Politics-Election 2008

In my attempt to evaluate as fairly as possible, I have decided to check out the various party's web sites to see what the differences are. I am declaring here and now that I am a swinging voter.
Take tax cuts:
I went to Labour's site and found this:
"Labour’s tax cuts are responsible and fair to workers. We focused on the lowest rate so all New Zealanders benefit. Labour will do the right thing for workers, families, and the economy.
Labour’s personal tax plan will result in:
A new low tax rate of 12.5 per cent A lifting of the 21 per cent threshold by $10,500 to $20,000 A lifting of the 33 per cent threshold by $4,500 to $42,500 A lifting of the 39 per cent threshold by $20,000 to $80,000 And advancing boosts to working for families on 1 October 2008 By the third year of our tax cut programme, we will deliver $50 a week or more to around 50 per cent of all households.
A Kiwi family on the average household income of $72,000 – split two thirds/one third between two parents – with two children at primary school is almost $43 a week better off on 1 October this year – that’s equivalent to a 3.6 per cent increase in take home pay.
By full implementation of the tax package in 2011, that Kiwi family is almost $85 a week better off – the equivalent to a 7.5 per cent increase in their take home pay."

Then I checked out National's site and had difficulty finding their policy, but in one of the speeches I did find:
"One, we will institute an ongoing programme of personal tax reduction that will encourage hard work and help keep our workforce in New Zealand. This sensible, step-by-step tax programme is, I believe, even more important given the current economic conditions."

I recall someone in National promising $50/week tax cuts, but could not readily find this on National's site.

From the above, it seems to me that Labour's policy is more defined and out in the open.

If National do give a $50 tax cut, on top of the above Labour introduced cuts, then I would imagine a lot of people giving that some thought.

For myself, I would like more tax cuts, but this has to be balanced by the idea that if they cut taxes, this may result in a lower quality of defence/education etc.

Politics

In New Zealand, we have our general elections coming up this November, so a bit of political comment might be in order.

I still do not know who I am going to vote for, but I have read a bit on John Key, the National Party leader and he seems to be better than his predecessors. Other than that, I have only a vague idea of how National's policies differ from Labour's.

I feel quite guilty, as here I am, 62 years in NZ and only a vague idea of what is going on in the political arena, in spite of listening to the radio and finding out all the dirt that the journalists can dig up on the MPs. Maybe policy just does not interest the public?

My political thoughts are quite basic: Why do we have government? Answer: To look after the people.

Take a simple issue such as smoking: If we look after most of the people, what about the poor old cigarette manufacturers/tobacco farmers? Right away it appears to a grey area. But if we were using our heads in this case, we would say: Tough luck, go do something else.

This does not seem to be happening...hmmm....wonder why!

Then there is the idea of freedom of action: Why should we not smoke if we want to?

I get a feeling that in 50 years time, maybe everyone will be so educated that the idea of smoking and drinking alcohol would be looked on as doing something strange.

Anyway, where am I going with this? Well, a Constitution would be a good start. Ian Wishart tried to get that one off the ground, but it never flew.

My goal this election is to:
1. Check on Labour's promises previous to the last election.
2. Find out what the main differences are in the policies.

My feeling is that people are ready for a change, and that National will get in.