In this episode of Solid Ground, Simon begins by answering viewer questions about puberty blockers and why a Labour Party candidate resigned after engagement with criminal gangs. He also discusses why photos of National Party MPs with gang members is quite a different dynamic.
He then discusses the new school assessments and the worry of teacher unions that students could struggle, pointing out this is a welcome opportunity for teachers to show they can teach.
Simon then draws attention to news that Jacinda Ardern has been appointed professor at University of Sydney to teach “leadership and social cohesion”. He notes the irony of this appointment after the economic damage, COVID authoritarianism, and dividing of New Zealand under her leadership – but also notes the broader pattern of left-wing figures being recycled into institutions.
He then highlights two former judges joining the Hong Kong courts, arguing they’ve sold out legal values and instead providing legitimacy to Chinese Communist Party controlled courts that are imprisoning democracy activists and others.
The show finishes a little more light-hearted, noting a recent UK Metropolitan Police firearms photo controversy where a social media post celebrating a new firearms officer clearly shows someone who has no idea how to properly hold a gun.
A reminder as well that this evening (Tuesday) there is a Political Playback special with Simon and Bob being joined by Peter Williams.
