Neoliberal rhetoric
Aotearoa is one of the wealthier nations on earth. This affords the luxury to protest without being killed, persecuted, or violent ramifications. We must acknowledge this privilege with gratitude.
Generally, protest relates to issues for the common good, such as climate change, social equality, indigenous rights, anti-racism, decolonisation.
This protest is
against a "temporary" mandate because of a global pandemic. It has been described as both petty and grandiose, contrary to the common good.
What raises anxiety levels for many is what this illogical, although well-resourced, protest represents. Pursuing selfish freedom reinforces neoliberal rhetoric, at the heart of this copycat protest. The strain of the failure of the capitalist model leaves us all frustrated and humiliated as the equity gap stretches and the realisation the planet cannot sustain this 40-year experiment.
However, this action tears at the fabric of all that is good and necessary in our free corner of the world; common decency to each other, and the obligations of civic life. Let us not lose a sense of what we are good at as a nation.
Protesters, time to implement a dignified retreat with gratitude for your privileged position. You've made your point.
Liz Palmer, Dunedin.
Losing the room
I was a senior sergeant in charge of the Auckland Harbour Bridge when it was blocked by protesters during the 1981 Springbok tour. We had planned for that.
The reaction was swift. Vehicles were removed with force as necessary, and people were arrested for a breach of the peace and processed without conviction.
The Parliament protest is now a mess aided and abetted by an idiot Speaker requiring huge Police deployment from throughout New Zealand. Not speaking with the protesters, rather than at the protesters, is a huge mistake by this all-at-sea Prime Minister and, dare I say, National. No glib phrases, waving and smiling, is going to fix this, because this Prime Minister and the Speaker have "lost the room".
What on earth is the Prime Minister going to say in her "Harvard Commencement Speech?" Immigration is at a standstill; nurses and doctors are stressed; we don't have enough personed ICU beds; Covid test analysts are going on strike. "Gosh, we did so well and I am so proud of the team of five million, make that three, make that one, are there any team members there?"
Ian Hanley, Hamilton.
Know thy enemy
It is perfectly obvious that when the infection rate and hospital admissions are declining to very low levels that the mandates will be lifted.
Maybe not all at once. And perhaps not at all if another virulent stain strikes the world.
It is the unvaccinated individuals who are the very people who will be hosts for a new strain to develop in.
It is time for the protesters to put aside their egos and do their bit to help their community and the world overcome this foe. Think of the well-being of the entire community.
Fight yes. But fight for the well-being of your family. Your friends.
Gillian Dance, Mt Albert.
Failing to act
Whatever one's opinion on the protest cause or causes there is one unarguable fact, the law should be upheld.
The obvious way to deal with lawbreakers is to act early and decisively. This has not happened. Both the Government and the Police have allowed the occupiers to erect structures, damage landscaping, stay overnight, harass people, disrupt business and block traffic for over a week.
The only message which can be read into such procrastination is encouragement for this and future occupations.
That is a failure in anyone's books.
Graham Carter, Herne Bay.
Results focused
I might not understand what the protesters are doing in Wellington but I am seriously impressed that they have constructed a functioning village in a couple of days. So guys, what are you like with light rail and harbour crossings? It should be a doddle to people with such organising ability.
Your leaders may also be interested in the upcoming Auckland City elections; we need councillors who can achieve things and a mayor with guts to stand up to central government, which we have seen you do already.
And looking a year further, there are parliamentary elections. We are tired of this lot and empty promises, why not move off the muddy grass into the plush offices and deliver something? You couldn't do any worse.
So much talent should be put to good use.
Alan McArdle, Glen Eden.
