State of Remiss (sic)

I still suck at blogging, obvious from the more than 1 month absence from my own blog. I see blogs are big news due to their role in the US election - I bet there are millions (well, thousands maybe) of blogs that get started and then get neglected. Anyway, seeing as blogs are now tools of independent democracy I thought I might put down some of the thoughts I have about NZ government.

If I was going to start a political party here's the manifesto so far:

1. The 3 branches of the NZ defense forces should be combined into a Marine Coastguard. The admin should be integrated and streamlined. The operational staff numbers shouls be maintained. NZ should have no delusions about credible defense, if anyone has the resources to mount a serious attack (across the large stretches of sea water) they will easily overcome NZ's token army/navy/air force. The NZMC should focus on border control and contribution to international peacekeeping etc along with integration with the Australian defense forces. In fact a RAAF squadron should be based in NZ and we should do away with F16s or Skyhawks etc.

2. The tax-free income bracket should be increased. The lowest tax rate (19.5% up to $38k) should be decreased, at the same time a tax bracket for $120,000+ pa salaries should be introduced.

3. Organisations such as Housing NZ (or whatever it's been renamed) should be zero profit organisations. Any operating surplus should be put straight back into lowering rents and finding more accomodation.

4. Criminal sentences for serious crimes should NOT be concurrent.

5. ... all for now...