Japan cancels next year's Whale Hunt---what about the year after?

OK, so we have won---for now. Japan has cancelled the whale hunt in the Antarctic waters, after an historic court ruling and 25 years of 'scientific' whaling. Various organizations and Governments ( especially those of Australia and NZ) have fought to stop this revolting practice. Now the Japanese have announced that they are not going back to the frozen south next year, we should not relax, thinking that we have won the war. We have just won a short respite, because we can be sure that all efforts will now be made to resurrect the whaling; it's just that the Japanese need time to formulate  a system that complies with international law. That there is increasing opposition to the abhorrent practice within Japan is perhaps the best hope for a permanent victory. What we must also taken into account is that Japan may well feel slighted by this 'loss,' and everyone knows that their sensitivity will have been sorely tested and they will not meekly go away and accept the historic decision. Watch out for the 'rebound!'

Major earthquake to hit Auckland!

Bet that got you going----but it’s true. A report out today suggests that Auckland will get a major earthquake every 10,000 to 20,000 years. Phew, that means we won’t see one for quite a while---hopefully. But---the question has to be asked: How prepared for this major event, is Auckland. One only has to look at some of the buildings, especially along the older shopping strips to realize that they just aren’t up to it. Those crumbly looking edifices look like they would tumble on anyone passing beneath, with disastrous results. Then there are the beautiful old ‘higher-rise’ buildings in the city---they too, present ‘issues.’ Unlike Wellington, not a hell of a lot has gone on to strengthen most older buildings.

Another factor that must be taken into account is the ’unpreparedness’ of Aucklanders, generally. How many have experienced large earthquakes? There is a certain blasé feeling around Auckland, ‘that it won’t happen,’ well at least not in ‘My’ lifetime.’ If and when it does actually happen, chaos will rule as we all struggle to get away from the destruction and then finding food and shelter will become almost impossible. People will need to ‘get home,’ most of who live many kilometres from their workplaces.

How many of us obey the rules---you know---the fresh water, tinned goods and other essentials? How many of us have battery radios? How dependant are we on the net. SIRVIVAL cannot be a function of Google!

Better get ready folks---for the big one, in 10,000 to 20,000 years. Mm---where are we on the spectrum? When was the last ‘big one?’

Shane Jones, David Shearer and God knows who else to join KDC?

One has to wonder who KDC is holding in his back pocket as the big surprise re his latest ‘subject,’ to join him in the mansion, prior to getting into Parliament. Such a mystery person will be needed indoor for KDC to have a ‘stooge’ in Parliament, if he wants to have an Internet Party presence. There has been much media conjecture as to the name; claims flying about someone ready to jump ship, but the two main names are silly to say the least. Why on earth would Shane join a party that has such a narrow base and certainly the prospect of David Shearer is bordering on the ridiculous. Of course Shane has also been linked with Winston Peters re the latter’s desire to find a successor. That does make some sense!  

We need to go back to the whole messy KDC saga. He is facing ‘export against his will,’ back to the USA to face charges, which he strenuously denies. It is not for me to comment on the validity of those claims, but I suspect that any political move on KDC’s part is most likely an action that he sees a being effective in keeping him in NZ. As to his real political aims; they seem narrow and do not fit with a party hoping to garner support on the bigger issues of the day; like education, health and the other big-card contenders. Still, there is time for KDC and his ‘ghost team,’ to put up some policy. That will be an interesting exercise.

In the meantime, ‘We the People,’ will have to put up with his stage managed publicity attempts, all in the name of keeping KDC in the limelight, lest we forget him!