Savage's blog

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.

The jury is still out on a new survey by Research New Zealand that seems to show a big increase in people who are neutral or undecided about becoming a republic. The survey of 1252 people taken in August last year asked respondents to say whether they strongly agreed strongly disagreed or were neutral on the matter.

The British Monarchy are political celebrities and their  PR people are making sure everyone knows what they are doing for Christmas this year.  There is still a recession on so they have played up how homely and down to earth they all are. "It's been decided that the group will give each other low-key but fun gifts this year, in part due to the on-going global financial crisis."

Constitutional problems are reaching crisis point in Papua New Guinea and armed Police are guarding parliament and the supreme court. Two men are now claiming they are the country's Prime Minister. One has the support of the Supreme court. The other the support of parliament.

Why are you sitting here reading this blog when you should be out there voting? The turn-out from voting in New Zealand is slowly dropping and it is important that we arrest that decline. The more people who participate in a democracy the stronger it is. Voting is a democratic right won by people who campaigned hard for the right to be represented in parliament.

Reports from rugby world cup celebrations reveal how much unchecked power the Prime Minister has with regard to handing out honours. Official information requests about the criteria for handing out honours are routinely rejected but when pressed by journalists on the matter John Key has revealed that, when it comes to honours that, in effect, it’s all down to his personal preferences. He put it simply “I decide it”.

The recent press release about the passing of Paul (Sir Paul) Reeves has touched off some debate among members regarding knighthoods and titular honours. What do you think about the way we use the terms Sir and Dame?

The British monarchists are on an international PR offensive and Prince William and his wife are at the forefront of the campaign. The couple recently visited Canada and "put on their best British charm" for their Canadian well wishers.