What is happening in this country?

I have often heard it said that “The Law is an Ass” – and it is increasingly difficult to put ones faith in it.  I won’t go so far as to say that the innocent are being found guilty but my goodness, too many who are found guilty are being let off without punishment of any kind at all.

My last blog was about integrity but it’s a bit like pushing the proverbial uphill.  This weeks reporting has seen shameful performances by law enforcement and the judiciary alike.

The Maori Prince, who by appearances and actions, has no mana at all has shamed his nation and his race and been let go without punishment.  He drove drunk putting peoples lives at risk, he thieved and has got off without conviction because he might be the Maori King one day.  Apart from outraging his race what about his victims?

The excuse that the future of the young people who break the Law during their misguided youth, isn't an excuse, it is condoning their actions and helping them believe they are bulletproof and above the Law!  Thanks Judiciary!!!

Today there is a letter of apology from the Police to a woman and her 11 year old son because they bungled an abuse case.  Abuse against an 11 year old. Because his father, the abuser is a so-called prominent New Zealander he has got off without punishment and name suppression!  When Jesus said "suffer the little children" I don't believe this is what he mean't.

My extremely angry and disillusioned self says to the Police and the Judiciary – grow a pair and do your jobs on behalf of the victims.  Sod the perpetrators – I don’t care if they are going to be a future King of the World or if it does destroy their career.  They have no integrity, they have chosen their path – they should pay for their crimes.

We are supposed to believe that crime doesn’t pay – but in these two instances these people who have sinned against others, and in the latter case of abuse against an 11 year old, are free, in fact future sinning is condoned.  Thanks Legal System.  Not.

(Written in a rage!!)

Are you prepared for public life?

None of us is perfect and we should often be reminded of the quote from the Book of John, Chapter 8, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone” but … once you put yourself in the public eye, in a position of trust, “squeaky clean” is not just a cliché.

Our Politicians don’t generally decide on a whim that they want to be in Parliament.  This is a decision based on years of hard work; party membership or support and a deep desire to be part of our countries governance.

That said, part of the preparation for public life should be “a life well lived”.  Integrity - the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles is what we should expect in our politicians; along with a good memory and a strong desire to serve rather than be served.

More and more we hear of poor judgement along the road to political life coming back to bite our representatives.  And bite hard at times. 

We are not necessarily born with the wisdom of Solomon who said “therefore no one who utters unrighteous things will escape notice, and justice, when it punishes, will not pass him by”. 

We all learn the difference between right and wrong by the age of three according to child experts.  Our character is built from then on.  Preparation for potential public life begins then as well. 

Perhaps a bit more reading and a great deal more public service would ensure we have a House of Representatives in whom we can be proud.