I don’t know whether I’m sad or angry.
I do know I’m disappointed. Because if letters to the newspaper and Facebook posts are any indication I have returned to a New Zealand irrevocably changed since my youth. People are far more divided by age, socio-economic and racial boundaries than in the past. Gone is the ‘Can-do-I-can-fix-it-let-me-help-you’ attitude. Now, depending upon who you are, someone else is to blame for your problems.
And, if Facebook comments are any guide, it’s all the fault of our Key-led government, although while the vitriol is high actual political alternatives and positive suggestions are thin on the ground.
All the more surprising since some answers seem obvious to me. For instance, there should be a capital gains tax applicable on any property that is not the primary residence of the owner.
Why Kiwis resist this simple fix I do not know. Apparently, it’s easier to blame the rampant rise in property on Asians — immigrants or investors.
Increasingly, everyone blames the Asians for everything. This means, (as my last blog said), it’s pretty much Open Season on Asian bashing at present.
(There was another attack yesterday: two teenage Polynesian girls bashing and robbing an Asian grandmother. And I just know that in their immediate circle the act will have been condoned if not encouraged).
A ‘shut the gates’ mentality is increasingly prevalent in Aotearoa. Ignoramuses who have never met a single Muslim person hate them all. People who had no problem with nuns whose heads were covered but now vilify Muslim women who do the same. Oh, hang on … nuns were okay because they were Christians, right? Well the Klu Klux Klan are hooded Christians, too, are they ok? — Albeit that they have more in common with the rhetoric I’m hearing now in my own country.
I am so disappointed in the ignorant, isolationist, selfish, seemingly irreversible nativism that is on the rise here in New Zealand.
I want my country back. And back on track, thinking clearly, compassionately and collectively; freed from xenophobia and focussed on a shared future.
Because, My Dear New Zealanders, to paraphrase our greatest ever philosopher, the Irreverent Fred Dagg, you don’t know how lucky you are.
John,
I agree that New Zealand has changed for ever. Certainly it is not the Country of my youth(50-70s)
Personally put it down to modern Governments(Not just NZ) getting all touchy feely and socialist.
The poor deluded MPs give in far too easily to activists pushing a barrow.
Some of these manifest themselves in different ways. But in summary they are all “make me feel good” policies without thought of the “big picture” and unintended consequences.
Examples in my mind. (putting my flack jacket on for inevitable accusations of racism, homophobe etc etc…Hell throw in Climate change denier)
a) The ridiculous laws/bylaws and attitudes to smoking. Banning smoking in Parks…..God give me strength. I am not a smoker but smokers are unfortunately the new wearers of the star of David. Vilified and persecuted by the majority of mindless sheeple. I could rant on about health costs and how smokers are actually net contributors to the Government, but I wont.
b) The ridiculous mantra of poor polynesians/Maori, they are not responsible etc etc……Bah bloody humbug.
c) Changing the meaning of words. ie Legalisation of Marriage for other than man and wife.
Homosexual couple have all the benefits under a Civil Union. But no the touchy feely folk insist they can assume a word commonly used in the English language and change it. The word Gay also springs to mind. Assumed by the Homosexual community with hardly a murmur from the muted masses. But kids starting to use Gay in another context generates howls of protest from the aforementioned gay community.
I have removed myself from Godzone for many of the above reasons. I come back every 6 months and it only takes me 24-48 hours to get reminded why I chose to leave.
PS. Capital gains tax is another topic I will happily debate with you. It is another “make me feel good” slogan. You may remember we had a similar tax regime some years ago, the 70s/80s if memory serves( Ie selling a rented property within 10 years) also stamp duty a tax on sale of property.
None of those had the desired effect and were subsequently scrubbed. Interesting to note Australia has both capital gains tax and stamp duty and has exactly the same property problems as NZ….Go figure?
Completely agree. Well said.
Sadly the world is becoming more and more xenophobic
People have always looked for a skapegoat and unfortunately we are scared of exposing uneducated stupid and hateful people.
It’s time for people to stand up for the modern world and defend all the freedoms we are so lucky to have.
Bigots and hate infers should be exposed and vilified .
It’s time to defend all our hard won freedoms and not let hate and ignorance get a voice it doesn’t deserve.