Originally Posted by
mistaTea
Well I certainly don't think it would help if Cindy (or any other MP) used the colourful language I use to describe some of these parents. I was just responding to your earlier comment to demonstrate that Labour et al do not even acknowledge that a big part of the problem comes down to bad parenting, spending resources on foolish and often selfish pursuits. They just give the impression that there is this massive underclass in NZ despite and parents 'trying their best' they are so systemically poor that they can't even send their kids to school with a vegemite sambo. I think it is dishonest
I never said I want to raise taxes. If we are to raise taxes to be more aligned to Scandinavia then we need to have that debate and election as this would be a huge shift from status quo. Arguably a good shift, but a shift nonetheless.
Yes, their high taxes allow them to fund more things. They have a different model.
That thinking is the road to Hell imo. Govt debt is low relative to some other countries therefore we should borrow and spend more.
I am critical of this govt borrowing to fund tax cuts etc. I think I have been clear on that in earlier posts.
Suggesting that I would "rather see kids go hungry" is Dandelo territory. A real shame because I have felt that over the last couple of weeks or so you have made some effort to rise above that.
I have also said many times that I do feel for these kids because it is ultimately not their fault. So I can be critical of the parents, and also accept that we probably do need to fund some lunches. This seems to be the conclusion Seymour has come to also. Now it is more a question about how to make it as cost effective as possible and also targeted (harder to do).
The idea of any kids going hungry (whether it is from genuine poverty or sh1t head parents) is very upsetting.
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A final point to end my ramble. I find that both 'sides' of the argument bring up some really good points. But it just becomes another example (like the OCA thread) where nobody really listens to the other side of the argument, but just intrenches their world view and fight with the opposing viewpoints.
It is strange that we do this.