Have pretty much just gotten home from a very interesting 'debate' at Te Papa. The topic was the Treaty of Waitangi, and as I'm sure you'll be aware it's something I think we should all take a positive interest in.
If you agree to that you'll also be happy to know that the turn-out was very high. And that's something good for New Zealand in the long run. The more people engaging in this type of setting the better.
Actually, walking home barely topped the experience of listening to Geoffrey Palmer and Joe Williams Talk about their respective vision of our social futures. I should mention that it wasn't actually a debate as such, but more of an exposition of ideas. So why did the walk home top the debate?
I've never seen so many well-dressed women in town. Tell you what, something like a tournament featuring a number of athletic blokes really brings out the best in the fairer sex. The last time I saw so many geeee-orgeous women out looking to break the man-drought was during the Lions Tour. That aside, she'll be some good TV this weekend.
And, Ms. Lorraine Downes, I saw you walking past me on Tory Street. Peee-ow. If you're reading this, feel free to hit the reply button below, and maybe we can jack something up? Knowing your history with men I'm happy to camp it up a little, if it makes you more comfortable. The occasional homoerotic double entendre? No problem, I'm your man.
Anyhow, the thing about public debates is always the question time. They attract nutters like ants to a picnic. Luckily the crowd was fairly liberal, so it didn't appear to be a problem until the very last question.
Welcome to Mr Stephen Franks!
Steve, do you and us all a favour mate, just go out and get a freaking job. Seriously, there's a bit of a skills shortage on at the mo, so you should be able to set something up in no time. Really.
And please, please spare us all the embarrassment of standing up and asking questions like, "Why does no one listen to me?" and "Where are all these blimmin' Maoris anyhow?"
Steve, I know the Association of Consumers and TAXPAYERS you used to represent is big on everyone making a contribution to society and that, so why in the hell don't you just take your own advice, get a job that doesn't siphon public money, and leave the nice brown(ish) people alone? Ta.
You readers, and anyone who listens to the debate on National Radio, will be happy to know that Geoffrey reminded Steve that he no longer represents anyone but himself, and the audience clapped very loudly.
The question we all ask ourselves? I found this great little blogsite that seeks to ask are ACT Party people really so stupid. Really?
Someone is asking the big questions.
And speaking of stupid. Don, I know you're a really nice guy and all, but who in the hell is writing your speeches these days? I'm not interested in the actual political content of the thing, just the fact that it's a really, really bad speech.
Let's look at one line.
"The collapse in business confidence is like the warning light on your petrol tank - ignore it at your peril. Well, it is flashing, and the Government is asleep at the wheel!"
I mean, what in the hell?
Don, a man of your considerable experience deserves better staff. So just sack him. Whoever the heck he his, just walk over to his office and ask him to pack his stuff up. Say, "You, buddy, write baloney!" and ask him to leave quietly.
You see, my question is this. If you're driving you are most likely moving at speed. That is the definition of driving. You know, moving. Only the elderly and/or retired drive slowly. So, being asleep at the wheel probably suggests that the car isn't moving. If the car is moving, then a nearly-empty petrol tank is less than half your problem, and if probably a good thing considering how tanks rupture when you fall asleep and hit things at speed?
Since you are a nice bloke, I'm happy to point you in the direction of at least one speechwriter with experience. Even better, I'm willing to sacrifice say, 50% of my current $140k salary to write for you, just because I'm a nice bloke too.
It's true that my partisan leanings do show, but with the shallowness of talent in the ranks of conservatives just at the moment, you people need to hire anyone who'll put their hands up.
Crap... I was supposed to be talking about the Treaty Debate ay? Ah well. Guess we'd better save that one till next week. It was good but.