Bridges against bill
Opposition leader Simon Bridges caused a stir when he dropped in to shake hands with the community at the Waikanae Bowling Club. MP Nathan Guy introduced him warmly to some 250 listeners, then Bridges took the floor with a chatty account of his Baptist upbringing, his legal career, his marriage, family and his roles in politics.
He invited questions. Are we stuck with MMP? How do you plan to counter the Jacinda effect? How high will petrol prices rise? One gentleman asked what were Bridges’ views on assisted dying and the decriminalisation of abortion?
Bridges unequivocally declared himself a “social conservative”, hinting that he would support neither in a conscience vote.
After the meeting I managed to catch up with Bridges as he escaped through a sidedoor on his way to his next meeting.
I asked him to reconsider, to support the End of Life Choice bill given that even the very best of palliative care is insufficient in some cases. I used Lecretia Seales as my example: she was in excellent home-based palliative care but suffered greatly at her end. Bridges was obdurate. He said he will vote against the End of Life Choice bill at second reading. ANN DAVID WAIKANAE unworthy. What is it about unwell children that the Reverend and his unnamed neighbours fear? Is it purely financial, that caring for children will affect their property values? Is it pure snobbery, that sick children aren’t worthy to be in their presence? I wondered, as Rev Bahler is obviously a man of faith, that there was a Christian doctrine that forbade mixing sick children with healthy and somewhat wealthier adults? I concluded it couldn’t be that because the founder of Christianity taught that the care of children was of the highest priority. In fact he threatened those who reject children with a millstone tied around their neck and being chucked in the ocean.
So, as I offered Rev Bahler last time he wrote complaining about having urchins despoiling his pristine acres, I will gladly swap my home for his. This would have two positive outcomes, the first I enjoy living in a neighbourhood that includes children, and secondly, it may avoid Rev Bahler worrying about millstones.
And as a footnote, I wondered if the Rev Bahler and his neighbours are proud of the fact (stated in his letter) that the court action has cost Stand a considerable amount of money, thus seriously affecting their work with children in need.
Actually, on reflection, can I rescind my offer of a house swap. I don’t think I want to live in a neighbourhood that celebrates inflicting financial stress on an organisation whose purpose is to care for children.
GRAEME JOYES (REV. RETIRED) [abridged]
WAIKANAE pollute its drinking water with this toxic chemical they too will face a large fine.
MIKE WOODS PARAPARAUMU