Open debate and the contestable forums

I recently viewed the documentary movie River of Freedom. It is a powerful presentation of the lead-up and the days of the Wellington demonstration. I attended the protest and am pleased I did. For me, the issue was about the imposition of vaccine mandates violating a moral principle that a person should not be forced or coerced into a medical procedure.

In my opinion, the mainstream media did a poor job of impartially representing the protest and the motives of those who attended. This movie redressed that wrong as it fairly represents what I saw first-hand.

There is, of course, a range of views about the mandates, and that’s great. Open debate and the contestable forum of ideas is a basic tenet of a democratic country. Kaipara Council, as with other councils, has public forum opportunities so persons can present topics they care about. I recognise this as an important function in a free society. It’s as close to the public square as one can get. I don’t always agree with the presentations, but I defend their right to make one. If the public have an interest, the opportunity to dial into our meetings on YouTube means they can discern and make their own minds up on the issues presented.

The freedom to express an opinion should be an enshrined right in a healthy democracy. What I have found particularly disturbing since being elected mayor is the orchestrated campaign of hate and intimidation that some run to silence those with an opinion they do not agree with. It’s sinister and dangerous. Fortunately, they are a small minority, albeit it one with a disproportionately loud voice.

Freedom is an issue that extends well beyond our district and beyond our shores. Essentially the debate is about how far politicians should encroach into the lives of individuals and how much influence lobby groups like the United Nations and the World Economic Forum should have on our rules and regulations.

We were reminded of those effects recently when Nigel Farage, the leader of the Brexit movement, was “de-banked” for his political beliefs, as were others. Imagine being denied access to your own money because of your beliefs. Nowadays, even that most basic right is being threatened by those who think they know what’s best for you better than you do.

It is incredible that these issues are happening with barely a mention in our mainstream media. It is, therefore, not surprising that people are turning to alternative news channels like the Platform and Reality Check Radio who are prepared to debate issues that others dare not touch.

By all indications, the October 14 election is going to be a turning point for our country. I hope ordinary Kiwis will send a message to Wellington that things do not end well for politicians who disrespect the views of others.

Views expressed in this column are my own and do not necessarily represent a consensus position of Kaipara District Council.