Death Threats

It is very sad that a few deranged individuals out there make death threats to MPs, the latest being to Tariana Turia. I’ve seen a few of them in my time and no MP deserves them, no not even Winston.

Some of them get quite graphic, mentioning children, stating they hope you gets AIDS etc. Definitely one of the least pleasant parts of the job.

However there is a responsibility on all sides to use moderate language, and it is quite unacceptable that the Maori Party’s Pita Sharples said “Maori are at war and will fight to the death if necessary” in reference to the foreshore issue.

Such extreme language fosters a climate of extremism and intolerance. And it encourages those out there who threaten violence from the other side.