Comparisons with Hitler don’t stack up

Man, and the toxic manufacturing world, basically the whole Northern Hemisphere, is killing us by global scale.

GM Tinker comparing the quelling of Waikato tribes’ 1860s rebellions with Hitler’s invasion of Poland (Advocate, October 19) is about as dirty as it gets. His wild opinions in this regard should be treated by all with the contempt that they deserve.

About 400 anti-government Maori were killed in fighting in the Waikato from 1863 to 1864, up to 6 million Poles lost their lives in the Poland invasion. Is that a fair comparison?

Waikato did not merely “dare to disagree”, nor was it “on the strength of rumours that the kingitanga movement was actually planning to overrun Auckland” – but of compelling evidence of such plans. Such attacks did indeed happen: a Ngaiterangi raiding party (from Tauranga) was intercepted and driven back in 1863 in the Hunua Ranges when they were moving to attack Auckland near Clevedon. The Victoria University site states that their aim was to “sweep the Pakeha to the sea” and “the proposal was to execute a grand coup by attacking Auckland by night-time or early in the morning”.

In March 1863, Kingites obstructed the building of a police station near Meremere. Also around that time armed warriors raided resident magistrate John Gorst’s property at Te Awamutu and seized his printing press, thus forcing Governor Grey to recall Gorst to the safety of Auckland.

In short, the Kingites were in active rebellion with Ngapuhi and Arawa supporting Governor Grey in saying they would fight for him to beat the Waikato rebels.

Moreover, since the whole of New Zealand was British sovereign territory, to speak of government moves to reclaim any held by rebels as an “invasion” is further abuse of words.

Geoff Parker

Kamo

A load of bull

The science that came up with farting cows killing the planet is completely flawed, lies and bull faeces. I can tell readers truthfully, nothing from the natural world is killing our planet.

In fact, the opposite applies since the decimation of the great herds of bovine grazers of North America, Africa, Europe, Asia. The quality of our atmosphere has deteriorated immensely. The cows that remain are helping us survive. Man, and the toxic manufacturing world, basically the whole Northern Hemisphere, is killing us by global scale, and cities give off 100 times more pollution a hectare than rural areas.

But, as with most things in this system, good is labelled bad and vice versa. Go hard out planting trees for sure.

Grant Adlington Kaitaia

Art to saying sorry

One of the most incredible ways to bring healing into our relationships is by looking for grounds to apologise, thereby powerfully acknowledging the true value of the relationship to us, lifting it to a new level each time our apology is received.

Authentic apologies take lots of honesty and humility, being openminded so triggers and wrong attitudes don’t trip you. If it seems to flop, remember, you can’t see the whole picture.

Anticipate issues you don’t expect may surface. Sort facts from feelings. Don’t twist the truth to suit. Total gut honesty gives the advantage love needs. Talk from the heart. Don’t be defensive. Escape self-compromising

scapegoating, decoys, half-truths.

Choose the time and place carefully. Is there a possibility of a bigger perspective than what you’re aware of? Don’t assume. Expect the unexpected. Speak from love, let go, and pray for miracles.

Ka noho i te ko¯ rehu kore. Live without regret.

Lyn Vos

Kaitaia

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Email editor@northern advocate.co.nz to have your say. Responses may be published.