Toward a fair society

“All animals are equal but some are more equal than others".George Orwell's brilliant satire focused on the world's oldest political problem:How to create a fair society.

We do not know what to do.

But we do know what not to do. George Orwell showed us in his clear and accurate language.Changing one set of pigs for another does not solve the problem merely perpetuates it from another point of view.We must not allow for more pigs.

Toward those feeling aggrieved who do not understand that making them the pigs will not correct the social problem, we need restraint and patience. Insights take longer in some, but come eventually.Making the current aggrieved the pigs may satisfy their tensions, but will inevitably give rise to other tensions which will eventually have their political expression.

We need to draw a line through today and determine firmly the past is past.

Where grievances are legitimate then reparations are due.

But, we must not codify the pig mentality. To codify inequality in law is not to correct mistakes of the past but to continue them.

All laws must fall equally on all citizens.

Not indigenous rights, but citizen’s rights.

Maori culture is seriously lacking in depth of social and political experience.For example, Thomas Beckett was murdered on the steps of Canterbury Cathedral around 1160 that is before the Maori arrived on these shores. The murder of Thomas Beckett consolidated movement toward separation of church and state, something today we take for granted, and also enabled Henry VIII to move against the Church of Rome with impunity.

The ‘barbarian’ tribes of Europe only offered compliance to Rome and were never subjugated. Their spirit has driven the West for over 2500 years and how we think today is a product of that movement. The fight for freedom and the multi-religious structure created by Henry VIII lead to individual freedom of worship which again, today, we take for granted.

Race in legislation does not work, leads only to the new marginalized taking up arms. We ignore this depth of social and political insight at our peril.

We need understand that our social structure is a liberal, plural democracy within which all have the right to freedom and fulfillment. 

We need understand that within the law we may live as we choose, many cultures expressing our commitment to the right of our neighbor living as they choose despite we do not approve.

For the sake of a better society for our grandchildren and great grand children we need create a legislative platform of equality.

The Maori seats must go.