WHAT can't be cured must be endured is a resigned expression I use sometimes when it appears there's no real hope of change in the political arena.
But Winston Peters' latest statement, that male Syrian refugees should return to their country and join the fight to take it back, makes me wonder if there really is any future for the NZ First Party in sensible politics while he's at the top.
I should learn not to bite at whatever comes out of NZ First sometimes, especially since there are some pretty good people there now, including Carterton's former mayor. And with a general election so far away, any politician is practically impervious. But I think the New Zealand First leader has been watching too many Lord of the Rings movies.
Keep in mind the conflict in Syria is not about Islamic State; it's about Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad embracing a civil war that has killed more than 200,000 people. Is Mr Peters seriously suggesting the civil war would be best served by sending every able-bodied man back into the conflict, joining any number of multiple factions against the regime, with whatever weapons they can buy? These people are civilians. They are virtually helpless and they are making the eminently sensible decision to flee with their lives.
Secondly, in order to have a successful transition into a new country, like New Zealand, you need the complete family unit. Arabic states tend to be patriarchal, with the men making the decisions for the house. A family arriving in New Zealand, without the husband, would derail the chances of settling into a new culture and society. People are many times stronger when they are together, as a family.
