Don’t be grinch at Xmas
The exposure of the theft of alternative holidays – otherwise known as lieu days – by the Wendy’s corporation has opened up a pandora’s box of holiday theft allegations across this and other industries.
Setting the Agenda
Political analysis and commentary shaping the progressive debate in Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on power, policy, and accountability.
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If Labour wants to ‘tame globalised capital’ why is it supporting investment rules in WTO?
Last week Trade Minister David Parker said “it’s not fair that we subjugate ourselves to the interests of the one per cent” and promised to tame the “excesses of globalised capital”.
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So “throwing money” at poverty does work, according to National?
One of the most commonly parroted cliches from the rightwing of politics; “throwing money at the problem” – usually with the add-on; ” – doesn’t solve anything”. Except, of course, when it comes to tax-cuts. Then it’s not so much “throwing money” at middle class and affluent voters – as labelling it a “reward”
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Kiwi prominent in ICAN, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner
New Zealand has a long history of active anti-nuclear NGOs, several of whom are involved in ICAN via their international parent bodies. These include the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War and Pax Christi – all of whom are represented on the ICAN international steering committee.
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Another month of Israeli oppression – November 2017 in Palestine
In the month just ended, one that also marked the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, the Palestinian people continued their struggle to survive under Israel’s profitable and cynically-imposed regime of population-control.
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When it comes to legalising medicinal cannabis, what would Helen Kelly do?
The Labour Government says it will introduce legislation within 100 days to legalise medicinal cannabis, but what does that actually mean, and would Helen Kelly approve?
The test of any proposed new law should be, “What would Helen Kelly want?”
Hint: it’s not expensive pharmaceutical derivatives. -
Warning Signs: The Briefings To Incoming Ministers Reveal A Country Gripped By Multiple Crises
The grim picture painted in the BIMs is the consequence of National’s class-driven programme of austerity. Labour’s seeming helplessness in the face of the multiple crises they reveal, is the direct consequence of its refusal to accept that the wounds of austerity can only be healed by applying the sovereign remedy of substantial increases in state spending – facilitated by a radical expansion of the tax base.
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Trump’s move over Jerusalem undermines international law and disgraces the US
US President Trump’s surrender to Israel’s territorial ambitions reveals contempt for international law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention. Trump’s announcement contradicts even the most recent Security Council Resolution, UNSCR 2334 of December 2016. Israel’s control of East Jerusalem, including the Old City, is illegal because under international law, an Occupying power does not have sovereignty over foreign territory it militarily occupies.
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Trump Recognises Jerusalem: The Zionist End-Game Begins
By announcing the United States recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Trump has sent two very important messages to the extreme Zionist elements in Israeli society. The first message is brutally simple: the so-called “two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is dead. The second, to the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, is that, as the political logic of the two-state solution’s demise is followed to its inevitable and brutal conclusion, the United States has got Israel’s back. Not just at the UN Security Council, but everywhere Israel needs American support.
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Poverty and inequality won’t be challenged by Tax working group
Last week Statistics NZ released the National Accounts for the year to March 2017, which revealed that working people are receiving only 48.7% of the national pie compared to a peak of 58.7% in 1981.