CRIMSON GENERAL SHOOS AWAY ATROPOS

We were very heartened to hear that Matt McCarten is looking to stare at us over the political ramparts for a while longer.

Matt, like us, has mates across the political spectrum and it was from one of them that we heard that the cherubic faced unionist was facing a grim prognosis on the cancer front.

A few months later we met him and a few other celebs in the Chapel Bar in Auckland.

We got to yacking, as you do, and found we had quite a few common friends, as is often the case in our little country.

So today we were delighted to read his column and find out that he has upped the odds on surviving cancer for a while yet.

McCarten is a unionist and politician we admire. He is committed, a gentleman, a fine tactician and loyal to his mates no matter what their beliefs.

His politics are not ours - in fact we are diametrically opposed in the way we think we can change the world and make it better

Anyway, McCarten is the best type of political enemy, one we can respect. And we need him to be operating on all cylinders this year otherwise it will be no bloody fun at all.

“Love your enemies just in case your friends turn out to be bastards.”

HONE - TIME TO GO BRO

So Hone shed some tears today. It was a pretty indulgent interview.

Were they tears of a humble man? We dont think so - more likely to be due to the fact that he thought he was bigger than the party and he has just realised he has squandered his chance to really help make a difference to the lives of some Maori. Hone did hold much promise - his tireless efforts to reduce smoking rates indicated early on that when he campaigned on an issue he campaigned hard.

We have written lots about him over the last 2 and a half years - some of it complementary but sadly its now clear he is yesterdays man.

He has been badly advised - probably by his hate breathing dragon of a mother Titawhai

We hope that the Maori Party ditches him this week and they get on with making the gains for Maori wherever they can. Being in government means they can do that. In opposition they are reduced to pointless finger pointing and name calling - the war cry of the powerless.

Matt McCarten tries to paint the picture that it is all about personalities - it is not. Harawira's politics is about an interpretation of the past that centres on blame. It is politics that is mired in an imperfect history. It does not seek to build relationships that lead to better lives for everyone - no- his is the politics of hatred and envy.

On the other hand Turia and Sharples know that the answers for their people have to be based on the politics of aspiration - that a better future lies in in forming alliances that will give those who are now choked in the dust on the side of lifes road - a hand up and map to get where they want to go.

All Hone does is kick up the dust, blinding his people to the reality of responsibility and blaming those who are running down the road to a better future.

HEKIA WILL TAKE MANA

We have been watching the Mana by election with interest. One of our Maori mates told us they other day that he expected Hekia to win or go dam close. Why? Well she has been endorsed by just about every faction across Maoridom and within the various Pacific communities. She has fronted them, talked good sense and has not made promises she wont be able to keep. Its her frankness and openess that is her strength. She also has that Wahine Toa thing going down as well. There is steel in her spine. She has the X factor when it comes to commanding respect. She doesn't suffer fools and she has considerable intellectual grunt.She is also elegant and easy on the eye. And she laughs a lot . We think she is a cool chick, wouldn't like to cross her, but she has our respect.

She would do the people of Mana proud.

And we are putting our money where our mouth is and investing a few bucks on her winning the seat over on Ipredict

NOT US

Matt McCarten appreciates good work and this week in his column he focuses on what he sees as bloggers having some considerable influence in Labours decision over who to stand in the Mt Albert by election. He reckons Goff goofed. We reckon he really goofed, cos Shearer wont cut the mustard as he is hopeless on the hustings . Hooton reckons that Goffs political life depends on Mt Albert staying Labour.

We of course had nothing to do with any blog campaign

Kiwiblog did it - and Whale oil - not us...

Poneke got it right ... it was really David.

Really....