During the last few weeks, we've debated, in The Sun's letters pages, the Greens; in particular, if their first priority is dismantling capitalism or protecting the environment.
I'm very pleased at last we have clear acknowledgement from two Green spokespersons (Dr Ian G McLean and Eddie Orsulich), that global income re-distribution - entailing, of course, a dismantling of capitalism as we know it, is a major priority.
This begs the question - which priority comes first for the Greens?
I believe - and I'd be happy to be proven wrong - that Green hyperbole and disinformation about the state of the planet, Green hand-wringing over the fate frogs in Buller's Denniston valley, and concern over prospecting for offshore oil, is little more than hypocrisy.
In fact, the watermelon label for the Greens - green outside, but red inside, is absolutely fair and accurate.
Going back to Dr McLean's original letter (that started this debate), asking why him and his Green colleague were rejected by the electorate; prompted my response and question to Dr McLean ‘Will the Greens change tack ?'.
Still, I ask Dr McLean and Eddie Orsulich: With the Greens' failure to capture public imagination, and their terminal credibility problem, isn't it time for a new approach?
An approach that centres less on environmental horror stories and more on truth? Or is the anti-capitalist banner much more important than the real state of the planet ?
M Houlding, Ohauiti.