Editorial: Spam hard to swallow

There's an email I've been seeing a lot of lately.

It comes from several different people but it's the same email every time.

It's about the Food Bill, which is a topic of debate I'm quite happy to entertain.

But the person who sends the email never tells me why they're opposing it. They just copy and paste the same message from an unnamed correspondent, a "confirmed establishment insider".

I know that's what they've done because it also includes these instructions: "If you wish to see some balance in the mainstream media to counter the propaganda, please share this post. Then, copy and send the entire text of this entry to the media list provided. The intention is to flood their inboxes, and help them get some perspective also."

Judging by how often I've received the email, and by the number of people on the address list, the media's inboxes are certainly inundated.

The problem I have is none of the emailers mention who they are, how the Food Bill will affect them, and why they oppose it. I got more perspective from overhearing the Food Bill discussed at the Masterton Farmers' Market. There wasn't any mention of propaganda or "establishment insiders".

It was a genuine discussion about how the rules would affect people who make a living, or supplement their living, by selling the food they grow and make. That's the kind of comment I'd much rather have flooding my inbox.

Congratulations to Wairarapa cricketers for earning the right to challenge for the Hawke Cup in Hamilton next weekend, giving the region a chance at holding the cup for the first time since 1979.

It also gives Wairarapa the rare opportunity to celebrate being holders of the Chatham Cup and Hawke Cup at the same time.