Yes, FUCK the government!

And thank GOD that I live in New Zealand where I can say that with impunity!

From the office where I work, I can see the Beehive. I have a co-worker who is a young Chinese women who has been living in New Zealand for less than a year. The other day, we ventured outside together (I had to show her where to find the Post Office). Once on the street, I demonstrated the “one finger salute” in the direction of the Beehive—to show our politicians the respect they deserve. I said, “Make the most of being in New Zealand. You can’t do this in China!”

“Are you on Facebook?” I asked. “No,” she replied. “Why not?” She replied, “None of my friends in China is on Facebook.” (They don’t have Facebook in China.)

Most of us don’t fully appreciate how lucky we are to live in New Zealand where we have freedom of expression. It is our most precious freedom.

Last year, at an election candidates’ meeting, I shook hands with Peter Dunne. I despise Peter Dunne. But you know what? I’d buy him a beer. Or, a dose of whatever he thinks he might legalise under his stupid new proposal to legalise drugs that no one wants to take.

Seriously, we don’t know how lucky we are.

(I have a feeling I have stumbled on something substantial.)

This was brought home to me the other day when I visited Amnesty International’s Trial by Timeline. It’s a Facebook App that scans your Facebook timeline and finds out what you’re guilty of (and sentenced to) in places less enlightened than our beloved Godzone!

This afternoon I travel to Palmerston North for an all-night vigil in support of Billy McKee who is being sentenced tomorrow. If the sentencing judge shows an iota of compassion, Billy will receive a suspended sentenced or home detention. If Billy’s “going away” party turns out to be just that, and he gets well and truly FUCKED by the government, then … well, you won’t have heard the last of it from me. 🙂

(We don’t know how propitious are the circumstances, Frederick.)

[Cross-posted to SOLO.]