Labour paying it back, but..

This is very simply the "shit we got it wrong, let's avoid more political fallout" exercise.

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Paying it back will be costly.

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An "I'm sorry" would be nice too. It is morally wrong for a political party to use taxpayers' funds that were for government purposes, to campaign for election. All Parliamentary parties bar the smallest, are guilty of this - Labour the most.

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Clark must now hope this all goes away, the public forgets and in 2008 it isn't an issue. Well it should be. Those who oppose this government should thank Bernard Darnton for putting his money and effort on the line on this, as he has been one of the figures responsible for raising the profile of the issue.

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The apologists for making the rest of New Zealand pay for the campaign of their parties will evade reality because they have little alternative, but the fundamental point remains:

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Labour, NZ First, Greens, United Future, ACT, National and the Maori Party were all caught using YOUR money, taken from YOU, to convince you to vote for them to spend more of your money. They didn't ask permission, they took it in proportions that vary wildly - the Labour Party - thinking it is ENTITLED to power - spent the most, and has performed appallingly in digging dirt and even accusing Libertarianz of being bankrolled by National.

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If you want to see the instincts behind a politician who lies and cheats, try catching a thief - who will run away, hide and lie. That is what Labour has done - these people think they are entitled to run your life with your money, born to rule (and not just Labour).

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How can it ever be right that politicians can vote your money to promote their election? The answer is never.

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State funding of electioneering (including broadcasting) should be prohibited. Funding of government after an election is declared should be clearly separated, with strict accounting for expenditure for government administration and that undertaken as electioneering.

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The next fight is against compulsory funding of voluntary political organisations. It is grossly unfair, benefits incumbents, discriminates against new parties - but most of all, makes you pay for organisations you haven't joined and may not even approve of. Political parties are not special - and you should never be forced to pay for people who, by and large, are out to gain the means to force you to do or not do what they want. I've blogged about this enough before.