"National will have built lots and lots of charging stations all over the country so that the relatively wealthy New Zealalnders – farmers and corporate high flyers alike - who are able to afford Teslas without government assistance, will be able to travel long distances in comfort. Somehow, National has found a way to make even its climate change policy serve only the top five per cent."

#GordonCampbell, 2023

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2309/S00013/on-climate-discounts-and-corporates-as-children.htm

#Election2023 #ClimateChange #EV

I generally enjoy listening to The Working Group, and I've been pretty impressed so far with the election debates they're co-hosting with the Taxpayers Union. Especially the Ilam debate, and the contrast between the candidates who blithely parroted talking points, and those who spoke in detail on policy areas they're passionate about.

https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2023/08/29/7pm-tonight-live-streamed-and-simulcast-freeview-200-taxpayers-union-ilam-election-debate-hosted-by-the-working-group/

But I gave up on last Tuesday's inter-party debate about 15mins in;

https://theworkinggroup.podbean.com/e/nz-taxpayers-union-and-working-group-election-debate-auckland/

#podcasts #TheWorkingGroup #Election2023

So, evidence was published earlier this year (see previous post) that charging people $5 to pick up their prescribed medicine costs the health system more (in increased hospitalisations) than it brings in. So it's a no-brainer to abolish user-pays prescriptions, as the current government just did.

No sensible political party would campaign on putting that $5 charge back in place, right?

https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/132083751/budget-2023-national-vows-to-bring-back-5-prescription-fees-if-elected

Oh.

#Aotearoa #NZ #NZPolitics #Election2023 #PolicyNZ

Any kiwi culture jammers out there who are good with graphic design?

In recognition of National's unfailing support for an unregulated, untaxed black market for supplying cannabis, and the inconsistent crackdowns on black market suppliers that push people towards using P, I present this potential billboard correction:

'Get our country back on crack'

#Election2023 #NZNational #prohibition #DrugLawReform

Right-wing voters don't have to swallow a dead rat and vote for mealy-mouthed moderates like ACT, or those rabid lefties in NZ First.

A quick scan of the EC page listing registered parties reveals no less than 11 parties to the right of ACT:

https://www.elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/political-parties-in-new-zealand/register-of-political-parties/

The only way the government will know what kind of policy you really support is if you vote for the party that champions it.

#Election2023

Good one Michael 🤣

"What about Act? Who is the Prebble of 2023? There is no listed candidate for the [Wellington Central] electorate, and when the chair of the event, RNZ legend Bryan Crump, looked unsuccessfully around the room for someone from the party, Michael Appleby of the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party piped up. 'They asked me to speak on their behalf', he lied. 'The Association of Cannabis and Toking'."

#TobyManhire

https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/05-09-2023/spree-waters-political-bedlam-returns-to-aro-valley

#NZPolitics #Election2023

I got a flyer in my mailbox the other day from the Loyal NZ party, led by Liz Gunn. A contrarian infamous for calling COVID vaccination targets "jab rape", and claiming that an October 2021 earthquake in the North Island was Mother Nature's response to the govt's COVID management:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/former-nz-television-presenter-liz-gunn-claims-earthquake-was-mother-natures-response-to-jacinda-arderns-covid-19-announcement/HKJ3XVM27CDVJUSZ7KRL2L5LM4/

Now I'm curious to find out just how many of these rabid right parties are scrapping over the tiny slice of the electorate who might support them.

#Election2023 #LoyalNZ #LizGunn

NORML have released their assessment of the drug policies put forward by NZ political parties for the upcoming election:

https://norml.org.nz/tokethevote-2023-your-cannabis-based-voting-guide/

The first few times I voted, this served as the canary in the coalmine. It takes both the intelligence and courage to publicly support drug law reform. My rule of thumb was that the party with the most progressive policy on this would be progressive in other areas too, and brave enough to say so.

#Election2023 #PolicyNZ #cannabis #NORML #TokeTheVote

If you're under 30, please vote!

Even if it's a protest vote for a party that probably (or definitely) won't get 5%. Make sure the politicians who do get elected know what policy platforms you support.

Even if you're an anarchist and don't really support representative government at all (like me), vote anyway. In the short term, control of Parliament affects people's lives for better or worse.

Not voting helps capitalists buy the government they want.

#Aotearoa #NZ #NZPolitics #Election2023

Assurances, LPP, épargne, #impots ... Quel parlementaire a le mieux - et le moins bien - défendu les consommateurs? Examen exhaustif des votes de chaque conseiller national et conseiller aux Etats aux Chambres. #Election2023 https://www.monargentmag.ch/article/article-detail/la-palme-du-defenseur-des-epargnants-des-assures-des-futurs-retraites

I've been thinking that if I want the country to have a progressive coalition government (finally) for the next 3 years, I need to do 2 things;

1) Stop sniping at parties that will no be needed for that coalition to have a majority, and focus on what I like about them

2) Policy, policy, policy! The right will always win a campaign based on fear of the Other. I need to figure on policies I support, and compare and contrast the policy positions of the various parties

#Aotearoa #NZ #Election2023

I’m proud to endorse Liam Watson for Blacksburg Town Council. He’s a forward-thinking candidate with the experience and commitment to service needed for the job. Please join me in writing in “Liam Watson” on the ballot this fall. 🗳️

Meet Liam: https://www.liamwatsonva.com

#Blacksburg #Virginia #NRV #Election #Election2023 #TownCouncil

Warning! Horserace commentary on #NZPolitics

The latest Talbot Mills poll has news for folks who called #Election2023 for the NatACTs based on the last couple of polls. Labour are now only 2% below the Nats, Greens have pulled ahead of ACT by 1%, and TPM are on 4%. On these numbers, the only way the NatACTs could get a majority is with Winston First, who ACT have ruled out working with, even if the Nats haven't.

Other than NZ First getting back in, this election is too close to call.

(1/2)

It's election season again! Knocking doors in Fruitvale for Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez (Oakland school board election this fall, supported by Oakland teachers), and Jovanka Beckles for State Senate (March 2024 primary).

Moved recently? Re-register to vote at registertovote.ca.gov #Oakland #Election2023 #Election2024 🐦✅

Lawsuit to disqualify Trump filed in New Hampshire

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/08/29/metro/lawsuit-disqualify-trump-filed-new-hampshire/?s_campaign=audience:reddit

#BostonGlobe #LawsuitDisqualifyTrump #NewHampshire #Trump #Election2023 #LegalBattle #Politics #News

BJP preparing for LS polls in December 2023, booked all choppers for campaigning. Well done, the sooner the better! We need action, not just words. Opposition, brace yourselves! #BJP #Election2023 #NarendraModi #IndiaFirst https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjp-may-go-for-ls-polls-in-december-2023-has-booked-all-choppers-for-campaigning-mamata-banerjee-101693224684142.html

🏡 Are you a Blacksburg resident? If so, you can support my campaign for Town Council with a yard sign. Send me a message with your address, and we’ll deliver one to you.

#Blacksburg #Virginia #NRV #Election #Election2023 #TownCouncil

@w7voa

Looks like he’s owned by the #Carbonarchy

Interesting how this supposed #capitalist advocates for dirty, extractive, expensive, finite 19th century technology rather than low cost, clean technology.

I guess math basic math competency is not a requirement for the presidency

#Election2023 #Renewables #Politics

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/electricity-from-renewable-energy-sources-is-now-cheaper-than-ever

(21 Aug) - Big GOP donors push for Trump alternative https://www.axios.com/2023/08/19/gop-donors-dreaming-trump-alternative #GOPDonors #TrumpAlternative #PoliticalFinance #RepublicanPolitics #CampaignContributions #Election2023 #Politics #News https://mastodon.sdf.org/@uspolitics/110928695610721792

Big GOP donors push for Trump alternative

https://www.axios.com/2023/08/19/gop-donors-dreaming-trump-alternative

#GOPDonors #TrumpAlternative #PoliticalFinance #RepublicanPolitics #CampaignContributions #Election2023 #Politics #News