To be honest, I'm not overly thrilled with National's tax policy. There's several reasons but I'll save them for when the fuss has died down and we can have a productive conversation.
However, what ever my thoughts are on the weaknesses of the tax package, it's still an improvement on Labour's. What's more, Labour's criticisms are mostly hollow, given this is mainly a slight tweaking of their base policy around the edges. Perhaps even more fiscally prudent given the current need to give tax payers some room to breath in this climate.
Even more than this, I am much less impressed with the reaction of the main stream media, who have so far, largely repeated Labour's talking points not realizing how vapid they are, provided no credible analysis and some of the complaints were not even factual, especially around KiwiSaver. That's a reasonable area to focus the debate over, but if they could stick to facts, rather than all this sabre rattling it might make sense.
At the very least, they have to stop pretending they don't know Labour haven't put up 10.5 billion in tax cuts themselves; stop pretending Labour had no idea of the state of the books when they were on their own spending spree; stop pretending Labour didn't know where the unemployment figures were heading; stop pretending Labour have a moral leg to stand on; stop pretending that there is criticism because the difference in rate is close - after Key explained he pared this back due to the horrendous state of the books.
Actually, that's just reminded me that the debate over National's No Parole and give the really really bad guys life is equally riddled with errors or misunderstanding over the actual policy. We also need to discuss the actual numbers of criminals affected by the policies. Something like 10 are currently in the "life means life" category and I've heard all sorts of numbers for those that might lose parole because they are in for their second or more 5+ year offence. Facts please.
Anyway, the tax policies of both parties are now declared. Fuss over them by all means, but with the books the way they are let's get back to talking about the plans to grow the pie. That's something the current Labour policy will not do, and this is John Key's chance to shine - if he dares.
There are two things certain in life. It's not early parole and rebates.
Related Link: Nothing in particular. Try Google or listen to the news.
However, what ever my thoughts are on the weaknesses of the tax package, it's still an improvement on Labour's. What's more, Labour's criticisms are mostly hollow, given this is mainly a slight tweaking of their base policy around the edges. Perhaps even more fiscally prudent given the current need to give tax payers some room to breath in this climate.
Even more than this, I am much less impressed with the reaction of the main stream media, who have so far, largely repeated Labour's talking points not realizing how vapid they are, provided no credible analysis and some of the complaints were not even factual, especially around KiwiSaver. That's a reasonable area to focus the debate over, but if they could stick to facts, rather than all this sabre rattling it might make sense.
At the very least, they have to stop pretending they don't know Labour haven't put up 10.5 billion in tax cuts themselves; stop pretending Labour had no idea of the state of the books when they were on their own spending spree; stop pretending Labour didn't know where the unemployment figures were heading; stop pretending Labour have a moral leg to stand on; stop pretending that there is criticism because the difference in rate is close - after Key explained he pared this back due to the horrendous state of the books.
Actually, that's just reminded me that the debate over National's No Parole and give the really really bad guys life is equally riddled with errors or misunderstanding over the actual policy. We also need to discuss the actual numbers of criminals affected by the policies. Something like 10 are currently in the "life means life" category and I've heard all sorts of numbers for those that might lose parole because they are in for their second or more 5+ year offence. Facts please.
Anyway, the tax policies of both parties are now declared. Fuss over them by all means, but with the books the way they are let's get back to talking about the plans to grow the pie. That's something the current Labour policy will not do, and this is John Key's chance to shine - if he dares.
There are two things certain in life. It's not early parole and rebates.
Related Link: Nothing in particular. Try Google or listen to the news.
I'm just incensed that lefties such as NRT keep trumpeting the same old line that those who pay very little tax or even no tax aren't getting money given to them as well. It's obviously not fair. What the?
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, I'm not too thrilled about the "death" part either.
ReplyDeleteWatching them campaign is like watching two people with the same spreadsheet who tweak the data, pretend similar outputs are radically different, and expect people to be inspired.
ReplyDeleteThreats to democracy in NZ:
1. Inability of parties to clearly articulate policies to voters because of...
2. After-election MMP negotiation that requires "flexibility". In practice, we don't elect the govt, instead we vote in an "electoral college" of MPs to elect the Government.
3. Electoral finance act that has clouded independent comment and confused campaign spending.
4. John Campbell and Mark Sainsbury.