Politics
This has been brewing in my mind for some time now, and what better time to share than Waitangi weekend.
I am shocked, like so many others, at the recent (and past, let's not forget his behaviour on the campaign trail and even before) actions of the US president. Every morning I wake up and read the news, and for the past week I keep thinking to myself as the BBC news loads 'what does Donald Trump have in store for me today?' I am absolutely disgusted by his rhetoric, the idea of "alternative facts", the absolutely abhorrent refugee and migrant executive order. But then I think, 'well I'm in New Zealand. My life goes on.'
And sure, that's true for me in my own little bubble. But then it also is completely false, because like it or not, what the US does has severe implications for the rest of the world. The mere event of his election gives credence to those in New Zealand who hold similar beliefs, an affirmation that the most powerful country in the world thinks that is the right direction to go in. It gives them the power to no longer question themselves or dial back their position.
So sure, a bunch of assholes will get their beliefs affirmed. Or so we think, because that kind of thing can't happen here right? Scene: election year. Enter stage left: New Zealand First. A party based on appealing to those who believe New Zealand is for 'New Zealanders' only, no immigrants thanks. Their first fundamental principle is literally "Put New Zealand and New Zealanders first"
Sure, they've been hanging around since before I was born, but have had no substantial impact due to their unwillingness to fully co-operate with any major governing party. But it's telling that their support swelled at the last election simultaneously with loss of support for Labour, despite being voted out in the 2011 election. My hypothesis is then, something very similar to the outcome in the US election, where traditionally working-class, democratic leaning states flipped republican due to Trumps' message, has been brewing in New Zealand some time. With the loss of everyone's fave John Key, it really is a year for political change, and although I believe that NZ First will not become the majority party in parliament, there is a very large chance they will be able to become 'kingmaker' in the next government, ensuring that the parties who agree to a supply and confidence agreement with them will also have to bow to their Trumpist rhetoric.
What should be done then? Well this is where I get back to Trump and the example he is setting to the world. We need to step up as New Zealanders; talk to your local MP, write letters to governmental parties. Please vote and encourage your friends to vote in this years elections. Ask politicians the hard questions and voice your concern about the state of politics in the US (and the world). Start up these dialogues with people who believe that Trumps actions are justified. Because then we can set an example within New Zealand that these kinds of policies are absolutely unjust, and have no place in our country, and although we are pretty small, in the world.
I am shocked, like so many others, at the recent (and past, let's not forget his behaviour on the campaign trail and even before) actions of the US president. Every morning I wake up and read the news, and for the past week I keep thinking to myself as the BBC news loads 'what does Donald Trump have in store for me today?' I am absolutely disgusted by his rhetoric, the idea of "alternative facts", the absolutely abhorrent refugee and migrant executive order. But then I think, 'well I'm in New Zealand. My life goes on.'
And sure, that's true for me in my own little bubble. But then it also is completely false, because like it or not, what the US does has severe implications for the rest of the world. The mere event of his election gives credence to those in New Zealand who hold similar beliefs, an affirmation that the most powerful country in the world thinks that is the right direction to go in. It gives them the power to no longer question themselves or dial back their position.
So sure, a bunch of assholes will get their beliefs affirmed. Or so we think, because that kind of thing can't happen here right? Scene: election year. Enter stage left: New Zealand First. A party based on appealing to those who believe New Zealand is for 'New Zealanders' only, no immigrants thanks. Their first fundamental principle is literally "Put New Zealand and New Zealanders first"
Sure, they've been hanging around since before I was born, but have had no substantial impact due to their unwillingness to fully co-operate with any major governing party. But it's telling that their support swelled at the last election simultaneously with loss of support for Labour, despite being voted out in the 2011 election. My hypothesis is then, something very similar to the outcome in the US election, where traditionally working-class, democratic leaning states flipped republican due to Trumps' message, has been brewing in New Zealand some time. With the loss of everyone's fave John Key, it really is a year for political change, and although I believe that NZ First will not become the majority party in parliament, there is a very large chance they will be able to become 'kingmaker' in the next government, ensuring that the parties who agree to a supply and confidence agreement with them will also have to bow to their Trumpist rhetoric.
What should be done then? Well this is where I get back to Trump and the example he is setting to the world. We need to step up as New Zealanders; talk to your local MP, write letters to governmental parties. Please vote and encourage your friends to vote in this years elections. Ask politicians the hard questions and voice your concern about the state of politics in the US (and the world). Start up these dialogues with people who believe that Trumps actions are justified. Because then we can set an example within New Zealand that these kinds of policies are absolutely unjust, and have no place in our country, and although we are pretty small, in the world.
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