Post by Kiwi Frontline on Oct 23, 2020 9:53:35 GMT 12
Northern Advocate 23/10/20
COUNCILLORS TAKE A PRINCIPLED STAND
I take my hat of to John Bain and Justin Blaikie, principled men with the courage to stand against the forces that strive to undermine our precious democracy (October 21).
Separate race-based political representation, such as designated Māori seats on local government bodies, not only undermines democracy, it also creates division within society.
A speech given by Morgan Foundation researcher Susan Guthrie six years ago but just as relevant today, said: “If we choose rules which create unique political rights for maori – like special electoral wards – we risk eroding our social connectedness over time. It’s not this generation we have to worry about, but the next one. The constitutional decisions we make today can create divisions that get worse and worse over time.”
Rather than advancing racial separatism in our communities our governance should be entrenching societal unification.
GEOFF PARKER, Kamo
www.kiwifrontline.nz/media/letters-to-the-editor
COUNCILLORS TAKE A PRINCIPLED STAND
I take my hat of to John Bain and Justin Blaikie, principled men with the courage to stand against the forces that strive to undermine our precious democracy (October 21).
Separate race-based political representation, such as designated Māori seats on local government bodies, not only undermines democracy, it also creates division within society.
A speech given by Morgan Foundation researcher Susan Guthrie six years ago but just as relevant today, said: “If we choose rules which create unique political rights for maori – like special electoral wards – we risk eroding our social connectedness over time. It’s not this generation we have to worry about, but the next one. The constitutional decisions we make today can create divisions that get worse and worse over time.”
Rather than advancing racial separatism in our communities our governance should be entrenching societal unification.
GEOFF PARKER, Kamo
www.kiwifrontline.nz/media/letters-to-the-editor