Needed: A Bridge over troubled waters

In a world which is increasingly polarised in its politics, economics and beliefs about religion, race and gender, we desperately need people who can build bridges between opposing forces. People who can help us understand the other side's point of view. Political leaders have the opportunity to be that voice of reason. Unfortunately, too many find it expedient to adopt the rhetoric of anger and division to inflame tensions for short term political gain.

On race relations there has been a growing climate of fear and intolerance. Chris Trotter made some good points in his 2022 column on colonisation. 

We need respectful dialogue at the flaxroots level if we are to make a nation together which respects cultural differences, democratic norms, and the Treaty. Just as the last government made a mess of clearly explaining co-governance, the current government needs to be careful not to fall victim to reactionary pressures which could setback race relations by decades. 

The assassination of Charlie Kirk

I disagreed with Charlie Kirk over many issues such as gun controls, Gaza and Trump. But I respected his right to express his opinions. That is the nature of free speech and tolerance of differing viewpoints in a democracy.  

Kirk made provocative and extreme statements. But he defended the rights of people, even those of his political adversaries, to express their opinions.  There is a major difference between provocative words and violent actions. I join with all others who support democratic freedoms in condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk. My condolences to his wife, family and friends.  

I think we need to be very wary of jumping into the culture wars of far left or extreme right. They are often oversimplifcations that do little but promote divisions, tear at the fabric of society and undermine the common good. As a society we need to relearn how to debate issues, with a respect for the human dignity of the other, without resorting to violence. 

Diangelo: profit of race

 

Raluca Bejan, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Dalhousie University takes issue with diversity training businesswoman and promoter of racial division - Robin DeAngelo.  

https://theconversation.com/amp/robin-diangelos-white-fragility-ignores-the-differences-within-whiteness-143728  

Distributism Explained

 

Distributism is being touted as the next best idea as an alternative way to do economics and politics in the 21st century. But what is Distributism? This video provides a simple and quick overview of Distributist principles.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M702i7rcUBo

The problem isn't liberalism, the problem is weakness

 

Kemi Badenoch's address to the ARC 2025 defended classical liberalism against Centralised Socialism and its control-centred philosophy. 

Caritas Justice Leadership Days - an inspiring experience

I've just returned from the 2017 Caritas Justice Leadership Day in Wellington.  This year the Wellington JLD was held in Avalon, Lower Hutt.

The JLDs are a once a year opportunity for student leaders to learn more about putting faith into practice and bring to life the principles of Catholic social teaching. Today's workshop again showed the energy and hope which characterize student leaders today. It was inspiring to be part of and I wish the students well with the various follow up actions they identified today.

The next generation will face more than its fair share of challenges including Climate Change, the impacts on culture of globalization and the erosion of community.  Justice Leadership days are an investment in the leaders of the future.

More about JLDs here.

Lib Dems Do God - Book Review

A book published in the UK and edited by Jo Latham and Clare Mathys sets out the case for Christians to be Liberal Democrats. 

LibDems are Britain's third party and were part of the Coalition government during David Cameron's time as Prime Minister.

Under new leader Tim Farron the party has rediscovered its anti-establishment, reformist, Liberal roots.  The book sets out some key themes that identify a strong overlap between Christian values and those liberals.  These include:

• A deep respect for human rights and the dignity of all people;
• Freedom of religion for all;
• Respect for individual freedom;
• Equality for all - through combating poverty;
• Appropriate regulatory frameworks to ensure that markets serve the common good.
• A humanitarian approach to global issues and an internationalist approach to issues such as Climate Change, Refugees and Migration.

For people of all faith traditions "Liberal Democrats Do God" (Latham & Mathys) is well worth a read and I recommend it to anyone that has an interest in politics or broader social issues related to liberty, equality and community.