OPINION
Stephen Jack and his smutty comment made headlines for all the right reasons and resulted in his resignation – as it should have. “I like my Covid like I like my women. 19. And easy to spread.” His re-posting of doggerel posing as a poem comparing Jacinda Ardern to Hitler was stupid. There are things to say in public – and those best kept private. Jack’s postings were disgusting attempts at humour that bring into question the selection of candidates in all parties. In the case of Stephen Jack, it is unlikely that his misogynistic, crude, vulgar and loutish comment was a one-off; more likely a representation of his general character and demeanour. How is it that no indicators of his lack of character and integrity were picked up through the nomination and selection process?
It may be held as twin-set and clutching at pearls and outdated to be offended by his general lack of respect; however, isn’t it important that we are represented by people of honour and integrity? Who know how to treat people? We have seen scant evidence of this in recent times when the complete disrespect shown by all MPs to their constituents at the Wellington protest was reprehensible. Decency from elected representatives was totally absent throughout that saga, and it is only right that Stephen Jack is not seen as a worthy person to represent the people of Taieri. The man is a fool and his departure is completely appropriate. Is it too much to ask that politicians are intelligent, respectful, honourable and qualified to represent us? It seems so.
The National party is, however, once again ridiculed in social media by the Labour luvvies who forget that their own also behave appallingly and then get away with it. Mallard, Clark, Twyford…the list goes on. And Jacinda Ardern, for calling David Seymour “an arrogant prick” – how low do we want to go? Many social media comments are predictably supportive of Stephen Jack’s words and have been interpreted as “just jokes” and advise “just get over it”. However, those comments are in and of themselves indicative of support for low standards and lack of personal standing as acceptable markers of the parliamentary system.
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson’s recent rant about cis white males should have seen her gone, but the PM was happy to “give her leeway”.
I for one am sick and tired of being ‘represented’ by people with no scruples. Without a sense of pride in and responsibility for the position to which they were elected. They forget that we are their employers and that the overall efficacy of an organisation depends on hiring the right employee – be they business appointments, not-for-profit appointments or political selections. Qualities such as intellect, communication skills (as opposed to PR spin and sound-bite cleverness), honesty, the ability to relate to people, leadership, conviction, proven time of service, loyalty, emotional stability, and charisma come to mind as things we should be able to expect in those elected to govern us. But in many instances we are not seeing them. We are seeing self-serving arrogance, stupidity, and a lack of honour.
Is there a similarity between Jack and earlier the Maureen Pugh climate issue and now the Joseph Mooney Treaty debate and their requirement to fall into line with the woke National Party mechanism? No. Pugh and Mooney are entitled to their convictions – or were, until the party shredded those. But for Luxon to tolerate Jack’s “inappropriate” and “crass” posting is shameful. He has shown a complete lack of support for politicians of conviction and supported a foul-mouthed, immature and crass candidate.
The Stephen Jacks of the country should not get a look in. Their characters must be exposed to far greater scrutiny and assessment before they are nominated, and most certainly before they are selected as candidates to then make a complete dick of themselves.
According to the Elected Government Representative – How to enter the job (careers.govt.nz) website, elected government representatives need to be:
- trustworthy
- motivated
- confident
- excellent communicators and debaters
- skilled in making decisions
- good at planning and organising
- able to evaluate and interpret information
- able to inspire confidence and trust in others.
Interesting that descriptors such as integrity, loyalty, honesty, sincerity, ambition, prudence, etc are missing from the list. But just how did the ridiculous Stephen Jack think that his crassness would “inspire confidence and trust in others”?
Christopher Luxon is of the opinion that the Jack’s issue does not suggest a problem with National’s selection process and before Jack’s resignation was announced…
“Luxon, on Monday, denied there was an issue with National’s selection processes.
“We’re doing a good job,” he said.
This despite:
Earlier this month, the party’s Maungakiekie candidate Greg Fleming, faced heat for comparing civil unions with polygamy and incest during the civil union debate around 20 years ago.
MP Sam Uffindell was selected for the Tauranga by-election last year, despite the party knowing he was kicked out of boarding school for severely beating a younger boy.
Chris vs Chris: In this election year, we’ll hold the powerful to account, regardless of their name. I am proud of the process I have put in place since becoming the leader, working with the president, to make sure we’ve got a very good vetting process.
He said he was pleased Jack took down the sexist joke. He called it “crass”.
“I thought that was a pretty crass comment, and I know he’s taken that down and apologised for it – which is entirely appropriate.”
That the comment was made regarding young women (does he know what a woman is?) made it in no way appropriate, and was more than “crass”. The comment should not have been made.
Nicola Willis’s comments were far more realistic than the mealy-mouthed Luxon’s.
The resignation comes as deputy leader Nicola Willis labelled an earlier, sexist joke shared by Jack as “disgusting” – and warned a repeat incident may trigger the party’s disciplinary code.
‘Crass’ post about young women doesn’t reflect National’s candidate vetting – Luxon | Stuff.co.nz
It is becoming clear that Christopher Loxon should be looking over his shoulder – Nicola Willis is looking a better bet day by day. The man is not a politician – he is politically maladroit and inept.
It is time we asked more, expected more, and received more from our parliamentarians of all stripes.