Frank Newman: Straight Talk - "Stupid is as stupid does."

National appears to have not fully appreciated how damaging the Maureen Pugh "re-education" edict could be. 

Just to recap, Maureen Pugh, a National list MP, said she believed in climate change, but was yet to be convinced human activity was a contributor. She challenged Climate Change Minister James Shaw to provide evidence to support his claim that cyclone Gabrielle is the result of man-made climate change.

Her leader, Christopher Luxon, took exception to the question. His view was the question does not need to be asked because it is answered by the science. Maureen Pugh was ordered to retract her comments, which she did (being a compliant MP and no doubt conscious of the implications for her 2023 list ranking), and was instructed to “re-educate” herself by reading prescribed books advocating anthropogenic global warming.

The reaction on social media suggests some see this to be a watershed moment because what has to date been doubts about the politics of Christopher Luxon have now been crystalised into certainty. 

He has, by his actions, provided clarity on two issues: climate change and freedom of speech.

He has shown that National is as dedicated to the church of climate change as are the Green and Labour parties, and those who do not follow the faith are deniers. 

I have no problem with a person believing or not believing in man-made climate change or any other religious cult for that matter. I do have a problem with people who demand others recant for the mere fact that they have expressed a contrary view. That’s what we have come to expect from extreme and dangerous socialists like Jacinda Ardern – it’s not what we would expect from a party that claims to respect free speech.

What’s incredible is that Christopher Luxon sees no contradiction between advocating for free speech and his condemnation of Maureen Pugh. In reply to an email from a member of the public (posted on the NZCPR Facebook page), he stated:

“The National Party will always continue to defend New Zealanders’ rights to free speech. Free speech is an important component of our democratic rights, and it means having to tolerate the expression of diverse views. National encourages open debate and discussion as this leads to New Zealanders being better informed and able to form their own opinions on different issues. Our democracy relies on the ability to speak freely and in turn, others are free to disagree.”

He then went on to say, 

“With that being said, we also follow science. Living in the 21st century, there is no denying that human-induced climate change is real. The devastation across the country now is indicative of the very real impact climate change is having on New Zealand communities. National is absolutely committed to delivering net zero emissions responsibly and believe a prosperous economy and innovation are the best pathways to net zero 2050 and beyond. National is proud to have signed the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015 and then to have ratified it on behalf of all New Zealanders. We supported the Zero Carbon Bill in 2019. We are 100% committed to meeting our international obligations under the Paris agreement, and to net zero and methane reductions by 2050. Countless scientists have been studying this subject for years now, and their findings have guided National Party policy.”

So National respects free speech, except when it suits them not to.  In this respect, are they any different from those in power now? 

What is particularly perplexing is that National appears to be agreeing with Labour on what would otherwise be election issues. It’s not what one would expect from a party in opposition, presumably trying to convince the electorate that they offer a better alternative.

Some within National have made the point that criticising Luxon’s handling of the Maureen Pugh matter will harm National’s election chances. That criticism simply demonstrates the lack of critical thinking within the party. 

There is little doubt that a strong opposition is required to eradicate the socialist scourge we have at present and block the minority radical elements within Parliament from gaining greater influence than they have at present. That requires a strong National Party in its role as the dominant party in opposition. 

The problem is Christopher Luxon is agreeing with Labour in so many policy areas where they should be differentiating themselves, that would-be National Party supporters are frustrated and are expressing their frustration. It’s the nature of free choice that if National does not meet the expectations of its constituency, voters will turn elsewhere. There has always been ebb and flow between National and ACT and maybe Chris Luxon’s policy positions will benefit ACT more than National, just as Don Brash's rise to leader of the National Party decimated the ACT party back in the day. 

The potential damage to the right is that some of the disgruntled Labour Party vote will return to Labour because the choice between Labour and National is a choice between ‘two little dicky birds sitting on a wall, one named Peter (Chris) and one named Paul (Christopher)’! 

Labour will be laughing because National has yet again endorsed its policies, and ACT will be applauding because it becomes more attractive to those on the right. The Forrest Gump quote, "Stupid is as stupid does", comes to mind.