In the past I've been highly critical of politicians who prefer to "keep their powder dry" and keep their policies and positions secret until election time to prevent scrutiny and criticism. This is a dishonest strategy, which puts power before principle and treats the electorate like children. As a voter, I want to know what the political choices are. Hiding your policies is a deliberate attempt to thwart my decision-making.
Still, I have to give credit where credit is due. In the past week, Labour has made solid commitments in some rather contentious policy areas. These include:
- Retaining the top tax rate, and restoring it if National lowers it;
- Cutting pollution subsidies in the ETS (also mentioned in that tax discussion);
- Real democracy in Auckland
- Immediately restoring democracy in Canterbury.
