Just to show how even-handed they are and to provide in-depth background on the End-the-Mandates protest, Thomas Coughlan penned an article answering ‘your protest questions‘.
It included this gem:
Brent M: Why isn’t Ardern showing voters respect and talking to them? They may not be protesting in a way that suits us all but they are still Kiwis, still deserve answers and respect. Do you have an opinion on why she is avoiding them and whether she is being damaged politically?
TC: Don’t think this will harm her too much.
Prime ministers don’t usually come out to respond to protests, even when it’s something they agree with. Jacinda Ardern didn’t visit the climate strike, despite climate change action being something she strongly supports.
Bold added.
Fire up your favourite Internet search engine, type in [jacinda ardern parliament steps protest], ask for images. A few seconds later …
Ah, ha! But it wasn’t a protest – it was a petition!
Well, OK, then; how about …
As striking Taranaki school students protested in an attempt to gain politicians’ attention they were surprised with a supportive guest speaker – the Prime Minister.
Stuff
Ah, ha! But that was children protesting – and not on the steps of Parliament.
OK then, what about …
I rest my case.
