I haven’t written anything here for ages. Maybe it’s because I try to write too much and just give up on it. Anyway, here is something longer than a tweet but shorter than an essay.
I replied to a comment on an article by Duncan Garner about reactions to the terror attacks in Paris. Given the events it is not surprising that most comments were of the opinion that the terrorists should be wiped out, and while we’re at it we might as well just wipe out all Muslims.
I think that many of the reactions I have seen online are angrier than I have seen for previous events. But also less coherent and less productive.
So, if you think that all the Muslims should be wiped out, here’s a thought experiment for you.
Imagine for a second that Britain’s response to the IRA terrorists had been drone strikes and fighter jets. Would this have brought about a quick resolution to the conflict or prolonged it?
I’m pretty sure the IRA would still be active now if that had been the case. Violence might make you feel better but it won’t resolve a conflict with terrorists, only prolong it.
Over the past couple of months, there has been a lot of talk in New Zealand about the problems of Westerners going off to Syria and fighting for ISIL or ISIS or Al-Qaida or something else.
So, the government is trying to push through a new law (with the Countering Terrorist Fighters Legislation Bill) that lets the government spy on citizens and cancel passports when holders are out of the country.
I’m aware the terrorism is a problem but in most cases I feel that overall the fear of terrorism is usually worse than the reality.
The New Zealand government is trying to push the law through under urgency, meaning that there is a two-day deadline for public submissions. This is really only paying lip-service to public submissions and makes a mockery of the whole concept of participatory democracy.
Because of this, I realised that I needed to make a submission against this bill. I’m doubtful that anyone will read or take any heed of my submission but it feels good to get involved in the democratic process beyond just voting in an election.
I'm an iPhone and SQL developer living in Wellington, New Zealand. I irregularly post here.
Mike's Life 