I do like a bit of a spunky-looking candidate!
I thought I'd go and check out this Billy T K, as I had heard people talk about him so much.
He also raises some issues where we know that the official line has been less than honest in the past, so that sounded interesting.
And, you know, trying to be open, do my own research, think for myself, that is important, isn't it?
So I found one of his talks and listened to it. On Facebook.
It seems quite an informal little talk, just off-the-cuff, in a day-to-day environment.
A few minutes into the talk I hear this sentence:
"Without Democracy you don't have Outdoors, you don't have Conservatism, you don't have Monetary Reform, you don't have anything".
Having done a bit of study in social psychology, that made my ears prick up.
I asked myself: "What is he actually trying to say?"
"No outdoors without democracy?! Eh??"
Having learned to analyse this kind of thing, I found all these red flags:
1) It's a sentence that is meant to arouse emotion, rather than convey any real meaning.
2) Look at it: 'Outdoors', 'Conservatism' etc...
A sentence that means nothing but chimes with as many as possible.
2)The sentence structure also, with its sequence of buzz words, is designed to be emotive and bypass clear thinking.
Straight from the handbook of manipulation.
That is not just a little informal off-the-cuff talk, there is some sophisticated speech writing behind it!
He's just there to attack the govt, sow confusion.
Who for?
My guess is as good as yours.
The tiger who came to tea
Trays are such a useful item to have in the home – they are obviously great for serving food and drinks, particularly breakfast in bed! Find out how to create your own with Resene wallpaper and Resene Colorwood wood stain with these easy step by step instructions.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.4% Yes
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14% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below