UPDATE - 9.45PM - The auction is over, and "No" has a new, and as yet undisclosed home. Winston's folly raised the princely sum of $10,600 to go with other funds raised by the Press Gallery for staff of The Press and CTV who are suffering as a result of the Christchurch earthquake.We reckon that's an outstanding result, with a good sum of money raised for a very deserving cause. If we hear who the new owner is, we'll let you know.
As regular readers will realise, we are not fans of Winston Peters. But there was one constant with the man, right from the time he entered Parliament after the 1978 election where he beat Malcolm Douglas after an electoral petition and court hearing; he always had (in public) a glint in his eye, a cheeky smile, and an impish sense of humour.
This morning, we're wondering where Winston Peters' sense of humour has vanished to; the Herald reports:
NZ First leader Winston Peters says the auction of his 'NO' sign trivialises the plight of Christchurch and he does not intend to indulge in it.
Mr Peters said he was "astonished" that the Prime Minister and others were choosing to take part in the auction to raise money for Canterbury Television and Christchurch Press victims of the earthquake.
This week, Mr Key put in a starting bid of $5000 for the sign, saying it was the closest he would come to dealing with Mr Peters.
Mr Peters said he did not believe in any "politicising" of Christchurch and was "astonished" others were.
"I regret others do. I'm not going to trivialise the crisis in Christchurch by engaging in this conversation.
"If the Prime Minister and others want to behave that way and think that bespeaks the right reaction to the people of Christchurch, and attempt to cloak it in the veil of a good cause, that's their approach to politics and life, but it's not mine."
The sign will be auctioned at the Backbencher Pub in Wellington tonight.
We reckon that Winston Peters needs to lighten up a little. He, more than anyone, should have realised that he would be lampooned for his little stunt with the infamous "No" placard in 2008. That Parliament subsequently found that he had knowingly mislead the House over the Owen Glenn donation is now written in Hansard and in history.
Guyon Espiner acquired the placard after the infamous media conference. We reckon that it is great that he has donated it for tonight's Press Gallery auction to raise funds for the families of media people affected by the Christchurch earthquake. We also reckon that Winston Peters' reported remarks are churlish. His placard is going to be a sought-after item at tonight's auction, and funds raised from it will directly benefit people in Christchurch. There is already a bidding war underway, with David Farrar fronting a campaign with Kiwiblog readers to outbid John Key's opening $5000 bid. We have been only too happy to pledge towards DPF's fund, and we will make our donation regardless of whether or not his bid succeeds.
There's another reason why we feel strongly about this. We knew one of the CTV staffers killed in the earthquake personally. Jo Giles was a larger-than-life personality, with a heart of gold. She leaves behind a partner and four children, whose lives have been turned upside down. It is people like them who will be supported by funds raised in tonight's auction and charity debate.
If anyone is politicising this issue, it is Winston Peters. He needs to lighten up; after all, he started this whole story.
47 comments:
Seamus is walking through a grave-yard when he comes across a head-stone with the inscription "Here lies a politician and an honest man."
"Faith now" exclaims Seamus, "How'd they get the two of them in the one hole?"
A very fitting (and very true) comment Suz!
To be sure, to be sure....
I don't support Winston, but I agree with his sentiments here. Shame on those who would score political points on the back of a tragedy – any party, any politician any blogger. Especially when it is under the guise of raising money. It just reeks of opportunistic nastiness. A bit like the landlords who raise rent as a type of looting.
'Lighten up' is an unthinking response.
He's just trying to distract people from remembering what that stupid sign stands for - a corrupt politician telling blatant lies to the media.
Got it in one SMTC; we just have to remember what Winston was being asked when he flashed his "No" sign. This, from the Herald of 29/2/2008:
Asked if he was saying he had never received one dollar from Owen Glenn or any associate of Mr Glenn, he hauls a sign out from under his table.
"NO", it read.
"Got that?" Mr Peters asked. "N-O. To every one of the allegations you have made."
The word "No" made frequent appearances. Every now and then a variation was given. A question of whether NZ First ever asked for money from Mr Glenn drew an "Oh, get lost".
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10495241
Winston Peters was dishonest with the media that day, and history records that he was censured for knowingly misleading Parliament on the issue.
As dishonest as your motivation disguised as fundraising. Just say it's all about bringing Winston down and it would sit better with those who have more integrity than you INV2. It's an appalling way to go about this and you know it, I know it, anyone with an ounce of decency knows it.
Anon @ 10.26
What's your problem with killing 2 birds with one stone?
Mr Kiwiblog, WO, Inv, Roarprawn, all quite open about their intent, and the suffering people of ChCh benefit?
Why not?
Anonymous @10:26 is quite correct.
This ploy to continue the attack on Winston Peters is transparent political pettiness. Peter's sees it, Anonymous sees it, I see it and I imagine anyone else with a skerrick of commonsense can see it, but you Inv2, whether consciously or unconsciously, don't. You are shrouding the obvious with talk of 'helping quake victims' but that's just political opportunism at its most cynical.
You ought to be ashamed, but I can see you're not.
"As regular readers will realise, we are not fans of Winston Peters.."
..yet I'll post on him over and over and over and excuse any attacks on him and even join in the hunt to demonize him, because my Christian views allow me to..somehow...don't ask..nothing to think about here...
@ Robert Guyton - let me get this straight; it's fine for you to demean John Key for participating in a fundraiser, make smart-arse comments about his "$5m bach" in Hawaii, and parody Gerry Brownlee's bulk because it's "satire". But it's not acceptable for me to comment on the only man to have been censured by the Parliament (in my lifetime) for knowingly misleading it, and for telling lies to the media.
I'm open about my loathing of Winston Peters' politics. His constant trumpeting that NZ First was alone in not receiving anonymous donations from "big business" was proved to be false and hypocritical. I find it odd that you, of all people are defending him. It was his grandstanding to the media that created the object to be auctioned tonight; at least some good will finally come of it.
@Robert.."Because my Christian views allow me to... somehow".. where did that come from? Not from Inv's mouth.
@ Suz - Robert Guyton is very good at putting words in people's mouths. Thank you for pointing out the truth.
Winston Peters is a pompous self-important wanker and it's absolutely no surprise to me, that his alleged sense of humour has evaporated now that he's the butt of the joke.
At the risk of raising RG's blood pressure further, I might observe that one of the things that plays so strongly in our current PM's favour is that he does have the ability to laugh at himself...
James - my blood pressure never rises over things said on blogs, despite what you might think.
It is fortunate indeed that Key can laugh at himself, he's so often a figure of foolishness (*thinks - catwalk, Big Gay Out dancin' n' jigglin', 'Hurley's Hot' comments etc.)
Inv2 - I'm certain you claim to be Christian - do you not?
Inv2 - yes Inv2 - it is fine for me to lampoon Key, just as it is fine for you to do the same to Peters but you should be upfront with what you are doing. Supporting the sale of the 'no' card is okay by me - it's funny, but to indignantly claim that your motivation is to support the quake victims is not tika. That's what I'm calling you on.
Just as Key, Farrar and Slater are revelling in the political gains they will enjoy from the auction, so should you. Your camouflaging of the motivations behind it is not honest.
Rob@ 11.39...As a long-term peruser of this blog, where do you get "camouflaging of the motivations behind it is not honest"?
Inv's 10.55 comment.."I'm open about my loathing of Winston Peters' politics"
INV2 is not a christian, he merely claims to be one. Not sure why. I could do without the circular logic and the hypocrisy that comes with the territory of political blogging. It is just not a good fit to claim to be a christian yet want to see other people suffer under the guise of 'humour'.
Oh, hell hang on. I smite the gentiles, the papists and the anti-christian states plus I cause flood, earthquake etc.. all for random fun. What the hell am I talking about?
Suz - the original post appeared long before the '10:55' comment.
It doesn't really bother me, Inv2 pretence that the issue here involves the earthquake. I think Keys financial support for the further attack on Peters is pretty low, yet little is being made of it. Inv2 would have us believe Key's involvement is for the 'quake victims etc.' I call bullsh*t to that. Key is indulging in gutter political stunts to attack a man he believes could be a threat to his (Key's) continued role as Prime Minister. Dirty politics from Key and embarrassing, toady support from the likes of Farrar, Slater and Inv2.
It's all a bit creepy. I'm surprised you are taken in Suz.
Isn't it interesting to see who pops up to defend a populist xenophobe who lied about accepting secret donations from a tax-dodging billionaire...
"Help us keep the 'no' sign alive"
Title of the post on Kiwiblog.
Thinking Inv2?
Oh, that I would have influence over what David Farrar blogs. Sorry Robert; you overestimate my sphere of influence.
@bobux: who? Me you mean? Are you calling me a defender of xenophobes and liars? Then you are partially correct. Add prostitutes, sinners, thieves etc to the list of people I support (I created them so support them through life I must) and you'll understand why INV2 disappoints with his picking and choosing of shallow political causes. Let those without sin cast the first stone. Two wrongs do not make a right. Admit that a political attack dressed up as a charitable act is infinitely sick. Or at least don't lie about it.
A trifle ego-centric there Inv2. Farrar's title reveals the real reason behind the auction. Don't pretend it's not politically motivated. Key's involvement is scabby.
Ego-centric? Absolutely not Robert. I'm just a bit player compared to the Lord of the Blog. I know my place!
PS: last line stolen from old episodes of the Frost Report (John Cleese, Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett) - remember those?
I love it how one day RObert is defending his disgusting use of a tragedy to try and politically attack someone, then claim it is "satire", then the next day get all selfrighteous and calim that INV2 and others are "petty" and "low" for bidding on a sign that belonged to his mate winnie.
Those double standards of yours Rob are becoming so many i have lost count.
Robert - the auction in question is being run by the press gallery and includes at lot of other stuff along with the sign which Espiner.G is donating.That DPF has spotted the opportunity to foment a bit more happy mischief at Peters' expense is hardly a surprise.
Given Peters' "schtick" as the politician that just won't give up and go away, don't you love the irony of this story refusing to lie down and coming back to bite him again...and again?
Jesus, Joseph and Mary.. how is one expected to argue against a commenter who entitles him/herself God/Robert Guyton?
You call "BUll-shit to that", Having taking out the "i", what's that about?? Are you afraid of offending "gentle and valued readers"? Oh no that's only on your own blog, the rest of us right-wing crap can wallow as you see fit?
"Key is indulging in gutter political stunts to attack a man he believes could be a threat to his continued role as Prime Minister."
Ya reckon?...Tee hee right back at ya! :)
I find (being a right-winger myself) that a remarkable lack of empathy and insight is no excuse for continuing once you know better. It drags us all down a peg or two as people. John Key's legacy after his popular reign will be more that of the middle management jokester al-la David Brent, rather than the witty, leader he wishes to be, I'm afraid. Sadly my beloved right leaning politicos are encouraging such nonsense.
Just back from a St Patricks day lunch.
What do I find? Bobg still trying to polish turds.
Got that uniform for Phil's firing squad yet Bob?
Love it! You guys specialise in misconstruing - what a skill.
To reiterate - if you are going to promote a political ploy aimed at undermining a politician, be up-front about it - don't pretend it's for some other noble cause.
There ya go, reconstruct that til ya feel better!
Roberguyton, you make sense. The purpose of the auction is to raise money for Christchurch yet it tries to belittle Winston Peters, the man Key is extremely frightened of because Peters will get back in. This makes the victims of Christchurch look like political pawns for John Key. I hope it backfires on him.
By the way Suz, Kiwiblog should be renamed John Key blog... it is so one sided like the standard and red alert. So, that is a bad example.
Me, I agree with RG..even though the bile rises in my throat to do so.
I pledged $20 to the cause, and am glad I did, as it is absolutely about undermining that person, who masquerades as a politician. NZ does not need, or I believe want him back anywhere near the roundhouse.
A nice side effect is that it will raise funds for those that need it.
Cheers Lofty
Lofty - I admire your honesty - if only Inv2 would be so candid.
For your bile problem - try Chamomile tea - it won't help but you'll sleep easier.
Thanks for the medical advice RG, but I will stick to my own tried and true sleeping meds thanks.
Happy to be candid about my views on a proven liar and charleton.
Cheers
Lofty
What more do you want Rob? Lofty encapsulates my own thoughts on Winston Peters. That some good can come from Peters' 2008 attempt to lie to and mislead the media and the New Zealand public is a bonus.
So there you have it. INV2 has admitted to using the personal tragedy of many Chch people, some of whom are now without loved ones, to further his own political agenda. That's all we needed to hear. Disgusting behaviour. He now sits alongside Whaleslater and the other nitwit except for the fact he tried to doge the answer. Remind you of anyone he's been attacking? Pot, kettle, black? Extraordinarily shameful unchristian exhibition. Sums up the hypocritical NACTs.
Inventory2 - for the record, I don't care at all about Winston Peters or your dislike for him, it's probably on par with mine.
If you haven't worked out yet 'what I want' then you never will. However, I won't give up trying to get through to you :-)
Robert..you bring up reconstructing comments..yesterday you responded to a critical commenter, :"I've guided her through her anguish and miscomprehension on my own site, but she's overly frothy."
Why the presumption it was a female, or was it just a bit of misogyny coming out..of all people eh???
Rob G a mysogynist Suz? Surely not!
Suz - methinks you reconstruct too much! 'Anon', I strongly suspect,is a hermaphrodite. Why you assumed that she (s/he) is a female, shows your own bias (I hesitate to use the word mysoganist in your case) Grasping, I see you Suz, at straws.
Inv2 - ever willing to jump to the attack without thinking, in answer to your question: indeed not.
And Suz - before you reconstruct that answer - s/he knew what I meant. What you thought of our one to one conversation is of no account.
Inv2 - ever willing to jump to the attack without thinking
Sheesh Rob; that's a bit rich coming from you. Your first contribution on this thread was to attack me via my faith, and to imply that I had said things which I did not say, as Suz quickly pointed out. Stones and glasshouses?
When I read "she" I assume it's a female..silly me, of course I should have jumped to hermaphrodite. And what I think is of no account..cheers buddy.
That's Robert for you Suz; if he doesn't like your opinion, that makes it irrelevant
Oh I appreciate Suz's opinions Inv2, make no mistake.
Re 'Updated' - it's me!
Guy who won the sign said his name was Ted Thomas. Not Sir Ted Thomas though.
Post a Comment