The Power of National’s “Daddy Statism”
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A constant theme of National’s criticism of the previous Labour government was that Helen Clark’s government was engaging in “Nanny State” politics. The constant refrain was that Labour was controlling more and more of our lives and the repeal of Section 59 (commonly referred to as the “anti smacking law”) was held up as the prime example of state interference in our lives.
Yet, National voted in favour of that same Bill, passing it through the House with near unanimity.
National’s own penchant for state interference in our lives – referred to as “Daddy State” by some – is actually more pronounced than Labour’s ever was.
The latest example of state interference in the lives of ordinary New Zealanders is this extraordinary story, which appeared in today’s NZ Herald,
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Anne Tolley has stated explicity,
“The biggest influence on learning is the teaching, and we want to make sure we have world-class teachers across the board. Making changes to initial teacher training and setting ‘disposition to teach’ criteria is to make sure we get the right people going into teaching.” Source
‘Disposition to teach’ criteria?!
The government intends to determine who is/isn’t suited to teach?
Three points;
- If National wants to alienate our teachers and inspire them sufficiently to move to Australia – they are doing a fabulous job at it. We will have lost our teachers in the next few years, if National is returned to power.
- What will be the next profession where government sets “disposition criteria”? Doctors? Architects? Airline pilots? Ambulance drivers? Firefighters? All Blacks?
- Will National set “disposition criteria” for aspiring political candidates “to make sure we get the right people going into politics”?
National’s plan to test individuals for “disposition criteria” is one of the more chilling policies I’ve heard in a long time.
God knows what sort of society National politicians are envisaging – but I want no part of it. This is downright quasi-fascism. With a huge dose of bizarro-creepiness thrown in for good measure.
If anyone votes for National after this, they need a “disposition criteria”-check carried out on them.
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What on earth do they even mean by disposition criteria, do they even know? I am a teacher but I became one by accident, not by design, and I haven’t got a clue as to what makes a good or a bad teacher…
That is the problem Deborah. There are no effective measures in place to identify bad teachers and therefore remove them from the system and no great incentives in place to identify and reward good teachers. This is due to a lack of a competitive environment in Education. You might think this is a good thing but others disagree.
So, are you saying that it is ok for the State to be “setting ‘disposition to teach’ criteria”? Do you have any idea what that sounds like?
For one thing, it assumes that there is something inately wrong with teachers that their “disposition” requires a criteria, before they can teach.
Secondly, if this isn’t an intrusion of the State into the lives of citizens, then you haven’t been paying attention.
Good lord, if Labour had suggested such a thing, every right wing blogger, activist, and supporters would be screaming “Nany State! Nanny State!” from the roof tops.
Tell me, Gosman, did the company that hired you, look into your “disposition”?
I’ll bet you would’ve told them to get f***** if they’d tried it.
I have done personality profile tests for jobs Frank. If that is not trying to work out what my disposition is I don’t know what is. Do you disagree with personality profile tests on principle then?
Maybe they should start doing personality tests on politixcians then gosman? I dont understand why they picking on teachers like this. my aunty is a teacher and she’s had enough and is thinking of going to Australia or Canada to teach.
Gosman, I’m a teacher and I’m blooody good at what I do. If your beloved National Party goes ahead with this, you can take over my low decile school class, along with half the kids from dysfunctional families, and two of whom brought knives to class. When you’ve had a knife held to your face, then come back and talk to me. Until then, you’re more ignorant than the two kids from gang families. At least they have very little understanding of right or wrong because after ten years of living in that culture, that’s all they know.
What is your excuse for your ignorance?
Ummmm… where have I expressed any ignorance on this issue? All I stated was I have performed personality tests for jobs before. How is stating this ignorant?