Yes indeed. And so for all subsequent presidents, be they Republican or Democratic, the stage is now set...and no one's presidency will any longer be off-limits (in the previous time-honoured fashion).
But for now I only intend to follow up upon some stuff I alluded to in a very recent blogpost re Barack Obama and succinctly state that Obama himself signally failed to uphold the United States' proud, centuries' old traditions vis-a-vis the Christian religion and its adherents. And this has had a major bearing upon how once Obama-supporting evangelicals in America have subsequently not only questioned, even eschewed Obama's legacy, but have largely and consequently embraced that of Trump.
Though I've no doubt that both he and wife Michelle were hardly the gun-totin', Islamist terrorists once portrayed by 'The New Yorker' on an infamous cover story back during Presidential Campaign 2008 - let alone even being secret Muslims - on (*at least) two major counts Christians of whatever stripes throughout the US of A had just grounds for not only concern but positive alarm during his two-term tenure. And I don't refer here to yet another matter - i.e. Obama lending his personal support to doing away with America's (and the World's) ages-old endorsement and exaltation of the (publicly-celebrated) union of a man and a woman as being the only proper (and indeed just) basis of a marital covenant/commitment, let alone for raising well-balanced and thriving children.
After which Parliaments throughout the Western world quickly fell into lockstep and hastily rammed through - legislatively where possible (without much public feedback let alone say as in a binding decision via a referendum), or otherwise did hold such a referendum (as in Ireland) - new laws to allow for 'gay marriage': France, the United Kingdom and New Zealand being three nations which readily spring to recollection. My point being that all that ground-breaking change was based upon or inspired by - given momentum through - was President Obama's supposed (midterm) Damascus Road experience whereby he no longer saw why homosexuals' 'tying the knot' was any big deal.
As noted Creation Scientist Ken Ham explained in a recent Sunday morning 'Cue' (Hope Channel)
sermon/lecture, Obama unilaterally eschewed America's time-honoured Christian heritage (while embracing some new, amorphous 'multicultural' amalgam) upon taking office (as revealed in his various books/writings upon such matters around/prior to that time, thus 'putting on the table' his own 'manifesto' for office. That's his first major sin vis-a-vis Christendom. And the second?
He subsequently abandoned/forsook the persecuted-to-the- death Christian sufferers of genocidal extermination throughout both the Middle East and the (Asian and African) world generally - throughout his eight-year tenure. And so Barack Hussein Obama can hardly feign surprise that his 'fellow' American Christians have subsequently turned to, even positively embraced, Donald J Trump as their national 'saviour'. Despite his obvious as shortcomings.
*Though the - ultimately thwarted - attempt to enforce Federal Government mandated-contraception via unwilling Catholic hospitals is doubtless another (example of such gross spitting in the face of America's Christian community)...if just for completely violating the oft-cited principle of the American Constitution both prohibiting the establishment of religion and/or forbidding the free exercise thereof.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Me Knows Thou Dost Protest Over-Much: Anticipating An Absolute - Once Simply Unthinkable - Rout For The American Democratic Party in their upcoming Midterms
No, I haven't suddenly transmogrified into some kinda apologist-in-chief for the American Republican Party - far from it in fact - but, like Michael Moore prior to Presidential Election 2016, I am not too blindsided by partisan political and ideological reckonings and musings and plannings and plottings to see the Democrats squarely facing into a significant defeat - maybe even rout - come next **Tuesday's/Wednesday's Midterm Elections...
And why? They've completely overplayed their hand - to the nth degree, well beyond that, and then some (and I'm probably considerably understating matters)...no, I kid you not! But in case you need convincing, though just now I've no time to majorly elaborate, let's just 'say', how about?:
*The whole Brett Kavanaugh saga...which may well be repeated (before all that long evidently), seeing as Sandra Day O'Connor (I believe) announced just the other day her plans to possibly retire.
*Related to this...and to many other 'presenting' issues in modern American political life: the unwillingness of many (of Generation Now) to accept the results of the democratic process as well as the United States' constitutionally-enshrined and guaranteed provision of free speech; thus seeking to ***not only shout (and shut) down their opponents (at venues such as college campuses - and even in the federal (and state) legislature/s!) but to 'positively' accost/molest them in public places/spaces
*The utter inability and/or sheer unwillingness for the mainstream (TV/print/broadcast) media in the U.S. to - pretty well ever - 'give credit where credit is due': i.e. - to bring the matter down home - to follow in the well-worn footsteps of Yours Truly and simply - and honestly: bestow bouquets (as well as brickbats) with fear of and favour toward none...yes, including even Donald J Trump!
That's it, folks...only a few items really...but the sheer lack thereof might well make all the difference: spelling the difference between what initially promised to be a ****resounding victory (in both the House of Representatives and the Senate) to a ****veritable drubbing, at least in the United States Senate.
As C.J (from the oh so brilliant 'Rise and Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin') might have put matters - I didn't get where I am today by not being able to see a political party staring down the barrel of a political drubbing when I see it!
**Wednesday New Zealand time, that is...
***And such have the gall to constantly call out the so-called 'Right' as spreaders of hate speech!
****For the U S Democratic Party, that is; the opposite story now looks set to be the narrative of the GOP, who'll be having a grand 'ole party indeed, come next Tuesday (US time).
And why? They've completely overplayed their hand - to the nth degree, well beyond that, and then some (and I'm probably considerably understating matters)...no, I kid you not! But in case you need convincing, though just now I've no time to majorly elaborate, let's just 'say', how about?:
*The whole Brett Kavanaugh saga...which may well be repeated (before all that long evidently), seeing as Sandra Day O'Connor (I believe) announced just the other day her plans to possibly retire.
*Related to this...and to many other 'presenting' issues in modern American political life: the unwillingness of many (of Generation Now) to accept the results of the democratic process as well as the United States' constitutionally-enshrined and guaranteed provision of free speech; thus seeking to ***not only shout (and shut) down their opponents (at venues such as college campuses - and even in the federal (and state) legislature/s!) but to 'positively' accost/molest them in public places/spaces
*The utter inability and/or sheer unwillingness for the mainstream (TV/print/broadcast) media in the U.S. to - pretty well ever - 'give credit where credit is due': i.e. - to bring the matter down home - to follow in the well-worn footsteps of Yours Truly and simply - and honestly: bestow bouquets (as well as brickbats) with fear of and favour toward none...yes, including even Donald J Trump!
That's it, folks...only a few items really...but the sheer lack thereof might well make all the difference: spelling the difference between what initially promised to be a ****resounding victory (in both the House of Representatives and the Senate) to a ****veritable drubbing, at least in the United States Senate.
As C.J (from the oh so brilliant 'Rise and Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin') might have put matters - I didn't get where I am today by not being able to see a political party staring down the barrel of a political drubbing when I see it!
**Wednesday New Zealand time, that is...
***And such have the gall to constantly call out the so-called 'Right' as spreaders of hate speech!
****For the U S Democratic Party, that is; the opposite story now looks set to be the narrative of the GOP, who'll be having a grand 'ole party indeed, come next Tuesday (US time).
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Ye Typical Talkback-Driven Beat-Up: Partisan Political Posturing at Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway's Expense
Having presided over (seemingly) innumerable disgusting, even outrageous deportations of people who eminently deserved the 'prerogative of mercy' (so to speak), spare me/us the sudden emerging out of the veritable woodwork of National Party-sympathizing lackeys and neophytes feigning faux outrage vis-a-vis this latest intricately-assessed and otherwise-nit-picked situation.
Hey, no doubt my memory's playing up, but - whichever Minister (at the time) it happened to be - do I or don't I distinctly recall a wonderful British fellow (and his family) being unceremoniously ejected and deported from Otorohunga(sp?) under the last Government's nine-year watch?
Someone moreover who'd provided lots of fantastic work (and related opportunities) to oodles of folk in that smallish North Island centre. Yet despite a long, long petitioning process (and awaiting some semblance of natural compassion from the authorities that be - to wit the Immigration Minister of the day)...far as I can recall nothing whatsoever came of it...
...and our great media simply let the matter disappear under ye proverbial rug and on into obscurity...
Afterthoughts (2.46 p.m., Friday the 9th of November)
A Little Ignorance Can Certainly Be An Exceedingly Dangerous Thing
Indeed, though I don't resile from any of my reflections upon preceding *National Government ministers and administrations...and their 'disposal' of various and sundry legitimate 'cases' of potential immigrants to NZ...or, for that matter, upon how various and sundry talkback hosts (the purely partisan, ideologically-driven ones, that is) ever and anon seize upon this bugbear and bane of our life and times...to cause undue fear and loathing among the citizenry...
I'll freely admit that my initial comments (immediately above) re the Iain Lees-Galloway botchup appear wholly wide of the mark...as things have since transpired and come out into the cold hard light of day and disinfectant... As Winston Churchill once **so memorably replied/responded to one of his political opponents/critics, when the absolute inconsistency between a position he now held and one he had held previously on the selfsame matter was held up to public view and derision: "When new and differing information comes to light I change and adjust to that reality. Prithee, Sir, what do you do?"
And Iain Lees-Galloway's alleged sins...for which he is well overdue for a proper sacking (and which make Clare Curran's and Mita Whaitiri's (sp?) relative failings look like ye proverbial walk in the public park)? Only a couple...though they do appear somewhat significant ones: essentially ***steadfastly, even radiantly, blaming all his subordinates/underlings (eat yer heart out, 'Yes Minister'!) for failings pretty much all of his own making; and taking the briefest of possible times to properly review the case (when it was put upon his desk) rather than being duly thoughtful and caretaking thereabouts as he'd led one and all to believe...
From Guyin(sp?) Espinot's (sp?) RNZ National interview with National Party immigration spokesperson (and former minister) Michael Woodhouse this morning it appears ILG pretty well did everything wrong (one could possibly do - wrong)...and, Friday being the day of dismissal, i.e. when the news cycle is quietening down for the weekend - no, I don't blame the current Govt, that's nothing on Textor and Crosby - I wouldn't rate Iain Lees-Galloway's chances of surviving (in cabinet) beyond today all that highly...even if P.M. Ardern has again seemingly categorically affirmed this very morning that she has no intention whatsoever of dismissing the ****felon!
*Just like many or most or all of their Labour Party Government counterparts, mind you...
**An extremely paraphrased version thereof, I'll grant...but I have read the quote for myself...I think! Otherwise I've certainly heard it read out.
***Apologies for the bad taste in utilizing the name of Radiant Steadfast (mother of eleven who just died overnight in the West Coast flooding) to express things rather cutely, but I mean no offence...
****Again, apologies for using a bit of journalistic licence (or latitude of language)...
Hey, no doubt my memory's playing up, but - whichever Minister (at the time) it happened to be - do I or don't I distinctly recall a wonderful British fellow (and his family) being unceremoniously ejected and deported from Otorohunga(sp?) under the last Government's nine-year watch?
Someone moreover who'd provided lots of fantastic work (and related opportunities) to oodles of folk in that smallish North Island centre. Yet despite a long, long petitioning process (and awaiting some semblance of natural compassion from the authorities that be - to wit the Immigration Minister of the day)...far as I can recall nothing whatsoever came of it...
...and our great media simply let the matter disappear under ye proverbial rug and on into obscurity...
Afterthoughts (2.46 p.m., Friday the 9th of November)
A Little Ignorance Can Certainly Be An Exceedingly Dangerous Thing
Indeed, though I don't resile from any of my reflections upon preceding *National Government ministers and administrations...and their 'disposal' of various and sundry legitimate 'cases' of potential immigrants to NZ...or, for that matter, upon how various and sundry talkback hosts (the purely partisan, ideologically-driven ones, that is) ever and anon seize upon this bugbear and bane of our life and times...to cause undue fear and loathing among the citizenry...
I'll freely admit that my initial comments (immediately above) re the Iain Lees-Galloway botchup appear wholly wide of the mark...as things have since transpired and come out into the cold hard light of day and disinfectant... As Winston Churchill once **so memorably replied/responded to one of his political opponents/critics, when the absolute inconsistency between a position he now held and one he had held previously on the selfsame matter was held up to public view and derision: "When new and differing information comes to light I change and adjust to that reality. Prithee, Sir, what do you do?"
And Iain Lees-Galloway's alleged sins...for which he is well overdue for a proper sacking (and which make Clare Curran's and Mita Whaitiri's (sp?) relative failings look like ye proverbial walk in the public park)? Only a couple...though they do appear somewhat significant ones: essentially ***steadfastly, even radiantly, blaming all his subordinates/underlings (eat yer heart out, 'Yes Minister'!) for failings pretty much all of his own making; and taking the briefest of possible times to properly review the case (when it was put upon his desk) rather than being duly thoughtful and caretaking thereabouts as he'd led one and all to believe...
From Guyin(sp?) Espinot's (sp?) RNZ National interview with National Party immigration spokesperson (and former minister) Michael Woodhouse this morning it appears ILG pretty well did everything wrong (one could possibly do - wrong)...and, Friday being the day of dismissal, i.e. when the news cycle is quietening down for the weekend - no, I don't blame the current Govt, that's nothing on Textor and Crosby - I wouldn't rate Iain Lees-Galloway's chances of surviving (in cabinet) beyond today all that highly...even if P.M. Ardern has again seemingly categorically affirmed this very morning that she has no intention whatsoever of dismissing the ****felon!
*Just like many or most or all of their Labour Party Government counterparts, mind you...
**An extremely paraphrased version thereof, I'll grant...but I have read the quote for myself...I think! Otherwise I've certainly heard it read out.
***Apologies for the bad taste in utilizing the name of Radiant Steadfast (mother of eleven who just died overnight in the West Coast flooding) to express things rather cutely, but I mean no offence...
****Again, apologies for using a bit of journalistic licence (or latitude of language)...
But, On the Other Hand, Let's Hear it for the Royal Couple...
Nevertheless, though I've little brief for the generally sycophantic media and assorted, associated official boot-lickers otherwise bowing and scraping at the feet of Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry, let's hear it for the 'handsome couple', who've admirably acquitted themselves throughout their tour in our little land, and during a fairly atrocious spell of weather as well...
As well-known British author/actor/TV personality Stephen Fry well expressed it this eve (on TV3's 'The Project')...all rational 'generalities' vis-a-vis the English monarchy aside, 'in our hearts' we tend to have a different view, and (my words) thus prefer our heart-responses to our head reactions...
As well-known British author/actor/TV personality Stephen Fry well expressed it this eve (on TV3's 'The Project')...all rational 'generalities' vis-a-vis the English monarchy aside, 'in our hearts' we tend to have a different view, and (my words) thus prefer our heart-responses to our head reactions...
If I Only Had Time, Precious Time, 'Ever of the Essence'
But seemingly not having that rare and precious commodity, at least freely at my disposal these days...
...I'll rapid-fire (now, in succession) 'reel off' a number of musings upon various matters that've exercised my mind and heart over recent days and weeks and even months...that is, in immediately-succeeding blogposts...
...I'll rapid-fire (now, in succession) 'reel off' a number of musings upon various matters that've exercised my mind and heart over recent days and weeks and even months...that is, in immediately-succeeding blogposts...
Thursday, October 25, 2018
And Speakin' of Celebrity-Driven Dribble...
We've been ungenerously 'treated' to just such over the past day...yes, even right here in God's Own. C/o none other than - surprise, surprise! - ye mainstream media...aka NZ's 6 p.m. Weeknightly TV1 News Bulletin...both tonight and especially yestereve...
Yes, their 'lead item' on the travel exploits of Prince Harry and Princess/Duchess Megan in Fiji on Weds Oct the 24th would simply have to take the cake/prize...for the most meaningless, unadulterated twaddle we've seen displayed so prominently in quite awhile...and that's surely saying something...
No, I'm not a Republican - far from it in fact (especially not these days, that's for sure) - but neither am I a fawning Royalist sycophantically drooling at each tantalizing tidbit of info on their every move...
Talk about bread and circuses!
Yes, a hands-down, no-holds-barred, out-and-out *win and away for TV1 News (last night and tonight): for the most tabloidish, inconsequential beat-up of Megan Markle's apparent 'no-show' - to Fijian (and foreign) media - yesterday as she was suddenly and unceremoniously - inexplicably! - whisked away by royal minders into a limousine (or the like) in Suva.
*And in recent memory, to boot. And that's sayin' somethin', it really is...
Yes, their 'lead item' on the travel exploits of Prince Harry and Princess/Duchess Megan in Fiji on Weds Oct the 24th would simply have to take the cake/prize...for the most meaningless, unadulterated twaddle we've seen displayed so prominently in quite awhile...and that's surely saying something...
No, I'm not a Republican - far from it in fact (especially not these days, that's for sure) - but neither am I a fawning Royalist sycophantically drooling at each tantalizing tidbit of info on their every move...
Talk about bread and circuses!
Yes, a hands-down, no-holds-barred, out-and-out *win and away for TV1 News (last night and tonight): for the most tabloidish, inconsequential beat-up of Megan Markle's apparent 'no-show' - to Fijian (and foreign) media - yesterday as she was suddenly and unceremoniously - inexplicably! - whisked away by royal minders into a limousine (or the like) in Suva.
*And in recent memory, to boot. And that's sayin' somethin', it really is...
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Hoisted Continually Upon Their Own Petard: Why the Celebrity-Conscious - nay, Obsessed - Media have only Themselves to Blame for One Present-day Political Phenomenon in Particular
Necessary Caveat: Although I'm unsure whether I've inadvertently long since published this (two-and-a-half years ago), I certainly meant to (around March 23rd, 2016), and may indeed have done so...say, as entitled, 'The Media: Outraged at the Possibility of a President Donald Trump? Methinks Thou Dost Protest Too Much'...it appears an ever timely and fairly timeless opinion 'piece', and so...
On the principle that something well worth saying is generally well worth saying more than once...
...and with the clear and obvious understanding that this opinion piece was written prior to the elevation of Donald J Trump to the world's most powerful geo-political position...
May I state my conclusion at the very outset: yes, the mainstream Western (broadcast, print and internet) media pretty well have only themselves to ultimately blame for the phenomenon of a Trump presidency (now subjected daily, even hourly, to such widespread and often simply reactive, non-thinking castigation and negative press that it's hard at times to decipher the wheat from the chaff). Yes indeed they do...a matter made all the worse by their never-ending - deliberate? -oh of course not! *("Yeah, right!") - failure to almost ever make the relevant comparisons to their (media-ordained and sanctioned) political darling, i.e. the previous American President, Barack Hussein Obama...
Now to quickly clarify something (that may not be altogether obvious): I'm not - indeed I've never been - someone 'anti-Obama'; moreover, like around 78% of Americans as his inauguration was taking place back in January 2009 I had a (highly) favourable opinion of him...**to the point of agreeing he well deserved a Nobel Peace prize even at the very outset of his first term: simply in prospect of his being able - solely and purely by dint of being the first black American president, a charismatic and inspiring persona, and moreover a helluva contrast to his predecessor, the hapless 'George Dubya' (just for starters!) - to thus rectify and even 'turn-around' the worldwide anti-American sentiment which had pretty well built up to a veritable crescendo in the run-up to his presidency...
But 'nuff said' (for now) vis-a-vis the Obama presidency, I've extensively canvassed my views else-where (and upon a number of occasions)...
...however, let me once again simply restate my basic premise: having carefully paved the way for America's first real celebrity president, it's just a little bit rich for the selfsame 'kamikaze-ers' to henceforth bend each and every effort in their grasp to seek to undermine said situation...
To reiterate (in different words), having thus cleared the path for such a celebrity candidacy through its obsession with ***all things celebrity...isn't it oh so ironic, but oh so very typical and predictable, the selfsame media now, much like ****Frankenstein's creator, suddenly turn aghast when(ever) confronted by the frightening logical extension of their warped machinations...i.e. the monster they have created, aka Donald Trump, Esquire, Presidential Prospect (now Reality) Extraordinaire...
Unable to put their genie back into its bottle - and now suddenly confronted with/by the extraordinary success, beyond their wildest dreams/fantasies/nightmares, of their subconscious schemes, they now recoil in horror, almost disclaiming any responsibility whatsoever for the work of their own hands - just like Pontius Pilate coolly washing his hands for the responsibility of conveying Jesus the Christ to his untimely, brutal, illegal and shameless, shameful end. Apparently not realizing - or, more likely, lacking the moral courage to admit/confess - that DJT simply represents the ultimate realization of their constant, ingenious attempts at elevating 'celebrity' to cult, godlike status; in all its many and variegated, multi-faceted, often ugly and frankly depraved, manifestations...and then some!
They are now inexorably confronted with their own tailor-made version of Frankenstein's Monster, and thus and so have found themselves dealing with something too big, too hot to handle, something that, despite their best (or, in this case, worst) efforts, has simply become wholly unwieldy and entirely uncontrollable; a literal monster and freak of their own making ...yet which nevertheless ultimately refuses to submit itself, to bow to their control. And which moreover may ultimately lead to both their demise and that of everyone and everything else.
May we all be warned of supposed innocent toying with what may initially merely be idols of our own fancy/imagination, but which eventually assume gargantuan proportions and threaten to subsume our very lives in their backwash. To take due heed lest we too, like so many unsuspecting kids inadvertently stumbling upon a wasp's nest, open a Pandora's Box and so unleash upon an unsuspecting world a lethal monster; one unrelenting and implacable in its ultimate fire and fury.
*A New 'Zealanderism' oftentimes seen upon large advertising billboards above roadways: signifying initial, superficial, complete assent...thereby - in classic, understated kiwi irony - underlining the utter preposterousness of the statement postulated; much as our iconic 'yeah - nah!' response likewise does.
**Even intending - if money had been no object - to actually, personally attend said inauguration!
***At the time of writing (i.e. March 23, 2016) Toronto, Canada's rogue mayor Ron Ford was once again in the/on TV3's (6 p.m.) evening news, to wit his one real 'claim to fame' (and infamy) evidently being the dope-smokin', high-profile mayor of a large Canadian city...who had to resign in notoriety. But so what? Who really cares (in the overall scheme of things)?
****Due acknowledgement to Mary Shelley's inimitable masterpiece, Frankenstein; a timeless classic (deserving of especial attention in our equally techno-crazy, technology-infatuated culture).
On the principle that something well worth saying is generally well worth saying more than once...
...and with the clear and obvious understanding that this opinion piece was written prior to the elevation of Donald J Trump to the world's most powerful geo-political position...
May I state my conclusion at the very outset: yes, the mainstream Western (broadcast, print and internet) media pretty well have only themselves to ultimately blame for the phenomenon of a Trump presidency (now subjected daily, even hourly, to such widespread and often simply reactive, non-thinking castigation and negative press that it's hard at times to decipher the wheat from the chaff). Yes indeed they do...a matter made all the worse by their never-ending - deliberate? -oh of course not! *("Yeah, right!") - failure to almost ever make the relevant comparisons to their (media-ordained and sanctioned) political darling, i.e. the previous American President, Barack Hussein Obama...
Now to quickly clarify something (that may not be altogether obvious): I'm not - indeed I've never been - someone 'anti-Obama'; moreover, like around 78% of Americans as his inauguration was taking place back in January 2009 I had a (highly) favourable opinion of him...**to the point of agreeing he well deserved a Nobel Peace prize even at the very outset of his first term: simply in prospect of his being able - solely and purely by dint of being the first black American president, a charismatic and inspiring persona, and moreover a helluva contrast to his predecessor, the hapless 'George Dubya' (just for starters!) - to thus rectify and even 'turn-around' the worldwide anti-American sentiment which had pretty well built up to a veritable crescendo in the run-up to his presidency...
But 'nuff said' (for now) vis-a-vis the Obama presidency, I've extensively canvassed my views else-where (and upon a number of occasions)...
...however, let me once again simply restate my basic premise: having carefully paved the way for America's first real celebrity president, it's just a little bit rich for the selfsame 'kamikaze-ers' to henceforth bend each and every effort in their grasp to seek to undermine said situation...
To reiterate (in different words), having thus cleared the path for such a celebrity candidacy through its obsession with ***all things celebrity...isn't it oh so ironic, but oh so very typical and predictable, the selfsame media now, much like ****Frankenstein's creator, suddenly turn aghast when(ever) confronted by the frightening logical extension of their warped machinations...i.e. the monster they have created, aka Donald Trump, Esquire, Presidential Prospect (now Reality) Extraordinaire...
Unable to put their genie back into its bottle - and now suddenly confronted with/by the extraordinary success, beyond their wildest dreams/fantasies/nightmares, of their subconscious schemes, they now recoil in horror, almost disclaiming any responsibility whatsoever for the work of their own hands - just like Pontius Pilate coolly washing his hands for the responsibility of conveying Jesus the Christ to his untimely, brutal, illegal and shameless, shameful end. Apparently not realizing - or, more likely, lacking the moral courage to admit/confess - that DJT simply represents the ultimate realization of their constant, ingenious attempts at elevating 'celebrity' to cult, godlike status; in all its many and variegated, multi-faceted, often ugly and frankly depraved, manifestations...and then some!
They are now inexorably confronted with their own tailor-made version of Frankenstein's Monster, and thus and so have found themselves dealing with something too big, too hot to handle, something that, despite their best (or, in this case, worst) efforts, has simply become wholly unwieldy and entirely uncontrollable; a literal monster and freak of their own making ...yet which nevertheless ultimately refuses to submit itself, to bow to their control. And which moreover may ultimately lead to both their demise and that of everyone and everything else.
May we all be warned of supposed innocent toying with what may initially merely be idols of our own fancy/imagination, but which eventually assume gargantuan proportions and threaten to subsume our very lives in their backwash. To take due heed lest we too, like so many unsuspecting kids inadvertently stumbling upon a wasp's nest, open a Pandora's Box and so unleash upon an unsuspecting world a lethal monster; one unrelenting and implacable in its ultimate fire and fury.
*A New 'Zealanderism' oftentimes seen upon large advertising billboards above roadways: signifying initial, superficial, complete assent...thereby - in classic, understated kiwi irony - underlining the utter preposterousness of the statement postulated; much as our iconic 'yeah - nah!' response likewise does.
**Even intending - if money had been no object - to actually, personally attend said inauguration!
***At the time of writing (i.e. March 23, 2016) Toronto, Canada's rogue mayor Ron Ford was once again in the/on TV3's (6 p.m.) evening news, to wit his one real 'claim to fame' (and infamy) evidently being the dope-smokin', high-profile mayor of a large Canadian city...who had to resign in notoriety. But so what? Who really cares (in the overall scheme of things)?
****Due acknowledgement to Mary Shelley's inimitable masterpiece, Frankenstein; a timeless classic (deserving of especial attention in our equally techno-crazy, technology-infatuated culture).
Monday, October 15, 2018
Saudi Arabia: Land of Longtime Unaddressed Domestic Systemic Abuse - And Purveyor of Assorted Slaughter to All Sorts Abroad: Your Evils are at long Last Coming Home to Roost
Perhaps even the U S of A is finally coming to realize that, with friends such as the Gulf Kingdom... it needn't any enemies...at all. Yes, though (especially overseas') critics have long since justly accused and lambasted Saudi Arabia as purveyors of brutality and inhumanity both at home and abroad... precious little attention is ever given to their critiques and allegations... Or has been given - till now.
Whether it's as hand-choppers and beheaders of dissidents and other capital 'criminals' domestically, internationally as the well-established initiators of 9/11, and utterly ruthless and cruel antagonists against neighbouring lil 'ole Yemen (or, more precisely, the Yemenese opposition)...just for starters: let's be 'glad' (however short-lived) that the Kingdom's comeuppance seems to have finally arrived...
And I'd also respectfully suggest that not only America, but its bosom buddy the United Kingdom, ought to also...however belatedly...realize the same... . As they say, better late than never.
And 'proudly independent' God's Own oughta itself hang its head in shame, for, wholly besmirching its noble record of unimpeachable 'independence' on the world scene in years gone by, not all that long ago shamefully flying its own flag at half-mast upon the death of the previous Saudi king.
Whether it's as hand-choppers and beheaders of dissidents and other capital 'criminals' domestically, internationally as the well-established initiators of 9/11, and utterly ruthless and cruel antagonists against neighbouring lil 'ole Yemen (or, more precisely, the Yemenese opposition)...just for starters: let's be 'glad' (however short-lived) that the Kingdom's comeuppance seems to have finally arrived...
And I'd also respectfully suggest that not only America, but its bosom buddy the United Kingdom, ought to also...however belatedly...realize the same... . As they say, better late than never.
And 'proudly independent' God's Own oughta itself hang its head in shame, for, wholly besmirching its noble record of unimpeachable 'independence' on the world scene in years gone by, not all that long ago shamefully flying its own flag at half-mast upon the death of the previous Saudi king.
"Burying Bad News Rather Than Confronting Serious Accusations Against 'Em": Jami-Lee Ross, M.P., versus National Party leader, Simon Joseph Bridges
Going on **initial impressions only...and admittedly no long-term expert upon the inner machinations of National Party politics, NZ Inc...
let me say the following: much of NZ life-society-politics - in my observation, anyhow (and as per ye standard media script/narrative) - is based upon, and indeed buried beneath, both these days and long hence - a false foundation and veritable smokescreen and even avalanche of pious - yet pretentious as - calls/appeals for/protestations around 'UNITY'...whatever the cost (or context) involved.
Whatever the particular accusations/allegations levelled - however serious and sobering.
No matter. 'Unity' is the all-embracing catchphrase adopted and rallying cry employed - seemingly to deal with and to the cognitive dissonance 'created' whenever the well-established pillars and posts of normalcy and status quo politics are inconveniently questioned and challenged. We simply can't handle it - it just doesn't fit our well-established concept of how things are supposed to work. It's an uncomfortable 'disturbing element' which we simply must get rid of - as I say, at whatever price.
Yes, unity is the one, all-important panacea to all our problems, issues and concerns - however legitimate and well-founded; don't worry about any (admittedly thus far, only alleged) illegalities - immoralities - 'improprieties'...involved; hey, that's utterly besides the point, isn't it?
No, sorry to disillusion ya, folks, it's everything! Honesty and integrity are still as up-to-date as ever, however supposedly old-fashioned and out of vogue these days...and apparently irrelevant.
And the establishment wonder why people - not only in God's Own but throughout the Western world generally - are so dissatisfied, even disgusted with politics and politicians these days? Look no further, folks!
*Acknowledgement (vis-a-vis my title) to a half-hourly Newstalk ZB headline news update (1.30 p.m., today) concerning a completely unrelated matter entirely: Nicky Hager's opportune depiction of a recent NZ Defence Forces' ?review/investigation? into its involvement in the Middle East (over recent years, in a (technically) non-military capacity), summarizing it as "burying bad news rather than confronting serious accusations against them".
**Unless Jami-Lee Ross is just another congenital/perennial malcontent and is 'simply making it up' (as he goes, presumably)...which to me, anyway, seems highly unlikely, improbable and even implausible. Hey, how come the default credibility/'sympathy' setting is ever and always with the (political) leader?
(Newstalk ZB) talkback host ?Tim Beveridge? asks (1.30 p.m.ish today): "How is Jami-Lee Ross gonna survive this (unprecedented act of defiance) [politically]?"
Surely we're asking the wrong questions, folks...I'd ever so respectfully suggest that the shoe this time is well and truly upon the other foot...i.e. Simon Bridges'...and with knobs on, to boot. Whatever the media commentariat might well say to the complete contrary.
let me say the following: much of NZ life-society-politics - in my observation, anyhow (and as per ye standard media script/narrative) - is based upon, and indeed buried beneath, both these days and long hence - a false foundation and veritable smokescreen and even avalanche of pious - yet pretentious as - calls/appeals for/protestations around 'UNITY'...whatever the cost (or context) involved.
Whatever the particular accusations/allegations levelled - however serious and sobering.
No matter. 'Unity' is the all-embracing catchphrase adopted and rallying cry employed - seemingly to deal with and to the cognitive dissonance 'created' whenever the well-established pillars and posts of normalcy and status quo politics are inconveniently questioned and challenged. We simply can't handle it - it just doesn't fit our well-established concept of how things are supposed to work. It's an uncomfortable 'disturbing element' which we simply must get rid of - as I say, at whatever price.
Yes, unity is the one, all-important panacea to all our problems, issues and concerns - however legitimate and well-founded; don't worry about any (admittedly thus far, only alleged) illegalities - immoralities - 'improprieties'...involved; hey, that's utterly besides the point, isn't it?
No, sorry to disillusion ya, folks, it's everything! Honesty and integrity are still as up-to-date as ever, however supposedly old-fashioned and out of vogue these days...and apparently irrelevant.
And the establishment wonder why people - not only in God's Own but throughout the Western world generally - are so dissatisfied, even disgusted with politics and politicians these days? Look no further, folks!
*Acknowledgement (vis-a-vis my title) to a half-hourly Newstalk ZB headline news update (1.30 p.m., today) concerning a completely unrelated matter entirely: Nicky Hager's opportune depiction of a recent NZ Defence Forces' ?review/investigation? into its involvement in the Middle East (over recent years, in a (technically) non-military capacity), summarizing it as "burying bad news rather than confronting serious accusations against them".
**Unless Jami-Lee Ross is just another congenital/perennial malcontent and is 'simply making it up' (as he goes, presumably)...which to me, anyway, seems highly unlikely, improbable and even implausible. Hey, how come the default credibility/'sympathy' setting is ever and always with the (political) leader?
(Newstalk ZB) talkback host ?Tim Beveridge? asks (1.30 p.m.ish today): "How is Jami-Lee Ross gonna survive this (unprecedented act of defiance) [politically]?"
Surely we're asking the wrong questions, folks...I'd ever so respectfully suggest that the shoe this time is well and truly upon the other foot...i.e. Simon Bridges'...and with knobs on, to boot. Whatever the media commentariat might well say to the complete contrary.
Friday, October 5, 2018
In Praise of a one-time - and Honourable - Old Soldier of the Left: Marshal Tito, long-serving President of the former Yugoslavia
Amidst an age of global ideological and geo-political ferment and turmoil - to put it mildly - in *chancing the other day upon a little booklet at our local (Dunedin, New Zealand) public library, I was reminded of the former Eastern Bloc nation's once proud(er) history. Overseen **from the ending of World War 11 through the late nineteen-eighties - around about a half-century or thereabouts - by the idiosyncratic communist strongman, President Tito, Yugoslavia as it ***was once known seemed to enjoy 'the best of both worlds' (cliche-ridden term notwithstanding).
Yes, in a day and age where true heroes of the Left are few on the ground and few and far between...
here's in praise of an old soldier of the Left, who, though far from perfect himself, and no doubt somewhat autocratic in style at times...
#ran a model socialist state that actually worked for the vast bulk of the Yugoslav people the great majority of the time
#along an excellent decentralized (cf (1970s-80s) NZ Values Party) model
#meanwhile maintained a USSR-independent foreign policy for decades
#...and last but hardly least - in view of the 30 years since he departed the political stage...
held Yugoslavia and its numerous infighting ethnic minorities/communities together - for well-nigh a half century!
In an era where 'identity politics' has taken the so-called 'Left' by the short and curlies, and has led it down a rabbit-trail (or warren) of deceptive and misleading shortcuts and dead-end trails, Tito earned his stripes fighting throughout his long lifetime for a cause which united his countrymen and women in a proudly independent nation upon the world stage, while serving as an exemplar of the true socialist ideal in the domestic arena. Yes, Tito and moreover Yugoslavia under Tito both had their cake and heartily consumed it as well!
*Part of their ongoing, seemingly never-ending 'library book sale', I regretfully didn't even spare a measly $1 to purchase said booklet.
**In fact, according to my trusty little ********Volume Three O-Z of The Concord DESK ENCYCLOPEDIA, 'He served as prime minister (1945-53) before becoming president' (1953-1980); though of course said encyclopedia only went up to that time, and so didn't include his almost decade remaining in power.
***Before dividing/splitting off - just like the 15 now sovereign republics of the former Soviet Union/****USSR - into *****Serbia - Croatia - Slovenia - Bosnia-Herzegovina - ******Macedonia and Montenegro.
****Indeed USSR stood for 'United Soviet Socialist Republics' (italics mine).
*****Which these days includes the two autonomous regions of *******Vojvodina and Kosovo.
******Itself now experiencing a major crisis over whether to be known - far as I can gather, anyhow (and trust me, it's rather difficult) - as Macedonia: Republic of Skopje or Macedonia: Republic of Greece.
*******Who, no, who - here in the media-saturated West, anyhow - has ever heard of Vojvodina?!?!
********Which volume also includes the following interesting tidbits: [TITO] became a communist while a WW1 prisoner of war in Russia and later spent several years in Yugoslav jails. General Secretary of the Communist Party from 1937, Tito organized partisan resistance to the Nazis in WW11, eclipsing the CHETNIKS, and after the war established a socialist republic...
Tito broke with STALIN in 1948. He suppressed home opposition, while working for workers' self-management and reconciliation of national minorities. Later years saw a substantial liberalization of his policies. On the international scene, Tito became an organizer and leading spokesman for "third world." or neutralist countries.
Yes, in a day and age where true heroes of the Left are few on the ground and few and far between...
here's in praise of an old soldier of the Left, who, though far from perfect himself, and no doubt somewhat autocratic in style at times...
#ran a model socialist state that actually worked for the vast bulk of the Yugoslav people the great majority of the time
#along an excellent decentralized (cf (1970s-80s) NZ Values Party) model
#meanwhile maintained a USSR-independent foreign policy for decades
#...and last but hardly least - in view of the 30 years since he departed the political stage...
held Yugoslavia and its numerous infighting ethnic minorities/communities together - for well-nigh a half century!
In an era where 'identity politics' has taken the so-called 'Left' by the short and curlies, and has led it down a rabbit-trail (or warren) of deceptive and misleading shortcuts and dead-end trails, Tito earned his stripes fighting throughout his long lifetime for a cause which united his countrymen and women in a proudly independent nation upon the world stage, while serving as an exemplar of the true socialist ideal in the domestic arena. Yes, Tito and moreover Yugoslavia under Tito both had their cake and heartily consumed it as well!
*Part of their ongoing, seemingly never-ending 'library book sale', I regretfully didn't even spare a measly $1 to purchase said booklet.
**In fact, according to my trusty little ********Volume Three O-Z of The Concord DESK ENCYCLOPEDIA, 'He served as prime minister (1945-53) before becoming president' (1953-1980); though of course said encyclopedia only went up to that time, and so didn't include his almost decade remaining in power.
***Before dividing/splitting off - just like the 15 now sovereign republics of the former Soviet Union/****USSR - into *****Serbia - Croatia - Slovenia - Bosnia-Herzegovina - ******Macedonia and Montenegro.
****Indeed USSR stood for 'United Soviet Socialist Republics' (italics mine).
*****Which these days includes the two autonomous regions of *******Vojvodina and Kosovo.
******Itself now experiencing a major crisis over whether to be known - far as I can gather, anyhow (and trust me, it's rather difficult) - as Macedonia: Republic of Skopje or Macedonia: Republic of Greece.
*******Who, no, who - here in the media-saturated West, anyhow - has ever heard of Vojvodina?!?!
********Which volume also includes the following interesting tidbits: [TITO] became a communist while a WW1 prisoner of war in Russia and later spent several years in Yugoslav jails. General Secretary of the Communist Party from 1937, Tito organized partisan resistance to the Nazis in WW11, eclipsing the CHETNIKS, and after the war established a socialist republic...
Tito broke with STALIN in 1948. He suppressed home opposition, while working for workers' self-management and reconciliation of national minorities. Later years saw a substantial liberalization of his policies. On the international scene, Tito became an organizer and leading spokesman for "third world." or neutralist countries.
Thursday, October 4, 2018
And Let's Hear it - however admittedly belatedly - for former, long-serving Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore...
...for raising his still quite articulate, persuasive voice...in defence of Christchurch's renowned natural artesian water...against the forces of top-down Central Government control...which as we know, has already started to wield its not-so-wonderful way with its underground, erstwhile uncontaminated city water supplies...
No, the so-called 'health authorities' that be are picking a fight with kiwis...that - at least in the Garden City - I wager they will not ultimately win... -at least that's what I'm hopin'!
One moment chlorination, the next fluoridation...and however well-intentioned such folk might well be, they're playing with peoples' lives...and may incur unintended consequences and unenviable ends.
No, the so-called 'health authorities' that be are picking a fight with kiwis...that - at least in the Garden City - I wager they will not ultimately win... -at least that's what I'm hopin'!
One moment chlorination, the next fluoridation...and however well-intentioned such folk might well be, they're playing with peoples' lives...and may incur unintended consequences and unenviable ends.
Who's to say that 'an old dog' (even and especially of the political variety) cannot learn new tricks?
Yes, I'm obviously referring to a well-known politician, but no, not to 'dance moves' T(h)eresa May(hem)'; rather to former South African President Thabo Mbeki...who, though the media's barely touched upon it, had the gumption and the guts the other day...
...to call out his own A(frican)N(ational)C(ongress) (party)...for its land confiscation programme.
And though as yet I'm not familiar with all the detail, I'm simply pointing out his refreshing willingness to speak out against his own - party-movement-colleagues-Government/President - on a matter of important principle. To stand up and be counted thereupon, however unpopular that'll make him in the eyes of those who formerly revered him...and newly hailed among those who once didn't!
For further info thereabouts, one surely couldn't go wrong/amiss with referring to the website
https://www.timeslive.co.za/...which carried the following simply introductory sentence
'Thabo Mbeki's intervention on land collides head-on with the direction [of South Africa's ANC]...[through his] writing [of] a 20-page thoughtful denunciation of land expropriation without compensation, the ideological panacea of our time' (as indeed in neighbouring Zimbabwe as well).
...to call out his own A(frican)N(ational)C(ongress) (party)...for its land confiscation programme.
And though as yet I'm not familiar with all the detail, I'm simply pointing out his refreshing willingness to speak out against his own - party-movement-colleagues-Government/President - on a matter of important principle. To stand up and be counted thereupon, however unpopular that'll make him in the eyes of those who formerly revered him...and newly hailed among those who once didn't!
For further info thereabouts, one surely couldn't go wrong/amiss with referring to the website
https://www.timeslive.co.za/...which carried the following simply introductory sentence
'Thabo Mbeki's intervention on land collides head-on with the direction [of South Africa's ANC]...[through his] writing [of] a 20-page thoughtful denunciation of land expropriation without compensation, the ideological panacea of our time' (as indeed in neighbouring Zimbabwe as well).
Unto/Upon Whom Much Is Given/Bestowed, Much Will Be Required/Demanded/Expected
Better is the poor who walks
in his[her] integrity
Than one perverse in his[her] ways,
though s/he be rich
So says the holy Scripture...in any number of different ways and places...
And thus, the public statement - induced and coerced as it no doubt was - by high-flying Chinese celebrity/actress Fan Bingbing today...that
As a public figure, I should abide by the law and be a role model for society and the industry
bears a refreshing ring of truth, doesn't it?
Would another rather 'high-profile' figure on today's global stage would realize as much! Yes, no guessing whom I'm meaning...
in his[her] integrity
Than one perverse in his[her] ways,
though s/he be rich
So says the holy Scripture...in any number of different ways and places...
And thus, the public statement - induced and coerced as it no doubt was - by high-flying Chinese celebrity/actress Fan Bingbing today...that
As a public figure, I should abide by the law and be a role model for society and the industry
bears a refreshing ring of truth, doesn't it?
Would another rather 'high-profile' figure on today's global stage would realize as much! Yes, no guessing whom I'm meaning...
Monday, October 1, 2018
But As For A Citizenship Values' Test/Pledge...
Despite the obvious alarm bells such a proposal might well tend to evoke - I hardly need refer to the likes of Nazi Germany's 'Star(s) of David' upon the persons of any and every Jewish citizen - in the modern-day (admittedly thus far excepting God's own) terrorist-ridden Western world, I personally reckon such an idea - within the right parameters, for sure - does warrant careful consideration and investigation...
...provided such was only ever employed: prior to folk emigrating (on an intended long-term basis) here (and that's certainly the case with many immigrants coming for purely work-related reasons); and for those being granted citizenship after residing here for some considerable time (at the various well-known citizenship ceremonies here, such as Dunedin itself has periodically)
...but never, ever in any other context whatsoever...which would indeed cause understandable concern and alarm...
To Be Continued: (Outlining my untidily scribbled thoughts upon the announcement of this NZ First Conference proposal in detail; when I've somewhat more time.)
Nevertheless New Zealand First's (duly, formally assented) policy proposal (at its weekend 25th-anniversary conference) vis-a-vis immigrants (and no doubt also refugees) 'signing onto' some sort of pledge of allegiance to 'NZ Inc. Values' actually has considerable merit per se...if we pause for a mo and consider the matter matter-of-factly, in a reasonable and rational manner, without an undue knee-jerk type response, and in the calm light of day...
Far from being/representing far-right, extreme xenophobic, Muslim-bashing Trumpism - as our pig-ignorant mainstream media is dead certain to automatically characterize it, without due reflectiveness or further ado - eager in their sensationalist response to set the chattering classes a-chattering like never before...I'd contend said proposal has an inherent logic and rationale about it.
Though it would doubtless be utterly abhorrent to wolves in sheep's clothing, i.e. those folk entering Aotearoa-New Zealand with some ulterior motivation/secret agenda...*cf my own opinion piece awhile ago on the aforementioned (which has once again vamoosed my memory cells)... . Yes, there's nothing at all/remotely wrong, let alone distasteful, about such a policy approach - implemented with due care and consideration and a non-gung-ho, overkill approach, that is...
In fact it's just what other, especially non-Western, nations worldwide have effectively done for aeons/millennia even...whether we're considering such diverse localities as Japan (and China) - indeed Asian nations generally - **Mexico in particular, countries throughout the Middle East, or even those in our own backyard (of Oceania/the South Pacific)... -this morning Winston Peters specifically cited ***Australia, Canada and France (thereabouts)-
No, in many of these other places it's hardly ever even mentioned, simply 'coz it need not be (explicitly spelt out): it just goes without saying/it's essentially taken for granted - it's basic, Primary School 101, bone fide human nature - that simply declares to one and all - potential - 'comers': You're welcome here - to come and even to stay (including longer-term) but only on our terms...pledging yourselves to be good, law-abiding citizens. Citizens (or long-term residents) who not only observe the outward/external 'laws of the[i.e.our] land', but - much more importantly even - have/possess an abiding commitment to(wards)/inner attitude of respect toward (and appreciation of and for) the (long-standing, long-established) cultural norms underlying these...that characterize our fair land.
To Be Continued (Part Three)
*Actually, my blogpost, about (if not specifically entitled) 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' was occasioned by a young Asian lass who had the foresight and respectfulness to clean up her doggie's 'doggy-dos' (I passed three-five years back near some city 'dog-park')...whom I considered a pleasant contrast to some then siblings' own 'approach' when visiting our home! And had nothing whatsoever to do with having a gratuitous go at people newly arrived here and seeking, even struggling, to acclimatize and establish themselves here - which, in the immediate backwash/aftermath of fleeing one of Earth's many trouble-points, is necessarily problematic at the very best of times...and ****as folk often point out, we're not presently in such...
**Only mentioned here as, with all the incessant hullabaloo - admittedly understandable on many levels - vis-a-vis President Trump's infamous proposed 'Wall of China' upon the U.S.-Mexican border, apparently one thing that is never once mentioned is that Mexico itself has ever-so-stringent rules and regulations forbidding (basically, fellow Central American) asylum/citizenship to others.
***Not that we'd have anything to learn from, much less care to be taught by, a nation like Oz thereabouts - what with its own shameful record on refugees/kiwis in particular...
****Or as me 'ole mate Gollum's known to have commented: "Theese aren't decent places!"
...provided such was only ever employed: prior to folk emigrating (on an intended long-term basis) here (and that's certainly the case with many immigrants coming for purely work-related reasons); and for those being granted citizenship after residing here for some considerable time (at the various well-known citizenship ceremonies here, such as Dunedin itself has periodically)
...but never, ever in any other context whatsoever...which would indeed cause understandable concern and alarm...
To Be Continued: (Outlining my untidily scribbled thoughts upon the announcement of this NZ First Conference proposal in detail; when I've somewhat more time.)
Nevertheless New Zealand First's (duly, formally assented) policy proposal (at its weekend 25th-anniversary conference) vis-a-vis immigrants (and no doubt also refugees) 'signing onto' some sort of pledge of allegiance to 'NZ Inc. Values' actually has considerable merit per se...if we pause for a mo and consider the matter matter-of-factly, in a reasonable and rational manner, without an undue knee-jerk type response, and in the calm light of day...
Far from being/representing far-right, extreme xenophobic, Muslim-bashing Trumpism - as our pig-ignorant mainstream media is dead certain to automatically characterize it, without due reflectiveness or further ado - eager in their sensationalist response to set the chattering classes a-chattering like never before...I'd contend said proposal has an inherent logic and rationale about it.
Though it would doubtless be utterly abhorrent to wolves in sheep's clothing, i.e. those folk entering Aotearoa-New Zealand with some ulterior motivation/secret agenda...*cf my own opinion piece awhile ago on the aforementioned (which has once again vamoosed my memory cells)... . Yes, there's nothing at all/remotely wrong, let alone distasteful, about such a policy approach - implemented with due care and consideration and a non-gung-ho, overkill approach, that is...
In fact it's just what other, especially non-Western, nations worldwide have effectively done for aeons/millennia even...whether we're considering such diverse localities as Japan (and China) - indeed Asian nations generally - **Mexico in particular, countries throughout the Middle East, or even those in our own backyard (of Oceania/the South Pacific)... -this morning Winston Peters specifically cited ***Australia, Canada and France (thereabouts)-
No, in many of these other places it's hardly ever even mentioned, simply 'coz it need not be (explicitly spelt out): it just goes without saying/it's essentially taken for granted - it's basic, Primary School 101, bone fide human nature - that simply declares to one and all - potential - 'comers': You're welcome here - to come and even to stay (including longer-term) but only on our terms...pledging yourselves to be good, law-abiding citizens. Citizens (or long-term residents) who not only observe the outward/external 'laws of the[i.e.our] land', but - much more importantly even - have/possess an abiding commitment to(wards)/inner attitude of respect toward (and appreciation of and for) the (long-standing, long-established) cultural norms underlying these...that characterize our fair land.
To Be Continued (Part Three)
*Actually, my blogpost, about (if not specifically entitled) 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' was occasioned by a young Asian lass who had the foresight and respectfulness to clean up her doggie's 'doggy-dos' (I passed three-five years back near some city 'dog-park')...whom I considered a pleasant contrast to some then siblings' own 'approach' when visiting our home! And had nothing whatsoever to do with having a gratuitous go at people newly arrived here and seeking, even struggling, to acclimatize and establish themselves here - which, in the immediate backwash/aftermath of fleeing one of Earth's many trouble-points, is necessarily problematic at the very best of times...and ****as folk often point out, we're not presently in such...
**Only mentioned here as, with all the incessant hullabaloo - admittedly understandable on many levels - vis-a-vis President Trump's infamous proposed 'Wall of China' upon the U.S.-Mexican border, apparently one thing that is never once mentioned is that Mexico itself has ever-so-stringent rules and regulations forbidding (basically, fellow Central American) asylum/citizenship to others.
***Not that we'd have anything to learn from, much less care to be taught by, a nation like Oz thereabouts - what with its own shameful record on refugees/kiwis in particular...
****Or as me 'ole mate Gollum's known to have commented: "Theese aren't decent places!"
Let's Hear It For the Rook and Raven: for the Latter's sharing 'human attributes' such as Empathy, Anger and Inquisitiveness, the Former for its (Card-game) Childhood Associations, and Presence (and Outrageous Culling) in Our Area...
Yes, these birds (ravens, and their close cousins/bosom buddies the crows and magpies - corvids all) are really something else altogether. Though hardly - remotely - a long-term fan of any of these, if only because I've never particularly enjoyed/relished being dive-bombed and/or otherwise assailed by these 'feathered friends' throughout my lifetime, they're apparently smart as and peculiar in so many other ways...
Indeed, whether it's being swooped down upon by these various corvids and/or their distant avian relatives *the seagulls - a scavenger whose cherished status evidently by Maori is surely undeserved - my personal encounters with these flying creatures is something I could write screeds upon...
Also geese (of the duck family) are animals I've had a run-in with on one occasion - as I defended myself way out upon the Otago Peninsula from one specimen determined to bite through my well-positioned, newly-weaponized bicycle which was the only thing preventing me from all-out assault on the heels of a completely unprovoked attack... Thankfully I later heard by chance that a local farmer had had to put down that nasty specimen of bird, lots of other folk having been likewise aggressively accosted upon many an occasion...
Reminding me of a four-footed creature, the humble and harmless sheep...a mob of which once chased me unceremoniously down a rocky, shrub-infested crest of hillside in the same general area... around the same time (later 2007).
Not altogether dissimilar - in nasty nature or (undoubted) intention, anyhow - from any number of mean-eyed, menacing-looking, large cows as they no doubt envied those un-hemmed in by all the gates and fences containing them within unappreciated bounds...
*Whose territorial protectiveness, even obsessiveness, sometimes exceeds the bounds of merely protecting their tiny offspring... . Whether at the Mornington Outlook or down around the old Roslyn Woollen Mills - or even walking down opposite Dunedin's large Roman Catholic Kavanagh College on my way to obtain unfluoridated (and unchlorinated) water supplies quite recently - their (at times collective) antics have engaged me in more than my fair share of due concern and even outright terror over the years.
Hey - in addition to the news item I heard overnight (September 30th, Northern Hemispherical - October 1st, Southern Hemispherical - Time on BBC world radio) - check out an interesting on-line article (I just stumbled upon): c/o https://www.Sciencealert.com/crows-ravens-corvids-best-birds-(etc): '13 Surprisingly Weird Reasons Why Crows and Ravens Are the Best Birds, No Question' (Michelle Starr: 31 December 2017). Indeed, I recall an RNZ National item thereabouts a little while ago also...
Indeed, whether it's being swooped down upon by these various corvids and/or their distant avian relatives *the seagulls - a scavenger whose cherished status evidently by Maori is surely undeserved - my personal encounters with these flying creatures is something I could write screeds upon...
Also geese (of the duck family) are animals I've had a run-in with on one occasion - as I defended myself way out upon the Otago Peninsula from one specimen determined to bite through my well-positioned, newly-weaponized bicycle which was the only thing preventing me from all-out assault on the heels of a completely unprovoked attack... Thankfully I later heard by chance that a local farmer had had to put down that nasty specimen of bird, lots of other folk having been likewise aggressively accosted upon many an occasion...
Reminding me of a four-footed creature, the humble and harmless sheep...a mob of which once chased me unceremoniously down a rocky, shrub-infested crest of hillside in the same general area... around the same time (later 2007).
Not altogether dissimilar - in nasty nature or (undoubted) intention, anyhow - from any number of mean-eyed, menacing-looking, large cows as they no doubt envied those un-hemmed in by all the gates and fences containing them within unappreciated bounds...
*Whose territorial protectiveness, even obsessiveness, sometimes exceeds the bounds of merely protecting their tiny offspring... . Whether at the Mornington Outlook or down around the old Roslyn Woollen Mills - or even walking down opposite Dunedin's large Roman Catholic Kavanagh College on my way to obtain unfluoridated (and unchlorinated) water supplies quite recently - their (at times collective) antics have engaged me in more than my fair share of due concern and even outright terror over the years.
Hey - in addition to the news item I heard overnight (September 30th, Northern Hemispherical - October 1st, Southern Hemispherical - Time on BBC world radio) - check out an interesting on-line article (I just stumbled upon): c/o https://www.Sciencealert.com/crows-ravens-corvids-best-birds-(etc): '13 Surprisingly Weird Reasons Why Crows and Ravens Are the Best Birds, No Question' (Michelle Starr: 31 December 2017). Indeed, I recall an RNZ National item thereabouts a little while ago also...
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