Post by Kiwi Frontline on May 3, 2021 10:51:18 GMT 12
JOYOUS HUGS AND KISSES AS DEMOCRACY TAKES ANOTHER HIT – Karl du Fresne
Democracy took centuries to build, but it’s being dismantled with frightening speed.
The latest step in the demolition job was Wellington City Council’s decision this week to give full voting rights on council committees to two unelected iwi representatives. They will each be paid a yearly fee of $111,225, the same amount as elected councillors, despite having undefined responsibilities and lines of accountability that could only be described as highly opaque.
A triumphant council statement said the 11-3 vote was greeted with waiata, hongi, hugs and kisses. Cr Jill Day, one of two legitimately elected part-Maori councillors, said: “This is just a small step, but we need to make a start.”
Just a start – really? It’s anyone’s guess where Day envisages it leading to, but anything’s possible once you sever the vital, direct connection between voters and those purporting to represent them.......
karldufresne.blogspot.com/2021/05/joyous-hugs-and-kisses-as-democracy.html
Democracy took centuries to build, but it’s being dismantled with frightening speed.
The latest step in the demolition job was Wellington City Council’s decision this week to give full voting rights on council committees to two unelected iwi representatives. They will each be paid a yearly fee of $111,225, the same amount as elected councillors, despite having undefined responsibilities and lines of accountability that could only be described as highly opaque.
A triumphant council statement said the 11-3 vote was greeted with waiata, hongi, hugs and kisses. Cr Jill Day, one of two legitimately elected part-Maori councillors, said: “This is just a small step, but we need to make a start.”
Just a start – really? It’s anyone’s guess where Day envisages it leading to, but anything’s possible once you sever the vital, direct connection between voters and those purporting to represent them.......
karldufresne.blogspot.com/2021/05/joyous-hugs-and-kisses-as-democracy.html