Archive - Feb 2012

It looks like Barbados is catching Jamaica disease:

Far too many republicans seem to have fallen for all the silly and unquestioned myths that surround Queen Elizabeth. The idea that she works tirelessly and selflessly for the good of the people is the biggest one. It is trotted out by her devotees and repeated by the news media all too often and many republicans seem reluctant to challenge a myth so pervasive.

Jamaica's new government appears to be on track so far to meet its goal of transitioning to a Parliamentary republic by Jamaica's 50th independence anniversary.

One thing I often encounter while discussing republicanism is the deep yearning New Zealanders have for a uniting purpose to focus on. Pakeha, Maori, Pacific peoples, Asians - almost all of us appear to be looking for it. It's clear the decline into irrelevance of the monarchy, which once provided this focus, has created an apathetic malaise which could easily turn toxic.

In my last post, I introduced our draft policy statement.  This was something the Executive has developed, following agreement at our last AGM, and I'm now summarising it for the benefit of our blog readers.

The Scottish Government has released a consultation document on its proposed independence referendum. It's an interesting read for anyone proposing a constitutional referendum. The focus, of course, has been on the question to be asked. The Scottish Government proposes this question:

Labour for a New Zealand Republic has its own Facebook page which is just a few days old, but has already attracted 182 followers. There's also a Labour group page on our website, with slightly less members.