By: Larry Williams | Friday, September 28, 2012 9:09 PM

Issues across the week..

 

Kim Dotcom

 

The report on the police and spy agency’s role in the Dotcom case has been attacked by the Government’s political opponents. It was a whitewash according to them. They want an inquiry.

They now say that the Inspector-General shouldn't have even been conducting the inquiry. Note they waited until after the report to complain about Neazor's role. Of course the reason they are complaining is that the report didn't go in their favour.

Their target is the PM.

The Greens’ complaint to the police is nothing more than a stunt.

We even have the big man himself who wants an inquiry. Dotcom asks the PM to "show the world that your Government is not an American dancing bear".

The Government will rightly ignore Dotcom. The Government certainly won't be dancing to Dotcom’s tune. Why should they? Just go and have a look at his rap sheet. It’s hard to take this guy seriously.

It’s the same for David Shearer’s huffing and puffing. He says the PM was being asleep on his watch….it’s all John Key's fault. They point to the 15 meetings Key had with the GCSB.

Here’s the question: If the GCSB didn't inform the PM - How's he supposed to know?

The report was clear that

1. The police and GCSB messed up

2. That the interception of communications related to locating the subjects of the arrest warrants only. It did not relate in any shape or form to the US extradition process. Until I have evidence to the contrary I accept that is the case.

One of the interesting points that Neazor made and hasn't been covered by the media is Dotcom’s status. He is subject to monetary and residency conditions for three years. I'm guessing that means he can be thrown out after that period if he has breached those conditions whatever they may be.

Considering it was a mistake to let him in here in the first place it’s an option worth pursuing.

 

Other matters...

 

Solid Energy mothballed the Spring Creek mine. The blame was the coal prices, but the company's management must be in question here. They have sunk hundreds of millions into Spring Creek for zero return and now they close it down. I feel sympathy for the workers but throwing more money at Spring Creek wouldn't appear to be that smart right now...

The debate over the dollar continued. Labour, NZ First and the Greens claim the Reserve Bank needs a new 'toolbox' of settings or a 'suite' of measures to deal with the high dollar. Problem is, they talk in generalities. They have not produce one specific policy. I think they really want to print money...

The National Standards data. The teacher unions hate this. If you listen to the unions you would think the world was going to end. Here's a tip for the teachers: Parents appear to love National Standards so get over it...

What do you think? Have your say below: