Furthermore, to then paint the trains in your Party’s colour and your little hangeronner’s party colour (Anderton) was a further case of the absolute desire for Clarky to stay in power and tell the people in NZ what they can and can’t do.

It’s a pity National haven’t and can’t easily sell the trains. Maybe when Cullen turns 80 we could give him back his train set.

What is politically incorrect about driving 4×4s? They’re just cars. I don’t see how driving a 4×4 is offensive.

(And I think that by “status symbol” Erin meant cars in general, which boys do seem to care more about than girls IMHO)

As for your status symbol, more women buy 4×4s than men.

4×4’s are the bane of my driving! If they are beside you while trying to turn, you can’t see the oncoming traffic. If they are parked near an intersection, you can’t see oncoming traffic. They generally (I don’t know about cars, but I’m guessing that most people can’t afford a new Lexus hybrid) guzzle fuel, making them more expensive to run and worse for the environment. Just becuse there are new cars on the market that are more environmentally friendly doesn’t mean that the majority of people will be buying them. For one, cars are a rapidly depreciating asset andif you have enough money for a brand new Lexus, you probably should have bought a house instead.

In a crash they win. That’s pretty well established. But if people stopped buying the damn things, that wouldn’t be a problem. I’d like to argue that, designed as offroad equipment, they be limited to the offroad. This makes driving safer for the majority of road users which is what we want. To say that not investing in a 4×4 is not investing in your life is ridiculous. That’s like saying “There is no point turning up to a gun fight with a knife. Therefore, anyone who accidentally finds themself in a gun fight with a knife is foolish, and should have come sufficiently armed.” Which is foolish logic. The people shouldn’t have had the guns to start with.

As for boat-towing, we’ve had lots of boats and no 4×4s. And we’ve still managed to get to the beach.

Also, cyclists are a pain. They should use the cycle lanes. But, believe it or not, there aren’t always cycle lanes around. Also, to say that they should buy cars is foolish. Cyclists actually have the moral high ground here. They are saving the environment and saving themselves from obesity. Which really gets a double tick. Obviously, we aren’t all going to cycle everywhere, but you have to admire their dedication to a cause. The fact that it is also cheaper doesn’t actually count against them. I mean, they are only cars. A method of getting from one place to another. Who freakin’ cares! They’re only a status symbol because people (boys? mostly, I should imagine) make them a status symbol.

Saving money= Good.
Saving environment= Good.
Losing weight= Good.

Making the road more dangerous for everyone else= Bad.
Being expensive to buy + run= Bad.
Pollution= Bad.

Bicycles= Good.
4×4s= Bad.

Other cars= happy medium. We’re all too lazy to actually cycle or walk everywhere (let’s face it) but 4×4s aren’t the answer,

Because if everyone had 4×4s, machomen would need to drive something bigger. And then we would all end up driving around in literal tanks because they’d eventually be the safe option. By the logic that you’re using.

Walking gets the Heart Foundation Tick. Do you really want to take on the Heart Foundation?