Measured as always, we get a solid commentary from Robert Winter.
Given the outrageousness of Mr Crimp's views, I think the general response from left-leaning and liberal blogs was very restrained. Underdone, in my opinion. Remember what Pastor Niemoller said.
Mr Crimp's views are reprehensible and not merely misguided, but simply wrong. Worse, they are diametrically opposed to those on which ACT was founded, specifically the recognition of property rights. The history of New Zealand is filled with examples of the failure of the Crown to recognise the rights of tangata whenua, including and not limited to gross violations of property rights.
Today's follow up outburst from Mr Crimp, on TV3 and quoted in the Herald, is a thinly-veiled threat of violence:
"I think when I get back to Invercargill I'll see the police and get a gun so if anyone tries to do nasty things to me I'll shoot them, in self-defence of course."It appears Mr Crimp is not aware that no one goes to "...see the police and get a gun...." because the police do not give out or sell firearms. They do give out licences to own firearms, and I'm hoping that this is what was being referred to, as the literal interpretation of the statement is nonsense. The threat of violence should be sufficient for the police to decline any application for a licence, and to consider revoking any current licence.
Attila the Stockbroker - Live at the Rivoli, 1993
Mr Crimp is literally quite unwell and seems to be firing off some shots before he sheds his mortal coil. I've watched Mr Crimp's behaviour and listened to his opinions over many years and I believe this latest exposure to and by the media to be gratuitous and not at all useful. I'm not going to be taking part in the mockery. It would be like tormenting a dying elephant that once trod on your foot. Mr Crimp's anti-Maori language statements have long incensed local Maori and initially, me, but no longer. He's not, in my opinion, a person of significance, despite his generosity. I'll not enjoy the pillorying of Louis that seems to be on it's way.
ReplyDeleteI am genuinely sorry to hear that he is unwell and may not live much longer.
ReplyDeletePlease be assured that I'm not suggesting mockery, and I do not support a media circus. Mr Crimp's views are reprehensible. I can not help but note this, and I am compelled to record my objections, though hopefully in civilised terms.
On a brighter note, it's still de rigueur to mock John Banks, despite his apparent infirmity!
ReplyDeleteMr Banks was the dumbest thing in parliament a week or two back. This week the dumbest thing in parliament, and the most likely target for mockery from people like me, will be the budget. I'd like to see Labour do a good job of pulling it to bits, but I expect that role will be left to the Greens.
ReplyDeleteI reckon that my comment immediately above has turned out to be pretty accurate.
ReplyDelete