Column condemned
Our Prime Minister is exhorting Kiwis to stand together in the
face of hate and division, and to speak out against those who peddle bigotry, prejudice and racism. In this vein I am responding to the Anahera HerbertGraves inflammatory commentary “Some Questions” (March 19) an example of the hate speech we so rightly condemn.
The cynical exploitation of the tragedy in Christchurch, to promote a self-serving political agenda, is a new low. Her warped version of our history, with scant regard for the facts, is fanning the flames of division and hatred, resulting in racial disharmony. Surely we are better than this. SUSAN SHORT
Meadowbank
It went rapidly downhill from there into a deceitful, hateful, resentful and divisive racist tirade. Not a word of sympathy for the poor victims or their devastated loved ones. Anahera, flushed with toxic resentment, forgot to put on her mask, her pretence of compassion, it appears.
If the result is an increase in resentment, hate and division, then it’s reasonable to conclude that that was the intention. DAVID GEORGE
Kerikeri Re Hilda Halkyard-Harawira (letters March 19). In using twisted propaganda the Marxists, letftists, anti-gun brigade and Maori sovereignty movement milk a sad event for all it is worth. It is deplorable to use such a tragic happening to promote one’s cause.
I have yet to see any writers promoting ‘white is right,’ as she asserts. What I have seen is the opposite, concerned Kiwis promoting racial equality and one law for all, which, after all, is what we should all be aspiring to, and what was signed up to in 1840.
Most fair-minded Kiwis do not denigrate Maori as Ms HalkyardHarawira avows, however they do legitimately oppose race-based policies and/or entitlements based on lies using guilt as a motivation.
To back up her cry of ‘institutional racism’, I wonder if Ms HalkyardHarawira can provide evidence of a law, or some rule that is in place with the specific purpose of negatively subjecting a race to oppression in New Zealand? I believe this neogolism exists only in the minds of tribalists and their sycophants. GEOFF PARKER
Kamo best country, culture or ideals in the world, they would say ‘yes’. Such would be the response in any country pretty much anywhere in the world.
It is not racist to think your culture, values or country are the best in the world.
It is what you know and virtually every person in the world thinks the same way.
It is the reason why immigrants around the world bring their food, religion and their customs to the country they settle.
"It is not racist to think your culture, values or country are the best in the world. "
Unfortunately the tragedy of Christchurch seems to have given a green light for open criticism and vitriol towards those of European descent. The crimes and attitudes of one person have been placed on an entire ethnic group. It is racist and it is utterly deplorable.
Although this is the tone we have set after this terrorist attack, I doubt the same will apply towards the representative group of the next terrorist attack. KENT MILLAR Blockhouse Bay