When Brash took over the leadership of ACT I thought, here's a go. Now there will be some discipline. Some strong economic messages. Strong welfare, health and education policies. Hell, I didn't even care if they veered off the classical liberal track into conservatism if they gave us consistent small government goals. Social conservatism mostly manifests in conscience votes anyway. If some MPs are opposed to abortion, voluntary euthanasia, drug decriminalization, same sex adoption etc., so be it. For the next election, just take us in the right economic direction, for pities sake. In this political landscape, beggars can't be choosers.
But I am badly disappointed so far.
Why is ACT so susceptible to single issue groups or ideology? Law and order, climate change, and now race have featured disproportionately over the past years. Unlike leftists I do not believe in conspiracies or all-encompassing plans in which many are complicit. Infiltration or takeovers for instance. When you get close to the action in any organisation, political or otherwise, you understand that unique circumstances and connections dictate whatever happens next. Believers in the necessary spontaneity of markets see the replication elsewhere.
The only person connected with ACT giving me a reason to vote for them right now is Cactus, whose candidacy is still not official.
So Cactus, no single person can bring demands to the table but, if they (whoever they are) don't start asserting themselves as the lean mean economic party soon, give it a wide berth. Your long-standing loyalty is immensely commendable but don't let it be your Achilles' heel.
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I was reading Owen Glenn's piece in the NZ Herald.
I know there was some controversies in the past about some of his business actities.
But Owen glenn might also offer potential to ACT as a candidate.
I certainly enjoyed Cactus finding holes in Liarbour's CGT.
Lindsay, I beg to differ from your assertion that Law and order, climate change and Maori issues are only for idealogues.They are no more or less single isues than Welfare, Health and Education.All are interconnected and make up the whole reason for our failings in so many areas.Cactus Kate can not ignore the whole picture either.Best wishes and keep up the good work.
Well said Lindsay. I like Brash, but I've hardly heard policy from him since he took over, just some very naive politicking.
Whereas Cactus's blog has been a shining light: uncomplicated analysis, clear position on the small state and how to get there.
I suspect this is partly because the MSM hates Brash so they're sabotaging him in the way they do, whereas Cactus has the uncompromised venue of her blog to clearly give her views. Thank God for blogs.
ACT need to stop buggering about and announce her inclusion in the line up (and where on the list she'll be).
(Libertarianz voter).
They are no more or less single isues than Welfare, Health and Education.
There's only one issue that matters: NZ not being the next Greece/Ireland/Spain/Portugal
ACT used to have a clear message about that - including the need to terminate ALL welfare spending including the super!!
but guess what: Labour somehow managed to grab the high ground on the economic debate, and Ansell is doing his level best to paint ACT as one-note Maori-bashers.
If there's a Labour/Maori/Mana/Green/Winston/Frankenstein coalition govt in November, noone will be surprised and it's pretty clear it's all Brash's fault.
For better or for worse, ACT has to aim at voters over $100,000 not just over $200,000. But , right now, today, most ACT voters will have a better idea of the tax cuts they'd get from Labour than from ACT
Don should have been finance minister - instead of which he'll be back to the scrapheap!
Please explain how the F**K did that happen?
MSM hates Brash so they're sabotaging him in the way they do,
Face an actual fact: Brash doesn't need the MSM to sabotage him - what he hasn't done himself, Ansell has done for him quite nicely thank you.
Kind of pathethic when independent economics rank Labour's policies as more fiscally responsibile than National - and ACT is nowhere to be seen!
(oh, except for Rodney, who doesn't count any more)
But Owen glenn might also offer potential to ACT as a candidate.
with no better plan than to flee to Hellen's discarded Reserve Bank Governor, now you'll beg for one of Hellen's discarded donors...
please.
in the end, have you no self respect?
np-one reputable will volunteer for ACT now.
Thank's, John. Thon.
From my observation, Cactus offers far more to ACT than John Banks does (or David Garrett ever did).
She is forthright, fact-based (and careful with her sources), and most of all, unafraid to call a spade a spade. As Trbeless said, sort out quickly whether she is a candidate, and where she fits in.
While I agree with John Ansell's words (and think he has a great talent), ACT needs to quickly sort out their goal, their strategy and their tactics.
"For better or for worse, ACT has to aim at voters over $100,000 not just over $200,000."
I am retired with extra income which is considerably less that 100k. I know many ACT members like me are on less than 100K.
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