Recent events have caused me to depart from my usual activity of wrapping up the events of last week in my column. This week I would like to write about political violence.
Ryan Fleming outside Te Awamutu Police Station.
While working at the Fieldays I was disappointed to learn of an offensive effigy being left in a very public place of the Waipā mayor, the fact she was followed home was next level chilling. With the events in the United States recently where politics has descended into tribalism I ask myself is that what we really want here?
Susan O’Regan
Political violence is never an acceptable solution to our differences. It’s a destructive force that can devastate communities, destroy livelihoods, and as we saw in the US, claim innocent lives. It’s a tactic that seeks to silence opposing voices through fear and intimidation, rather than engaging in respectful dialogue and open debate.
In a democratic society like ours, we’re lucky to have the freedom to express our opinions and participate in the political process. Let’s make the most of it by engaging in respectful discussions, listening to opposing viewpoints, and working together to find common ground.
By doing so, we can build a stronger, more united community that values diversity of thought and promotes peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Let’s show the world that even in the face of disagreement, we can remain a shining example of civility and respect. Our elected officials should be able to have discourse without fearing for their families.
I call on the people engaging in this behaviour in our community to engage in the democratic process. Exercise your right to vote, stand in your local elections instead. Political violence didn’t work out well in the 1930s and it won’t work out for the benefit of Waipā now.
