Communism by capitulation

One expects that sometimes in life, as in politics, some compromise is called for. Right from childhood we are consciously or sub-consciously negotiating outcomes. If we are unable to do this we are in for a fairly solitary ride. But the advice I most adhere to, especially when it comes to raising children, is the somewhat hackneyed 'don't sweat the small stuff'. But hold your ground on what really matters to you.

Right now in New Zealand Working For Families is not the small stuff. John Key clearly didn't think it was in 2004;

Mr Key predicted the new system would have "huge behavioural outcomes" and he was concerned that employers would find workers refusing to do overtime or weekend work.

The effect of the Budget had been to push the disincentive far into middle New Zealand, he said.

"They've got the vast majority of people now trapped in a one-size-fits-all. We all pay one rate - it's communism by stealth.

"It didn't work very well for Eastern Europe and it won't work very well for New Zealand."

Four years later;

Key says he acknowledges that Working for Families payments are an important part of the income for many families.

"These are families with mums and dads who are working long hours, trying to get by on a modest wage in the absence of tax cuts under this Labour Government. We don't want to make life more difficult for them."

Communism by capitulation perhaps.