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On a bigger scale - blockade in Wellington
What really is it aboutVaccine mandates seem to be the basic point of anger but Glenn McConnell, writing in Stuff, 16 February, found nine or ten disparite groups represented in parliament grounds all with different agendas. His list is fascinating. Please click the blue text to have a look. The list includes Convoy 2022, the Freedom and Rights Coalition (largely Destiny Church), NZ Doctors Speaking Out with Science (led by two debarred medical practioners), parents and children groups, and those coming from Sovereign Hikoi. I listened live stream at times to the various speakers who grabbed the microphone. I was intrigued by the person who pronounced: "This is not about Covid 19. It's about love - love of the earth." I wonder what her co-protestors thought of that. Maybe Sovereign Hikoi representatives are those in the photo flying the tino rangatiratanga flag, the national Māori flag of New Zealand authorised by Cabinet in 2009. That it flies prominently here brings a racial flavour that I'm particularly unhappy about because it's misleading. Many Maori are vaccinated and support mandates. Silly
Stay safeI'm a utilitarian when considering political unrest and issues of this kind. I want the greatest good for the greatest number as did John Stuart Mill the great nineteenth century British thinker who was the most polished proponent of utilitarianism. Until the Omicron version of this novel virus is overwhelmingly present in our country, I'm for continuing mandates as a means of protecting the greatest number of our citizens. I realise some people will have to live with restrictions on their freedom of choice. That may be a sacrifice they need to make on behalf of the community. When tens of thousands of us have Omicron (thanks goodness it's not as deadly as Delta) mandates will be a waste of time and they will be removed. If protesters want to sit about till then, let them, though I will be advocating firm police action to prevent the protesters interfereing with the lives and businesses of others. □ John McInnes Friday 18 February 2022 Postscript |
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