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.