Author Archives: Puddleglum

The morality of poverty and the poverty of morality

Posted on 6th Aug, 2017 by Puddleglum

We are moral animals. But, so far as I can judge, in politics today our moral instincts are operating in a way that generates the worst moral outcomes. Metiria Turei’s recent confession (a moral notion) at the launch of the Green … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Economics, New Zealand Politics, Political Psychology, Poverty | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Who’s afraid of ‘radical’ politics?

Posted on 31st Jul, 2017 by Puddleglum

As the 2017 election approaches the question has been asked of ‘the left’ in New Zealand – Is it time to ‘go radical‘? It’s a question especially relevant to the Labour Party given recent polling. But it’s almost exactly the … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Free Market, Human Wellbeing, Labour, New Zealand Politics, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Is that all there is?

Posted on 7th Dec, 2016 by Puddleglum

Apparently, McDonald’s hamburgers are the result of the best technology that food and taste engineers can provide. All ingredients and processing events are managed to within an inch – maybe less – of their lives. The consumable item is the culmination … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Human Nature, New Zealand Politics, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Into the dark: Clinton vs Trump – A Black and White decision?

Posted on 7th Aug, 2016 by Puddleglum

We live in ‘interesting times’ – as the mythical ‘Chinese curse’ understatedly put it. It’s almost unbearably ‘interesting. From environmental catastrophe gathering its inevitable head of steam to global ructions in the political world and outright wars in the geopolitical world there’s more … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Economics, Free Market, Human Wellbeing, Poverty | Comments Off on Into the dark: Clinton vs Trump – A Black and White decision?

Of bewildered herds

Posted on 13th Jul, 2016 by Puddleglum

The oldest war in history is that between the people and those who have hoarded power to themselves. Predictably – perhaps inevitably – the latter eventually gain a sense of entitlement to the power they have hoarded. In days gone by … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, International Politics, Labour, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Of bewildered herds

A brief reflection on conspiracies

Posted on 9th May, 2016 by Puddleglum

John Key has responded to Hager’s claims saying: “So Nicky Hager says we’re a tax haven, well with the greatest respect, Nicky Hager is a left-wing conspiracy theorist.” Newstalk ZB, 9 May, 2016 “Last time he came out with all this … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Economics, Freedom, International Politics, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

In memoriam: The ties that ‘bind’

Posted on 25th Apr, 2016 by Puddleglum

A Brief Reflection When it comes to ANZAC Day I’m always in a bind. The deaths, the maimings and the huge disruptions to ordinary people’s lives should never be forgotten; but to ‘honour’ that suffering in ways that, ultimately, may help … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Freedom, Military, National Identity, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

While we’re talking about flags …

Posted on 14th Mar, 2016 by Puddleglum

Here’s a few interesting bits of vexillology and imperialist sentiment that I came across when researching the previous two posts. The detailed mix of the issues of flag similarity and representations of relationships to imperialism and colonialism just gets more and … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Maori, National Identity, New Zealand Politics, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

False flag logic – Part II: ‘Out, damned Jack!’

Posted on 11th Mar, 2016 by Puddleglum

Out, damned spot! Out, I say!—One, two. Why, then, ’tis time to do ’t. Lady MacBeth in ‘MacBeth’ (Act 5, Scene 1) – William Shakespeare One of the main arguments put forward in favour of a flag change for New … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Media, Military, National Identity, New Zealand Politics, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

False flag logic – Part I: ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi Oi!’

Posted on 7th Mar, 2016 by Puddleglum

It looks like there’ll be no change to the New Zealand flag as a result of the current flag referendum. There’s any number of reasons why that’s so. It may be that the strongest reason turns out to be the unfortunately designed … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Maori, Military, National Identity, New Zealand Politics | 2 Comments