New Zealand Listener Issue 43 2018

It’s a bit like saying, “I kept slaves back then, but everyone was doing it.” Anyone who construes the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court as a telling blow to the #MeToo movement is, as they say over there, whistling Dixie. This issue brings the US closer to a historical tipping point in its political and social democracy. Republican triumphalism at “winning” the Kavanaugh fight can only be interpreted by women as a further sign that the battle needs to be taken right to the heart of the Establishment. The ugly circling of wagons by the powerful around this most unsuitable of judicial titans can only strengthen the popular uprising against current and historic bullying and sexual abuse of women. President Donald Trump’s characterisation of Kavanaugh,…

It’s a bit like saying, “I kept slaves back then, but everyone was doing it.” Anyone who construes the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court as a telling blow to the #MeToo movement is, as they say over there, whistling Dixie. This issue brings the US closer to a historical tipping point in its political and social democracy. Republican triumphalism at “winning” the Kavanaugh fight can only be interpreted by women as a further sign that the battle needs to be taken right to the heart of the Establishment. The ugly circling of wagons by the powerful around this most unsuitable of judicial titans can only strengthen the popular uprising against current and historic bullying and sexual abuse of women. President Donald Trump’s characterisation of Kavanaugh, and men in…

Well said on teaching (Editorial, October 13). Education has been compared to seed corn: it is our most important gift to the next generation. The last Government behaved in a very dilatory manner towards education, and was seemingly only interested in academies. State schools are vital and need to be valued as a means of keeping a semblance of egalitarianism. Allowing children of different races and creeds to mix is important, as is a mix from different financial backgrounds. Teachers, in my youth, were valued members of society, up with accountants, lawyers and doctors. Good teachers are worth their weight in gold and need to be paid as such – some ninny from the Green Party suggested a 20% benefit increase, while the Government is offering a pittance to teachers.…

Well said on teaching (Editorial, October 13). Education has been compared to seed corn: it is our most important gift to the next generation. The last Government behaved in a very dilatory manner towards education, and was seemingly only interested in academies. State schools are vital and need to be valued as a means of keeping a semblance of egalitarianism. Allowing children of different races and creeds to mix is important, as is a mix from different financial backgrounds. Teachers, in my youth, were valued members of society, up with accountants, lawyers and doctors. Good teachers are worth their weight in gold and need to be paid as such – some ninny from the Green Party suggested a 20% benefit increase, while the Government is offering a pittance to teachers. There is so…

WINNING CAPTION Warren Shaw, Marton FINALISTS Jacinda Ardern: “That’s Mr Trump – he’s full of wind too!” – Colin Kemplen, Matamata Attendant: “So, it takes three to represent New Zealand, does it?” – David Sellars, Honikiwi Ardern: “Did you leak on Simon?” – A Neale, Nelson Clarke Gayford, thinking: “I’m happy with a supporting role, I’m happy with a supporting role …” – Rex McGregor, Auckland Attendant: “Does Mummy spit the dummy too?” – Tony Clemow, Kamo Attendant: “Is that a blow-up baby?” – Robert Morey, Brockville, Dunedin Attendant: “First we had an elephant, now there’s a baby in the room.” – Kath Jones, Waikanae Attendant: “Goo goo gaga. It’s just like speaking to Winston’s people.” – Mark Bradley, St Clair, Dunedin Attendant: “She might like to play in the kiddie corner…

“It’s a funny kind of month, October. For the really keen cricket fan, it’s when you discover that your wife left you in May.”– Denis Norden, quoted in the Times “I know it’s tempting to angrily shout at US senators, but remember, the only thing it’ll get you is a seat on the Supreme Court.”– US screenwriter Jess Dweck “Religion is an attempt to find meaning in events, not a theory that tries to explain the universe.”– philosopher John Gray “They do a more thorough investigation of the contestants on The Bachelor than they did for the Supreme Court. I’ve interviewed more people this week than the FBI has.”– US comedian Jimmy Kimmel “The first condition of human goodness is something to love; the second, something to reverence.”– writer George…