Post by ngatimozart on Sept 3, 2013 22:07:24 GMT 12
An Aussie associates view of politcians. he works in and around the defence arena.
A bit similar to what some of us used to jokingly reckon 30 years ago.
But all jokes aside the pollies forget or don't realise that we gave our allegiance to the Queen, not to any political grouping. Mutinies have happened in NZs armed forces in the past over pay and conditions and I sincerely hope that no one has to follow that path again. Mutiny is a very dangerous path to follow and can so easily get out of control. I feel that overall the current crop of politicians on all sides of the house treat the loyalty and service of NZDF personnel as theirs by right and the NZDF personnel have to put up with what ever crap the pollies dish out to them. However having said that I have heard that the current Minister of Defence is pragmatic, willing to listen and learn from mistakes, both his and others, has an open mind and not blinded by ideology. He has the good ability to take on board NZDF views & Min Def views as well as having some trusted experts outside of govt and public service circles. He is also trusted by Key and Joyce who, I would argue, are the two main drivers in the cabinet. So presumimg the govt win the 2014 election & he retains the portfolio then NZDF may just do a little bit better. A lot of ifs and buts and the vote hasn't been counted.
Not defending either side, but as they say 'when you elect a politician, you get a politician!'.
Many years ago a friend said to me he had a solution to the short term 3 year view of politicians and politics in our system.
He said, 'what we need is to install a benevolent dictator for a 10 year period, make sure that in the 10 year period things get done, and just before the dictator's 10 years are up, take him out the back and shoot him (saves on a parliamentary pension!), put another one in, and repeat as necessary till things get done properly!'
Many years ago a friend said to me he had a solution to the short term 3 year view of politicians and politics in our system.
He said, 'what we need is to install a benevolent dictator for a 10 year period, make sure that in the 10 year period things get done, and just before the dictator's 10 years are up, take him out the back and shoot him (saves on a parliamentary pension!), put another one in, and repeat as necessary till things get done properly!'
A bit similar to what some of us used to jokingly reckon 30 years ago.
Give the politicians 3 years and then if they don't do the job properly take them up to Waiouru and use them for target practise. Put the next lot in for another years and remind them what happened to the first lot who didn't do the job properly.
But all jokes aside the pollies forget or don't realise that we gave our allegiance to the Queen, not to any political grouping. Mutinies have happened in NZs armed forces in the past over pay and conditions and I sincerely hope that no one has to follow that path again. Mutiny is a very dangerous path to follow and can so easily get out of control. I feel that overall the current crop of politicians on all sides of the house treat the loyalty and service of NZDF personnel as theirs by right and the NZDF personnel have to put up with what ever crap the pollies dish out to them. However having said that I have heard that the current Minister of Defence is pragmatic, willing to listen and learn from mistakes, both his and others, has an open mind and not blinded by ideology. He has the good ability to take on board NZDF views & Min Def views as well as having some trusted experts outside of govt and public service circles. He is also trusted by Key and Joyce who, I would argue, are the two main drivers in the cabinet. So presumimg the govt win the 2014 election & he retains the portfolio then NZDF may just do a little bit better. A lot of ifs and buts and the vote hasn't been counted.
