How TOPs re-entry changes 2020 and the worst case scenario for the Progressive Left is highly likely
This could be bad.
Really bad.
TOPs re-entry into the political spectrum a couple of weeks ago spells real problems for the progressive left and as someone who sides politically with the Progressive Left, I am deeply worried about the worst case scenario being the only scenario.
Minus TOPs acerbic leadership, their evidence over ideology framing was so popular it gained 2.4% which in NZ is no simple feat.
The very affable Geoff Simmons will gain more cut throw with less backlash than Gareth Morgan whose ‘fasho-feminists’ populism was very limited. Ironically Morgan’s special brand of vitriol would probably be more popular now post the free speech fiasco, and if Geoff could harness that minus the name calling he could pull another 1-2%.
And that’s the problem.
New Zealanders looking for genuine political solutions to the environment and economy idealistically vote Green in NZ, TOPs 2.4% ate into the Green base and as the Greens increasingly mutate into an alienating middle class identity politics vehicle with a C-word reclaiming co-leader and MPs who increasingly frame every issue around themselves…
…the turn off for voters could cause the worst case scenario for 2020.
TOP getting 4% and the Greens getting 4% meaning both would miss out getting over 5% which would mean we lose all that representation.
The Greens dropping below 5% was a possibility based purely upon their lack of skilled tactics and strategists, with TOP back in the race that possibility starts looking like a probability.
This is why we need to get rid of the arbitrary 5% threshold, which the MMP review recommended but National refuses to implement because keeping it worked in their favour. The problem here isn’t TOPs existence or that it could eat into Green support, it’s that our electoral system is undemocratic, saying that unless 5% of the country votes the way you do, your vote doesn’t count. The scenario you present of 4% each for TOP and Greens would mean 8%, or approximately one in twelve votes, don’t count towards the next government. This absurdity needs to be changed before the next election.
Indeed, as the people indicated they wanted and as the Electoral Commission recommended.
https://www.elections.org.nz/events/past-events-0/2012-mmp-review/results-mmp-review
The corruption of mmp into first past the post mmp is the real problem, an uninformed voting public afraid of change is the result of political propaganda from the folks who cant let go of the old ways of power, more partys representing more folks is the way forwards, as Winston said “you cant always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you get what you need” of course he pinched that from the stones but hey, it makes more sense that way.
Wait, what?? You’re conflating Greens losing electoral support due to a resurgent TOP with misogynistic fat-shaming?? Say whut?? Newsflash, it’s something nearly all women have to put up with, irrespective of being a Green party MP or a solo-mum. You should know what women have to endure in Western culture. Our entire so-called “beauty”/entertainment industry is geared toward controlling women’s bodies and distracting their minds with superficialities.
Nah he’s not conflating the fat shaming, Martyn is making the point the Greens are more interested in making personal statements and being offended, than making meaningful change, hence putting off voters.
Western culture? Wait til you see how it is for fat people in China my dude. As for controlling the feminine, yeah if you think there’s anything uniquely western about that, I recommend travel.
What happens in other societies/cultures doesn’t negate what women have to endure in the West. Considering we pride ourselves on being more “enlightened” I think we have a bit to live up to and more failings to acknowledge. Of failings there are plenty.
It is illustrative that when self criticism of Western culture is made, there is a kneejerk reactionary response. When explanations are sought, and explanations are provided, there us the usual “mansplaining” takes place. Refusal to acknowledge the subtle (and sometimes overt) rife sexism that women have to put up with is part of the problem.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018660334/official-s-call-slammed-as-sexist-at-us-open
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/344814/sexism-rife-in-world-of-science-professor
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/344515/council-culture-it-s-quite-concerning
On the issue of TOP sucking electoral support from the Greens, even if this came to pass, which I doubt, then it would simply mean a Labour-NZ First coalition minus a Green party input. I seriously doubt the Nats would benefit much, as both Peters and Jones has a healthy distrust of the Nats. I’m sure Joyce’s attempt to destroy Peters by releasing his superannuation overpayment is still fresh in the minds of NZ First leadership.
“New Zealanders looking for genuine political solutions to the environment and economy idealistically vote Green in NZ .. ”
You could strongly argue against that – especially the economic portion.
In my opinion, after talking to Green Party supporters, at least half of their vote is/was derived from cannabis smokers. As they have failed miserably to deliver on their cannabis overtures since their inception – the aforementioned voters have left in droves.
Their current members of parliament leave a lot to be desired too – who gives away their parliamentary questions for a start~!!! They are easy targets and the fact they hold ZERO seats speaks volumes, time to put them out to pasture.
At this late stage it is a mistake to go after politicians when we can’t even say policy is wrong. So to expect the reforms that count can take place in this context then money couldn’t possibly change hands. Likewise reforms by committee is another form of a cop out, even though there are no solutions provided by the opposition and economic climate. Even though we don’t have the tools to fight this back because we can’t touch the problem of paying for all this. That’s a serious problem right now.