Well, my advice today is for you to do two things.
- Buy some earplugs, turn off any TVs you may have, and ignore the international sections* of the newspaper
- Write a big note and plaster it to your fridge. The note should read “New Zealand General Election, 8 November 2008: I MUST VOTE”
The earplugs are to block out the week of media puffery we’re about to get in relation to that overseas election. The note is to remind yourself that we have one too, lest people getting overwhelmingly gushy about that other election causes you to forget.
And my recommendation on which party to vote for?
Whoever the hell you like! This is a democracy and you’re welcome to think for yourself. There are plenty of parties to chose from, so knock yourself out.
*Heh. Just kidding, I know none of our newspapers carry actually international news.
6 November, 2008 at 7:29 am
The real problem with the US election compared to ours is that you just know (deep deep down) that whoever wins on Saturday it’s not going to be as cool as last night.
6 November, 2008 at 7:31 am
Oh and for media-puffery, how about Nightline last night asking the minor party leaders: “If you were a piece of stationery, what would you be?”
Rodney Hide: “A paperclip”
Winston Peters: “I think we shouldn’t be asked stupid questions”
It may be the only time I’ve ever agreed with Peters
6 November, 2008 at 9:23 am
Minor party leaders sounded sane and rational and like they really understand MMP (unlike the two big parties) when I heard part of their discussion on Morning Report today.
To help you decide which way to vote (if you really are clueless) try this quiz.
6 November, 2008 at 10:08 am
“There are plenty of parties to chose from” – there, but no actual choices that will make a difference.
Like Miki (final para) I may do a “no confidence in any of you” vote. Not sure what that actually is but I’ll work it out.
@hadyn As for Peters – nice line. However, did you hear him at his “debate with ‘cardboard cut out’ Key”? It was the height of embarrassment to all concerned and, for me, summed up this (w)hole election – it is, to be frank, a waste of money and time.
But hey, it’s better than the alternative of a dictatorship, eh Che … (I can hear you frothing at the mouth
6 November, 2008 at 1:15 pm
no frothing here. i feel stupider as this election closes that any other time in my political life…
7 November, 2008 at 8:39 pm
no frothing here. i feel stupider as this election closes that any other time in my political life…
How much did you drink for lunch?