I was challenged on Kiwblog last night and have posted a first response.

I find Kiwiblog easier to participate on these days, the general feel there seems to be more tolerant and accommodating of different views, although it can still be robust which is a good thing.

I first went to Kiwiblog two years ago, first simply to post some satire I’d written (on TV “news” programs), but I got drawn in to the fray. It was often very difficult, as if a gang member had sat in the middle of another’s patch. But there was enough that was worthwhile to persevere. I took a few knocks, and stood up to a few knockers.

And I learnt a lot. About politics. And about people interested in politics. The good, the bad, the ugly, and Johnboy.

Kiwiblog fitted into my idea of running an experiment to give ordinary people more of a say in politics, so was a great research tool.

My ideas preceded Kiwiblog. When Labour lost the last election (I didn’t think they should win and didn’t vote for them) I thought they would need some down to earth rebuilding. So I offered a local MP a connection with ordinary non-political people so they could keep in touch with “us out there”. She said “and yes I’d like to connect”, but she didn’t.

And I believe Labour have stayed disconnected from the real world people ever since. They’ve stumbled from disappointing to disappointing.

If Labour had recovered and looked like they were rebuilding into a good opposition party and prospective government in waiting I would have been ok with that, I would probably not back them this year because I think National have done well enough in very difficult times to deserve another term, but they would be in serious contention for 2014.

But Labour look to be in serious trouble, within themselves. The Standard is one reflection of that. I think it’s sad, but they don’t seem to want to face reality.

The other alternatives didn’t look encouraging either. I’ve voted Green tactically before but see them as a perpetual niche party. And there’s nothing else that looks worthy of a considered vote.

Talking to others, on blogs and around the community, it sounded like a common disappointment. Sick of the same old party antics. Too much mudslinging. Don’t listen. Don’t take any notice of us. Too closeted in their own party worlds.

So I decided to test the mood for something different.

The only way to find out if there is room for a wide spectrum responsive representative party is to try it. We’re lucky that in New Zealand anyone can stand for parliament, so I decided to go for it, and see who would like to join the movement, to offer a real difference, to make a real difference.

I know it hasn’t been done before. I don’t care about that. I really believe it can be done now.

Johnboy, that’s how I feel.