Watering down the effect!

[Ixion]

Nothing wrong with that.

If you get the message across and everybodies' happy, then that sounds like a win all round.

[James Deuce]

As has been mentioned a few times before by others more learned than I, the only thing that will stop these ACC changes is if National and John Key believe the political fallout from privatizing ACC is so great (read. they're out of a job) that the changes are not worth pursuing.

The awkward thing about that concept is that John Key will never be out of a job. By his standards Prime Minister of NZ IS a charity job, given the enormous pay cut, reduction in bonuses and share options, and reduced working hours.

John Key being the PM of NZ is akin to me going to live near Motueka in a house truck, growing produce to sell at roadside stalls.

[DidJit]

The awkward thing about that concept is that John Key will never be out of a job. By his standards Prime Minister of NZ IS a charity job, given the enormous pay cut, reduction in bonuses and share options, and reduced working hours.

John Key being the PM of NZ is akin to me going to live near Motueka in a house truck, growing produce to sell at roadside stalls.

Ok, point conceded, and I'm sure many of the Nats (not just JK) are quite financially comfortable, so let me rephrase that...

The only thing that will stop these ACC changes is if National and John Key believe the political fallout from privatizing ACC is so great (read. they're not able to line their backers' back pockets fast enough because the government's been overturned) that the changes are not worth pursuing.

How's that?

[Ixion]

John Key may be a 'hobby' PM, but that doesn't mean that he is not committed to National winning the next election.

Maybe more so than if he depended on the job. A one term government would be a blow to his mana. If he doesn't need the job for the money, then he must be doing it for the prestige and power. He won't be happy to take a hit on both those.

And the grey men behind him will definately not want to envisage a defeat in 2011.

So, the strategy still stands.

Make the National hierarchy conclude that the potential electoral damage we can cause them is more than the measly few million we cost ACC (on a governmental scale 62 million is chump change).

[Maha]

The gathering at Mission Bay last Sunday was never tauted as a protest.
If you read the home page post, it explains what was going to/and did happen.
However, the Rolling Protest the weekend before was tauted as a protest (hence the word protest in the title) and it was exactly that.
There has been one or two failed attempts so far, but on the whole I personally feel that the rest have been, for the best part, very successful, and have accomplished what they set out to accomplish.

Any member who has a better idea on how things should pan out, nows the time to step up and show how great thou art.

Those that have the nouse to organise any protest in any form, do take on board the ideas from others, Dont always use the 'thrown in ideas' but they are talked about.

[The Stranger:Me]

Nothing wrong with that.

If you get the message across and everybodies' happy, then that sounds like a win all round.

Yeah, sure, I agree. My post was in response to the OP, in which he referred to it as a protest.

[James Deuce]

I'm not suggesting that National want to lose the next election, but the person with the least to lose is the PM. I don't think his Mana will suffer much, especially considering the damage control speaking tour that will enamour him once more of the financial markets and governments with actual GDP.

[Ixion]

You are probably right IF an issue of significant philosophical importance were under consideration. Mr Key would be in a position to say "This is really important, I don't care how unpopular it makes me, if it makes national lose the next election, so what. I have to be faithful to my principles here, and if I'm voted out, well OK, I've had my term, and I'll move on"

But, ACC levies for motorcycles isn't in that class. It's an argument over a tiny sum of money, that is generating a shit load of pub press for National , and getting in the way of bigger things.

A savvy PM would want it closed down. And Mr Key is pretty savvy.

[mashman]

A savvy PM would want it closed down. And Mr Key is pretty savvy.

A savvy PM would realise that there is NOONE to oppose him because he is the ultimate power in the country, he doesn't have to listen or respond to ANYONE

[Ixion]

No. Not entirely

He must listen and respond to his causcus.

And if he is wise to his party heirarchy.

In some cases he may be compelled to bow to the courts.

And, ultimately , to the people , though admittedly only every three years.

Moreover, his command of Parliament is not absolute - he depends on support form other parties .

And, I guess , in the real extreme case, to the Governor-General, who can sack him. Come back Sir John Kerr, all is forgiven.

[StoneY]

Well, never mind the PM, hes a gutless wonder with a cute grin, we all know its really Bill who runs the show behind the scenes


I join up with the Labour party tomorrow, who knows, maybe in 10 years or so it's me youll all be bitchin about, coz I truly intend to get in boot's n all!


Im just glad to see the Nats are on the back foot, polls showing loss of support, Maori party about to implode on itself for making unethical deals with the chief Mofo.......

Martinborough on Sunday for anyone within riding distance, check the event calendar for details and see you in the Square (I have heard several Labour MP types may come for coffee......)

Think im done for awhile, I have to get BRONZ Wgtn up and running, new house to move into, Stadium repair sorted, trying to arrange a post BIKEOI doco, leave you lot to keep the protest and publicity rides rolling along for me

[mashman]

He must listen and respond to his causcus.

He doesn't have to! GLOBAL economy, we're not the only ones feeling the pinch.

Granted, Gov Gen - Queen etc... but i've seen where that one goes, after all a man has to know his limits!!!!

[duckonin]

He also has to listen to the public,to forsake that, is what gets Nat the boot in the end

[klingon]

Couscous rarely talks to me. But when it does, I listen.

[James Deuce]

I'm more of a pan fried haloumi man myself.