This is edition 2025/87 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Welcome back. It's 2025 and 20 years since I started writing about politics and anything else that took my fancy. Thank to my VIP members for making this site what it is today. In July we will be having a 20th birthday celebration. Stay tuned for more announcements.
This is the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
Enjoy!
1. Is it time for politicians to look self-critically in the mirror?
Grant Duncan
- 🗣️ Winston Peters complains about slipping standards in the House of Representatives.
- 🏛️ He criticizes instances of obscene language, intimidating haka, and declining attire standards.
- 📉 Peters laments the degradation of democracy, citing unprecedented levels in his long political career.
- 🏆 The 53rd parliament was celebrated for diversity but questioned as New Zealand’s worst-behaved upon dissolution in 2023.
- 📉 Peters suggests the 54th parliament, of which he is a member, shows even poorer behavior.
- 🤔 Debate questions whether Peters’ critique reflects genuine concern or generational criticism.
- 🔍 The issue raises concerns about political trust and leadership conduct.
- 📚 Historical texts like the Analects of Confucius emphasize the importance of political leadership exemplifying justice and benevolence.
- 🤖 As AI becomes more integrated into governance, parallels arise on programming AI for public benefit.
- 🎙️ Explore more on historical political writings in an audio lecture featuring Anna Komnene, Christine de Pizan, and Hurrem Sultan.
