Maryan Street’s hypocrisy

WhaleOil writes about Maryan Street’s attack on John Key and his visits to Christchurch.

As he points out some on Labour’s side have been visitors, including Goff and Clark. Adam wrote about Clark’s visit back at the end of February drawing attention to what he saw as media bias in favour of Clark. Then again here where he noted the coverage by Fawning Report.

Adam drew attention as well, in a gallows humour manner, to Gaffe ‘briefing’ Clark , the photo in question clearly taken in a ‘privileged location’.

A number of comments on these posts were critical of Adam for his comment on Clark grandstanding and seeking privileged access.

Yet apparently according to Maryan Street, the PM should not be visting Christchurch and visiting the scene of devastation. Yet Gaffe has been there constantly.

No doubt if Key was not visible in Christchurch he would then be accused of being callous and indifferent and behaving like Bush after Katrina.

David Farrar at Kiwiblog commented as well on Street’s attack on Key

If Labour thinks they will win the election by complaining that the Prime Minister is allowed access to a restricted area, they really are deranged.

I actually have great sympathy for local business owners who are frustrated at being unable to access their businesses. But to try and blame this on the fact the PM has had access is sad and rather pathethic.

In case it needs to be stated, the Prime Minister is the person who will primarily make the major decisions on the earthquake recovery. He decided to call a state of national emergency, he decided on relief packages for employers and employees, he will make decisions on many things related to the earthquake. No one can seriously think he should not be able to see the earthquake damage first hand.

If Labour wanted to complain about people being shown around the earthquake zone, who shouldn’t have been, I’ve got a name for them the stupid hypocrites. Helen Clark.

I actually had resisted criticising Clark’s private tour around the earthquake zone up until now, because I think her request was made with good motives. But for fuck’s sake if Labour is going to attack the PM for being given access, then Clark’s visit is fair game.

DPF’s core point:

In case it needs to be stated, the Prime Minister is the person who will primarily make the major decisions on the earthquake recovery. He decided to call a state of national emergency, he decided on relief packages for employers and employees, he will make decisions on many things related to the earthquake. No one can seriously think he should not be able to see the earthquake damage first hand.

is worth re-iterating.

The double standards of those on the left never cease to appall Adam.

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