.. ohh no 'show some courage' - same thing
Don Brash and his fellow commission members have written a wish list that is likely to be rejected almost completely and almost immediately by John Key. Key (and Labour) are likely to write this off as the rest of Roger Douglas' (discredited) reform plans.
That's a pity. There is some useful and potentially brave ideas in here that should be picked up. I agree with the moves to a flatter tax system and restraints on government spending. The water rights trading scheme is a no-brainer.
It's surprising, however, that the Taskforce has ignored the area of taxing property. There is no proposal for a land tax or a capital gains tax.
John Key needs to step back and think about the longer term, or at least past the next election. He doesn't have to break any promises. He needs to show some leadership. The truly great leaders convince their followers to change direction for the better.
He could distinguish himself as a truly great and brave leader by proposing reforms such these for enacting after the 2011 election.
He has the political gifts and the capital to do it. But does he want to take a risk to really reform this economy so our graduates (and his children) don't buy one-way tickets to Australia?
But better than that IMO is this wee comment ..
BernadetteK
Auckland
8:33AM Tuesday
1 December 2009No, he doesn't. And he won't. Those in power are treating NZ's teetering financial situation in the same way that the skank in denial refuses to deal with her chlamydia.
This report will go the same way as the "Knowledge Economy" proposals (remember that?! Hahaha! As IF the agricultural aristocracy would let that happen!) and the working group's tax reform proposals.
Nothing ever changes in this country - the kind of people that strive to get into power in this country do so to maintain the status quo. Those with loftier aspirations realise this, and leave permanently. John Key is an intelligent and astute man, who is eminently capable as a leader to bring about changes that will better NZ. But he won't - because nobody gets into politics in NZ to do that. Who wants to rock the boat when you can be the big swinging d*** back in small town NZ after making your fortune overseas, and before heading off again after you get voted out?http://blogs.nzherald.co.nz/blog/show-me-money/2009/11/30/show-me-courage-brash/?c_id=None&commentpage=3