Posts by Hilary Stace
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No - no evidence for being an aspie, - as I indicated it was speculation by those who are pretty attuned to aspie-ness, and has been rumoured for several years.
I think there are links between David Bain and Susan Boyle - two honest simple souls (and that is not being patronising) caught up in a maelstrom.
And that is not to deny the very real pain, anger and trauma suffered by many many people caught up in this case.
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What I don't understand is that it had to be an all or nothing case. The scenario that seems to fit the evidence best is that David came home to find them all except Robin (who had thoroughly lost it) dead and there was a struggle and possibly David shot Robin in self-defence. David seems so traumatised by the whole affair (as would anyone who finds his family all dead) that it has been blocked from his memory. He has apparently been further traumatised by the details that came out in this latest trial. So even if that is the scenario, he has more than done his time, and paid a huge price.
It is all tragic except for the staunchness of all the supporters and of course Joe Karam. I don't really approve of such labelling but someone here mentioned the poignant friendship of the All Black and the Aspie.
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Some relief for Key as central talking point, and some good news - David Bain not guilty. Verdict just out.
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The other thing the public notices is a lack of consistency in the message, which happens when there is not a clear direction from the top, and I think NZers are very resistant to being patronised or spun. For example, ministers shouldn't say how mportant something is - say adult community education - and then slash funding for it.
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He doesn't have a direction, because he's already at his destination. And he desperately wants to be liked. The public (less desperately, but mostly) want to like him.
I agree. I heard Key speak in person the other day.I was waiting for the famous charm and the relationship development with the audience which could make up for a lack of history with that particular sector - and there was obvious goodwill towards him. But it was very disappointing. He started with some jokes about his day (apparently he made a comment about how bad his day was going when opening the cancer accommodation in Chch yesterday - hey you're just battling cancer, I have to run the country), but then it was apparent he had not been briefed or had not bothered to find out what the meeting was all about. He got names wrong, and the only philosophy he offered was an economic rationalisation one.
Helen Clark could speak to 6 or so groups a day and from what I observed she was always prepared, appropriate and respectful, whatever the occasion. Key will have to learn fast that NZ is full of diverse groups of people waiting for evidence of effective leadership from him and a few jokes won't cut it.
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I wish we had some local TV satire, as there is so much good material. Imagine a running gag with Key ringing Helen in New York for counselling - 'Helen, they never said being PM would be so hard!'
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Sidestepping to swine flu for a moment. I was talking to someone who knows about these things who reckons it is about to escalate here rapidly. 700 cases in Melbourne suddenly and schools closed. Some workplaces here are already asking employees to stay home in quarantine for a few days after returning from overseas just in case. And although this first wave doesn't appear too severe it is very likely to have a more virulent second wave. So it is sensible to be careful about handwashing etc and go to doctor for testing if you get sick.
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Nat Radio's Nine to Noon is now doing a National Party advertorial - Mathew Hooton is being interviewed about it all as if he is some independent analyst.
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On Nat Rad's Morning Report this morning those great political minds of the distant sexist past - Richards Prebble and Griffin - are claiming that Phil Goff is the only person blameworthy in all this!
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Not sure if anyone has already referred to this little gem of a letter to the Ed in the DomPost today.
"As it is the current Government's intention to make no further contributions to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund for at least the next 10 years, would it be too much to ask your reporters to henceforth call it the English Fund? Thank you.
Michael Cullen
Finance Minister, 1999-2008
Napier"