Death Threats
November 28th, 2004 at 9:08 pm by David FarrarIt is very sad that a few deranged individuals out there make death threats to MPs, the latest being to Tariana Turia. I’ve seen a few of them in my time and no MP deserves them, no not even Winston.
Some of them get quite graphic, mentioning children, stating they hope you gets AIDS etc. Definitely one of the least pleasant parts of the job.
However there is a responsibility on all sides to use moderate language, and it is quite unacceptable that the Maori Party’s Pita Sharples said “Maori are at war and will fight to the death if necessary” in reference to the foreshore issue.
Such extreme language fosters a climate of extremism and intolerance. And it encourages those out there who threaten violence from the other side.
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November 28th, 2004 at 9:17 pm
Racist nutters texting messages and Maori Jihadists – just what we need for balanced debate.
Vote:November 29th, 2004 at 9:32 am
Come on fellers!! Pita and Tariana are simply playing the nedia for all they are worth and doing it a damned sight more effectively than Labour. Poor old Dover bleating on RNZ this morning. Every death threat means 500 more new mwmbers. This is grand entertainment.
Vote:November 29th, 2004 at 3:49 pm
I wholeheartedly agree with your comments on death threats, David. One of the unwritten rules in Parliament is you don’t joke about death threats, whether you’re Tariana Turia or Don Brash.
It’s my understanding that MPs must list their residential addresses and phone numbers in the phone book in compliance with the Electoral Act. This means any kook with elementary literacy skills can menace MPs and their families on the phone or in person.
When my old man was in Parliament, before the days of voicemail, I regularly took messages for Dad. “Tell him to get his dick out of Lange’s ass” is the only one politeness will allow me to offer.
Once in a while, for variation, we’d have a wacko walk up the driveway wanting to speak to him. One time when I was 14, Dad rescued me from one who had cornered me in the family kitchen.
Pita Sharples’ comments, although provocative, are no excuse for death threats. Political language is full of mortal phrases. eg. Give me liberty or give me death.
If Pita Sharples offered a war, why is Tariana Turia getting the death threats and not him?
Vote:November 29th, 2004 at 4:34 pm
Sharples is I understand a Maori culture and martial arts expert.He has always seemed to me to be a reasonably moderate Maori leader. Maori oration is invariably forceful and dramatic. I think the re-action to his speech is an over-re-action.. I also agree you can never discount a death threat
Vote:November 30th, 2004 at 10:07 am
death threats have no place in our political arguments. Young Labour seem to be quite comfortable issuing and assenting to death threats. Use of physical violence to suppress dissent at conference also appears to be acceptable.
Vote:http://sagenz.typepad.com/sagenz/2004/11/dpf_does_not_li.html
December 2nd, 2004 at 6:17 pm
look how fat tariana is she thinks she a maori queen trying to help but shes all crap see her hiding in the back of that dam car this yr hahah wot a idiot i bet she abuses her govenment perks like most of thoses maori pm and im a maori my self and am embarrased by them
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