I agree with you on this : “It’s been fantastic advertising for them [the FSU], and has resulted in their recent rise in popularity and support.”
I think it a good strategy that you ‘show don’t tell’ Owens’ dumbarse ideas, as you do above.
Being an FSU member myself, I think your approach, which is to vigorously put forward your idea of how to bring about a better New Zealand, is the right thing to do.
I agree with this: “In New Zealand, the right to freedom of speech is balanced with all other rights. The right to life. To safety. The freedom from discrimination. And while not so explicitly acknowledged — freedom from hate and fear and oppression. All these are rights we believe New Zealanders should have, things we believe are important to our civil society.”
All rights have to be balanced. I wouldn’t put any of them, including speech, over all the others.
Saying unpopular things is being challenged at the moment though, and in a way that I think is a mistake. You’ve seen me say how I think the most productive and effective way to push back against rotten ideas is to do what you do. Confront them. And I really do think that this is the best way.
I think you and I (and yes I am making an assumption here) would both prefer a community where all are treated with dignity and respect, particularly the vulnerable who can otherwise be overlooked. We differ on how to get there. I don’t doubt your good intentions. I am under no illusion that you think I am wrong-headed.
This is a great place to have a conversation from.
I agree with you on this : “It’s been fantastic advertising for them [the FSU], and has resulted in their recent rise in popularity and support.”
I think it a good strategy that you ‘show don’t tell’ Owens’ dumbarse ideas, as you do above.
Being an FSU member myself, I think your approach, which is to vigorously put forward your idea of how to bring about a better New Zealand, is the right thing to do.
It’s only been good advertising because the FSU has disingenuously pushed it.
Why do you think free speech needs defending above every other right in society?
I agree with this: “In New Zealand, the right to freedom of speech is balanced with all other rights. The right to life. To safety. The freedom from discrimination. And while not so explicitly acknowledged — freedom from hate and fear and oppression. All these are rights we believe New Zealanders should have, things we believe are important to our civil society.”
All rights have to be balanced. I wouldn’t put any of them, including speech, over all the others.
Saying unpopular things is being challenged at the moment though, and in a way that I think is a mistake. You’ve seen me say how I think the most productive and effective way to push back against rotten ideas is to do what you do. Confront them. And I really do think that this is the best way.
I think you and I (and yes I am making an assumption here) would both prefer a community where all are treated with dignity and respect, particularly the vulnerable who can otherwise be overlooked. We differ on how to get there. I don’t doubt your good intentions. I am under no illusion that you think I am wrong-headed.
This is a great place to have a conversation from.