As Western elites signal plans to massively hike defence spending, fearmongering over China's presence in the South Pacific seeks to condition the public to acquiesce.
It doesn't just feel like a tribute. It is a tribute, or if you prefer a 2% of GDP tax on the New Zealand state. Who set the rate? Donald Trump. Will it stay at 2%? No, President Trump has signaled that it will go to 3% and then maybe as high as 5% of GDP. That might be enough to bring New Zealand to its knees. But New Zealand governments will scramble to pay, even if it brings the state to the brink of collapse.
This is clearly not normal government expenditure where a need is identified, a means proposed to meet that need, and the necessary funds are then allocated. It is the reverse process. The US tells NZ what it must contribute to the defence of the empire (the Anglo-American empire that is, not the Realm of New Zealand). New Zealand then comes up with the money. The US will then tell New Zealand how that money can be spent in ways that, in its opinion, best protect and advance the military power of the US. Again, nothing to do with the defence of New Zealand.
All that is missing is an genuine explanation of the reason and purpose for this impost on the New Zealand economy and people. We are lacking the statement of reason and purpose which would precede any normal expenditure of state funds. It is lacking because the state cannot quite bring itself to admit that this has nothing to do with the defence of New Zealand. It is all about the expansion by force of the American empire.
It makes sense that the biggest bully on the planet can only see it's hegemony weakening considerably in these times. Projecting threats from everywhere and creating its own nemesis from every direction, even allies. it's overblown and dangerous, but weapons are the only thing USA can bring to the table. It is bankrupt of ethics, the values of peace and prosperity for all and is hastening the demise of our planet, our only home by climate disaster or nuclear disaster. It's criminal.
The west are greedy arseholes. I could lay it out more clearly but this is what it amounts to. Hegemony for the interests of private western oligarchies and corporations
When asked if she was a "dove" or a "hawk" on China, New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins replied that she was "somewhere in the middle". Does that make her a dawk?
This increased defence spending drive feels like imperialist tribute. “Protection” money for the military and industrial complex mafia.
Any genuine foreign threat is coming from this government’s opening up Aotearoa’s assets to unscrupulous foreign interests.
It doesn't just feel like a tribute. It is a tribute, or if you prefer a 2% of GDP tax on the New Zealand state. Who set the rate? Donald Trump. Will it stay at 2%? No, President Trump has signaled that it will go to 3% and then maybe as high as 5% of GDP. That might be enough to bring New Zealand to its knees. But New Zealand governments will scramble to pay, even if it brings the state to the brink of collapse.
This is clearly not normal government expenditure where a need is identified, a means proposed to meet that need, and the necessary funds are then allocated. It is the reverse process. The US tells NZ what it must contribute to the defence of the empire (the Anglo-American empire that is, not the Realm of New Zealand). New Zealand then comes up with the money. The US will then tell New Zealand how that money can be spent in ways that, in its opinion, best protect and advance the military power of the US. Again, nothing to do with the defence of New Zealand.
All that is missing is an genuine explanation of the reason and purpose for this impost on the New Zealand economy and people. We are lacking the statement of reason and purpose which would precede any normal expenditure of state funds. It is lacking because the state cannot quite bring itself to admit that this has nothing to do with the defence of New Zealand. It is all about the expansion by force of the American empire.
Great points. Hopefully the NZ public may finally learn the reality of US imperialism sinisterly working behind the scenes.
🎯🎯🎯🎯
Hmn, Collins Treasure Chest comment implies there's a link between the interests of mining companies and national 'defence' spending?
It makes sense that the biggest bully on the planet can only see it's hegemony weakening considerably in these times. Projecting threats from everywhere and creating its own nemesis from every direction, even allies. it's overblown and dangerous, but weapons are the only thing USA can bring to the table. It is bankrupt of ethics, the values of peace and prosperity for all and is hastening the demise of our planet, our only home by climate disaster or nuclear disaster. It's criminal.
The west are greedy arseholes. I could lay it out more clearly but this is what it amounts to. Hegemony for the interests of private western oligarchies and corporations
When asked if she was a "dove" or a "hawk" on China, New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins replied that she was "somewhere in the middle". Does that make her a dawk?