Radical Democracy

Labour's little red book might be modernised

The Labour Party are keen to get citizens up against the wall and loving the revolution. Some of their policy proposals are designed to encourage people to vote. Possibly for any other party but them.

I don't have a problem with parties having policies to attract their voters, but I do wonder if the policies are consistent with their constant references to democracy and participation. For example, look at these policies and see if you can spot that subtle hint of "Nanny" we saw in the Labour Government of 1999 to 2008.

• Maori language lessons in schools made compulsory
• Teachers forced to learn te reo
• Privatised state assets renationalised (theft by legislation) with compensation based on "proven need"
• The Government's roads of national significance project dumped in order to force people towards public transport
• The progressive prohibition of alcohol (banning smoking is already considered a fait accompli
• New Zealand becoming a republic (let's not have a debate about this)

But the coup de grace goes to another policy in their list:

Teaching of civics and democracy mandatory for all schoolchildren.

Democracy? Ho ho ho. Mandatory of course, just to teach the kids a very clear lesson on what Labour thinks of democracy.


Democracy, Labour Style