Letters: Spending and free speech

Don Brash and Hobson's Pledge are consistently vilified in many quarters, a readers says. Photo / File

Spotlight on spending
I find it ironic that certain media forums have tried to create a political storm, if not a scandal, out of National Party leader Simon Bridges' $100k spending as they conveniently ignore a government who were so unprepared for government that they now have to spend many millions of dollars on review groups.

They spent nine years in lazy opposition, doing nothing bar shouting negative talking points, and then came into government by way of promising free stuff, "unicorns and rainbows".

Now the hardworking taxpayer is being milked for millions of dollars to pay for their review groups to work out lots of new ways to increase our taxes even further - there is the real scandal.
James March
Pyes Pa

The silent majority
Now that the 85 per cent silent majority has finally emerged to protest against civic and academic efforts to muzzle free speech, it is to be hoped that they will continue to make their voices heard to recapture control of our nation from the liberal left politicians, academics, public servants, ethnically selective historians, much of the media and Maori elitists.

Our MPs must prove to be professional, ethical and aware that they are in Parliament to serve all New Zealanders and not just an exclusively favoured racial group.

Don Brash and Hobson's Pledge are consistently vilified in many quarters. They are campaigning for equal rights for all New Zealanders, irrespective of when they arrived in the country. Does that sound inclusive or racist? His claim that all official civic, national and international events, whether it be the opening of a public building, an overseas embassy or the welcoming of foreign guests, should not be the exclusive rights of Maori when there are 230 other ethnic groups in the country.

Many visitors might conclude that Maori are the only cultural entity in the country. When Christian prayers and biblical traditions are considered unsuitable in a secular society, should we, therefore, have karakias instead?

Let's share it around. Don Brash's claims then seem reasonable. (Abridged)

Bryan Johnson
Omokoroa