The release of UK cabinet papers from 1984 show that Margaret Thatcher lied about the number of mines she planned to close, and reveal her government's deep belief that a certain level of unemployment was not only necessary but good.
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At what point does using government services make you a bludger?
Some households get so much back from the state that they're "effectively" not paying tax, says Bill English. Is that fair comment? And should we all be held to account for what we use in state services? Or just some of us?
Read MoreThe Common Good - parallels in the UK’s economy
The challenges faced by Labour in opposition here and in the UK are similar. Both face an economy that is entering a modest cyclical upswing, and right-wing governments wanting to claim it as their recovery.
Read MoreDebts and lies are generally mixed together
Fighting for your convictions is all well and good. Getting other people to pay for it isn't.
Read MoreHas National fixed the economy yet?
If, like me you've been trying to answer the question - 'Has National fixed the economy yet', I created a web site to analyse the data in detail:
Read MoreThe left must stand up to abuse
It’s time for the tolerant, open and compassionate left to stand up to vilification and abuse when it is practised by sections of the left.
Read MoreNo, we’re not the most secular nation in the world
‘Jesus is the reason for the season’, says the bumper sticker; not according to three out of four Kiwis who didn’t go to any church on Christmas day, or any other day for that matter.
Read MoreThe last post... for 2013, polls update & moments of the year
So what's 2013 been all about and where does it leave us? Here's my take... and Christmas wishes
Read MoreFirst they came for John Tamihere, and I did not speak out
Once again, the Sisterhood has dragged down John Tamihere. Look upon his fate, ye men, and ponder.
Read MoreDown 'n' out Brown & opening salvo of the 2016 race
Len Brown has been censured for the texts, the hotel rooms, the inappropriate reference and all the "fallout" of his extra-marital affair with a young appointee. But what's the political fallout going to look like and can he stand again?
Read MoreEQC time for a rebuild?
EQC is broken and needs to be rebuilt. Or does it? If the complexity of the situation, some complaints and conflict are to be expected, right?
Read MoreCommon sense was the winner on the day
You can all relax now - it looks like you'll still be able to wear your favoured political party lapel badge next election day. Because I know you were really worried about that.
Read MoreThe wonderful, the woeful and the weird in New Zealand sport
The laudable, lamentable and laughable in sport this year
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday December 17
UN launches $6.5 billion aid appeal for Syria; North Korean economy unaffected by execution of Kim Jong-un's closest advisor; Japanese businesses brace for sales-tax increase; Ukraine protesters return to central Kiev; Bangladesh violence kills four; and more
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World News Brief, Friday December 13
US and UK suspend aid to Syrian rebels; former Thai PM indicted on murder charges; same-sex marriage law qushed in Australia; more than 2 million people in Zimbabwe will need food assistance before harvest; Uruguay's legalisation of marijuana breaks international law, says UN drugs body
Read MoreThe Colin Craig factor & the myth of religion
Some times in politics, although not often, things are just what they seem to be. Just ask that nice Colin Craig
Read MoreThe Parliamentary Privilege Bill: the empire finally strikes back
Parliament is planning to pass a law saying how much freedom its members (and others involved in its proceedings) have from legal liability. What's more, it's telling the courts that they've stuffed that issue up.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday December 11
Diplomats head to Kiev to help ease tensions; North Korea's leader carrying out "reign of terror", says South Korea; Thailand's PM refuses to resign; delay expected in removal of chemical weapons from Syria; Greenpeace activists and Pussy Riot members would be among those freed in Putin amnesty; and more
Read MoreMemories of the '81 tour - what we remember, forget & honour
John Key can explain away his own history, but he needs to pay more respect to New Zealand's by expressing an opinion and backing down on his funeral invitations
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday December 10
Hundreds of thousands of anti-government protestors gather in Kiev; South Korea expands air defense zone; Japan's GDP growth revised downwards; Afghanistan seeks closer ties with Iran; leaders head to South Africa for Mandela memorial; and more
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