I could not help following up by contrasting the brilliant freedom of speech masterpiece by Simon O’Connor (thebfd) with the oppressive perspectives of the Green Party.
The Greens are not known for having any education acumen at all (being as family/child friendly as rabid dogs). Recent education spokespersons have been Catherine Delahunty, Chloe Swarbrick and the anonymous Teanua Tuiono. Last year when the Villa Education Trust applied for a Designated Character School for 480 “neuro-diverse” learners with a possible Auckland Central location, I considered that the member for that electorate, Swarbrick, would be an advocate. The member clearly now aspires to party leadership and taxpayers are even spending $220,000 to document her journey (rnz).
Her response to my request for help tells us more about what motivates her than any fluff piece will. The official reason Chloe Swarbrick would not support the Designated Character School application from the Villa Education Trust is because I had disagreed with her on some issues (drugs mainly). I kid you not. She put her hurt feelings ahead of the well being of children. From a direct email from Swarbrick after she was asked to support the school application: “I know you have other political allies who are also fighting this fight for you. You know that you have multiple times issued press releases and public commentary attacking me and the Greens.”
So $11.7 million for an elite, private “green” school in Taranaki (rnz) but not even a carbon molecule of support for needy Auckland kids; all because I had used my freedom of speech to challenge the effects of drugs on children. Ms Swarbrick needs the wisdom of Steve Hughes. (youtube.com/TheVoxRox) I no longer sit on the Villa Education Trust board but understand they are applying again this year. Maybe Ms Swarbrick could see past her hurty feelings this time?