Great list of suggestions for alternative questions in our upcoming “child discipline” referendum over at The Dim Post. I’m a particular fan of:
Should a smack as part of good parental driving out of devils be considered a criminal offense in New Zealand?
And the commenter who extensively cited Lewis Carroll gets ALL the e-cookies.
So far the leaders of our two major political parties have variously indicated that they agree the question is stupid (but seem to have determinedly avoided pointing out that this is due to our CIR procedures being rubbish in this regard) and probably won’t vote.
Well, I’m going to vote. Because the people who put forward questions like this are not overly swayed by facts. If only 80,000 people actually fill in their ballots correctly and 75% are no-votes, which of those numbers are we going to hear about? The pathetic turnout or the “75% of people think section 59 should be put back into effect!” spin?
Voting yes, for me, isn’t just about supporting a law that is working or making a stand against all violence in New Zealand families. And it’s not just a way of saying “fuck off” to Bob McCoskrie and his ilk (though that’s a bonus). It’s a way of showing them hey, you do NOT speak for the majority of New Zealanders, you do NOT speak for “normal” or “mainstream” or “middle” New Zealand, your ideas are BAD and you should FEEL bad.
Facebook group!!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Support-the-yes-vote/118795366415
Posted by Lex | June 16, 2009, 11:05 pmWell said!
Posted by Fem | June 18, 2009, 8:56 pmWhatever you feel about the rights and wrongs of smacking/abuse a careful reading of the current law reveals that it is contradictory and says you can and can’t all in two sections … the current law is an ass. I’m glad I’m past child caring and unlikely to be affected by it.
Posted by jcuknz | June 25, 2009, 7:05 pmThat’s because facts get in the way of their prejudices and makes them feel insecure.
I hadn’t even considered not voting. It will be a yes vote. Violence in our society needs to end.
Posted by Draco T Bastard | June 26, 2009, 1:43 am“I’m glad I’m past child caring and unlikely to be affected by it.”
What a stupid comment. Fuck all the other kids in NZ who need protection as long as yours are OK *rolls eyes*
You’re what’s wrong with New Zealand.
Posted by Fem | June 29, 2009, 8:29 pm