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Acknowledgement: Garrick Tremain
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NZ, Wellington, 29 June 2014 – About one hundred people took part in a peaceful – if noisy – protest on a Saturday night outside Wellington’s sea-front museum, Te Papa. The National Party had booked Te Papa for a cocktail evening, with flash tuxedos and expensive frocks de rigueur for the evening.
Needless to say, low-income families and beneficiaries were not overly represented at this exclusive soirée.
The protest action was organised by Pōneke Action Against Poverty, a recently formed grass-roots pressure group fighting the widening gap between rich and poor in Aotearoa-New Zealand.
In a widely distributed statement, PAAP spokesperson, Kassie Hartendorp, said,
“While the Government has been lauding a drop in the number of people receiving the benefit, real unemployment has stayed the same. Instead of lifting people out of poverty, this Government has been refusing to support those who need help.”
The group statement condemned National current economic, social, and environmental policies;
While previously refusing to acknowledge the reality of being poor in Aotearoa, in May of 2013 Finance Minister Bill English declared “We don’t believe there is a solution to poverty in general.”
At the same time this Government is supporting the wealthy to become richer. From tax cuts in 2010 to asset sales and the ongoing expansion of mining, drilling, and fracking, this government is supporting big business while ignoring those who need help.
Pōneke Action Against Poverty stated that they wanted to see a Government working to support the most vulnerable in our society. Kassie Hartendorp said,
“We want to see a rise in the benefit (for the first time in decades), and the introduction of a decent Living Wage which is tied to the average wage in this country.”
Judging by the style of clothing worn to the Te Papa cocktail party, poverty was not a problem for attendees.
Many of the attendees had to walk the gauntlet between two rows of protesters. In case anyone believes that is “unfair” – consider that 250,000-plus children living in poverty is also unfair. Let this be a reminder to National Party members of the consequences of the policies they support;
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This was a salient reminder to those middle class aspirationists and One Percenters that there is real, palpable anger out in the community.
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There was sustained, loud, enthusiastic chanting from the crowd;
“One, two, three, four! Stop the war on the poor!”
“Shame! Shame!”
“What’s the story, filthy Tory?”
“Whose streets?Our streets!”
“When workers rights are under attack – Stand up fight back!
If those National supporters think sixty protesters were too noisy, imagine 250,000 children all screaming out for help. Something that Minister and National Party campaign strategist, Steven Joyce, might bear in mind, as he walked by;
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Some clear messages for the National Party, and it’s supporters;
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(Acknowledgement: Mick McCrohon)
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When the Prime Minister himself puts down the poorest of the poor in this country, is it any wonder that people will react accordingly? These signs say it all;
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Even the cetaceans aren’t safe from this government;
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Co-administrator of the ‘John Key has Let Down New Zealand‘ Facebook group (current membership: 14,605), Karen Jones (R), with her two daughters, Katie (L) and Tracey (centre). Karen is the very proud mum of two very sharp, and dedicated, young activists;
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And speaking of young people, these teenagers – not part of the protest – were curious to know what was going on;
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We explained to them that it was a protest against National’s social, economic, and environment policies. They immediately wanted to know if it related to mining on the Denniston Plateau and drilling in marine reserves! They were thoroughly clued up on contemporary environmental issues,
“New Zealand’s such a unique landscape, why ruin it, just for money?”
“Money is such a short time thing but then, like, our environment is a long time thing, and you can’t really replace [it].”
It would be a mistake to believe that young people are disinterested in the critical issues of the day. They were knowledgeable, and they were articulate. They were firm in their opposition to mining and drilling in our national parks and marine reserves.
They are the future hope for our country.
Greenpeace’s envoy from the arctic, the polar bear, tried to pass on the message of global warming threatening our world. Predictably, National Party supporters were more interested in cocktails and canapés, rather than climate change, as they hurried by;
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Police presence numbered around ten to a dozen, with additional private security guards to boost numbers. The One Percent must be very afraid of their tenuous hold on power.
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The protesters re-grouped to face the courtyard in front of Te Papa. By this time, their numbers had swelled to around a hundred. They were no less vocal, as National Party members, Ministers, and assorted MPs kept arriving.
When Tony Ryall walked by, I asked in a fairly loud voice,
“Mr Ryall, do you have anything to saying about a quarter of a million children living in poverty?”
I asked the question three times. He walked past, with no answer.
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Towards the end of the protest, Police arrested one person – Darren – for “Offensive Behaviour”. Darren had allegedly used a can of “spray string“, aimed at National Party members. As this blogger was present and witnesssed the incident, Darren did not “spray paint” the museum, and reports to that effect are untrue.
Police were quick to move in and arrest Darren seconds after he discharged the can. As the photos clearly show, Darren was relaxed, smiling, and at no time offered any physical resistance;
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Several dozen of the protesters – many holding various electronic recording devices (including this blogger, ‘armed’ with a camera and Voice Recorder) – looked on. At this point I asked one of the constables,
FM: “Are you arresting this gentleman, are you?”
Policeman: “We’re just speaking with him at this stage.”
People were watching and perhaps this kept Darren’s arrest restrained and non-violent;
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As this image clearly shows, Darren was not only not resisting, but stood casually beside them and made no attempt to flee;
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After being questioned, Darren was led to a ‘paddy wagon’, some few metres away;
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Three minutes after my first query, as policemen held Darren’s arms behind his back, I asked,
FM: “Excuse me, is he under arrest?”
Policeman 1: “That’s up to him. That’s up to him if he wants to tell you that.”
I asked again;
FM: “Excuse me, is this gentleman under arrest?”
Policeman 2: “Are you his lawyer?”
FM: “Sorry?”
Policeman 2: “Are you his lawyer?”
FM: “No, no I’m not.”
Policeman: “Well don’t interfere with them, while they’re doing their job.”
FM: “No, no. No, no. Not doing anything [to interfere].”
I persisted,
FM: “Can anyone tell me what he’s being charged with? Can anyone tell me what he’s being charged with?”
[No reply from police.]
Darren: Offensive behaviour apparently.
FM “Offensive behaviour? [to police] Is that correct?”
[No reply from police.]
Darren: “Offensive behaviour.”
Policeman: “Hey look, if you want to video, I’ll take it that’s fine, but what I’ll just ask you to do is keep your distance while we’re dealing with this? “
FM: [holding my hands up]: “Not going to touch you guys, not coming anywhere near you guys.”
Policeman: “If you could just, yeah, like I say.. that’ll be great -“
FM: “Yep, yep, arms length.”
As Darren was handcuffed, I asked, I asked Police,
FM: “Is it necessary to handcuff him? He wasn’t being violent.”
Policeman: “Standard procedure -“
FM: “It’s what, sorry? Standard procedure is it, to handcuff him?”
Policeman: ” – when we’re dealing with him.”
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There seemed no apparent reason for hand-cuffing Darren. He gave no resistance, and he fully complied with their instructions.
The following three images have been brightness-enhanced, but otherwise un-retouched. They show Darren hand-cuffed; and led into the paddy-wagon;
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About half an hour later, as it became apparent that no further guests were arriving to the function, the protesters packed up and moved away without further incident.
On Sunday evening, following Darren’s arrest and release, I interviewed him on-line to ascertain what had happened.
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Frank: Firstly, can you tell us what happened last night [Saturday]?
Darren: I was at a protest against the 2014 National Party Conference outside of Te Papa, where National Party Members were meeting for an evening function.
Frank: Can you tell us what the protest was about?
Darren: The protest was about a number of issues that people are angry at the National based government for pushing through despite public opposition, including the selling of prospecting rights on marine reserves to foreign multinational oil companies. At approximately 7:30pm I was arrested for ‘Offensive Behaviour’.
Frank: I was present when you were arrested. You used one of those party “string” spray-cans. You weren’t spray painting Te Papa, as some reports have stated, were you?
Darren: Yes at one stage I was holding a “string” spray-can. I did not spray paint the building. I, like other protesters, was offended by the behaviour of our so-called National Museum Te Papa that allowed an undemocratic right-wing political party, who I as a Citizen of New Zealand am opposed to, to book their premises.
Frank: Indeed, many people present can vouch that the spray can you were holding was not a paint can. So, what happened when you were arrested? You were handcuffed?
Darren: When I was first arrested a police officer took hold of my arm, I did not resist. They ‘patted me down to search me and confiscated all my personal items, wallet, cellphone, flat keys etc. I was ordered to put my hands behind my back and they put metal handcuffs on me. I was then told to enter the police van, where I sat for what felt like about ten minutes. Then I was let out and told to get into the back of a police car.
Frank: I was present when that happened, Darren. There seemed to be some uncertainty that the police charged you or not. Did they say they were charging you with anything?
Darren: I asked then what they were arresting for and was told the offense was ‘Offensive Behaviour’. They started asking me questions and I told them that I was remaining silent, which is one of my ‘Miranda Rights’.
Frank: Were you still handcuffed when they transferred you into the police car?
Darren: Yes, by that stage my wrists were bruised from the cuffs. The office sitting next to me attempted to put a seat belt on me, which would not fit because of the cuffs. I told the police that the cuffs were hurting my wrists but they would not take them off until I was processed at the police station some minutes later.
Frank: Ok. So all up, how long do you think you were handcuffed for? And can you confirm that you offered no resistance whatsoever? Because when I was present from the moment they caught you, using the “string” spray can, to the point they put you in the paddy-wagon, you showed no resistance at all. Was that your behaviour later, after they transferred you to the police car?
Darren: I think I was handcuffed for about twenty minutes, although it was hard to tell exactly as one of the first things that they confiscated was my wrist watch. The only time during the whole ordeal in which I showed any resistance was near the beginning when you were nearby, the policeman took hold of my right arm, which was technically an assault. I simply shrugged to get him to loosen his grip, which did not work. From then on I offered no resistance whatsoever and I remained silent for most of the time except to answer questions about my identification and residence etc and to make some general references, ie about the weather etc which had no bearing on my conviction.
Frank: Did they take you to the station to be formally charged and processed?
Darren: Yes, to my limited knowledge, it was done by their ‘book’. They processed me, gave me the formal charge of ‘Breach of the Peace’, photographed me, asked my intimate questions about my physiological and mental health, took my shoes, my belt and my ear rings and said that all my possessions would be kept in their safe while I was put into a holding cell for two hours. I was not allowed a telephone call or to contact legal representation, even though they mentioned that the police could provide me with ‘free lawyers’.
Frank: Did you ask to contact a lawyer or anyone else?
Darren: They briefly mentioned a lawyer when they were reading me my ‘rights’. I chose to remain silent except when an officer was padding me down and confiscating all my remaining property. I told the officer that when people are that intimate with me that they normally buy me a restaurant meal and a few drinks. The offer of a lawyer was not made again, and I was photographed and then marched into a holding cell, where I was left with no food, drink or telephone for about two hours, despite me telling them that I am diabetic.
At not time during the two hours did I have access to a telephone or my cellphone, even though I do remember asking for my cellphone back
Frank: So what time were you finally released? And have you been given a date to appear in Court?
Darren: It was about 9:40pm when they returned my watch and all my possessions. I think that they were annoyed that I remained silent and did not provide any resistance. According to my Breach of Peace Release Notice: “Subsequent enquiries have now established that: *(a) No charge will be laid against you in court and you are now free to leave the Police Station, OR” (sic) The notice was signed by the officer in charge. I was then marched out the vehicle entrance of the police station and told to go directly home.
Frank: How are your hands, after being handcuffed?
Darren: I did some wrist flexing exercises in the holding cell, that I remembered from going to a gym, to get the circulation back, but they are still bruised.
Frank: Any other observations you’d care to share with us about your Police experience? Do you think their detention of you was excessive?
Darren: Yes it was excessive. They didn’t need to handcuff me, they didn’t need to take every single personal item off me – what harm could I have done with my ear rings, for example. They could have asked if I wanted a glass of water or to make a telephone call. I had an ice coffee in my satchel, which they could have asked if I wanted to drink etc. The cell had a thin rubber mattress and a metal toilet, but that was all. They also didn’t need to hold me for two hours after processing me.
Frank: Will you lay a complaint with the Independent Police Complaints Authority, do you think?
Darren: Probably not. No photos were taken of my wrists and the cuffs did not draw blood or cut off the circulation. No charge was laid against me and I don’t want to aggravate the police to change that decision.
Frank: Ok. Lastly, has this put you off taking further protest action do you think?
Darren: Not at all.
Frank: So we’ll see you on the next protest action then?
Darren: It depends upon what the next action is, but if the issue is important enough I will be there.
Frank: Thanks, Darren!
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Postscript
Ministers really should car their ministerial limousines in legal car-parks – not just anywhere it suits them. These two were parked on a pedestrian plaza and across a motorcycle parking bay;
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But I guess National ministers pretty well do whatever they like these days. The law doesn’t apply to them, obviously.
As I took these photos (on my way to my legally parked car, for which I had to pay a car-parking fee), Darren was still locked in the police paddy-wagon.
For him, the law meant hand-cuffs.
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Note: apologies for poor quality of images. The camera I was using was not the one I usually use. – Frank Macskasy
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References
Scoop media: Pōneke Action Against Poverty to protest National Government
Dominion Post: National Party protester arrested
Aotearoa Independent Media Centre: PAAP takes on Nats
NZ Herald: Food parcel families made poor choices, says Key
Copyright (c) Notice
All images stamped ‘fmacskasy.wordpress.com’ are freely available to be used, with following provisos,
» Use must be for non-commercial purposes.
» Where purpose of use is commercial, a donation to Child Poverty Action Group is requested.
» At all times, images must be used only in context, and not to denigrate individuals or groups.
» Acknowledgement of source is requested.
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Above image acknowledgment: Francis Owen/Lurch Left Memes
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= fs =
This article is very disappointing.
At it’s core, you don’t respect other people’s opinion, hence you turn up to their conference to harangue and abuse them, simply for disagreeing with you.
That is not what liberal democracy is about. You must respect other people’s right to assemble and believe thoughts that are different to yours.
If some right wing zealots turned up to a Labour party conference and harrassed you Frank, about how they believe your policies were destroying the country, you would naturally feel peeved at the abuse.
Yet, you have no qualms doing this to others?
The National government is democratically elected under a fair, proportional system for goodness sake. If you don’t like the policies, work like hell to win more votes for Labour.
Change the government through the ballot, not through this idiocy. Actions like this, make you people look no worse than the Tea Party nutters in the U.S.
Its our democratic right to protest, and its one that the national party has actively and undemocratically tried to strip NZers of, as in prohibiting protests against oil exploration.
What a load of crap. No one stops you from protesting against any member or organ of the current government.
The sea drilling law is for public safety. If you want to go and protest an oil company, harass their executives or the appropriate Minister, you are most welcome to, no one in the world will stop you.
Perhaps you should educate yourself. New Zealand has one of the most rights centric legal and judical systems in the world.
There has been countless cases under the NZ Bill of Rights Act in which the Courts have firmly come down on the side of free expression and protest and against the Police.
Mark.
Let’s be honest here.
What you and other right wingers are pissed off about is that citizens dare protest against this government. A government you support.
All your arguments; all your points; all of it, is just “window dressing” to cover up the fact you don’t agree with the protesters.
That’s fine.
You’re entitled to oppose.
Just be honest about it.
I think you need to look up a wider definition of democracy.
Part of a democracy is allowing citizens the right to protest and the right to disagree.
This right to protest is right up there with the concept of innocent until proven guilty. Its a cornerstone of democracy.
Not allowing citizens a right to protest and disagree with government is not called democracy. Its called something else. I think you know what that is.
Yep. Communism. Totalitarianism. In some places, socialism.
LOL “liberal democracy”…
They are entitled to protest, Mark. Just as the Police are entitled to arrest. The bigger issue is that Frank has the time to write an article about 60 protestors. And take photo’s!
Not as much time as you have, Anonymous ACT Supporter Intrinsicvalue to supposedly run a business; own multiple flats; and still have time to make several dozen posts every day on this blog…
How do you do it? 😉
It’s not that difficult. I delegate. And there are 24 hours in a day.
The oppressor states the nature of the struggle. National are hell bent on serving the wants of the wealthy by bludgeoning beneficiaries with a billion in cut spending. Borrowing billions for the rich to have the money to buy assets that are privatised is economic sabotage and demands loud angry protest.
This who made a stand are legends.
Those simpering arguments that attempt to compare legitimate protest at the economic self mutilation of National with far right zealots is a false comparison.
So just to be clear about this, Mark, you oppose the right of people to stand peacefully in an open, public space, to express their views?
The North Korean Politburo commends you.
Mark you disappoint me,
Probably shouldn’t waste my breath of a moronic sheep like you however..
Its your ignorance in assuming everything is fair.John Key and his party have taken every opportunity to fleece this country for their own gain while NZs citizens sink into desperate poverty.
And you’re going to tell we can’t complain while our children starve.
What part of that is fair?
These people are better than you.These people are willing to stand up for what is right based on principals,children do not deserve to suffer because of greedy sociopaths,like John Key.
Where’s the true fairness in this system that we never choose in the first place.I never agreed to any of this,nor did anyone I know,its been forced upon us from birth.
I don’t agree with government so how dare you assume any of this is fair when it blatantly isn’t, nor democratic.
If we are individuals you then you don’t speak for us even if you did vote in the National party.And you have no right to tell us not to challenge the evil nor the corruption you represent.
Don’t talk about democracy and fairness like it actually exists,this system is based clearly on control,privilege and leverage.
We are being taken advantage of because of foolish non thinking people like yourself Mark, and it truly disappoints me far more than John Key,from whom I expect this sort of soiopthaic tendency.
Good demo, well done all.
Darren was subjected to “catch and release” a popular police tactic, where there is no real grounds for an initial arrest let alone a charge or court appearance. Most people just accept it as it seems less hassle than involving a lawyer etc.
The aim is just to intimidate the individual and supporters and remove people from an action.
Nice to see indoctrinated kids being used as political pawns by their parents.
Yes. Well done the mother!
Teaching her children right from wrong, and leading and showing them by her very good example.
Well done!
So you define anyone under a certain age who takes an interest in their democratic rights as indoctrinated? So that must mean I’m indoctrinated, my friends and siblings are indoctrinated…. Maybe get to know the parents and/or the children before deciding they’re being used as pawns against their will?
I think that might be too much like an effort on Andy’s part, Finn?!
Translation: Do not teach your children to question the government-of-the-day.
That no way to talk about a potential future Prime Minister of New Zealand !
It’s disappointing to see the protestors take such intimadatory tactics against those who dare have an alternate opinion.
Yelling and screaming at others is immature and the protestors could have made their point via a silent protest.
It’s sad because the point of this protest is clearly to try and blow the issue up large rather than effect change.
As the protest numbers indicate the cause is not well supported by New Zealanders who contribute to the country rather than perenially whinging and moaning. It’s rather ironic the protesters target the 1% because that’s what they are representing. The 1% of people who leech off the rest of society and contribute nothing.
@Real Matthew:
Wow. Do you really think that was “itimidatory tactics”?
How sheltered your life must be.
The only intimidation that happened there, was by the police – as proven!
Intimidation hasn’t even begun yet – it will only become worse before the election.
That was a quiet well controlled peaceful protest! Wait a little while, and you will see what intimidation really is!
Opinion and belief.
So let me get this straight Mr Matthew.
Be quiet when your elders, betters and more wealthy are present.
Do not look into their soulless eyes.
Do not whinge and moan.
Bow politely and lick the path to Te Papa clean with your tongues so the leaders do not get dust on their shoes.
Mumble discretely your thanks that we live in an oligarchical moneytocracy.
Praise Key-nes for his trickle-down benevolence.
Do not pass “Go”.
Go directly into the van then off to jail.
#TEAMKEY Me, myself amd my cronies.
You and that arrogant cabal you represent, deserve the same fate that Marie Antoinette and her ilk got.
I’ll save up my superannuation payments, eat rice for a week and save up to buy a ticket to spectate when it happens. I’ll bring my knitting…if that’s OK with you Mr Matthew?.
Hi Frank
Please delete the previous comment. The real intent of sitting around knitting and waiting for Mr Key and the cabal to be removed from power, could be misconstrued as a threat to life and limb and I’d like you delete the comment.
I am a pacifist. I have no desire to literally chop of important parts of the body corporate.
I’d appreciate if you could delete it, with my apologies for any perceived threat. Political means is the best way to change government.
Real Matthew – You seem to be very protective of the ruling class.
I hope you realise that they don’t care a jot about you? Certainly not to the same extent you care about them.
And really, what “alternate opinion” are you referring to when their opinion is that of the government and mainstream media?
Nothing “alternative” about them, mate.
Vive la France ?…anyone?…or let them eat cake…
The decision is yours this election and no one on the Left is intimidating anyone.
And as for some of these right wing weasel bloggers who appear from time to time in this blog…. although it is unfortunate you are so prone to brain fade and political naivety and that you do not appear to learn the lessons of history – please be thankful you have nothing to fear except a change of Govt for the better in a democratic and legal election from the mild example of what passes for the Left in NZ.
You will be safe in the hands of an elected Left wing bloc in Govt in NZ despite your misguided leaning to the right. And in time , you will relearn long forgotten concepts of national sovereignty, nationhood ,and egalitarianism.
Try it…I think you will rather enjoy the new experience.
Does Cameron Slater still do his ‘parking like a c**t’ photo series, in which he posts photos supplied to him on his blog to shame those who have parked badly or inconsiderately? He has many times taken delight in posting photos of Labour MPs whose cars weren’t parked according to his personal sense of geometric perfection. Surely he’d therefore make the same example if supplied with images of National party MPs whose ministerial cars are parked in motorcycle bays. Wouldn’t he?
Yes of course Whale Spew ‘be fooked’ would agree Cemetery;
–also whats with the with sneaky tickers here that don’t participate by leaving a comment, to me that is the price of entry, but so what in the scheme of things I guess.
So Frank, how do you think such a protest would go in, say, North Korea, the old Soviet Russia or any other paragon of your imagined socialist nirvana?
And how do you explain that your protests still seem to draw such tiny crowds?
You’ve utterly missed the point, as usual Anonymous ACT Supporter Intrinsicvalue.
And really, numbers does not define the rightness of an issue.
If that were true, then China’s system trumps the West.
Oh I agree, might does not equal right. I just wonder when you will begin to question why so few people actually attend your protests. Could it be because this Govt. is actually very, very popular?
So you agree that ” might does not equal right” – and then you suggest that it doers in the next sentence!! 😀
But more to the more, you ignore the reason why people are sufficiently angry at National/ACT that they protest.
Why is it, Anonymous ACT Supporter Intrinsicvalue, that the Right antagonises people to such a degree that they vent their anger in public protests?
Especially when generally you don’t see the same level of protests against Labour governments.
Easy, Frank. Those on the right see ‘protests’ with silly cardboard cutout slogans as beneath them. When Labour was in power, it was a case of ‘grin and bear it’ rather than get out and whine. This has always been the approach of the dignified right.
“So you agree that ” might does not equal right” – and then you suggest that it doers in the next sentence!! ”
Not at all. I simply wonder why you don’t ask yourself why so few people actually can be bothered protesting, and why the general course of this Govt that you openly despise is so popular. Have you never even asked yourself these questions?
So IntrinsicValue Anonymous Act Paid troll is using North Korea as the model for an aspirational political state. ACT plans to bring in vouchers for education, or charter schools to replace state schools? Do they have vouchers in North Korea? And the syllabus involves?
Syllabus statement #1 Kim Jong-un is always right!
Syllabus statement #2 See statement #1
So under your ACT syllabus in the vouchered or chartered schools would read:
Syllabus statement #1 #TEAMKEY is always right!
Syllabus statement #2 See statement #1
Chinese low-paid economy. Corporate America as our TPPA lords and masters. And North Korea as our political democratic paragon.
And who will be the supreme leader Intrinsic? #TEAMKEY ILL? #TEAMKEY UN? #TEAMKEY FU?
Arrogant Tory bastards.
Oh, where to begin? Perhaps it will suffice to say we live in a democracy, where you have the right to your opinion, and me to mine. And if you are genuinely concerned about political indoctrination, a visit to some public schools would make your hair stand on end.
I finds that reassuring.
When an ACT support criticises public schooling for “political indoctination” (without any evidence, mind you), then I know our system is doing well.
Oh I’ll give you a perfect example…the promulgation of the AGW myth. Are you aware Frank that students who question the alleged ‘consensus’ on AGW are marked down by many teachers? Now is that science, or political science?
Teachers are just marking correctly when students fail to do a basic investigation on AGW. If the students had investigated the evidence properly, they would have come to the same consensus as the scientists.
AGW= anthropogenic global warming, n’est pas?
Hardly a huge hook to hang a gripe on Insticvalue, but do you have to use the word ‘promulgation’? What a vile word. ( Helen Clark was a big user of this word, btw ) Please try dissemination, or simply communication, or spreading ideas. (oh,yeah,that’s what teachers do, )
It is always hilarious and so revealing that so many far right types still in this day and age can confuse the difference between socialism (and its varying degrees thereof ). And still quote out-of -context examples to back their claims.
Maybe they cannot afford the exorbitant student loans to take a course in political science..who knows?
But we do of course recognize this ‘McCarthy -istic train of thought for exactly and precisely what it is. A crude attempt to muddy the waters and raise fear and cast doubts in the minds of the politically wavering.
It would be a never ending source of merriment to be honest if it wasn’t for the fact that it is delivered in such a crude and unsophisticated manner.
Such a shame…not even a goodly attempt at stimulating intelligent dialogue….however , as I say…it is worth including for its comic value , ..at least.
edit :’can confuse the difference between socialism and communism’.
oh didums the greedy nats and their little troll here ( IV ) dont like protests.
IV will be happy that Key with the help of his corruptly appointed spy boss and old school buddy have built and legalised a spy regime that the North Koreans or former soviet russians could only dream of having.
Anyway good on the protesters and keep up the good work.
With a bit of luck Key will copy those other rich parasite thieves Fay and Richwhite who left New Zealand because they were sick of being recognized and called out for what they really are …………
Well done with this protest article Frank.
I hope you will get along to them all, and take your best camera!
Thanks, Mistery. I need to get my own camera looked at… Fingers crossed!
If you had agreed that you were Darren’s lawyer, when police asked, I wonder what they would have said then? Probably arrested you too!
Mike – the thought entered my mind as well. Basically, I wanted to observe and record. That was the best assistance I could offer to Darren; to be an extra set of “eyes” and “ears”.
You can’t expect to get treated impartially by the Police at such gatherings as the rich Blue Boys. If you protest against them then you are automatically labelled a terrorist. On the other hand if you act like a rude prick to Labour Party people, nothing is done because this is apparently just exercising your democratic right.
Sacre bleu !! Mon amie…let them eat cake!!
Bastille?…. and what of it?
No words to describe what happened to Darren. Like the peaceful candlelight vigil against drone strikes this protest was not the least bit frightening or intimidating. Compare to protests in Brazil and the violence that has ensued. One of the saddest images I have seen was this photo taken of protestors outside the National Party post budget meeting at Sky City. The irony of it all is the security guards man handling the protestors and defending the oligarchy, while the protestors were fighting for the rights of – most likely the security guards and their familes. It broke my heart. However, carry on we must, stand up and represent those who are powerless to take on the elite. Stand up Aotearoa.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11256215
Well said Maria.
http://workingamerica.tumblr.com/post/90076060543/bad-politicians-are-elected-by-good-people-who
And this photo sums up the way to get rid of Key, his cronies and the oligarchy. Urge everyone you know to “pay it forward” and get rid of #TEAM KEY.
Amen. When I saw the herald photo post budget, I was thinking, ” Why are you defending the people who’s policies create a terrible inequality gap, I would have opened the door.” lol
Good photo!
Frank you do seem rather disappointed that there was no trouble.
Really minor nitpick here, but this irked me:
“I told them that I was remaining silent, which is one of my ‘Miranda Rights’.”
I know the government is trying to turn NZ into the US, but I didn’t realise they’d gone so far as to follow US Supreme Court decisions on rights when arrested! You do have the right to remain silent (it’s in the Bill of Rights Act), but it has nothing to do with Miranda. Protesters need to make sure they know NZ law, not US law.
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