I saw this at the time (March this year) and found it charming … stumbled across it again today and still chuckled. If you haven’t watched, see if you enjoy Mila Kunis enjoying a little bit of welcome variety on the PR treadmill …
– P
Yet another beautiful model with the geek glasses
Remember I mentioned in ‘Trying to make Google’s glasses look glamourous‘ how the strategy seemed to be: Juxtapose beautiful women with the Google Glass in hopes for a bit of glamour rub off?
Yeah, that.
– P
Criticism and questioning are part of your job description, Mrs Collins. Get over it.
Apropos my post ‘With respect, Mr Key, you misjudge me.‘ I had a trifling interaction with another government politician under siege this week.
Photo: Mark Mitchell NZH. Digital effects: Peter Aranyi.
I’ve been researching an article about Justice minister Judith Collins — specifically the criticisms of her handling of the David Bain compensation issue. (You may recall my sense of genuine regret and disappointment in her over her reprehensible treatment of Justice Binnie and his report. See: Current affairs through partisan filters. David Bain in limbo.)
Anyway, as part of my research this week, I came across a strident, harshly critical article about the issue — critical of Mrs Collins — on a blog called ‘Lauda Finem’.
I read the piece (here if you’re interested) and was struck by a note in the manner of a disclaimer at the foot of the article, which I thought nicely stated the position I have struggled to communicate to a commenter here who repeatedly (and vacuously) called me a ‘Labour shill’.
Here it is:
Disclaimer: Lauda Finem hold no views whatsoever on the innocence or guilt of David Bain, nor do we, in pointing out this government’s corrupt behaviour, endorse any opposition party. Our position has only ever been concerned with corruption, bent pollies, political interference, the principles of fair play, natural justice and the rule of law; which Judith Collins seems to think she’s above. [emphasis added]
You can draw your own conclusions about the partisan or otherwise nature of the writers at Lauda Finem — just as readers are entitled to do about me. But, as I ask you to do, I take them at their word.
Impressed with the clarity of their statement, I tweeted it:
and cited the source (as you do) … which got a reaction of sorts, as you can see:
Continue reading →
The Letters
Radio NZ’s Mediawatch podcast featured a couple of excellent interviews — with Jim Tucker and David Fisher. As is my habit, I listened to it on my walk this morning. Available here (35’27”). I recommend you listen to it.
Later on my walk, as I carefully picked my way around the coast at low tide, I popped on Leonard Cohen’s Dear Heather album, and found myself reflecting on the lyrics of this song in the context of the privacy invasions suffered at Government hands by journalist Andrea Vance & MP Peter Dunne.
Nobody should have the right to read their correspondence without their consent.
Note: Some audio distortion in this clip, but I like the lyrics and its atmosphere. – P
Because I like and respect John Armstrong
I’ve learned that in the ongoing parasitic relationship between politicians and the news media (some call it symbiotic, but meh) certain actors on both sides overestimate their importance.
But not John Armstrong.
Read John’s column from the Weekend Herald: Government betrayal on a monumental scale. What he says about ‘the democratic fabric being ripped asunder’ is important. Don’t let the government’s spin merchants (paid or unpaid) tell you any different.
Shrink what? Click to read John Armstrong’s column at nzherald.co.nz
Well done John.
Also well worth reading is Russell Brown’s post at Public Address: It’s worse than you think.
– P
‘a good way to divert attention from the uproar over the N.S.A.’s data-collection programs’
It’s really hard not to see this, from the New York Times in the context of my posts Justifying mass surveillance with ‘terror threat’ is a right wing talking point
Qaeda Messages Prompt U.S. Terror Warning
WASHINGTON — The United States intercepted electronic communications this week among senior operatives of Al Qaeda, in which the terrorists discussed attacks against American interests in the Middle East and North Africa, American officials said Friday.
The intercepts and a subsequent analysis of them by American intelligence agencies prompted the United States to issue an unusual global travel alert to American citizens on Friday, warning of the potential for terrorist attacks by operatives of Al Qaeda and their associates beginning Sunday through the end of August. Intelligence officials said the threat focused on the Qaeda affiliate in Yemen, which has been tied to plots to blow up American-bound cargo and commercial flights. …
Message: Big Brother’s spying and communication intercepts are necessary to keep you safe, people!
Fortunately, having been burned by the ‘sexed-up dossier’ of the Bush/Blair era justifying the Iraq invasion, and years of Crosby|Textor-type spin, there’s some skepticism:
… Some analysts and Congressional officials suggested Friday that emphasizing a terrorist threat now was a good way to divert attention from the uproar over the N.S.A.’s data-collection programs, and that if it showed the intercepts had uncovered a possible plot, even better.
Gosh, that would never happen here in Godzone, huh?: John Key’s changing narrative on al-Qaeda threat in NZ.
Oops.
As respectful as I am of the New Zealand prime minister John Key’s communication skills, I have never seen him as a particularly creative person.
His reported hiring of political campaign strategists/spin doctors Crosby|Textor (the team whose tactics — ‘dog-whistles’, wedge issues; ‘inoculations’; talking points; evasive, relentless ‘things that matter’ messaging instead of answering the question; identifying and smearing your opponents’ strengths; swallowing dead rats; etc — were revealed in The Hollow Men) indicated to me that Mr Key is a formula follower rather than an original thinker. Perhaps I’m being unfair, but it fits.
My daughter is still using this iPhone
I mentioned the misfortune which this noble iPhone 3G suffered.
Well, it’s still going.
– P
Pic: At TEDx Auckland today.
Claims of ‘terrorist plots’ debunked in US — ‘not buying it’
From June …
Ron Paul on NSA: They Have To Justify Their Existence, Otherwise They’re Out Of Work
Relevant, huh? Especially the comment ‘Give them an inch and they’ll take a mile’.
Click to read ‘Key’s terror claims under fire’ at NZ Herald
Where are New Zealand’s right wing libertarians on this surveillance issue? (Serious question.)
– P
John Key’s changing narrative on al-Qaeda threat in NZ
I guess it depends what you’re trying to achieve — John Key discusses the al-Qaeda ‘threat’ in New Zealand.
- PM justifies spy bill: Kiwis trained by al-Qaeda NZ Herald 1 August 2013
- Kiwi with al Qaeda links ‘no threat’ NZ Herald 31 August 2011
Yeah, this can pretty much be seen in the context we discussed on Saturday: Justifying mass surveillance with ‘terror threat’ is a right wing talking point.
Also interesting: SIS spying on mosques revealed — Michael Field writing at stuff.co.nz 10 April 2011
– P
An important article by Andrea Vance & some thoughts about democracy in NZ
Seriously, read this: Spy scandal journalist speaks out
Spy scandal journalist speaks out – by Andrea Vance www.stuff.co.nz (click)
Maybe I’m ‘conflicted’, since I’ve worked in the press gallery — back when it was where it should be: in the corridor on the 2nd floor of Parliament Buildings, a short stroll from the actual Parliamentary Press Gallery. I’ve used the swipe-cards, used the Parliamentary Service-provided phone extensions (paid for by my employer at the time, Radio New Zealand).
It nauseates me to discover that far from protecting the fourth estate’s role and right to do its job at the seat of our democracy, Parliamentary Service, under pressure from the Prime Minister’s Office and his “enforcer” Wayne Eagleson, rolled over and surrendered surveillance data on a press gallery journalist to the David Henry witch-hunt set up on Mr Key’s orders.
It’s emerged that Parliamentary Service provided swipe-card records, which tracked Ms Vance’s movements — date, time, location — around the precincts of Parliament; and three months of her phone records(!).
Continue reading →
Are you dating a tyrant? Take our simple quiz to find out!
In response to a comment from Shayne:
How do I know if I’m dating a despot?
It’s a jungle out there for innocent citizens like you. We understand.
It’s nice to have someone in your life, someone to hold you close — but how do you know if the guy you’re dating is actually an anti-democratic, nepotistic tyrant?
Take our short survey to find out!
- Does he seem to relish attention, but only on his terms? (i.e. Do you think he has narcissistic tendencies?)
- Does he surround himself with bodyguards and security — more than your previous dates?
- Do some of his ‘friends’ make you feel uncomfortable? (They seem dodgy, unsophisticated, or have macho nicknames like ‘Crusher’.)
- Do you sometimes find his excuses and explanations for his actions (like, say, ‘forgetting’ he had breakfast with someone) implausible? Does he change his story much?
- Do you sometimes feel he’s being evasive? Related: Is he hard to pin down? Does he seem to always blame other people?
- Do you find him overly defensive when you try to criticise him? Will he actually listen to your concerns? Or does he dismiss them as ‘misinformed’ or ‘politically-aligned’?
- Have you ever noticed he’s sensitive about how, when, or why he has someone’s number in his phone?
- Does he engage in cronyism, e.g. shoulder-tapping friends or personal contacts for jobs?
- Have you noticed whether he arranges cushy contracts for large projects to go to people/companies he’s friendly with?
- Does he have direct control of any state spy agencies, with little effective oversight? Does it seem he’s already got power but he just always seems to want more?
- Have you ever noticed him deploy the police to control, harass or threaten the news media? Especially in an election year?
- Does he seem out of touch? e.g. Does he holiday in luxury away from the public eye?
If you answered ‘Yes’ or ‘Sometimes’ to more than five of the questions above, sorry — there’s good chance the guy you’re dating is a despot.
Seek professional help: www.elections.org.nz
– P
Trying to make Google’s glasses look glamourous
I had to chuckle when I spotted a request online for a picture of someone ‘attractive’ wearing Google’s somewhat creepy wearable spy camera/computer — then saw the request responded to with this picture from Google’s original marketing material (i.e. a posed professional model):
She’s gorgeous, no question. But, of course, she’s being paid for her good looks — and, by association, to give the nerdy device a bit of glamour. As you do. That’s marketing.
Here’s another example. Beautiful.
Source: Bill Grado Flickr (click)
Again, this image of a strikingly good looking woman (presumably also a model) is being deployed in an attempt to normalize Google’s intrusive technology, make it appear ‘attractive’.
– P
With respect, Mr Key, you misjudge me.
In an interview broadcast on state broadcaster (well, for now) TVNZ’s Q&A current affairs programme this morning, John Key characterised New Zealanders who’ve expressed dissent about his GCSB Bill, and specifically the thousands of us who took part in protest rallies throughout the country yesterday, as “either politically aligned or misinformed“.
Listen to this 20 second audio clip from his interview with Jessica Mutch:
Watch the full interview at the excellent TVNZ on demand website: PM prepared to compromise with NZ First on GCSB Bill.
It starts out as a very good, strong, clear interview when Mr Key discusses the South Korean free trade talks (he’s brilliant at explaining that stuff in my opinion. World-class) … but disintegrates when the politicking about his GCSB Bill starts.
Sadly, one has come to expect shallow dismissals like that (‘politically aligned or misinformed’) from the prime minister, especially under pressure.
Consider Mr Key’s own track record and the changing narrative of his involvement in the appointment of his school friend Ian Fletcher as head of the GCSB (just as an example, see: Tripping over the paper trail. Spokesman says Mr Key advised cabinet about Fletcher link ‘orally’.)
Also, I think Mr Key’s glib deflection insults the integrity of New Zealanders, like me, who feel deep and sincere — and informed — unease about how he, personally, has ‘handled’ the state security apparatus … and his proposed law change, the GCSB Bill.
But let me say this as clearly as I can: ‘Politically aligned or misinformed’? Actually Mr Key, no, I’m neither of those.
Expressing my misgivings and concerns as a citizen about some of the Government of the Day’s policies and actions doesn’t automatically make me (a) ignorant or (b) a supporter of the National Party’s political rivals.
Not just ‘No’, Mr Key. ‘Hell no!’ (With apologies to Harper Lee.)
John Key plays the man, not the ball. Again
Mr Key seems quick to disparage Rodney Harrison QC by name. That is the prime minister’s MO, as I have observed before. He does that. It’s one of the traits people point to when seeking to compare John Key with Sir Robert Muldoon. Another example: John Key threatens Human Rights Commission funding.
Anyway, have a look at this interview from TV3’s The Nation recorded yesterday featuring the very same Rodney Harrison QC, and Tech Liberty’s Thomas Beagle: Continue reading →
Photos from Auckland ‘Stop the GCSB Bill’ rally
Thousands march down Queen Street, protesting against John Key’s GCSB Bill — Saturday 27 July 2013
Here are some photos of the main speakers at today’s ‘Stop the GCSB Bill’ rally in Auckland. Click to view them larger.
Feel free to use these images if you wish (with picture credit to Peter Aranyi, please) or contact me to get a higher resolution file.
Rodney Harrison
Jane Kelsey
Kim Dotcom
Martyn Bradbury
David Shearer
John Minto
Gareth Hughes and Catherine Delahunty
‘Stop the GCSB Bill’ rallies and marches today
You may have heard there were protest rallies around New Zealand today, demonstrating public opposition to John Key’s proposed expansion of surveillance powers of the GCSB.
I went along to the Auckland one. It was packed.
Here’s a panorama I took of the crowd at Aotea Square (it’s two photos stitched).
The turnout at today’s Stop the GCSB Bill protest rally near Auckland’s Aotea Square. Pic: Peter Aranyi. (Click to enlarge.)
For me, one of the most powerful speakers was Professor Jane Kelsey. She may be small in stature but boy, she packs a punch.
Living treasure Professor Jane Kelsey addresses the Auckland Stop the GCSB Bill rally.
Pic: Peter Aranyi. (Click to enlarge)
Professor Kelsey made the point (also highlighted by others who made submissions on the bill) that a provision in the proposed law would give the GCSB the power to spy on New Zealanders who were suspected of acting against ‘the economic well-being of NZ’ — well, that’s a movable feast if ever there was one! There’s a law written by a businessman rather than a lawyer. Wow.
Doe that mean conservationists and environmentalists, animal right activists, people protesting the proposed USA-ification of our copyright laws, people like Jane Kelsey who oppose Free Trade Agreements negotiated in secret (Trans Pacific Partnership etc)?
She is a gutsy, intelligent person. I admire her courage. It’s spine-tingling to consider who might be subject to surveillance under such a law.
Then there’s the whole ‘mass surveillance’ aspect — the spy agency scooping up and storing your data & metadata in case sometime in the future the authorities may wish to look back and examine it … perhaps linking you to a real ‘baddie’. Continue reading →
