Paul Henry currently has a programme entitled Rebuilding Paradise. He’s wasting his time. For the last six weeks, we have witnessed nothing short of the demolition of paradise. What we are seeing is the hijacking of a health event to implement a strategy which is in line with the political agenda of those in power, particularly the prime minister.
In order to achieve their aims, it was necessary to mismanage the event early on. This she did using an anniversary of a massacre as an excuse. The anniversary came and went, still with no closing of the borders. Having got the country to a position where she considered she could get away with enforcing a total lockdown she went ahead and did exactly that.
The result has been economic chaos particularly in relation to small and medium sized businesses. The lady in question seems to think that perfecting the art of wrapping fish and chips (she is a perfectionist, she told us so) in a takeaway shop gives her a good understanding of the operation of a small business. From what we have observed so far that is not the case. These retail outlets need a non repayable cash handout to help them get back on their feet, not a loan that needs repaying which is effectively loading them with more debt.
Stuart Nash, on Mike Hosking’s show with Mark Mitchell said that was just spraying money around and accused National of not understanding economics. Fortunately, I was not partaking of my morning cuppa at the time. Stuart then got an education from Mike and Mark in the targeting of money. He needs it after it was reported that two meat processing firms which have worked through the lockdown helped themselves to $75 million of Government assistance. That’s our money.
There are now under 200 people affected. The country should be back up and running as normal. Even if we get to level two, which we may not, there will probably be too many restrictions because that is the socialist way. My wife was told she can’t attend a medical appointment for an important check-up which was initially scheduled prior to the lockdown as I am over seventy and need protecting. She can’t be seen for three months! This is outrageous and a complete nonsense.
Now is the time we should be asking how many of the freedoms that have been removed will be given back and over what timeframe. She who must be obeyed and her medical cohort will be none too keen to give up their newfound level of control. Simon Bridges is doing a good job of insisting the country should be back at work. Winston appears to be on the same page. That being the case I feel that Winston, who installed this band of incompetents, should do the right thing and head for the crossbenches. The longer he remains where he is the more economic damage he can be accused of being complicit in.
The co-owner of the Glenfield Mall, Dallas Pendergast is predicting political suicide if the rules aren’t relaxed. I agree and it’s the only reason I would support keeping the current rules in place. If the rules are too strict for restaurants and bars it won’t be worth their opening. People go to those places for relaxation and intimacy, not to shout at friends at another table. The PM, when she does implement level two, needs to think carefully about what and how many restrictions she might put in place. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s something which will ring any bells. We’re more likely to hear the bells of Saint Mary than the bells of Saint Jacinda.
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