Most kiwis want one law for all, a Massey University survey shows.
I was truly surprised by this:
Most non-Maori and more than half of Maori said they wanted the Crown to retain title of the beaches, foreshore and seabed, protecting access rights for all New Zealanders.
I’m not sure what the right answer is, but it would seem that if most Kiwis dont think the treaty issues are being handled right by the current government then it’s about time we tried something new; These are issues that cant be kept swept under the carpet any longer. Normally I dont give much of a toss about politics but at a deep fundamental level I want equality for all (I cant speak for Don Brash – Maybe he has a hidden agenda maybe he doesnt) and if we keep harboring a victim mentality we’re only getting further and further away from ever reaching it.
It is a very fine ideal to have a ‘one law for all’ mentality if we all start on an even playing field, but unfortunately that is not the case. The problem I have with Don Brash is that his remedies are simplistic, they sound nice but that is it. I would like to see Brash relinquish his quarter of million salary, and go on to a benefit, and see how easy it is then to champion the same ideals.
Too many of us, I fear, are under the misconception that Maoris are increasingly holding the rest of the country to ransom, with what is seen as non-stop claims for money, tribunals for this that and the other, and hand outs and hand ups in every sector. Isn’t it convenient that the opposition encourages this school of thought? Have we forgotten about the Bob Jones’ of this world, the multinationals that have, in fact, cost this country a lot more?
Until you bring everyone up onto a similar level in society you can’t treat society as one unit. It is a great shame that Labour had to recant on the name, at least, of the ‘Closing the Gaps’ policy. This has to be the corner stone for moving forward. This reminds us it is not new what Brash is talking about. The Media has just found itself a hobby horse to latch onto and deemed it ‘news worthy’.
The Treaty Tribunal for me reminds me a wee bit of the Truth Courts in South Africa. The tribunal is not just about seeking monetary reparation for Maori. It is about giving iwi, and the like, an avenue to express publicly their grievances. This process is vitally important. Just think back to the Taranaki tribes who had thousands of hectares confiscated-they will never get that back and they will never get the exact figure that this land is now worth either. No claimant will ever get the true and exact figure, but recognition coupled with an apology along with some financial recompense will finally bring into the public domain 150 years of grievance and will allow us to move forward.
Top ‘o’ the morning to ya!
…but recognition coupled with an apology along with some financial recompense will finally bring into the public domain 150 years of grievance and will allow us to move forward.
But will it? And for how much longer should everybody else have to wait and suffer the follies of our ancestors – is that fair???
To be honest; I am not studied enough to debate with you, I cannot fuel my opinion with past events, all I have is a gut feeling for what is fair, and I yearn for a society where we are all treated as equals.
In regards to “starting of on an equal playing field” – what about those that were sexually abused, or mentally abused, or who have had other “equally” traumatic and unfair experiences, what about those that maybe had their house burnt down, or had everything stolen? Should they or should their children get special education grants and payouts as well? Dont talk to me about ACC grants and insurance either, it’s a moral thing. Always has been for me. Heh, morals also change though.
I think the Maori should be reimbursed; I think they should have ‘exclusive fishing rights in certain places’ – it’s good for the fish! But stupid policy like ‘Unlimited Tungi leave’ and ‘only Maori reporters in Maraes” and other such stories really weaken their case, and my empathy…
man thats pretty good comment … where did u copy and paste that from ? ;O)