The Sins of the Father

Posted on 07-03-2011 03:50 | By Observer

The problem was that the settlers of New Zealand (note "new") moved to a land already occupied by a people. After 160 years these folks finally have a voice. Don't take it personally. The Crown and the governmental agents just hadn't been listening and now the cry is at a fevered, pent up pitch. Try to imagine what the original inhabitants lost decade after decade as the New Settlers squeezed them out. This is not a pretty page in history but typical of an English "colonized" country. You must understand that the Maori have their rights and it is about time they are taken seriously and significant amends are made for the past wrongs and losses. Predating the arrival of the New Settlers every beach was theirs, every lake, the fish in the sea, the trees, the mountains, the minerals, the flora and fauna, the farm lands. They did things their way. They had a view of the world that was honored and passed down. The Land of the Long White Cloud was their home and their church and their chemist and their grocery store. Life supported them richly. Perhaps they don't want to share every piece of the country with the new arrivals. In the end the Maori will end up with, what 5% of what they originally held? Who could begrudge them that? Had the government considered their rights 150 years ago it wouldn't be so painful now. It is known that it is not the people today who created this problem but it was the Fathers of the White Settlers who did. What is happening now is called paying the price for "The Sins of the Father". The New Settlers and their descendents have the lion's share of New Zealand and are not being asked to return everything. Be generous. Be fair. Try and see all of this from the indigenous population's perspective. If you aren't asked to leave then you have won. Your ancestors might have wanted it to be better in this New Homeland and maybe it is, your people just didn't check in with the natives to see what they thought about that or if it caused a problem for them. They have been generous with the New Settlers but they ended up being treated like a guest in their own home. Now is time to be generous with them. The world is watching and social media is a tool being used around the world to support people's rights. It is 2011 and the time for social injustice is over. The earth is shaking, the waters are rising and Mother Earth wants us to be kind to everyone, no matter their color, religion, etc. The time has come to re-evaluate everything and see with new eyes. Ask what is really important. Let's show how magnanimous, kind, respectful and fair New Zealand can be to its children and the victims of long-standing abuse.