Posts by George Darroch
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Aaaand the New York Post gets on Levi's MySpace profile:
Like much of this distasteful business, I don't want to know about it. A week ago he was a kid who had knocked up his girlfriend, who happened to be the daughter of a local politician. He's still the same, just that local politician is now in the national spotlight.
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Just a point of order, Mr Ranapia, Ambassadors also require Senate approval. For some bizarre reason the Constitution wants elected representatives to conduct cursory examinations into appointees who have the authority to declare war in their country's name.
Ambassadorial appointments don't bother me so much, but it would be A Good Thing if the New Zealand Government decided that treaties are the business of the house, rather than the prerogative of an unelected executive. Like the ability to set an election date, this is another anti-democratic FPP hang-up that both Labour and National are quite happy to hold on to.
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He is quite involved in advocating for walking and cycling. He noted that many of the cycle people were... abrasive.
I'm working with a local politician here, we've found the same thing. He's a top class triathlete, but has lived in Amsterdam for years, so stands on both sides of divide. It seems to a universal problem, the narrow mindedness and aggressive defence of their territory. Like you note, it would be like having the AA run by motorsports enthusiasts. They have their place, but they shouldn't monopolise the discourse.
why should I have to dawdle just to keep you happy?
I don't want to dictate what speed you ride at. I just want an infrastructure that allows everyone to feel comfortable; you, me, and my housemate who will never go above 15kph in her life. I want bicycle advocacy and to be done with the ordinary masses in mind, nay, at the forefront. Like these people.
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Whatever happens, I want a city that takes cycling from the cyclists (spandex wearers) and gives it back to the people (wearing normal clothes and going at a reasonable pace).
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I feel like a link whore, but this is what I show politicians (cycle converts, agnostics and non-believers alike), when I want to present them with an idea of just how beautiful things can be.
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Say what you like about Canberra but it does have plenty of bike paths.
This city rests on a reputation established by things that were done in the 1970s. It means that politicians who do nothing can pat themselves on the vack. It is a city of the car.
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It seems to me that making cyclists free and extending the hours and services on the harbour ferries would probably make more sense, as far as benefit per dollar goes.
What is needed are Governments (local and national) that see cycling as a top priority, and making cities about the safe and enjoyable place for people to move freely in, rather than a place for cars to move in.
We also need to get away from the discourse of danger that surrounds cycling, promoted by self interested helmet manufacturers* and lazy politicians who would rather pass the buck over cycle infrastructure and making the roads safer for cyclists.
*no, helmets do not make things safer for cyclists - in every country where compulsory helmet laws have been introduced head injury rates have remained as they were or decreased slightly, while the number of kilometres cycled has dropped dramatically. And no, that broken helmet did not save your life, and you haven't been told about rotational injuries by helmet advocates either
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I joined the Tramping Club. Still a high proportion of people who yelled 'Albatross!!' as if this were the wittiest thing ever, but at least not all the time.
xkcd weighs in on the subject.
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"I'd buy that for a dollar"
Tell him he's dreaming!
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That'd be so awesome. "Invade Wisconsin. Bringz me cheezburger."
I made one. Clearly I have too much time on my hands.