In praise of David Seymour & solidarity with Hong Kong protest at Auckland University today

I know.

I can’t believe I wrote it either.

But, praise, when it is due.

While I had serious issues regarding the Euthanasia Bill and am still not convinced of it, the dignity in which Seymour has debated the issue and shepherded it into legislation that is reasonable and with compassion is to be respected, as his his extraordinarily brave criticism of China yesterday, something no other MP has had the spine to do.

This latter move is made more principled when you consider how many Chinese New Zealanders live in his electorate.

I disagreed with his Gun vote, but respected and understood it, and his support of free speech is also solid.

I would never vote ACT but this Parliament would be a lesser place if he were voted out in 2020.

Speaking of criticising China, solidarity with the Hong Kong protest at Auckland University today…

Hong Kong protesters gather at Auckland University

Hong Kong democracy supporters have gathered on the campus of Auckland University, after an encounter with pro-Beijing students turned physical last week.

About 100 people sat in the university’s quad on Tuesday morning, some wearing black face masks. A couple of police officers and campus security guards watched over them.

Last Monday, pro-Beijing students were involved in a scuffle with Hong Kong democracy supporters at the university, and a woman was pushed to the ground.

…as tensions in Hong Kong mount and the possibility of a Chinese crackdown, we need to ensure passionate debate here in NZ doesn’t become violent.