‘Rednecks’ outburst
Isn’t free speech a wonderful thing and thank you to all those people that have fought and died for us to retain it.
However, when a politician publicly bullies people who have concerns and refers to them as rednecks, then I believe free speech is threatened.
According to my dictionary, redneck means ‘‘a poor uneducated white farm worker’’ or ‘‘reactionary and bigoted’’.
I find his description offensive and racist. He claimed the march to Parliament by supporters of rural and provincial NZ on November 14 was not showing respect to the Prime Minister.
That’s simply not true. It was a phrase he chose to justify his outburst.
I’ve heard there was an offensive poster. I didn’t see it. If I had, I’d have removed it.
There were several hundred posters that Jones chose to ignore that highlighted the dire state of the provinces as a result of government policies.
Shane Jones obviously has no respect for the people of the provinces.
This march was about the cost to NZ that is not being factually discussed. The ETS is reportedly going to cost this country $200 billion dollars.
This may not sound a lot but that equates to around $170 per household income each week for the next 30 years. I think that is worth discussing.
I’d ask what benefit this will have to our ordinary Kiwis. The answer is no-one except the carbon farmers who are going to get rich. It appears from the latest news that some of the NZ First party are on that bandwagon.
Andy Scott, President 50 Shades of Green
If you think someone is doing it tough, let them know you are thinking of them.
Northern Southland dairy farmer Jason Herrick is encouraging people to reach out for help. Herrick, who is an AgProud NZ member, said: ‘‘If you think you’re OK, ask someone else if they are OK.’’ ‘‘Reach out to your neighbour, your friends . . . if you haven’t heard from someone for a while, give them a bell or a text.’’
The message could be as simple as saying ‘‘hey, how you feeling dude? How are you feeling? Are you all good?’’
If you think someone is doing it tough, let them know you are thinking of them.
You don’t have to be an expert. There are some recognisable signs that may prompt you to ask ‘‘are you OK?’’
The most obvious clues are noticeable changes in personality – cheerful to withdrawn, confident to unsure, mood swings, increased use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
Other signs are Short temper, increasing isolationand avoiding socialising, loss of interest in things they previously enjoyed and not performing work tasks as well as usual.
Ask how you can help
People will want support at different times or in different ways, so ask how you can help. If they don’t need your help now, don’t give up. Keep checking in with them regularly. Remember, you don’t have to solve the problem for them, you’re offering help and support for them find the help they need.
Give them time
Some people might prefer a text or email rather than talking on the phone or face-to-face. This means they can get back to you when they feel ready. Remember to look after yourself, too. It’s OK to ask for help, and a chat with a trusted friend or colleague may be just what you need.
Useful numbers
Are you a farmer, grower, rural professional or worker? Try joining a Good Yarn workshop. These help you recognise different kinds of mental distress and give you tools to start the conversations. Talk to your local Rural Support Trust for the next one in your area: phone
0800 RURAL HELP or check out the website at rural-support.org.nz.
1 Thessalonians 5:18