Opinion is divided between those who feel separate ethnic rights are wrong and separatists who believe that such rights are justified and should be enhanced. The misinformation from the separatists at times reaches astonishing levels.
Peter Dey's stand that special rights are justified is ‘because they have been passed by Parliament.' He seems oblivious that since time immemorial governing bodies have passed legislation that led to some of the worst injustices and atrocities ever seen. He must believe these were somehow all OK too.
Together with others like T. Tukaokao and H. Robb they are fond of labelling their opponents ‘racist' and ‘xenophobic'.
A racist is someone who believes in special rights and privileges due to race. This is the opposite of those arguing for equal rights but certainly fits the separatists beliefs very well. Xenophobia refers to fear or hatred of people from other countries. It is hard to see how this applies to people wanting one law for all regardless of origin but it can easily apply to those believing they are ethnically superior and wanting additional and exclusive rights away from the remainder of the population. Separatists may find a course in definitions and a mirror worthwhile as they seem more than a little confused.

Mike Kuipers von Lande
Mt. Maunganui.