Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says her party must confront the uncomfortable reality that it continues to struggle with support from lower-income New Zealanders, despite advocating policies aimed squarely at economic and social justice.
In a wide-ranging interview on RNZ’s 30 With Guyon Espiner, Swarbrick said the Greens were committed to engaging beyond their traditionally urban, affluent voter base, but acknowledged it was a “big issue we have to crack open”.
[…] Swarbrick admitted the Greens have work to do to be more “present” with marginalised New Zealanders, conceding the left has not always earned trust.”
File under ‘There’s nothing wrong with our policies: we’re just not working hard enough.’
Identity politics – “People are right to be frustrated.”
[…] Former Labour finance minister David Parker recently criticised the political left’s “obsession” with identity issues to the detriment of meaningful progress during his valedictory speech. In response, Swarbrick argued that representation initiatives and material outcomes for society are not mutually exclusive.
“People are right to be frustrated,” she said. “But some of these self-styled strongmen are punching down, scapegoating minority groups instead of confronting the systems that caused inequality in the first place.”
She pointed the finger instead at other political leaders inflaming culture wars. “If we’re going to talk about who’s inviting this inflammatory culture war, it’s the deputy prime minister deciding to bicker about what bathrooms people can use.”
Yes, sure. Just a side note here. If you think this is just about equal numbers, you’re in for a rude awakening. What it is about is distribution of power? I’m no talking just equal-equal distribution. I’m talking what proponents would call “restorative” distribution.
File this under ‘What we’re doing is trying to create a fairer and more just society. Kind of like Pol Pot.’
Greens’ Wealth Tax: ‘We’ve shown people our hand.’
Swarbrick also defended her party’s proposed wealth tax, a 2.5 per cent annual levy on net assets over $2 million, as a necessary structural change. She addressed criticism that such a tax could hurt asset-rich, income-poor homeowners.
[…] “This is about the top three per cent,” she said. “It unlocks the resources necessary for all of us to live better lives.”
Swarbrick also backed a wealth transfer tax on large inheritances and gifts, framing it as a matter of fairness. “That income hasn’t been earned, it’s been passed on. We all belong in this country and have a responsibility to support it.”
I have no love lost for old farts who sit alone in mansions refusing to sell. But that’s a moral and societal issue, not a legal one. Forcing someone to sell their home either through taxes or anything else, is both wrong and dangerous.
Anyway, file this under ‘What we’re doing is trying to create a fairer and more just society.’
Would work with National – but only on Greens’ terms.
While stopping short of confirming openness to a National coalition, Swarbrick said the Greens could work with “anyone” who supports meaningful action on climate and equity.
[…] “The Green Party has always stood for both environmental and social justice,” she said. “These were never separate issues.”
File this under ‘We know best.’
What makes idealists dangerous is when they get frustrated because no one will listen. This, at least to them, justifies using force to make others do what they want, ‘for their own good’. And if that doesn’t work then there’s only one option left – getting rid of those kinds of people by any means necessary. And that includes both virtually, for example the Covid mandates, and physically.
Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/561609/greens-must-reject-tokenism-to-connect-with-marginalised-communities-chloe-swarbrick
Kevin is a Libertarian and pragmatic anarchist. His favourite saying: “There but for the grace of God go I.” This article was first published HERE
2 comments:
Get a life Kevin. There is no need to call the older generation who have worked hard for their homes and security, Old Farts. That reeks of envy and arrogance and self pity. It sounds remarkably like an endorsement of attitudes you purport to disagree with.
I love the home i worked so hard to buy, maintain and live in, that has so many memories for me. I have a use for every room in the house and I dont care whether you approve or not. I do not want anything smaller or described by some one else as more suitable for me at my age and stage. I have what I want. It suits me well on my terms. I have no sense of obligation to any one else simply because it is mine or because I am old.
Get over it Kevin.
Yours sincerely,
Old Fart.
greens, especially chloe, are very good examples of why there should be a minimum age for entering any elected position. setting it to 30/35 would at least ensure that these college graduates face the realities of the market and are forced to showcase their success - as an employee or an employer - to the voters.
Post a Comment