Vote for me, but you're too dumb to understand why

**Tazz** · 2nd February 2015, 17:04

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=11395177

Prime Minister John Key has dismissed Eleanor Catton's criticisms of his government, saying they should not be given any more credence than those of the Mad Butcher or Richie McCaw.

The Luminaries author and Man Booker Prize winner attracted controversy last week after comments she made at the Jaipur Literary Festival in India were published on the Live Mint news website.

She said she was angry with the Government's treatment of the arts and the country's "neoliberal, profit-obsessed, very shallow, very money-hungry politicians".

"I feel uncomfortable being an ambassador for my country when my country is not doing as much as it could, especially for the intellectual world," she said.

Appearing on TVNZ's Breakfast show this morning, Mr Key said Catton's views on politics shouldn't be taken any differently than those of any other New Zealander.

"She has no particular great insights into politics, she is a fictional writer. I have great respect for her as a fictional writer [sic]."

Mr Key conceded he had read some, but not all of the Luminaries.

What a crock. How is he an expert on politics then? Wasn't he a commerce major!?!

How can someone whose profession is in 'the arts' not be in a position to comment on her on experience? She'd know a damn sight more about it than our dear leader that's for sure.
So he blabs a shit attempt to discredit someone with a negative viewpoint of his government, and puts a cherry on top by contradicting himself by saying he has great respect for her as a writer, having never read any off her books. He's like Bush junior with an NZ accent or something.

Usually give politics a wide berth as a rule because you can watch a better run circus when Cirque du Soleil is in town, but this struck a bit of a nerve. If she had positive things to say they would be lapping up her 'knowledgeable insights' no doubt.

**SPman** · 2nd February 2015, 18:58

Mr Key conceded he had read some, but not all of the Luminaries.

Didn't he say something along the lines of "The Luminaries is OK, but the Lord of the Rings is a better New Zealand novel".......

**unstuck** · 2nd February 2015, 19:03

I think finally people are beginning to see just what an arse the dude is. About time.

**mashman** · 2nd February 2015, 19:18

She deals in fiction.

**Tazz** · 2nd February 2015, 19:21

Originally Posted by mashman

She deals in fiction.

I didn't realize life experience is fiction, and that you're not entitled to voice your own opinion on politics relevant to those experiences unless you are a political correspondent.

Originally Posted by unstuck

I think finally people are beginning to see just what an arse the dude is. About time.

Can't say I've ever been a fan, but saying the voice of the people you're leading holds no weight is pretty low even for him.
Not an eye opening event by any means, just hit a nerve so cashed in my KB rant quota for the day

.

**mashman** · 2nd February 2015, 19:26

Originally Posted by Tazz

I didn't realize life experience is fiction, and that you're not entitled to voice your own opinion on politics relevant to those experiences unless you are a political correspondent.

One should never mix the two as it causes obvious confusion.

**Tazz** · 2nd February 2015, 19:26

Originally Posted by Katman

Oh, the irony in the thread title.

Thankfully you're here to point it out. It would be difficult to eat soup without any spoons around.

**James Deuce** · 2nd February 2015, 19:29

John Key said Eleanor Catton doesn't exist. Anything to keep Sabin out of the news.

**oldrider** · 2nd February 2015, 19:54

Originally Posted by James Deuce

John Key said Eleanor Catton doesn't exist. Anything to keep Sabin out of the news.

True - but:-

John Key might not exist after the next election - three terms up and media dwelling on every "little" word - we (NZ electorate) only ever vote people and parties OUT!

I feel a change coming on!

Key will of course become Sir John as a sweetener on the way out!

**Banditbandit** · 3rd February 2015, 12:35

Originally Posted by mashman

She deals in fiction.

She has a lot in common with DonKey then ...

**mashman** · 3rd February 2015, 12:45

Originally Posted by Banditbandit

She has a lot in common with DonKey then ...

heh... wouldn't that be futures

**Tazz** · 3rd February 2015, 14:08

http://www.metromag.co.nz/metro-arch...-booker-prize/

**bluninja** · 3rd February 2015, 14:09

Has anyone read what Richie McCaw or the Mad Butcher have to say about the government?

**Tazz** · 3rd February 2015, 14:27

Originally Posted by bluninja

Has anyone read what Richie McCaw or the Mad Butcher have to say about the government?

Sorry, but you're not actually entitled to an opinion on any of this because you're not a political correspondent or a politician, so you don't know what you're talking about and your opinion on anything is worthless. But thanks for voting!

Haven't seen anything around from either of them being critical of the government, but even so if they wished to comment on the it in relation to their field then so be it, they're both successful in their chosen professions to boot so would no doubt have some interesting insights.

Whether their views hold any weight is up to yourself.

**bluninja** · 3rd February 2015, 14:34

Originally Posted by Tazz

Sorry, but you're not actually entitled to an opinion on any of this because you're not a political correspondent or a politician, so you don't know what you're talking about and your opinion on anything is worthless. But thanks for voting!

Haven't seen anything around from either of them being critical of the government, but even so if they wished to comment on the it in relation to their field then so be it, they're both successful in their chosen professions to boot so would no doubt have some interesting insights.

Whether their views hold any weight is up to yourself.

I wonder if John Key has read their books?