Election time...

[growler_south]

We watched the NZ leaders' debate last night. The penultimate question asked of the two people who stand to become our next leader was "Do you believe in God" (the question was convoluted and specific, but that was the gist of it.)

Both leaders said "No."

They just dont know. They'll find out when they die. But they live their lives using the christian principles of charity and compassion, so if you *really* wanted to you could call them christian. But in the end, No.

How fucking awesome is that. Both likely candidates for Prime Minister are agnostic- thinking people who try to do what's right because thy believe it's right, not because some bully with a fist full of lightning bolts is standing over them.

I dont think it would happen in many other countries.

The next question was on abortion. The viewer who asked it used language like "unborn New Zealanders" and asked the leaders what they would do to "stop the murder".

They both said, effectively, that it's a woman's right to choose, supported by the medical advice of her doctor, and neither of them saw a reason to change the law.

Win!!

Comments

[faghatesgods.livejournal.com]

lol

sure

rub it in.

Can I move in with you?

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

I was struck by the differences between our countries. There, you have to appear christian to stand a chance of election. Here, it would likely be seen as a negative- we have our share of right-wing nutjobs and the general public is terrified that one could slip into office.

I think my bed's already spoken for, but I know plenty of nice furry Kiwis who would love to give you shelter...

[sinnabor.livejournal.com]

I think we could make room for him in the bed for a couple nights, at least.

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

Well, it *is* a big bed...

[mikeybill.livejournal.com]

Except Key has tried to get two conservative Drs appointed to the Abortion commission (or whatever it's called) - if he succeeded abortion would be far harder for women to get.He wouldn't need to change the law, just Drs on the panel.

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

The sneaky little shit... (not that we didnt know he was already)

[mikeybill.livejournal.com]

Yeah but Labour's Electoral Finance Act is a despicable & deceitful piece of legislation as well.

[jawnbc]

More Kiwi awesomeness!!!!

[pa747sp.livejournal.com]

GOd I miss NZ

[auxugen.livejournal.com]

Wow. What a concept. Well... what a couple of concepts.

Very way cool.

[furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com]

Indeed, it would have massively added to the awesomeness of Obama's victory here if

1. He hadn't had to pander to religious nutjobs
2. He'd had a beard

The prejudice against politicians having ANY facial hair here is simply mind-bending.

But yeah - as someone who sees organized religion as all too often being a corrosive force of conformity and oppression, it would be lovely to see politicians here able to say "none of your business" when asked about their "faith."

[nzbear5.livejournal.com]

Yes, it certainly is a fundamental difference between NZ & the states. Just hope we do not get a new wave of right wing social & economic conservatism dumped on us Saturday.

[musclebearnz.livejournal.com]

duh... dont get pregnant and you wont need an abortion...

[cuboz.livejournal.com]

See!??

This is sensible people making informed decisions....

Thank goodness for only a small amount of hatred and bigotry in New Zealand!

:-)