Open Letter to NZ Government
Dear New Zealand Government,
We are all aware the world is not as it should be. There is pain, suffering and inequality everywhere we look. Nations sell weapons to dictators and then sanction blockades causing hunger, lack of medicine and infrastructure breakdown hurting the people the dictator used the weapons on. Companies cause destructive loss of habitat, and exploit the vulnerable for a greater return to shareholders. Free trade is prioritised ahead of fairtrade. For the sake of an easy life and a desire for more stuff people close their eyes to the gradual destruction of the fragile eco-systems that keeps the planet habitable. We are all aware that the world is not as it should be.
You are complicit. You make policies for the poor but are among the elite in a wealthy nation and so have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. You are also caught up in huge global movements and systems that seem to have become bigger than anyone’s ability to control, and even though you do your best, you are complicit.
Earlier this month it was revealed that the Security Intelligence Service kept a file on Green MP Keith Locke. He was, it would appear, deemed a threat to national security for his peace activism and anti-capitalistic notions. He was seen as subversive.
It is with the deepest regret that I discover you do not also have a file on me. It would appear I am harmless to the way things currently are. Were you aware that I signed a petition against the G8 summit? I don’t like the policies of the IMF and I own ‘The Corporation’ and ‘The Yes Men’ on DVD?
It is with even deeper regret that I discover that the Anglican Church also has no active file with the SIS. I became part of this group because its founding charter is so radical; I hoped it was subversive of the current empire. But there is no file. Were you aware that in taking communion each week we declare that we are not bound first and foremost to the benefit or advancement of this nation? But that we are caught up with a global family of people we consider our brothers and sisters – nay of one body – most of whom are living in poverty? Our founder was considered a troublemaker. He was something of a peace activist. He was executed. Yet there is no file on his organisation. Are we not subversive of the current order?
I am willing to offer my full support for an immediate investigation as to weather a file should be opened. I will bring the refreshments; we are very good at tea and cake and have been known to drink wine from time to time.
Your sincerely
Jolyon White.
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