Left in charge of New Zealand's ship of state whilst Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern takes maternity leave for her and partner Clark(e) Gayford's newborn - the entire six weeks, evidently, from *Midwinter's Day itself (i.e. the winter solstice, otherwise known as **'Matariki') - Winston Peters has undergone another twenty-year metamorphosis, stepping up to the political plate once more as the nation's 'man for the hour'. And did he start off on a high note or what!
Despite el usual media attempts to trip him up and serve him **** his own medicine, Peters acquitted himself well (superbly) at his first official news/press conference as NZ's Acting Prime Minister: with exquisite calm and composure ("Let's get things right from the outset, sonny/dearie, I've never suffered fools gladly") - with due gravitas and statesmanlike aplomb; as perfectly befit the occasion.
My gut/instinctive reaction to WP during the TV1/TV3[Newshub Nation] *****6 p.m. News Programme - on the evening of June 25th (following the public presentation and announcement of the naming of the nation's 'first baby' live on Sunday morning television the day before) - was more positive than ever; but substantially less so (to put it mildly) as far as his media would-be 'interrogators' were concerned.
Full of undue self-importance after her premature (and arguably, unwelcome) return from 'Brexiting' Britain - ******where her innate political biases against the same were only all too evident for all to see upon the United Kingdom's *******clear-cut decision to exit the European Union, the uppity and full-of-herself, newly-appointed Newshub Nation Political Editor Tove O'Brien(sp?) readily gave sheer, undisguised vent to her own highly partisan political prejudices as she sought to waylay PM Peters as he addressed the media and then proceeded to exit the scene.
O'Brien was quite literally beside herself (with an odd combination of barely-veiled umbrage and contempt alongside schadenfreude-like glee, at Mr Peters' utter gall for ignoring the popular zeitgeist of naming Ms Ardern's special occasion 'an historic(al) moment' worthy of thus being enshrined in New Zealand's collective psyche for now and for ever as such: no ifs, buts or maybes allowed (to borrow PM Peters' own characteristic turn-of-phrase).
Yes, Winston Peters' evident refusal to simply fall in line with media-sanctioned niceties of public decorum and thereby acclaim Ardern's situation a unique snapshot in time/the history - or rather, her-story - of NZ Inc, instantly rendered him offensive to public sensibilities - a public pariah as it were; a cultural barbarian, philistine if you will...totally oblivious evidently to what was the accepted thing in present-day Aotearoa.
In response to O'Brien's desperate search at all costs to somehow uncover some peg or angle to hang her rather 'out there' obvious as personal agenda, even vendetta to, to effectively label Peters a public outcast for simply refusing to deem and publicly declare 'on the record' the first on-the-job prime ministerial birth the best thing since sliced bread, Peters simply and calmly, ever so deftly, deflected all such pious pretence (admittedly worthy of a special guest appearance in 'the Importance of Being Earnest', let's give O'Brien all due 'credit') with his winning, characteristic, 'grinning from ear to ear', all-so-knowing smirk (for which he is so justly renowned).
A superb, no, a class act...though methinks any forthcoming media acknowledgement to that effect will be about as forthcoming as the imminent freezing over of hell...or the deathbed conversion of Adolf Hitler. Not very likely...ever.
*I.e. June the 21st, the day many kiwis indulge in the highly unseasonable annual 'polar plunge' (into a local ocean, lake or river). Interestingly, though I was hoping said 'Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford' might've been born just a tad earlier (upon my Mum's 84th or a sister's 57th), the P.M. not only christened her girl with a family name (of my own kith and kin), but paid tribute to said winter solstice ***as a basis for aspects of her naming.
Just as intriguingly to me, a half dozen years back (around the very same time of year, perhaps a few weeks on) when I began this and my other blogsite, I'd concluded - whether stated in my various, Dunedin weather-related posts at the time, or not - that one basically needs to count six weeks off from midwinter's day till we start to finally de-thaw from our annual winter's hibernation. As they say, things always get darker before the dawn, and there's invariably quite a time lag till the weather 'hollows out' or suchlike (though one might naturally assume that the shortest day is likewise the coldest; but not so...) .
And so PM Ardern looks set to resume official duties pretty much right on that stipulated schedule (legislated period of maternity leave), as her fellow kiwis lift up their heads and hearts and hopes in anticipation of brighter days to come; a fitting metaphor if ever there was one (i.e. for a leader resuming her duties on a positive note).
**Though I believe 'Matariki' - actually named after a constellation known as the 'Seven Sisters' in the Southern Hemisphere's night sky (according to Newstalk ZB evening host Marcus Lush the other night) - depicts the entire midwinter 'season' (rather than one specific day only).
***I'd volunteered (c/o a previous blogpost and Ardern's PA in the Beehive) that name 'Matariki' (though I'm sure it or something similar was frequently suggested, and obviously the actual day of birth would've made such a possible choice rather obvious anyhow).
****An allusion to the fact that Mr Peters has never been what one would call a 'media darling' (in terms of enjoying an acrimony-free relationship with the same, that is; not in terms of his at times
great popularity (as potential Prime Minister) - at least way back in the mid-later nineteen-eighties).
*****Including via Freeview Television's TV1/TV3 Plus (one hour on) channels.
******See for example numerous blogposts of my own at the time (upon both this and my other blogsite: http://nuffsaid:consideryourself-frombothsidesnow.blogspot.co.nz/ (or .com/), especially the one titled (I believe) 'the Morning After').
*******Whether mathematically or numerically, a 52:48 margin/ratio/percentage differential of the popular vote is not only determinative ('a miss being as good as a mile', and hence vica-versa) but moreover both significant (signifying 13 people supported the Brexit and 12 opposed it, in every 25 voters) and meaningful (in sheer numbers alone, I believe a million-and-a-half more people voted 'Yes' than 'No' in the referendum - surely not an inconsiderable figure in terms of numbers of voters).
And, though the generally anti-Brexit (non-tabloid and print media, admittedly) mainstream (broadcast) media tended to vehemently oppose leaving the European Union, if it hadn't been for the awful and completely unexpected cold-blooded murder of staunchly pro-Remain M.P. Jo Cox by a crazed neo-Nazi in the closing days of the referendum, the result might well have been - indeed every (opinion polling) indication was that it would have been - far more decisive in terms of leaving the EU; (some polls just prior to this absolutely unforeseen turn of events, which some (like myself) might well have conjectured was a last-ditch conspiracy attempt by Remainers to turn the tide the other way - which it actually largely succeeded in doing (if that was indeed the case) - were indeed then indicating a margin as wide, as huge as 55:45 for leaving the European Union - which lead suddenly vanished 'overnight' as it were.) However unless said hate-filled lunatic had been bribed or set up to do his dastardly deed, then any conspiracy theory appears to hold no water, admittedly.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Friday, June 22, 2018
Let's get these (long-promised) comments up upon the board...
Time now having well passed me by, before my various aforementioned editorial-ets become hopelessly outdated, let me - as succinctly as I know how - in this my 202th blogpost upon http://davidedwinisms.blogsite.co.nz/ (or .com/), provide a *'rundown' of what I've been promising:
*Sticking with New Zealand (for starters):
With all due greetings to the nation's 'first baby/girl/child', may I suggest a date-appropriate name: Matariki...and it's advantages were - till the kid's gender was known - that it's non-gender-specific.
Anyhow, may the nation's 'first couple' enjoy their first six weeks 'on the job' as full-time parents!
Re: the default decision to give the heave-ho to the Stand Children's Services Roxburgh children's village (or whatever it's hifalutin' name actually is): a great disappointment to all involved/concerned - primarily the kids themselves...but clearly not at all unexpected at this stage. And at least the relevant (Children's) Minister, Tracey Martin, has used the occasion (in her speech the other day) to set out a whole new philosophical approach by the Government to the placement of kids in other homes, let alone such state-run institutions per se...choosing, in a complete about-face from the approach adopted for literal decades by governments of all sorts and stripes, to work with existing families and whanau to help such children in their own, original homes.
Good luck, is all I can say, and certainly on talkback there's been a lot of support of - and some strident opposition to, let's be honest - such a new approach. But that doesn't deal with those kids already in such state-run care, surely? They can hardly be drop-kicked back into the homes from which they were rescued in weeks, months, years and decades past, can they...in all realism?
So I'd like to make a personal appeal, as I indeed suggested to Clutha Mayor Brian Cadogan via his PA the other day, that local/national benefactors/philanthropists be approached...and asked to help. As used to happen in the pre-welfare state days of the likes of America's underrated, unlucky (pre-Depression-era) President Herbert Hoover, someone who deeply and passionately and even philosophically believed in local communities 'helping their own', thus obviating the need for central, federal 'big government' involvement in its default-setting stead... And whose name was as a result 'immortalized' throughout Europe post-WW1 and post-WW11 for giving disinterested, benevolent aid to orphans and war refugees in their teeming millions...
Yes, the old-fashioned idea of 'helping (in Jesus' words, loving) your neighbour' would not go amiss!
*Or at least the first (ongoing) instalment thereof, as my hands are 'killing me' (utterly freezing in this most unprecedented of cold, awful, relentless as winters)...and needing some precious Vitamin D, as I seek to recover from a mild, if inexorably persisting cold, I'd better get warmed up (and meanwhile, out into some much welcome and almost forgotten sunshine). But following instalments will most assuredly come, in due course, I guarantee...
*Sticking with New Zealand (for starters):
With all due greetings to the nation's 'first baby/girl/child', may I suggest a date-appropriate name: Matariki...and it's advantages were - till the kid's gender was known - that it's non-gender-specific.
Anyhow, may the nation's 'first couple' enjoy their first six weeks 'on the job' as full-time parents!
Re: the default decision to give the heave-ho to the Stand Children's Services Roxburgh children's village (or whatever it's hifalutin' name actually is): a great disappointment to all involved/concerned - primarily the kids themselves...but clearly not at all unexpected at this stage. And at least the relevant (Children's) Minister, Tracey Martin, has used the occasion (in her speech the other day) to set out a whole new philosophical approach by the Government to the placement of kids in other homes, let alone such state-run institutions per se...choosing, in a complete about-face from the approach adopted for literal decades by governments of all sorts and stripes, to work with existing families and whanau to help such children in their own, original homes.
Good luck, is all I can say, and certainly on talkback there's been a lot of support of - and some strident opposition to, let's be honest - such a new approach. But that doesn't deal with those kids already in such state-run care, surely? They can hardly be drop-kicked back into the homes from which they were rescued in weeks, months, years and decades past, can they...in all realism?
So I'd like to make a personal appeal, as I indeed suggested to Clutha Mayor Brian Cadogan via his PA the other day, that local/national benefactors/philanthropists be approached...and asked to help. As used to happen in the pre-welfare state days of the likes of America's underrated, unlucky (pre-Depression-era) President Herbert Hoover, someone who deeply and passionately and even philosophically believed in local communities 'helping their own', thus obviating the need for central, federal 'big government' involvement in its default-setting stead... And whose name was as a result 'immortalized' throughout Europe post-WW1 and post-WW11 for giving disinterested, benevolent aid to orphans and war refugees in their teeming millions...
Yes, the old-fashioned idea of 'helping (in Jesus' words, loving) your neighbour' would not go amiss!
*Or at least the first (ongoing) instalment thereof, as my hands are 'killing me' (utterly freezing in this most unprecedented of cold, awful, relentless as winters)...and needing some precious Vitamin D, as I seek to recover from a mild, if inexorably persisting cold, I'd better get warmed up (and meanwhile, out into some much welcome and almost forgotten sunshine). But following instalments will most assuredly come, in due course, I guarantee...
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Wary of Justifiably Now Being Labelled a False Prophet...The Following is a (Necessarily-Succinct) Representation of What I Promised last Sunday
Also well aware that this blogpost contains a veritable mishmash of geo-political 'bits 'n bobs', and that not all of these show the ideological right-of-centre in (what I claimed a week ago as) a favourable light, I'd contend anyhow that they do nevertheless show and depict that side of Western societal affairs, and moreover some of their various spokespeople and representatives (whether obviously so or chosen as simply symbolic thereof) in a far more nuanced and complex manner than the mainstream media would ever care to. And consequently I'd suggest is worthy of portrayal.
The first three of these relate to 'local' (as in kiwi/New Zealand) issues and matters, the latter three to world (especially American-related) affairs. The subjects traversed will include 'law and order' (in regards to police profiling and politically-motivated convictions, as well as 'getting tough on crime'); a fourth to being tried and convicted/found guilty in the court of public opinion; a fifth to the il/legality of upholding one's religious convictions as opposed to ensuring the constitutional rights of one and all; with one - totally unrelated - 'postlet'(as in mini-blogpost, how's that for a 'david-edwinism?) pertaining to the big global news event of the past week; (any guesses, folks?)
Part One: Re God's Own Boys (and Gals) in Blue
New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush: No, the Cops Ain't Altogether A Bad Bunch
So let's begin. First up, all power and plaudits to (I believe his correct title is) Police Commissioner (of Aotearoa-New Zealand), Mike Bush, a position normally, traditionally held/dominated by someone of not only 'right-wing' (at least moral) sensibilities, but arguably status quo-upholding instincts - as in culturally reactionary and loathe to grant even honest-hearted radicals and dissenters a dignified place at the table of public discourse.
So what a refreshing contrast - with some of his well-known predecessors, whether of the/his own Police Association or the Police Union - shown by Mr Bush of recent days upon one minorly-reported, and another much more majorly-covered matter of national interest. But breaking news (just now: Newshub Nation 6 p.m. News Show) also reports a secret meeting of late in which Commissioner Bush has guaranteed still-grieving Pike River families of the NZ Police's intention/ determination to do all in their power/s to facilitate re-entry into that trouble-fraught mine. So is the 'new look' Bush-led New Zealand Police on somewhat of a roll? Hey, you be the judge.
'First' (or rather second) up, then, is Mike Bush, as NZPA Head, the other day (Friday the 8th of June or thereabouts, on one (i.e. TV1 or TV3) of the 6 p.m. TV News Programmes), not only generously (if simply) acknowledging the concerns that had been recently expressed by new Greens co-leader Marama Davidson - vis-a-vis the police profiling of certain suspected offenders - but moreover openly conceding she'd raised some very pertinent, highly valid points thereabouts. Which in itself is quite a concession for any police chief to make, whether in New Zealand or elsewhere.
Secondly (or thirdly) we heard this past week of all police charges against *inveterate conspiracy theorist Nicky Hager being summarily dispatched. Though I've admittedly yet to appraise myself of all the ins and outs of this, out-of-left-field decision, I have heard criticisms from both 'left' and 'right' thereabouts: from (latterly) those who simply hate Hager's guts because they consider him an unregenerate and incorrigible radical and conspiracy theorist (and certainly he is both), and (formerly) from those who (at the other end of the political spectrum) hate the police and law enforcement agencies with a ferocity which would not be appeased if all they were all forthwith closed, disbanded and dealt to by certain aggrieved citizenry.
Reassuring many if not most of us that the police have thus gotten matters 'about right', so often the case when decisions are subjected to el typical and predictable relentless criticism from the usual suspects; that is, whatever the actual decision might happen to be in any particular instance.
Whatever, the basic gist of what the cops have done here is something to behold, so rare (if hardly unreasonable) is such a public apology and/or concession by the boys and girls in blue.
So I'll concede here that my own impeccable credentials as a ****self-styled false prophet may well seem to have been confirmed in this multi-layered blogpost, as it's hardly a tribute to 'the Right' in any capacity (in God's Own), much more clearly to the Left's newfound success with our law and order folk. But personally I see it all in rather different terms altogether, and more as - poignant - examples of where 'the Establishment' has moved into the modern era; not that they're trying to curry public favour and sympathies by getting in step with current, politically-correct public sensibilities and the like, but rather that they've been prepared to see and acknowledge the error of their ways...and that in itself is a great step forward. Oh yes, it most assuredly is, make no mistake!
*But please don't get me wrong, I heartily endorse not only **/***all the work I've thus far seen of Hager, but moreover his very right to pursue such sadly all too rare investigative journalism in this our day of sentimental tabloid-style sensationalism. And in terms of the man himself, whether 'in person' (while once attending one of his talks in the Dunedin City's Education College Auditorium) or c/o an in-depth interview on the radio, he shines out in an unmistakable manner as a beacon of light and truth, a pillar of integrity and honesty, amidst a field strewn with hacks, political partisans and operatives and other assorted media darling cronies who both in New Zealand and worldwide/ Westernwide have given modern media such an awful rap and general, well-earned infamy.
**I.e. balanced reportage of Hager's various - mainly pre-election - books, for I've regrettably failed to read any of them yet myself. I know off-hand the names of two, Corngate and The Hollow Men.
***In saying all of that, insofar as Hager et al really see no value in/need for nations such as 'lil 'ole New Zealand even possessing their own security intelligence operation - properly conducted and lawfully undertaken, that is - let us be perfectly clear: on this critical point he and his fellow, 'eternal' radicals may be ever so well-intentioned, but frankly they are idealistic to a fault and moreover hopelessly out of touch with present-day international realities. In case you also have been living under a rock in recent times, we're faced these days not only with cyber-terrorism/war on every hand (in addition to the 'real' variety) but we live in the backwash of 2001 and 2012; and thus the 'likes' of not only Sissii International but their African fellow-travellers such as Les Kebabs and Marah Ocob. Quite apart from seemingly innumerable, never-ending threats of all kinds from all sorts of places.
****But of course I don't really believe myself to be false in any way, let alone in such contexts as these, I simply say this to concede that I don't and have never claimed to be a model of perfection myself. No, only One is Such, and last I heard (and understood) He shares that Unique Status with no-one, although I've also 'heard' that He's more than willing to do so on a free gift basis...
The first three of these relate to 'local' (as in kiwi/New Zealand) issues and matters, the latter three to world (especially American-related) affairs. The subjects traversed will include 'law and order' (in regards to police profiling and politically-motivated convictions, as well as 'getting tough on crime'); a fourth to being tried and convicted/found guilty in the court of public opinion; a fifth to the il/legality of upholding one's religious convictions as opposed to ensuring the constitutional rights of one and all; with one - totally unrelated - 'postlet'(as in mini-blogpost, how's that for a 'david-edwinism?) pertaining to the big global news event of the past week; (any guesses, folks?)
Part One: Re God's Own Boys (and Gals) in Blue
New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush: No, the Cops Ain't Altogether A Bad Bunch
So let's begin. First up, all power and plaudits to (I believe his correct title is) Police Commissioner (of Aotearoa-New Zealand), Mike Bush, a position normally, traditionally held/dominated by someone of not only 'right-wing' (at least moral) sensibilities, but arguably status quo-upholding instincts - as in culturally reactionary and loathe to grant even honest-hearted radicals and dissenters a dignified place at the table of public discourse.
So what a refreshing contrast - with some of his well-known predecessors, whether of the/his own Police Association or the Police Union - shown by Mr Bush of recent days upon one minorly-reported, and another much more majorly-covered matter of national interest. But breaking news (just now: Newshub Nation 6 p.m. News Show) also reports a secret meeting of late in which Commissioner Bush has guaranteed still-grieving Pike River families of the NZ Police's intention/ determination to do all in their power/s to facilitate re-entry into that trouble-fraught mine. So is the 'new look' Bush-led New Zealand Police on somewhat of a roll? Hey, you be the judge.
'First' (or rather second) up, then, is Mike Bush, as NZPA Head, the other day (Friday the 8th of June or thereabouts, on one (i.e. TV1 or TV3) of the 6 p.m. TV News Programmes), not only generously (if simply) acknowledging the concerns that had been recently expressed by new Greens co-leader Marama Davidson - vis-a-vis the police profiling of certain suspected offenders - but moreover openly conceding she'd raised some very pertinent, highly valid points thereabouts. Which in itself is quite a concession for any police chief to make, whether in New Zealand or elsewhere.
Secondly (or thirdly) we heard this past week of all police charges against *inveterate conspiracy theorist Nicky Hager being summarily dispatched. Though I've admittedly yet to appraise myself of all the ins and outs of this, out-of-left-field decision, I have heard criticisms from both 'left' and 'right' thereabouts: from (latterly) those who simply hate Hager's guts because they consider him an unregenerate and incorrigible radical and conspiracy theorist (and certainly he is both), and (formerly) from those who (at the other end of the political spectrum) hate the police and law enforcement agencies with a ferocity which would not be appeased if all they were all forthwith closed, disbanded and dealt to by certain aggrieved citizenry.
Reassuring many if not most of us that the police have thus gotten matters 'about right', so often the case when decisions are subjected to el typical and predictable relentless criticism from the usual suspects; that is, whatever the actual decision might happen to be in any particular instance.
Whatever, the basic gist of what the cops have done here is something to behold, so rare (if hardly unreasonable) is such a public apology and/or concession by the boys and girls in blue.
So I'll concede here that my own impeccable credentials as a ****self-styled false prophet may well seem to have been confirmed in this multi-layered blogpost, as it's hardly a tribute to 'the Right' in any capacity (in God's Own), much more clearly to the Left's newfound success with our law and order folk. But personally I see it all in rather different terms altogether, and more as - poignant - examples of where 'the Establishment' has moved into the modern era; not that they're trying to curry public favour and sympathies by getting in step with current, politically-correct public sensibilities and the like, but rather that they've been prepared to see and acknowledge the error of their ways...and that in itself is a great step forward. Oh yes, it most assuredly is, make no mistake!
*But please don't get me wrong, I heartily endorse not only **/***all the work I've thus far seen of Hager, but moreover his very right to pursue such sadly all too rare investigative journalism in this our day of sentimental tabloid-style sensationalism. And in terms of the man himself, whether 'in person' (while once attending one of his talks in the Dunedin City's Education College Auditorium) or c/o an in-depth interview on the radio, he shines out in an unmistakable manner as a beacon of light and truth, a pillar of integrity and honesty, amidst a field strewn with hacks, political partisans and operatives and other assorted media darling cronies who both in New Zealand and worldwide/ Westernwide have given modern media such an awful rap and general, well-earned infamy.
**I.e. balanced reportage of Hager's various - mainly pre-election - books, for I've regrettably failed to read any of them yet myself. I know off-hand the names of two, Corngate and The Hollow Men.
***In saying all of that, insofar as Hager et al really see no value in/need for nations such as 'lil 'ole New Zealand even possessing their own security intelligence operation - properly conducted and lawfully undertaken, that is - let us be perfectly clear: on this critical point he and his fellow, 'eternal' radicals may be ever so well-intentioned, but frankly they are idealistic to a fault and moreover hopelessly out of touch with present-day international realities. In case you also have been living under a rock in recent times, we're faced these days not only with cyber-terrorism/war on every hand (in addition to the 'real' variety) but we live in the backwash of 2001 and 2012; and thus the 'likes' of not only Sissii International but their African fellow-travellers such as Les Kebabs and Marah Ocob. Quite apart from seemingly innumerable, never-ending threats of all kinds from all sorts of places.
****But of course I don't really believe myself to be false in any way, let alone in such contexts as these, I simply say this to concede that I don't and have never claimed to be a model of perfection myself. No, only One is Such, and last I heard (and understood) He shares that Unique Status with no-one, although I've also 'heard' that He's more than willing to do so on a free gift basis...
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Certainly Crowned Champion by his Superlative Attitude alone: Nick Willis, Apparently Ultimately Denied the 1,500 metre Beijing Olympics' Gold despite his two 'superiors' both now being implicated as drug/doping cheats, proves by his superior spirit he really won that top spot in not just the technical sense
It seems that New Zealand's contemporary running star, the frequently-selected 1500-metre Commonwealth Games' and Olympics' competitor Nick Willis, is to be ultimately denied the much-coveted prize he has now been shown to evidently and eminently deserve. Apparently through officialdom's inertia and/or the bane of technical re-evaluation deadlines and the like. Too bad.
Nevertheless, though his two Beijing 'superiors', *both the original winner, Rashid Ramzi, and after Ramzi's disqualification in 2009 for failing a drug test, the then-'winner' Kenyan Asbel Kiprop, (who over a month ago **now failed his own 'off-competition' doping test), have now been shown to have - ***in all likelihood - been invalidated as gold and silver winners of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it would appear that technical niceties and such like now render any re-assignment of those original placements to be, as Willis himself reflected over a month ago himself, a mere 'moot point'.
More's the pity. For if Willis had indeed been given a paper 'bump-up' with hindsight's wonderful benefit, he'd have joined some illustrious company, and become only the ****fourth kiwi 1500-metre gold medal winner/champion; quite some achievement indeed.
But that's if the assigning of external glories really means all that much in the long run, and apparently, from Willis's extremely gracious standpoint, that seems much less of an issue to him. Such is made abundantly clear in a piece by the online NZ Herald Sports Editor (or Reporter) Andrew Alderson on May 3rd. It's a report in which Nick Willis shines forth in all his attitudinal glory unlike so many other contemporary would-be/'wannabe' sportstars, showing that there still remain a few such athletes in our modern era who are actuated neither by 'filthy lucre' or fame; but who compete for the sheer joy and challenge of the competition, and who race more against themselves and their own previous personal bests than so much against their various rivals as such.
Yes, Alderson's article is well worth a read, and shows how Nick Willis' exemplary attitude is such a refreshing and unexpected contrast to that of so many of his erstwhile competitors overseas and athletes in general from across the globe of recent years and decades. And Willis' top quality outlook is shown no less in his extreme unwillingness to jump to conclusions and gratuitously bag his last remaining Beijing rival, Kiprop, choosing to believe the best of him, but simultaneously likewise expressing a deep desire to see such antics - which he believes have sadly though justifiably dragged the once-great name of athletics through the mud - exposed, censored, dealt with and ultimately eliminated from the sport.
Yes, Nick, in my book anyhow you've been crowned king of Beijing's 1500 metre final in absentia...and however unrecognized (like Yours Truly in my mid-twenties, in a sense) by Officialdom Incorporated.
*Though I cannot seem to get the precise info thereabouts (online today), it would appear, in Kiprop's case also, to at best be an extremely problematic award. (Both Kiprop and Willis were respectively re-assigned from silver to gold, and bronze to silver winners, after Ramzi's 2009 disqualification.)
**Though how this (apparent) recent test (failure) relates to or should result in a re-examination of Kiprop's success a good ten years ago now is anyone's guess.
***At best, in Kiprop's case anyway (as mentioned above), an extremely problematic (unchallenged Olympics') placement.
****Perhaps I'm missing something somewhere, but I'd have assigned him as the fifth such winner, seeing as (see for example my most recent blogpost) the just-deceased Dick Quax *****himself scooped up a number of 1500 metre wins (or maybe these weren't wins, only well-placed seconds and third etcetera) as five (half-plus) of his (overall) nine successful race placements in his (essentially) seventies-era prime. 'After' and alongside such kiwi running greats/legends evidently as Sir John Walker, Sir Peter Snell and Jack Lovelock.
*****Yes, my memory must be a little tackier than I'd supposed - or at least in regard to the fact (after just re-checking my Dick Quax 'in memoriam' blogpost of the other day) that Quax's own highlights were not in the 1500 metres at all (as I'd recalled - or was that Rod Dixon, rather?), but in the 5000 metres, though Quax did get a silver at the 1,500 metre once.
Nevertheless, though his two Beijing 'superiors', *both the original winner, Rashid Ramzi, and after Ramzi's disqualification in 2009 for failing a drug test, the then-'winner' Kenyan Asbel Kiprop, (who over a month ago **now failed his own 'off-competition' doping test), have now been shown to have - ***in all likelihood - been invalidated as gold and silver winners of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it would appear that technical niceties and such like now render any re-assignment of those original placements to be, as Willis himself reflected over a month ago himself, a mere 'moot point'.
More's the pity. For if Willis had indeed been given a paper 'bump-up' with hindsight's wonderful benefit, he'd have joined some illustrious company, and become only the ****fourth kiwi 1500-metre gold medal winner/champion; quite some achievement indeed.
But that's if the assigning of external glories really means all that much in the long run, and apparently, from Willis's extremely gracious standpoint, that seems much less of an issue to him. Such is made abundantly clear in a piece by the online NZ Herald Sports Editor (or Reporter) Andrew Alderson on May 3rd. It's a report in which Nick Willis shines forth in all his attitudinal glory unlike so many other contemporary would-be/'wannabe' sportstars, showing that there still remain a few such athletes in our modern era who are actuated neither by 'filthy lucre' or fame; but who compete for the sheer joy and challenge of the competition, and who race more against themselves and their own previous personal bests than so much against their various rivals as such.
Yes, Alderson's article is well worth a read, and shows how Nick Willis' exemplary attitude is such a refreshing and unexpected contrast to that of so many of his erstwhile competitors overseas and athletes in general from across the globe of recent years and decades. And Willis' top quality outlook is shown no less in his extreme unwillingness to jump to conclusions and gratuitously bag his last remaining Beijing rival, Kiprop, choosing to believe the best of him, but simultaneously likewise expressing a deep desire to see such antics - which he believes have sadly though justifiably dragged the once-great name of athletics through the mud - exposed, censored, dealt with and ultimately eliminated from the sport.
Yes, Nick, in my book anyhow you've been crowned king of Beijing's 1500 metre final in absentia...and however unrecognized (like Yours Truly in my mid-twenties, in a sense) by Officialdom Incorporated.
*Though I cannot seem to get the precise info thereabouts (online today), it would appear, in Kiprop's case also, to at best be an extremely problematic award. (Both Kiprop and Willis were respectively re-assigned from silver to gold, and bronze to silver winners, after Ramzi's 2009 disqualification.)
**Though how this (apparent) recent test (failure) relates to or should result in a re-examination of Kiprop's success a good ten years ago now is anyone's guess.
***At best, in Kiprop's case anyway (as mentioned above), an extremely problematic (unchallenged Olympics') placement.
****Perhaps I'm missing something somewhere, but I'd have assigned him as the fifth such winner, seeing as (see for example my most recent blogpost) the just-deceased Dick Quax *****himself scooped up a number of 1500 metre wins (or maybe these weren't wins, only well-placed seconds and third etcetera) as five (half-plus) of his (overall) nine successful race placements in his (essentially) seventies-era prime. 'After' and alongside such kiwi running greats/legends evidently as Sir John Walker, Sir Peter Snell and Jack Lovelock.
*****Yes, my memory must be a little tackier than I'd supposed - or at least in regard to the fact (after just re-checking my Dick Quax 'in memoriam' blogpost of the other day) that Quax's own highlights were not in the 1500 metres at all (as I'd recalled - or was that Rod Dixon, rather?), but in the 5000 metres, though Quax did get a silver at the 1,500 metre once.
Monday, June 11, 2018
A Week With A Difference: One Where the 'Right'/more accurately Political-Moral Conservatism - Globally - has well and truly, unlike el usual situation, possessed the moral high ground/supremacy
Coming (relatively succinct) blogposts will thus encompass American/global and New Zealand/Aussie political (and societal) developments, especially as these relate to both so-called 'moral issues' and those pertaining to law and order. Yes, and insofar as anyone has achieved victory or possessed the moral 'high ground' therein, I'd have to give it to those 'on the [so-called] right'...for in these particular contexts they've won hands down in my view...in unqualified fashion - this past week, anyhow.
Hold onto your seats, folks, I'll fill in all the details tomorrow: hasta manana!
Necessary caveat: No, my essential political views haven't really changed, though I still - as ever - remain a moral conservative (as opposed to what media and the ignoramus commentariat these days gratuitously slag off as 'right-wingers' - knowing neither the real meaning of said term, much less its abhorrent offensiveness (to anyone with any real sense of personal dignity let alone historical political perspective)). Although in this context it's not so much that I now embrace views on the centre-right or even (supposed) 'far right' of politics, it's rather that those (relevant individuals, whether political actors or otherwise) cited in my various blogposts-to-be maintain a commonsensical (despite at times unorthodox), useful and effective approach to said issues.
And moreover 'cut to the chase' of what really matters (in their particular contexts). As opposed to the highly overrated ability to have all their Ps and Qs lined up proper with all their i's appropriately dotted and t's crossed. So, no, all the current, oh so fashionable social media-endorsed political correctnesses are entirely bypassed - thank God!
Hold onto your seats, folks, I'll fill in all the details tomorrow: hasta manana!
Necessary caveat: No, my essential political views haven't really changed, though I still - as ever - remain a moral conservative (as opposed to what media and the ignoramus commentariat these days gratuitously slag off as 'right-wingers' - knowing neither the real meaning of said term, much less its abhorrent offensiveness (to anyone with any real sense of personal dignity let alone historical political perspective)). Although in this context it's not so much that I now embrace views on the centre-right or even (supposed) 'far right' of politics, it's rather that those (relevant individuals, whether political actors or otherwise) cited in my various blogposts-to-be maintain a commonsensical (despite at times unorthodox), useful and effective approach to said issues.
And moreover 'cut to the chase' of what really matters (in their particular contexts). As opposed to the highly overrated ability to have all their Ps and Qs lined up proper with all their i's appropriately dotted and t's crossed. So, no, all the current, oh so fashionable social media-endorsed political correctnesses are entirely bypassed - thank God!
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Another Good 'Un Bites the Dust: New Zealand's Quixotic Dick Quax Exits the Earthly Stage
"The days of our lives are
seventy years...
...[their boast] is soon cut off, and we
fly away."
So declares a stanza in Psalm 90, 'A Prayer of Moses the man of God'.
And so it proved in the shortened life of New Zealand athletics 'icon' Dick Quax, a runner associated with my earliest recollections of growing up in this land we once called 'God's Own'. He made the final stretch of the last lap...to complete his own 'appointed'/allotted lifespan of 'threescore and ten' - if only just making it over that seemingly arbitrary line (before dying last week). But make it he did.
Dick Quax's running achievements were many and varied, and truly legend...indeed to my surprise 'the half had never been told' me - or I'd simply never bothered to check things out; whichever.
From 1969 through 1980 (or thereabouts) I've worked out - c/o the ever-ready assistance of Wikipedia - that Dick Quax 'scored' significantly in nine out of ten major competitions entered. Five of these nine/ten were in the 5,000 metres, in which he managed three New Zealand records, one world record, and one Olympics silver medal; he achieved a New Zealand first in the one mile; another Olympics silver medal in the 1,500 metres; a New Zealand record in the 15 km marathon; and a New Zealand record time in the Nike OTC Marathon (distance unspecified) in Eugene, Oregon.
Quax forms an unforgettable part of my middle childhood years, alongside his contemporary running 'legends', Rod Dixon and the fabled John Walker. The three are all 'conflated' in my mind, inextricably associated with such memorable happenings as the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games and the 1976 Montreal Olympics, 'TV events' we sat glued to as we cheered on our own 'greats', among whom Walker, Dixon and Quax were right up there - with the best.
Competing in their respective races to the finish, chiefly against the African greats (such as Tanzanian Filbert Bayi), themselves oftentimes haling from that renowned strip of Kenyan rural real estate which nurtured so many of the continent's athletic champions, they gave sporting success a whole new meaning, inspiring many of us including Yours Truly... .
And though my own achievements were somewhat modest, I did tear off into the lead during my first or second year at intermediate (at the tender age of eleven or twelve), ultimately arriving 21st or 22nd at the finish line (amidst a pack of a couple hundred of us, prizes going only to the first twenty). And later - at around double that age, 24/25 years - I finally succeeded (at an annual church camp at Pascoe's Park in my birth-town, Christchurch) and won the 4km race...though as I ever remind Pastor Paul Gredig whenever I happen to bump into him again, I'm still oh so patiently awaiting my certificate for first place... .
Though having little time nor truck for Quax's later politics - as an ardent Act NZ local body politician in Auckland - I understand he was ever regarded as a man of principle who actually stood for something, perhaps a rarer thing in modern-day politics of whatever realm or geographical locality than many might imagine. Yes, the word integrity readily springs to mind, however much one at times might happen to disagree with the specifics of his particular politics.
It's sad to me that Dick Quax evidently held such implicit faith in orthodox medicine, as the chemotherapy and radiation treatment he was eventually subjected to as he closed his days, not only no doubt dealt to his inoperable cancer (of whatever sort), but in the process finished him off as well. (Something he did acknowledge as he ended his days, which seemingly he'd resigned himself to anyhow.) Yes, when the supposed 'cure' is as lethal as the disease, is it any wonder that so many are so readily turning to unconventional treatments such as Vitamin C therapy and the like? After all, survival is all that ultimately matters, and whatever successfully effects this is worth a go, surely?
But his final admonition is worth repeating, however often: the 'desperately ill DQ wanted to warn fellow kiwis: "Get your health checked!" ' Something Yours Truly, outside the conventional health system now for a few years, needs to ever bear in mind, especially since a major change in a certain regular feature of my otherwise excellent health profile, after a major personal crisis which escalated from awful to absolutely dreadful just under three weeks ago. Yes, 'twould appear Quax's appeal has much personal resonance indeed!
I cannot conclude with anything more meaningful than reflecting back upon the words of the memorable theme song of that aforementioned '74 Commonwealth Games, admittedly a 'meet' that Quax himself achieved no success at (whether he was actually there or otherwise; I'm a little unsure.)
As Steve Allen declared - to my piano accompaniment in years gone by (as I successfully rendered the sheet music into something reasonably tuneful - if I do say so myself):
We've got to...jo-in to-gether, let our laugh-ter fill the air...
it's time for every race and creed...to throw away their every care...
let sport un-ite us all as one...in the Spirit of the Lord a-bove...
And let us all re-mem-ber...the Games are for the fos-tering of peace and love...
Once in ev-ery fo-ur years, the Commonweath be-comes
a un-it to which ev-ery-one from anywhere belongs
They gath-er in the place that's named,
This time it's in Christ-church,
And get-ting it on to-geth-er,
Playing sport with a fee-ling that should sur-round the earth
Here in our own cou-n-try...the Games will now be held
And peo-ple black and white will come from all parts of the wor-ld
For the time that they are here, we'll get to know them well...
And hope that in the fu-ture, our rel-at-ion-ships...will tell...
We've got to - join together, let our laughter fill the air
it's time for every race and creed to throw away their every care
let sport unite us all as one in the spirit of the Lord above
And let us all re-mem-ber, the Games are for the fos-ter-ing of peace and love
Thank you, Dick, for yourself wearing that spirit well...throughout your shortened life...whether on the field or off the field...you indeed 'played [your] sport' with a feeling that should surround the world...and contributed in your own small way to helping unite us all as one...people/humanity...
seventy years...
...[their boast] is soon cut off, and we
fly away."
So declares a stanza in Psalm 90, 'A Prayer of Moses the man of God'.
And so it proved in the shortened life of New Zealand athletics 'icon' Dick Quax, a runner associated with my earliest recollections of growing up in this land we once called 'God's Own'. He made the final stretch of the last lap...to complete his own 'appointed'/allotted lifespan of 'threescore and ten' - if only just making it over that seemingly arbitrary line (before dying last week). But make it he did.
Dick Quax's running achievements were many and varied, and truly legend...indeed to my surprise 'the half had never been told' me - or I'd simply never bothered to check things out; whichever.
From 1969 through 1980 (or thereabouts) I've worked out - c/o the ever-ready assistance of Wikipedia - that Dick Quax 'scored' significantly in nine out of ten major competitions entered. Five of these nine/ten were in the 5,000 metres, in which he managed three New Zealand records, one world record, and one Olympics silver medal; he achieved a New Zealand first in the one mile; another Olympics silver medal in the 1,500 metres; a New Zealand record in the 15 km marathon; and a New Zealand record time in the Nike OTC Marathon (distance unspecified) in Eugene, Oregon.
Quax forms an unforgettable part of my middle childhood years, alongside his contemporary running 'legends', Rod Dixon and the fabled John Walker. The three are all 'conflated' in my mind, inextricably associated with such memorable happenings as the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games and the 1976 Montreal Olympics, 'TV events' we sat glued to as we cheered on our own 'greats', among whom Walker, Dixon and Quax were right up there - with the best.
Competing in their respective races to the finish, chiefly against the African greats (such as Tanzanian Filbert Bayi), themselves oftentimes haling from that renowned strip of Kenyan rural real estate which nurtured so many of the continent's athletic champions, they gave sporting success a whole new meaning, inspiring many of us including Yours Truly... .
And though my own achievements were somewhat modest, I did tear off into the lead during my first or second year at intermediate (at the tender age of eleven or twelve), ultimately arriving 21st or 22nd at the finish line (amidst a pack of a couple hundred of us, prizes going only to the first twenty). And later - at around double that age, 24/25 years - I finally succeeded (at an annual church camp at Pascoe's Park in my birth-town, Christchurch) and won the 4km race...though as I ever remind Pastor Paul Gredig whenever I happen to bump into him again, I'm still oh so patiently awaiting my certificate for first place... .
Though having little time nor truck for Quax's later politics - as an ardent Act NZ local body politician in Auckland - I understand he was ever regarded as a man of principle who actually stood for something, perhaps a rarer thing in modern-day politics of whatever realm or geographical locality than many might imagine. Yes, the word integrity readily springs to mind, however much one at times might happen to disagree with the specifics of his particular politics.
It's sad to me that Dick Quax evidently held such implicit faith in orthodox medicine, as the chemotherapy and radiation treatment he was eventually subjected to as he closed his days, not only no doubt dealt to his inoperable cancer (of whatever sort), but in the process finished him off as well. (Something he did acknowledge as he ended his days, which seemingly he'd resigned himself to anyhow.) Yes, when the supposed 'cure' is as lethal as the disease, is it any wonder that so many are so readily turning to unconventional treatments such as Vitamin C therapy and the like? After all, survival is all that ultimately matters, and whatever successfully effects this is worth a go, surely?
But his final admonition is worth repeating, however often: the 'desperately ill DQ wanted to warn fellow kiwis: "Get your health checked!" ' Something Yours Truly, outside the conventional health system now for a few years, needs to ever bear in mind, especially since a major change in a certain regular feature of my otherwise excellent health profile, after a major personal crisis which escalated from awful to absolutely dreadful just under three weeks ago. Yes, 'twould appear Quax's appeal has much personal resonance indeed!
I cannot conclude with anything more meaningful than reflecting back upon the words of the memorable theme song of that aforementioned '74 Commonwealth Games, admittedly a 'meet' that Quax himself achieved no success at (whether he was actually there or otherwise; I'm a little unsure.)
As Steve Allen declared - to my piano accompaniment in years gone by (as I successfully rendered the sheet music into something reasonably tuneful - if I do say so myself):
We've got to...jo-in to-gether, let our laugh-ter fill the air...
it's time for every race and creed...to throw away their every care...
let sport un-ite us all as one...in the Spirit of the Lord a-bove...
And let us all re-mem-ber...the Games are for the fos-tering of peace and love...
Once in ev-ery fo-ur years, the Commonweath be-comes
a un-it to which ev-ery-one from anywhere belongs
They gath-er in the place that's named,
This time it's in Christ-church,
And get-ting it on to-geth-er,
Playing sport with a fee-ling that should sur-round the earth
Here in our own cou-n-try...the Games will now be held
And peo-ple black and white will come from all parts of the wor-ld
For the time that they are here, we'll get to know them well...
And hope that in the fu-ture, our rel-at-ion-ships...will tell...
We've got to - join together, let our laughter fill the air
it's time for every race and creed to throw away their every care
let sport unite us all as one in the spirit of the Lord above
And let us all re-mem-ber, the Games are for the fos-ter-ing of peace and love
Thank you, Dick, for yourself wearing that spirit well...throughout your shortened life...whether on the field or off the field...you indeed 'played [your] sport' with a feeling that should surround the world...and contributed in your own small way to helping unite us all as one...people/humanity...
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