Sometimes I don't get us Kiwis /politics

Sometimes I don't get us Kiwis /politics

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4905759/Mad-traffic-sends-Key-to-the-sky

The prime minister used a helicopter. Who cares.

And some of the comments are just 20 legend2011-04-20 20:32:10

But most importantly, the pilots would've flown the hours they used flying Key anyway.

garrrrrr

I like helicopters.

I get both sides of the debate. The PM has every right to use the chopper. But it is the frequency and the appropriateness of using military aircraft that is the issue. The PM has a lot of engagements and is very busy, but surely there is a line to how often and when he can use a chopper. This is not the first time he has been pulled up for the use of an Iroquois, in 2009 a similar incident was criticised by the opposition.

I'm not saying he is right or wrong in this instance, I'm just surprised by the way people have defended the PM without hesitation. In election year in particular, the use of military equipment for what are essentially photo-ops must be scrutinised, as these appearances are in effect a form of campaigning. In the interest of democratic fairness the PM cannot be seen to be using Air Force choppers to cover more ground, when Goff and his friends have to make do with using the roads.

That's my take on it.

Points taken but,

a) A "Photo Opportunity" is attending a public event, which one would expect from their prime minister.

b) The PM should fly everywhere in a helicopter if he wants to. And if by some miracle, Phil Goff wins, he should too.

Should he? No matter the cost? When New Zealanders are being asked to tighten their belts, when public servant roles are being cut and jobs across the board lost is it not right politicians spending be scrutinised? No one is criticising John Key for using a chopper to visit Christchurch following the February 22 quake, but is a golf club dinner worth such haste? Could better planning have ensured he could have been at both engagements without needing the chopper? I'm not saying one or the other, but I am saying scrutiny of such things is important. I would think most New Zealanders would not like any Prime Minister using a military chopper for campaigning in election year, although I'm certainly not saying this was definitely the case on Sunday.

Where is this quote from? I like, very apt for the Halberg debate.

In all fairness, it's not often the RNZAF (or what's left of it) actually has something to do...

http://tvnz.co.nz/football-news/halberg-decision-shows-maturity-4026340

Article about the Halbergs by Michael Burgess

Comrade Uncle Helen Clark used the Air Force as well.

My opinion on any of these issues is it's just "perks of the job." The people who complain are just jealous they never became a politician or whoever. In most jobs you get perks, some better than others. Prime Minister flies in helicopter, gets cheap (free) overseas travel, well lucky for him. Might make more people want to be the NZ prime minister instead of package fish sticks for the rest of their life.

You package fish sticks? What are you, a gay fish?

when we are not in a recession can the PM use a time machine?

Depending on the cost, yes.