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I have to say that I often worry about the future of this nation.
Last week I was discussing the election with a friend and asked them who they'd be voting for.
"I'm a businessman so I'll be voting National" he told me.
"What about the effects of the TPPA on your business?" I asked in reply.
"What's the TPPA?" was the puzzled response.
And I think that sums things up very nicely when it comes to the level of research that most voters do -- regardless of where they sit on the political spectrum.
This is utterly tragic!
The person in question had not heard of the TPPA, had no idea of the effects that this treaty would have on his business and his life. He also seemed unconcerned that the PM and so many of his ministers had been caught telling boldfaced lies and acting in such a dishonest way.
I asked another businessman about the honesty of the Nats.
"Would you hire someone as dishonest as JK or Judith Collins to work for you in your own business?" I queried.
"Yes, if it meant I'd make more money" was the response.
Again... what a tragic response and a sad indictment on the way so many appear willing to condone unethical or illegal actions if they perceive there will be some benefit to themselves in doing so.
Finally, I've chatted with quite a few people regarding the issues of the government's "unlawful" activities with respect to Kim Dotcom and the issue of a government that appears to be engaged in widespread spying on its people.
Yet again I was gobsmacked by the number of people who seem to think that it's okay for the government to operate outside the law because "they must know what they're doing" and, believe it or not, there are still a surprising number of Kiwis who have no problem with being spied on and surveiled by government -- because they believe they have nothing to hide and are under the illusion that it is necessary to ensure their safety and security.
Incredible.
But wait... it gets worse!
The Martin Jet Pack is about to be floated and they report that they've already secured $6.5m in a private capital raising ahead of the float. This report claims that the money was raised from "sophisticated investors" including Kiwis.
Now from where I stand, and given the accuracy with which I've picked similar lemons before, these investors are either incredibly naive or they *are* sophisticated because they will likely flick off their newly acquired shares for a quick profit to unsuspecting punters when the float occurs -- another demonstration of just how low our moral and ethical standards have fallen here in GodZone.
The signs are clear...
Politicians have nothing to fear from being caught out fiddling the system or breaking the laws.
Altruism is all but dead in NZ -- with far too many people (including politicians) only interested in what's best for them, rather than what's best for the nation.
Our greed makes us an easy target for other countries seeking to steal our rights (by way of treaties) or buy our country out from under us.
We surely are a huge bunch of idiots who are unlikely to wake up to our follies until it is far too late.
Or have I got this wrong?
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