It would be nice to see Parliament behaving
IN this time of turmoil and uncertainty, when the world has been tipped on its head, you would have thought that politicians from all parties, regardless of their beliefs, would have worked cohesively to ensure New Zealanders’ best interests were looked after.
I am tired (and I’m sure the rest of the voters are, too) of the backstabbing, underhandedness and vindictiveness that has taken place in recent months by people we entrusted to run the country on our behalf and keep us safe.
Politicians saying that there were grave errors of judgement is a load of rubbish. They got caught, whether going to the beach or leaking documents. The fact is they shouldn’t have entertained those thoughts of what they did in the first place.
We look to Parliament for leadership, professionalism, honesty and integrity; something that is missing from many of those people we entrusted to run the country.
G. Sparrow
Fairfield
Curran’s treatment
‘‘CURRAN left humiliated’’ (ODT, 6.7.20) by local opposition list MP Michael Woodhouse at a National Party conference eight years ago.
This MP’s demeaning actions, no doubt condoned and ‘‘enjoyed’’ by other male National Party members present, demonstrates the rampant sexism and disrespect that exists in society, including the hallowed halls of power.
Mr Woodhouse says he ‘‘cannot really remember it’’ but his victim, Clare Curran, eight years on, is still ‘‘humiliated and traumatised’’ by the effects of this very personal and disgusting attack.
Men getting away with such acts fosters the social climate which allows widespread sexual harassment, including rape, to be condoned in this country.
For so many women and girls, life is endured in fear — at home, at school, the workplace and at social functions. This results in too many women not reaching their full potential.
Debbie Francis’ review into bullying and harassment at Parliament in part blames a culture of entitlement and power and the fact that unacceptable behaviour is normalised, therefore allowing acts such as those of Mr Woodhouse to go unchallenged.
We all have to work together to create a safer world by challenging any action that demeans another person, wherever and whoever we are.
Ann Charlotte
Waikouaiti
I FIND it interesting that Mr Woodhouse seems to think that the photo of himself holding the toilet seat that displays the photo of Ms Curran on it is not worth a comment or apology.
Have he and Mr Muller forgotten that half of the voters in the coming election are women?
The silence of these two men on the subject of abuse of this woman condemns them.
Orma Bradfield
Broad Bay
ORC meeting
I WATCHED the Otago Regional Council meeting live on YouTube last week and was disgusted and embarrassed to see and hear a minority group of people who were in attendance use disgraceful and completely unacceptable language towards the councillors.
They had no regard for a public meeting process. They were asked to leave the meeting, at which time one person hurled abuse (fourletter words) towards the councillors.
Thank goodness the meeting was suspended and the people were removed. At the very least, these people should apologise for their behaviour, but I doubt if this will happen.
Brian Peat
Mosgiel ...................................
BIBLE READING: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. — Deuteronomy 6:5.