, but on the other hand, it would be good if she remains until the election so that every time we look at her or Key, we will be reminded of how discredited and corrupt this coalition regime has actually been!

Right-wing support for Judith Collins' lies - Te Reo Putake comments

(Background: Judith Collins claimed she 'popped in for a cup of tea/milk on her way to the airport.

Seems it wasn't a cuppa, wasn't popping in, and the venue was no where near the 'way to the airport').

Te Reo Putake3
19 March 2014 at 11:21 am

Because they are so very consistent, I’m expecting howls of indignation from the right about this. After all, when Helen Clark was driven through Canterbury at high speed, and said she didn’t really notice because she was head down concentrating on her work, the right called for her head.

Of course, there is a small difference; Clark said she was working, Collins said she was goofing off because she had nothing better to do while waiting for her flight. Gosh, it’s so hard to tell which is worse, eh?

Sky City's Key deal.

John Key

This is icky. It reeks of money which despite the laundering still pongs. Gambling casinos don't inspire feelings of trustworthiness, of worthiness of any kind in fact yet Key and National have clasped them to their breast like a dear friend (one whose pockets are stuffed with money I suppose and that must be the attraction. Sky City Casino seems like an uncle who's in the Mafia.) The sickest aspect to me, is the promise that the deal will be protected by a 35-year guarantee against changes to the 'pokies' laws. That protectionism and favouritism for dodgy uncle Sky is just ugly. Much of what Key has done around the deal is ugly.