With the election over and the new Government now formally sworn in, a few comments.Again MMP shows what a great system the proportional voting method is. Still some, who don't seem to have a clue, criticise it. On talkback one idiot said it is terrible and "we should go back to FPP like the rest of the world". As anybody with half a brain knows the proportional system is what 97% of all democracies use. I can only think of 3 major democracies that use FPP - UK, Canada and USA with the USA using the most undemocratic system imaginable. In real terms the Republicans were not that much behind Obama in the popular vote - but in the Electoral College Obama got nearly twice as many votes. Nuts. The John Key cabinet seems satisfactory with him adopting the Ministers out of Cabinet model designed by Helen Clark. I also understand he also used the Helen Clark Coalition template. It will be interesting to see how things develop with the Maori Party - not so much in the first 3 years, but in the second term, when things normally start to fall apart. I see only about 50% of Maori are on the Maori Roll - and then only 55% of those on that roll vote!!. I wonder how that affects our total voting on the General Roll. I would guess that the overall vote is down by 3-4% because of the lower turnout by Maori on the General Roll. Notwithstanding all the hype about a larger voter turnout, it was down again. As for those who don't vote. Although they annoy me - the non-voters are probably the dumb and stupid which is good in the long run. Probably still political was the horror of the Nia Glassie case.
Michael Pearson, Oriwa Kemp, Lisa Kuka, Wiremu Curtis and Michael Curtis.
The trial over the violent death of Nia Glassie ended with murder convictions for brothers Wiremu and Michael Curtis. Wiremu Curtis, 19, and Michael Curtis, 22, were found guilty in Rotorua High Court over what the Crown described as horrific ongoing abuse and beatings which equated to torture and eventually led to the three-year-old's death.
Nia's mother, Lisa Kuka, 35, was found guilty on two manslaughter charges and failure to seek medical help for her critically injured daughter. Kuka was Wiremu Curtis's partner at the time of the abuse.
Nia died of brain injuries in Starship Hospital two weeks after suffering what the Crown said were fatal kicks to the head by the brothers.
Nia's death did not just shock New Zealand, it was being reported widely around the world.
In the months leading up to her death the toddler had suffered horrific abuse while being brought up in an environment where she was often surrounded by several people. Nia's cousin Michael Pearson, 20, and Michael Curtis' partner Oriwa Kemp, 18, were found not guilty of manslaughter in relation to the death but were found guilty along with the Curtis brothers specifically relating to swinging Nia on a clothesline, and also on general ill-treatment charges. The brothers and Pearson were also found guilty of charges relating to putting Nia in a tumble drier.
Again we have heard for the billionth time all the outcryings from various groups and the politicians. But as we all know - we have heard it all before.
What is it about the Maori that they torture and kill children.
Why is it that these useless 30 plus age women shack up with teenagers half their age ?? - the Kahui's were the same.
Why don't people report the abuse??
Why weren't the neighbours not charged for not reporting it. ??
Why was the mother not charged with murder to let the Jury decide her fate.??
Something more pleasant - Munster 16 AB's 18. It was close.
