We've seen all sorts of flip-flops from the Labour Party in the last few years as they try to distance themselves from Labour Parties of old, all the while accusing the National-led government of flip-flopping. But
we didn't expect a flip-flop from the Green Party on an issue so dear to their liberal hearts as this; 3News reports:
With mining such an important part of the
economy, the Green Party says it will review its policies to potentially
approve of some mining.
The party's co-leader Russel Norman told The Nation mining is "part of life" in New Zealand's economy.
"You can't escape it," he said.
Dr Norman says the Greens will discuss the role of mining in the economy.
While the Greens are opposed to new coal mines, the party is not opposed to new mines for other minerals.
"I mean, obviously you've gotta look at the localised environmental impact of a particular mining operation," he said.
"It's case by case."
Dr Norman says the Greens will remain opposed to new coal mines and drilling for fossil fuels.
This is a very sensible and pragmatic decision from the Greens, although we doubt that it has received universal support from within the Green caucus or the party at large. Gareth Hughes in particular grows the size of his carbon footprint by the day as he jets the length and breadth of the country opposing mining (and just about everything else); we doubt that he will be happy.
But Russel Norman seems to be acknowledging at last that there is much prosperity in them thar hills; prosperity which will create jobs, grow New Zealand's economy, and generally have a very positive effect. He and his party are to be congratulated for their change of heart, as painful as it will have been; swallowing dead rats is never pleasant!
A final thought; could it be that the Greens are looking forward; as far forward as 2014, and becoming an unlikely support party to a John Key-led government? Wouldn't THAT be a flip-flop?
14 comments:
The Greens have had no change of heart. They have always said, 'no new coal mines'. They have always said that they don't oppose those mines that are already providing communities with employment. They have always said that it is necessary to mine essential minerals.
The Greens have always called for better mining practice and better environmental protections around all extractive industries. The Greens argument has always been the reasonable one. You've never listened.That the Greens are reviewing their policy shouldn't astonish you at all. It's their AGM coming up and they'll be reviewing, that is, looking again, at lots of their positions. That's normal practice.
So no flip-flop, Keeping Stock. That's a description that Key earned right from the start of his term as PM. It's one that Helen Clark was given. It doesn't fit the Greens at all, though you'd like it to. If the Greens were to support National, you could apply it, but they are not, Keeping Stock, are they.
Look Robert; I can understand how embarrasing this is for you; after all, you've been spouting all that "National wants to drill it, mine it, dig it" rhetoric for so long now. You must be crestfallen that pragmatism and politics have gazzumped principle.
I know that swallowing dead rats isn't fun, but season it well (I wish I could sent you my jar of manuka-smoked rock salt), close your eyes, and take a big gulp...it'll be ok!
As I said, Keeping Stock, you never listened. I'm not disturbed in the slightest by Russel's comments. It's nothing new to me. It is to you, because your tory filter lets so little through. Just the bits you want to hear.
Have you watched the Russel Norman interview on The Nation, Keeping Stock?
He's good. Very good.
"Economic portfolios, Social portfolios..."
Your stomach must be in knots, KS.
"We welcome the public spotlight, bring it on..."
Yes!
I'm sure I saw Norman blush when he said the Gweens supported mining .. did I also see his adams apple rise and fall as the dead rat slipped down his throat.
bOb and I had a to and fro a few months ago on this subject heheh. Norman almost quoted bOb's answer word for word .. are you a Gween social media agent?
Hey, bOb, where is Drudge Holdem?
Drunk, jabba?
On a Sunday!?!
On the Speaker's upcoming ruling, Keeping Stock, Graeme says this:
"Graeme Edgeler said...
Of course what it actually reveals is how much ‘backdoor’ state funding of political parties and their campaigns already exists. Such use or misuse of taxpayer funding illustrates the need for significant reform of parliamentary funding – but the cartel of parties has an interest in blocking that.
And have done exactly that. In my submission on the Parliamentary Service Bill (and I know you submitted as well), I asked the Committee to explicitly prohibit spending of parliamentary money on promoting CIR petitions. This was unanimously rejected. The advice of officials was adopted that this was entirely appropriate.
I still disagree."
I hope you're working on your apology. I'll be calling for it.
yes bOb .. I am drunk, drunk on joy, the joy of seeing the Gweens, and you of course, in a position that shows that you have to come out and say things that you hate because you can run but you can't hide in politics .. the Gweens want to be players, well, welcome to the real world .. can't wait to see what's next .. hic
I was annoyed though that Wussell said he .. sorry, I mean THEY, would not take GST of fresh fruit and veggies, what happened there?
It's Sunday, Keeping Stock, and for jabba's sake I wish Jesus was here.
He could cure the lame.
What does Jesus have to do with the Green Party flip-flopping Robert; unless of course they're planning to join forces with Colin Craig; now THERE'S an idea!!
The Greens haven't 'flip-flopped', Keeping Stock. However, if you keep repeating your claim, over and over ad nauseum your more gullible followers, such as the 'once over lightly' jabba, will believe you just as sincerely as you've come to believe yourself. It's fascinating to watch you cement your erroneous idea into place among your other ossified ideas.
maybe bOb is right here .. hard to believe but there you go. Maybe they have always been in favour of mining and drilling for oil (Gareth Hughes is a huge user of aviation fuel) it's just that they have avoided admitting it but now that the maybe contenders to the Govt front benches, they have had to get their heads out of their bottoms and issue some real policies .. just a thought and I still find the situation funny as a fart .. poor bOb, must be hating it
I personally find the idea of any new mining worrying, but as long as the Greens stay committed to being against new coal mines, fracking, offshore oil drilling and mining on conservation land I will keep supporting them. Fortunately this announcement from Norman reaffirms his opposition to fracking and new coal mines.
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