I got so excited when I felt Obama was winning that I--

Yip---I had some wines and let my mouth go, via my fingers, so apart from the even worse typing, I suspect I may have gone 'over the top.' That was stimulated by the pathetic responses and posts by very sore losers. OK---it's over and it IS time to do the hard work in Congress. If the richest nation on earth can not look after the health of those who can't help themselvs (I'm talking about large medical bills here) through no fault of their own then it is an indictment on that nation. Pull your heads out of the sand, those of you who say that it is the responsibility alone of an individual to manage their health care. If all things were equal, then that would be fine.
I am glad that I live in a country where the huge majority hold the view that we are in this together and that the health of our children and old people is taken care of by an historical decission made many years ago that we pay a level of taxation that allows for this most basic of human needs.
Obviously no such collective responsibility exists amongst a significant number of Americans. I expect some pretty harsh replies about individual responsibility, but the fact remains that that fine quailty does not take into account, bad luck, ill health and the long existing poverty that plays out alongside the wealth in the USA.
Mr President, you have one hell of a battle on your hands to change the minds of those hard assed 'inidividuals.'

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Just a reminder I am not releasing any chapters at the moment. Also--- the versions you read are unedited, so don't be surprised at the mistakes etc. All books are available on my website, but if you want multiple copies, it's best to get in touch with me direct at  neilcolemanauthor@gmail.com
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Goodbye Pork Pie--James Cook High School--Part 2

So the seniors have left---yeah right? They keep coming back to finish their project. They are determined to get the mini back on the road for its journey to Wellington. I bet they would love to be driving it. That's OK, their chance will come with other cars they fix. I'm not sure who is enjoying this more---the teachers or the kids. Go James Cook High!

Obama has one huge job on his hands now!

Obama has won, even the ‘Popular vote, which for a while looked a bit dicey for him. Now after a few days rest and contemplation, he must address some serious issues. He is hampered in this by the makeup of Congress. Unfortunately, nothing has changed for him there.

If he is not able reach out and deal with ‘died in the wool’ Republicans then he is doomed to preside over a lame duck Presidency. No one wants this. There are hard decisions to make over the economy and he must do better with the health insurance problem. That the richest country in the world is not able to provide for its most needy citizens is a blight on the good name of the USA.

Obama needs to look at the USA’s involvement in foreign ‘adventures’ and seriously take stock over its position as ‘policeman of the world.’ Why should the USA carry the bulk of the responsibility to solve Middle Eastern and other humanitarian and political crisis. That is the job of the UN another regional groupings.

It is notable that Wall Street and some of the big name players (read Donald Trump) have had hissy fits over Obama’s victory. That was to be expected. Why are we surprised though at the extent of those sour grape announcements and reactions? The people along with Obama need to have their concerns recognized.

Finally, the Republicans are badly out of touch with the changing American Electorate. No Republican candidate will ever win again unless he or she takes into account the aspirations of many groups in American society; namely the Latin/Hispanic voters and the Afro Americans. The time of WASP male voters has finally gone.  However they still hold the economic power, so Obama too has to reach out.  All power and good wishes to Obama. I think the world heaved a huge sigh of relief.

The words we choose to use can do more than hurt!

I am revisiting a blog I wrote the other day re Mr Key’s use of the word ‘gay.’ I know he has offered an apology of sorts, but I have had time to think more about what he did and I am still uncomfortable.

I work as a counsellor and I regularly hear my clients use the word ‘gay’ in the same manner in which Mr Key did. I also know that many of the teachers in the school try on a regular basis to challenge kids when they hear the word used in the same context; that is to put down an idea or an action of a fellow student.

Mr Key is correct when he says that ‘gay’ is used in a throwaway context and that it is now in common usage. I also know that many people have informed him of his mistake and something tells me that he may well think before he makes the same mistake.

I want him and others to realize the negative effects this ‘usage’ has on a significant number of our young people, never lone other sectors of our people. What do you think a young person, struggling with their sexual identity (and believe me, there are many in this position) or who has a gay parent, friend or relative, thinks?

That simple abuse of the word can damage and hurt, way beyond the intent of the speaker. I deal with students who are self-harming because of their battle with their identity and the feedback they get from others significant to them. When they hear this ‘misuse’ they are knocked back, put down and further threatened.

I can hear people saying that young people should ‘toughen up’ and get on with their lives. These people need to remember their own teenage years when they had doubts about ‘who they were,’ and I am not necessarily talking about sexual identity here. Why would we want to add yet another ‘obstacle’ to young people’s already difficult journey, when the answer is with us--- think before we talk?

There is another more cynical side to my thoughts. John Key went along to the ‘Big Gay Out,’ an annual event held in Auckland where people gather to celebrate diversity and to gain strength and support. Some of our politicians go there. They know that the ‘Pink’ vote’ is a sizable one, so they attend and hope that their presence will translate into votes. I suggest that the gay community will take a bit of convincing that Mr Key is genuine when he attends the next one, if he dares.

OK, we need to move on, but please Mr Key, as leader of our country, try to create a positive example for all sections of our society. I know you have apologized and I think you will not repeat this stupid mistake. For the rest of us; let us continue our fight to have all members of our society included in a way that values all. For those of you who want to stick your fingers down your throat, because my words represent a ‘softness’ that you are incapable of feeling --- go ahead. You may feel better for it!

Just get the coal out---safety--well?

We pride ourselves in New Zealand as being a nation that cares for its people. We have excellent health and education systems for our people, most of which is free for citizens and residents. We also have civilized labour laws whereby the vast majority of workers are treated fairly and work in the knowledge that they are safe at work. Of course within the statement I just made there is variation and a continuing battle wages to keep the gains that NZ workers have fought for over the years,

We see on TV and read in our papers (much of that online now of course) reports of terrible disasters in gold and coal mines overs seas, particularly in China. We say---‘thank God we have robust systems in place in NZ to protect our workers from the greed of the mine owners who seek profits at the expense of the workers.’  We also believe that we left behind the terrible conditions in Britain, pertaining to the industrial Revolution and the following years of British expansion. We came to NZ for a better life and we excelled at achieving a damn good place to live in and the belief that everybody should have a fair go.

The Pike River tragedy has reminded us that all is not well. Indeed, the disaster has highlighted a return to the bad old days when lives are not valued as highly as we would hope. The subsequent failure of officials and mine owners to remain vigilant is an indictment on many areas of our society. Cost cutting by government departments, leaders in industry and the sheer pressure on management to produce a profit has undeniably led to the death of many men.

These lives were cut short by the bad decision making and lack of overseeing of safety standards; plain and simple. The official report into the tragedy has laid the blame where it truly lies. It also states clearly that these deaths were avoidable.

So the Minister in charge of safety has fallen on her sword! That gives little comfort to the loved ones of those who died. The recommendations are merely that---- is there a real willingness on the part of the Government to make things right in this major contributor to the NZ economy? Will the Government make sure that we have the necessary ‘safety inspectors’ or will they continue to pay lip service to the need for much needed changes?

I have my doubts. Like all Governments, they keep their eyes on the bigger picture about what wins votes and as far as this Government is concerned--- the elections are two years away and people will have distant memorise of the Pike River ‘man made’ disaster. Cynical I know, but how much can we trust that lessons have been learnt and that cost cutting, costs lives?!

Key's gay gaffe is intolerable!--Foot and mouth disease?

There is a tendency in school for young people to use the word ‘gay’ as some sort of putdown or negative descriptor. That out Prime Minister uses it as a joke is a terrible example of insensitivity from the person who leads us. It may have been a slip of the tongue, but surely he must know the effect of such throw away comments can have on those young people who are struggling with their sexual identity.

When they hear the PM of the country using such terminology, it must send them back into that dark place, where they have been trying to exit. All the work of teachers, nurses, youth workers and councillors, comes to naught when we witness such stupid and careless use of language.

This, from a man who visits the ‘Big Gay Out;’ perhaps in a cynical attempt to be ‘gay friendly.’ It won’t wash Mr Key. Are we seeing the real ‘you?’
I Watched mr Key's response to some questions from journalists and I would say that he regrets making the throw away comment, but does he really understand the affect such utterings have on young people. His only concern is that he may lose a few votes.