In this times of election nonsense

Busy times for many. The New Zealand election date has finally been set (Helen Clark hoped she could keep it secret for as long as possible). November 8th is the day to have your say and of course I will!! I have the right to vote and I feel honoured to be able to place my vote since I am not yet a kiwi citizen (it actually happens tomorrow though:-). I like it how all permanent residents can vote here.

The election campaigns are funny in here in Aotearoa. Many party supporters have put up posters of their preferred party on the front fence. There are many silly John Key-smiles asking me to choose a Brighter Future with the National Party. How original. When you see the Labour posters it is hard to recognise the woman on the picture since they have photoshopped at least 10 years off Helen Clark.

Most party posters are very unimaginative and I must give the Green Party best grade for their marketing knowledge. They have skipped ugly faces of their party members and have focused on children in a playground with the text "Vote for us". Another top hit election poster a la Rodney Hide from last election campaign.
Good old Winston Peters who is a conservative smarmy with a fan club of mostly retired folks. He is likely to not do so well this election after some dodgy affairs with financials. He is a man who brings much amusement value to the parliament. He often quotes fairy tales and has called Nelson Mandela a "cheeky darky"...bad Winnie bad.

So what are the different parties standing for??? Who knows? It is hard to get any real facts as usual from the politicians. The financial spokesperson of the National Party, Bill English, clarifies that to achieve a growth of 4% in New Zealand "the National Party will focus on financial prosperity". Goodoh! Thanks for the details. Bill probably finished off by using one or several of the following phrases: "New Zealanders are sick and tired of ......(add whatever nonsense you can think of)", "New Zealanders have seen through this government" and a government which makes no choices" Ok, what does all of this actually mean?

I'll keep you posted when something of value is said in the election campaign..it may take some time :-)