Sam Uffindell Is Being Sacrificed By The Right, Martyn – Not The Left.

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NO, NO, NO, MARTYN! You’ve got it wrong. Sam Uffindell isn’t being taken out by the Left, he is being sacrificed by the Right. While he remains in National’s caucus, this hapless, inadequately reconstructed, self-confessed bully will be the gift that keeps on giving to Labour, and to all still hoping against hope that Jacinda will hang on for another term.

Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis want the MP for Tauranga gone much, much more than any fanciful confection of hysterical Woke Warriors. Over the next few weeks, National’s leaders will be counting on their friends in the news media to ease the way for Uffindell’s political execution. Luxon and Willis are unlikely to be disappointed.

You are quite correct, however, Martyn, in urging the Left to keep its focus on the manifold injustices afflicting the weak and vulnerable members of New Zealand society. Addressing poverty, exploitation, and all the other afflictions of Capitalism, has always been the Left’s core business.

You are right, too, in pointing out that turning a single, flawed, individual into a scapegoat is an infantile response – morally and politically. Systems call forth the human instruments they need to keep themselves functioning. A good workman doesn’t blame his tools.

That said, bullies are among the most important instruments of the capitalist system. Force and control keep its wheels turning, and making people do things they don’t want to do is the bully’s mission. Like all tools, however, bullies have been the subject of constant innovation and improvement. The tools designed to keep machinery functioning in the Age of Steam would be woefully unsuited to the Digital Age. The bullies of the Twenty-First Century are, necessarily, very different from those who kept Capitalism’s machinery running in the Nineteenth and Twentieth.

Back in the days of Charles Dickens and George Orwell, bullying tended to be a matter of aggressive physical intimidation. But, today’s bully doesn’t punch and kick his victims (or pound on their doors). Confronted with someone unwilling to toe the line in 2022, the bully is more likely to move up close to the dissenter, cellphone in hand, and start recording. The threat of having one’s words and face plastered all over social media is every bit as intimidating as a bully’s raised fist or boot.

But, if Capitalism requires bullies at every level: from the boardroom to the shop-floor; then it stands to reason that Parliament, the political system’s ultimate source of power and control, must have more need of bullies than any other institution. For what is politics – if not intimidation transmitted through legislation? Who better, then, to play the politician, than the accomplished bully?

The important qualifier in that sentence is “accomplished”. The most successful bullies are always the people who wrap dark threats in bright promises. They will offer all manner of good things, if only you will do this small service for them. Such a little thing that they can’t imagine you being so impolite as to refuse. And, of course, you are not going to refuse … are you?

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Christopher Luxon and Louise Upston are so keen to place young people in jobs that they will supply them with “coaches” to help them make the transfer from welfare to work. If they make the effort, then there’s a thousand dollars waiting for them at the end of their first year. A small reward for fulfilling their social obligations. Of course, if they were so impolite as to refuse all this assistance, then there would be … sanctions. But, of course, these young job-seekers aren’t going to refuse … are they?

The crucial objective, Martyn, is to prevent the ordinary citizen from drawing a parallel between the sort of crude bullying on display 22 years ago at King’s College, and what Capitalism’s political instruments do every day in Parliament. It is vital that the ruthless exercise of power and control, which lies at the heart of the politician’s – and the bully’s – trade, remains hidden beneath layer upon layer of the softest velvet. Under no circumstances should the past or present behaviour of a politician encourage thoughts of iron fists.

National’s problem is that those it asks to select its candidates have repeatedly failed to ensure that the individuals selected come fully equipped with a properly fitted pair of velvet gloves. Democratic politics can never be about brute force, not when its practitioners profess to govern with the consent of the people. National’s success depends upon its politicians’ convincing the electorate that they, too, can be kind.

Sam Uffindell’s “crime” was that he failed to inform the voters of Tauranga that he had once been cruel. True socialists would not, however, call for his resignation. They would bid him remain exactly where he is: living proof of what can lurk behind Capitalism’s kindly mask.

 

82 COMMENTS

  1. They (the Right) know of their track record with self titled, nasty bastards- who say “sorry” before causing more problems — it is in their DNA.

    • If you or anyone else wish to repost or do reactions you have my full permission, but please credit Bomber. The more hype this gets the better the final product will be!

  2. Everybody is rightfully criticising the National Party’s candidate selection processes. They need to step back and ask why National is the party of choice for so many deviants, liars, and inadequate weirdos wanting to get into Parliament. No other political party has fielded so many misbegotten so-called males as National has in recent history. Either that, or they’re just the dumbos who get caught out, but birds of a feather do flock together.

      • Wheel I haven’t suggested that anybody was sexist, or that the female of the species is necessarily any less objectionable than the male.

        • Did not mean to imply you had suggested that. Just adding Collins to the pool along with the “so called males”

          • Well I know that Jenny Shipley was a woman, blokes I worked with told me so. I should have said that National attracts some most peculiar ‘persons’ to its ranks, even more peculiar than the Greens, and that’s saying something. Labour was for the idealists – Nats wouldn’t know the meaning of the word.

              • Queeny Best refer all gender and sex questions to the Green Party; those Green girls seem to occupy the ranks of the gender ideology obsessives who are wrecking the lives of susceptible children all over the world.

                Hopefully the closing of the Tavistock Clinic in London will rein in a few of the gender ideologues – if only because they’re getting sued. Follow the money.

                Richardson was a small town person who decided at school that she wanted to be a politician and tailored her studies towards that end; she makes me feel sick.

  3. Not terribly convincing Chris. Bullying is no more inherently part of capitalism than it is of socialism. Surely I don’t need to jog your memory about the behaviour of certain “comrades” …

    To be clear, I’d like NZ to be more like Denmark – social democracy with a mixed economy. But it’s unlikely to happen here – we squander our money on pavlova-brained wokeries, rather than on practical evidence-based projects that would prevent people from falling into abject poverty or help them rise out of it.

    • How would “like Demark” work here? Nat/Act are polar opposites of higher/or broader base taxes which are actually invested in education and health etc. Labour are not really that much different despite all the bs. Do the numbers without a global pandemic response and what have they really spent big on? Health is catching up at most (and getting rid of 20 exec boards one of few positives)

  4. It’s a cute argument but let’s be fair there was someone in the feckless/team left with an axe to grind. All Te Reo and Beltway Willis are doing now is a corporate exit

  5. Chris uses the argument that Bullies use the capitalist system to do their evil deeds. This works but is only one side of the coin. That capitalist system also breeds the underprivileged and the disenfranchised, who in turn breed the bullies who use those same bully tools, to pay society back for the situation that they find themselves in. These bullies instead of being motivated by power and greed are motivated by abuse , deprivation and hate. Although we can understand how they develop they are just as dangerous and destructive. Abused children, gangs, thieves and other violent offending. Being a bully is not just the result of being right politically or being privileged or being able to own a mobile phone. It may however be the result of many so called right wing policies. Remembering of course, that this labour government is happily perpetuating those same policies.

    • An entirely fair objection NV. Thank you for drawing the readers’ attention to the consequences of ruling-class bullying for those at the bottom of the socio-economic hierarchy.

      Taken together, these behaviours delineate the true scale of the violence inherent in the capitalist system.

      • … unlike the socialist/communist system? Is there a system that doesn’t bully people into subservience? Democracy is by definition effectively submitting to mob rule (i.e. our/their mob is bigger so they/we have to now do what we/they say).

          • There are potentially better systems. Especially, we need to greatly empower local community governments and depower the central government – the latter who are increasingly not really concerned with what communities want (rather pivoting to corporate interests). That would be a good start.

        • We have a system already that says to single mothers on Welfare that improving their own position isn’t good enough for them.

          Single mothers on Welfare are paid about $10p/h to feed information back to WINZ just to generate enough subservience to feed there children who are already cold and hungry.

          Every time they want to use that information to improve their positions by forming relationships doesn’t have to be a boyfriend, any kind of relationship employee/employer client/bank what ever – thwyre told you are being naughty.

          I believe this fundamental breakdown of the family unit has done more destruction to the centre than anything else.

          These people (can be males) are unrepresented so can’t get into politics like Metiria Turie, they can’t get into finance or employment amd they can’t even use their partners resources.

          Even the solutions that are already on the table are the opposite of what they should be doing which is To nurture a generation of young vibrant and talented contributors to society and that’s just not happening.

          Y’all go on about ram raids are the worst, this and that needs to be done because muh hate boner is throbbing, give us a break Jacinda. Fully implement the WEAG report.

      • Chris unfortunately there are those people who believe that being bullied/ mistreated / do as your told must be good for them because it is usually done by the wealthy capitalists who appear to have done very well for themselves so the “ surfs “want the same . Take the United Kingdom who have been under tory rule for more than 10 years with 4 different prime ministers. As we speak there are two tory MPs slugging it out for the top job, they are slugging it out while “ London burns “. They are literally fighting each other. There is no Prime minister in sight , he is on his honeymoon, the leader of the opposition is also on holiday. Now previous Labour leader Gordon Brown is putting forward suggestions to support the people of Britain through the worst inflation in years with a fast approaching recession. Power prices will be through the roof this winter, there have been no decent pay rises for years hence the rail strike and Mick Lynch telling many a right wing journalist how it really is. My point the poor and working class will still vote for these clowns because they are brainwashed and bullied by the tories and their right wing journalists mates as being better managers of the economy and the subliminal message is that you will do as your told and vote for us.

  6. I wonder what unafendall’s mum and dad have to say about all of this. Have any real journalists door stepped them yet?

    • ” I wonder what unafendall’s mum and dad have to say about all of this ”

      Don’t worry son the Nats will put you somewhere safe and out of sight or its back to the bank.

    • Denny Paoa. What about his grandparents ? Great Aunt Thelma ? Uncle Bernie’s neighbours ? The chappie at the fish’n’chip shop ? The cats on the rooftops ? Any old bugger at a bus stop who might have known Auntie Thelma’s dog ? Manufacturers of brassieres ? Those USA satellites ? A psychic or two? Prince Harry of Hollywood ? Some sad ex-MP’s dying to be noticed again ? The list is endless.
      Go media! Go !

  7. the twerp is a nasty little oik..
    .as he himself would possibly put it ,had he any self awareness

    …frankly fuck him and all who sail in him….

    • Perhaps it shows strength of mind to only kick someone when they are standing gagarin?
      When they are down, perhaps a hand up and advice to take a break and read Sun Tzu. He calculates what to do and when to do it, or not.

      I’m trying to handle my aggression and only let it out on people who seem full of righteous bluster and doing the NZ tall poppy thing, to cut anyone off at the knees who is trying to think of alternative better ways for problem solving. Let’s brainstorm and afterwards,
      work though the ideas for good and bad bits!

      Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.
      Bruce Lee (and Oscar Wilde – “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.’)
      Seems a better way than negativity unlimited, or as WB Yeats said whom Martyn has quoted:

      “Let us go forth, the tellers of tales, and seize whatever prey the heart long for, and have no fear. Everything exists, everything is true, and the earth is only a little dust under our feet.” ― W. B. Yeats
      (Too poetic to be reliable advice, but if it sets the heart afire from our damp wood, then we may grow warm and convivial, think, smile and do. – My response)

      The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity. ??
      William Butler Yeats
      The worst thing about some men is that when they are not drunk they are sober.
      William Butler Yeats https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/29963.W_B_Yeats

      • Society was built on by bullies in the first instance.

        Zero Tolerance always seems to end up targeting those who are the victims rather than the perpetrators.

        Ignoring kind of works it’s just the vast majority lack the composure.

        Now adays having one or two or more friends makes it difficult to receive bullying .

        Even when the when the victim is dependent on the bully for grades or money in this instance having enough friendship is enough the victim can just ignore it.

      • grey you can quote yeats as much as you like it doesn’t change the fact stuffington was the schools 3rd rate flashman clone and such things do carry on into adulthood

  8. Some of this shit does come back to haunt people–remember back buster Tony Veitch anyone? It is not always about bullies self pity for themselves after being called out. Martyn has alluded to possible self harm for Sam Uffindel.

    The bullied also have their experience. This incredibly sad and valiant piece from ex Listener Dep. Ed. Tim Watkin, ads some perspective to how it can feel for the bullied even many years later…
    https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/bullyings-long-shadow-is-cast-across-sam-uffindell-and-the-national-party

    • ” some perspective to how it can feel for the bullied even many years later… ”

      Yes T.M New Zealand has had an extreme bullying culture often encouraged at all levels of society and once many voters saw it as strength when Muldoon often destroyed his enemies in full public view and more harshly behind closed doors. Counterpunching was the term he used to explain his approach.

      People like Uffindell are representative of a large part of the voting public and the good people of Tauranga were still prepared to back him as an MP when his behaviour became public and the selection board thought he had all the right qualities to be represent a safe and important seat in parliament.

      Now with all the scrutiny and attention Uffindell is probably getting an idea of how destructive bullying and ridicule can be on the victims as well.

  9. The left throughout history are by far and away the biggest bullies the facts speak for themselves.
    ( please don’t bombard me with childish questions asking for proof just google it)
    Trevor Mallard the punch up man defame people pour water on children biggest bully in parliament history.

  10. I’ve always thought that it was relatively simple to keep unemployment at bay: cut the amount of Job Seeker Support right down to $150 per week, plus up to an additional $150 Accommodation Supplement paid directly to the landlord, with quarterly government inspections in conjunction with the landlord where possible. That does not require every individual beneficiary to have a work coach. Start new SoE’s instead. Move away from our nation’s reliance on agriculture and build clean, well maintained, factories with a starting rate of $22.50 and flexible working hours for these citizens.

    • What would those clean, well maintained factories produce Daniel that other countries don’t produce at a scale of cost we could not compete against? Surely not PYE televisions or CKD cars if you can remeber those days. And ships – could we build ships….

      • Baked goods, woven merchandise, there would be opportunities for young people to work in the timber industry if my vision were to be fulfilled, clean well maintained offices for IT opportunities and website and software development, eventually accompanied with the right health and safety regulations there would even be a State owned glassworks and metalworks, ceramics, interior decorating, engineering and mechanics, an increase in recycling and conservation opportunities through both regional councils and central government.

      • Perhaps we could specialise in Thomases, Doubting Thomases, which we are seem good at. Giving up autonomy, to obey some stronger-minded person, always doubting ourselves and wary of putting ourselves out for a need with possible failure. As Yoda said – There is no try. Do or do not. You make up your mind in advance to advise negatively. One thing is sure, we will never acquire the skills needed for a thriving country, under your aegis. Thanks for writing here apparently to promote your own brand of toilet paper, pre-wetted for those who can’t manage the skills needed for self-care in practical necessities.

        No Frodo us, give the ring to Gollum if he is silly enough to venture forth and we’ll just make a cosmetic effort and then pass judgment on the collapse that happens after the affray. That’s the majority of young adult NZs – sly and uncommitted.

  11. There were good reports from students about Maori St Stephens college for boy and the girls college Victoria yet they were closed in 2000 for apparent lack of funding and with reports of bullying. What a shame, what a waste. Trevor Mallard was the officiating education minister dealing so wisely with the problem! Apparently St Stephens start went back to 1844.
    2000 St Stephens College: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/troubled-boys-school-to-close/VWSK6LDOSI2NZV5ESHK7PO4G4U/
    2001 Queen Victoria College: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/historic-girls-school-to-close-gates/N5SZH3SNEZFUAHMYCBWS65JIWY/

    2018 https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/teahikaa/audio/2018659584/how-memories-of-her-maori-girls-boarding-school-inspire-artist-maraea-timutimu
    2018 https://www.newsroom.co.nz/can-the-great-maori-boarding-schools-return

    What happened to the ethos of these schools ? In the early 1900s the country was willing to sacrifice young men in two world wars, and if you got home that was a bonus. But since then you would have thought that we could have adopted policies that brought about upstanding, capable, buoyant and well-tempered men and women. But there was something wrong in the state of New Zealand as shown by Lake Alice revelations…!

    In Posh Boys about Uk schools this was looked at. Britain’s Boarding School Problem | The New Republic
    https://newrepublic.com › article › britains-boarding-sc…
    14/09/2018 — Robert Verkaik’s new book Posh Boys is a detailed and damning …
    Bullying was not just endemic, it was structural, with younger boys acting as servants for older ones, carrying out menial tasks and enduring whatever punishments their teen overlords could dream up, in the knowledge that eventually they would get to mete it out themselves. They went on to demand similar submissiveness and loyalty from the native populations they were sent out to rule, having been taught to regard them as unruly children in need of discipline.

    I think we need a Moral Rearmament before we disappear up our own orifices, like the beasts we become when we don’t manage ourselves, our passions and desires and hates, in a manner that is respectful and restrained. Start now is my recommendation. Talk, talk, blame, blame I am sick of the cringe-making headlines and I think many feel the same.

  12. Denny P says to ask Uffindell’s parents. I agree. Power = bully. Starts at home and ends nowhere. How many siblings are bullied and no one stops them? How many children are bullied by their own parents?
    Perhaps the anti-smacking bill (which I didn’t like too much at the time) will help with new ways of discipline.
    I hope so because it’s all about discipline and teaching fairness to children and after that self-discipline follows.
    As for Lake Alice and all the others that was not bullying that was Evil. And yet Oranga Tamariki la la la still facilitating with their new Bill.
    The corporate bullying is a pure power trip. Somehow the bullies need to be taken down but they know instinctively how to escape any consequences.

  13. “Zero for him, zero for you – that is communism”. (Pol Pot)

    Who wouldn’t want that! But wait, there’s more!

    Comrade Trotsky carefully explains that capitalism is the cause of all bullying!

    In year zero, Comrade Trotsky will, with a wave of his hand, cure the world of all bullying! We just need to go back to our glorious twentieth century communist policies!

    After all, Comrade Stalin, Chairman Mao and Pol Pot didn’t go in for this capitalist bullying business, did they?

    Great stuff.

    • You are like a woman trying to convince everyone that Trotter said several things that he hasn’t even said.

      Your examples of systems hasn’t been a thing for over 40 years. It’s not necessary for you to hold onto those delusions.

  14. The Nats are just trying to pre-empt the lefty media. They know the lefty media want to crucify Uffindell so the weaklings are trying to curry favour by doing it first

  15. Uffindell is a talking point for the control of National by the privileged. NZers just don’t like that, brought up to their face. Middle-aged voters know they aren’t real NZers unless they spent time on a farm.

  16. One of the few things you Lefties get right is your long-held view that the National Party are a bunch of born-to-rule pricks, of which Uffindel is a prime example.

    But here’s a question for Chris (and the likes of “Blert”):

    If the news media is so right-wing why do so many Right wingers I know, plus those I see on blogs and social media, hate them and no longer subscribe, buy, or read papers, watch OneNews or listen to RNZ? They’ll tell you it’s because they can’t stomach the unending Lefty bullshit on multiple issues – stuff Maori issues, Climate Change, Covid-19 and so forth that sound little different to what I read from Lefties here.

    So what’s “right-wing” about them? Is it that they’re mostly private sector? Are your definitions that extreme?

    • You’re as right-wing as Republicans. Your nonsense, thankfully, doesn’t wash here. Covid was an epidemic, climate change is an urgent crisis and Maori are under the heel. You’re hysterical in both ways. The Left loves two things above everything, truth from proof and democracy — you avoid both like leprosy.

      Your around the billy self-serving tosh has no credibility beyond the billy.

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