Thomas Cromwell: “What then, do we do with this man? He stands between the King and his desire. Who will rid me of him?”
This reflects Cromwell’s frustration with Sir Thomas More and his difficulty in achieving the king’s wishes. In Robert Bolt’s play, A Man for All Seasons, this moment comes alive, showing the dangerous mix of power and intent.(1) The king’s intention to secede from the Catholic Church pressured his officials to remove More as an obstacle to his plans and whether he says it outright or just hints at it, has a huge impact. The result was the orchestration by Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s senior minister, of Sir Thomas More’s arrest, trial for treason and execution.(2) The play reminds us of how the desires and words of those in power can translate into real-world actions with devastating effects.
Jacinda Ardern in her own speech to the United Nations emphasised how words can have ‘immeasurable consequences’.(3) Which is ironic considering the tape of Ardern brazenly admitting that New Zealand's Covid-19 policies would create a two-tier society between the vaccinated and unvaccinated; acknowledging that vaccinated citizens would enjoy more freedoms and the unvaccinated less,(4) or worse (we have observed some losing their livelihoods).
* These impactful words should be weighed at the current Covid inquiry. Our own leader ostensibly gave license to classism: the antithesis of what the NZ Labour Party stands for.(5)
Yet, despite the warnings about their impact, the divisive words of the very person who uttered them may not be considered
Here we have a conundrum. The very people who make claims about the dangers of ‘hate speech’ and ‘harmful speech are often the same people who make insidious utterances. Just as Henry VIII escaped the repercussions of More’s death,(6) modern leaders, too, may sidestep responsibility for the real-world effects of their words and decisions, e.g., they could leave the country and wait for it to all ‘blow over’.
The parallels between Merrick Garland’s meetings with President Biden and the actions of Thomas Cromwell under King Henry VIII are striking. Just as Cromwell orchestrated the downfall of Sir Thomas More, Garland’s interactions with Biden and/or their proxies, e.g., Special Council Jack Smith, can be seen as moments where power and influence converge, raising questions about intent and accountability.(2,6,7,8)
Cromwell’s manipulation of the legal system(2) to remove More as an obstacle mirrors the perceived use of legal manoeuvres against Trump. As examples we have:
1) The Hush-Money Case(9)
2) The Classified Documents Case(10)
3) The Election Interference Case(11)
4) The Georgia Election Case(12)
5) The Civil Fraud Case(13)
6) The Assault/Rape Case(14)
These legal battles, much like Cromwell's actions, reflect the use of legal systems for political ends. Subordinates like Alvin Bragg or Fani Willis interpret and act, while powerful figures – like Biden or Harris – can later distance themselves from the consequences, similar to Henry VIII with More’s execution.
* The idea that New Zealand is insulated from these political trends is a comforting illusion, but it is far from reality.(15)
The influence of American rhetoric and polarisation is clearly felt here. Our legacy media – which relies heavily on content from sources like the AP, NYT, WP and CNN actively shapes public opinion by echoing these narratives – e.g., on 29 October Simon Wilson, on page A9 of the NZH, slavishly mimicked the US rhetoric regarding Trump, calling him, without evidence, a “tyrant”...As a result, we are seeing shifts in our cultural discourse, often mimicking American political conflicts.(16, 17) Ironically, those who protest against ‘cultural imperialism’ or ‘cultural appropriation’ seem to have adopted these imported ideological frameworks without question. For example, and though it may seem long ago now, the Black Lives Matter protests in New Zealand illustrate this trend. On June 1, 2020, during Covid-19 alert level two, gatherings were legally limited to 100 people with strict social distancing. Yet, thousands defied these rules in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, taking to the streets in solidarity with the US movement.(18) The contradiction was clear – while public health rules applied to everyday citizens, political expressions aligned with global movements were given tacit approval.
* This double standard reveals the selective enforcement of rules, depending on the alignment of the cause with dominant political sentiments. More often nowadays we are seeing this selective enforcement and/or judicial outcomes.
What if Trump Wins Again?
A second Trump presidency would undoubtedly send ripples across the globe and New Zealand will not be spared its impact. We can expect an intensification of political polarisation within our media landscape as narratives from US pundits and outlets – many of which are deeply vested in opposing Trump – filter down through our news channels.
Some local politicians and activists already adopting more aggressive stances, with early signs evident – such as attacks on David Seymour for merely seeking to clarify what ‘Treaty Principles’ actually entail.(19)
Social and political movements will increasingly mirror the unrest in the US and further erode New Zealand’s historically more moderate political culture.
* Perhaps most concerning is the potential for stochastic effects within New Zealand’s political environment – where divisive rhetoric imported from the US encourages extreme behaviour domestically.
This could manifest in intensified online abuse, protests or calls to silence dissenting voices. And haven’t we already seen more activism and calls for censorship? For instance, the prior Labour Government funded the “Disinformation Project”, just as the US Government attempted to establish a similar organisation called “The Disinformation Governance Board” under the Department of Homeland Security. Both initiatives, in another further mirror of each other, have fortunately been disestablished due to concerns about government overreach and censorship.(20,21)
* A challenge for NZ will be maintaining civil discourse and democratic norms amid the emotional fallout of a Trump re-election.
What we are witnessing is not merely the globalisation of political rhetoric but the weaponisation of cultural narratives. The same tools of stochastic terrorism used in the US are subtly and not so subtly influencing political dynamics here in New Zealand. Media outlets; activists and political figures are embracing American-inspired frameworks that emphasise division and ideological conformity over dialogue and nuance.
* We must ask whether we are importing a culture of hostility and coercion at the expense of free thought and genuine democracy.
We need to recognise how deeply they these influences have already taken root.
* Are we prepared to maintain our national identity and independent values, or will we surrender them to a very deliberate global narrative that thrives on fear, division and control?
In defence we NEED free speech.
It is essential to foster a political environment that values free expression, as well as accountability, and reasoned debate – without succumbing to imported rhetoric that threatens the very principles it claims to defend.
* These impactful words should be weighed at the current Covid inquiry. Our own leader ostensibly gave license to classism: the antithesis of what the NZ Labour Party stands for.(5)
Yet, despite the warnings about their impact, the divisive words of the very person who uttered them may not be considered
Here we have a conundrum. The very people who make claims about the dangers of ‘hate speech’ and ‘harmful speech are often the same people who make insidious utterances. Just as Henry VIII escaped the repercussions of More’s death,(6) modern leaders, too, may sidestep responsibility for the real-world effects of their words and decisions, e.g., they could leave the country and wait for it to all ‘blow over’.
The parallels between Merrick Garland’s meetings with President Biden and the actions of Thomas Cromwell under King Henry VIII are striking. Just as Cromwell orchestrated the downfall of Sir Thomas More, Garland’s interactions with Biden and/or their proxies, e.g., Special Council Jack Smith, can be seen as moments where power and influence converge, raising questions about intent and accountability.(2,6,7,8)
Cromwell’s manipulation of the legal system(2) to remove More as an obstacle mirrors the perceived use of legal manoeuvres against Trump. As examples we have:
1) The Hush-Money Case(9)
2) The Classified Documents Case(10)
3) The Election Interference Case(11)
4) The Georgia Election Case(12)
5) The Civil Fraud Case(13)
6) The Assault/Rape Case(14)
These legal battles, much like Cromwell's actions, reflect the use of legal systems for political ends. Subordinates like Alvin Bragg or Fani Willis interpret and act, while powerful figures – like Biden or Harris – can later distance themselves from the consequences, similar to Henry VIII with More’s execution.
* The idea that New Zealand is insulated from these political trends is a comforting illusion, but it is far from reality.(15)
The influence of American rhetoric and polarisation is clearly felt here. Our legacy media – which relies heavily on content from sources like the AP, NYT, WP and CNN actively shapes public opinion by echoing these narratives – e.g., on 29 October Simon Wilson, on page A9 of the NZH, slavishly mimicked the US rhetoric regarding Trump, calling him, without evidence, a “tyrant”...As a result, we are seeing shifts in our cultural discourse, often mimicking American political conflicts.(16, 17) Ironically, those who protest against ‘cultural imperialism’ or ‘cultural appropriation’ seem to have adopted these imported ideological frameworks without question. For example, and though it may seem long ago now, the Black Lives Matter protests in New Zealand illustrate this trend. On June 1, 2020, during Covid-19 alert level two, gatherings were legally limited to 100 people with strict social distancing. Yet, thousands defied these rules in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, taking to the streets in solidarity with the US movement.(18) The contradiction was clear – while public health rules applied to everyday citizens, political expressions aligned with global movements were given tacit approval.
* This double standard reveals the selective enforcement of rules, depending on the alignment of the cause with dominant political sentiments. More often nowadays we are seeing this selective enforcement and/or judicial outcomes.
What if Trump Wins Again?
A second Trump presidency would undoubtedly send ripples across the globe and New Zealand will not be spared its impact. We can expect an intensification of political polarisation within our media landscape as narratives from US pundits and outlets – many of which are deeply vested in opposing Trump – filter down through our news channels.
Some local politicians and activists already adopting more aggressive stances, with early signs evident – such as attacks on David Seymour for merely seeking to clarify what ‘Treaty Principles’ actually entail.(19)
Social and political movements will increasingly mirror the unrest in the US and further erode New Zealand’s historically more moderate political culture.
* Perhaps most concerning is the potential for stochastic effects within New Zealand’s political environment – where divisive rhetoric imported from the US encourages extreme behaviour domestically.
This could manifest in intensified online abuse, protests or calls to silence dissenting voices. And haven’t we already seen more activism and calls for censorship? For instance, the prior Labour Government funded the “Disinformation Project”, just as the US Government attempted to establish a similar organisation called “The Disinformation Governance Board” under the Department of Homeland Security. Both initiatives, in another further mirror of each other, have fortunately been disestablished due to concerns about government overreach and censorship.(20,21)
* A challenge for NZ will be maintaining civil discourse and democratic norms amid the emotional fallout of a Trump re-election.
What we are witnessing is not merely the globalisation of political rhetoric but the weaponisation of cultural narratives. The same tools of stochastic terrorism used in the US are subtly and not so subtly influencing political dynamics here in New Zealand. Media outlets; activists and political figures are embracing American-inspired frameworks that emphasise division and ideological conformity over dialogue and nuance.
* We must ask whether we are importing a culture of hostility and coercion at the expense of free thought and genuine democracy.
We need to recognise how deeply they these influences have already taken root.
* Are we prepared to maintain our national identity and independent values, or will we surrender them to a very deliberate global narrative that thrives on fear, division and control?
In defence we NEED free speech.
It is essential to foster a political environment that values free expression, as well as accountability, and reasoned debate – without succumbing to imported rhetoric that threatens the very principles it claims to defend.
References
1. A Man for All Seasons - Wikipedia
2. Thomas Cromwell | Biography, Facts, & Death | Britannica
3. Full speech: Jacinda Ardern addresses UN General Assembly | Newshub
4. Jacinda Ardern admits Covid plan will lead to two-tier society - 'That is what it is' | World | News | Express.co.uk
5. Our Priorities - NZ Labour Party
6. Thomas Cromwell - World History Encyclopedia
7. White House frustration with Garland grows - POLITICO
8. House votes to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for withholding Biden audio - CBS News
9. Donald Trump found guilty of all 34 charges in hush money trial | CNN Politics
10. Federal prosecution of Donald Trump (classified documents case) - Wikipedia
11. Trump’s election interference trial explained: Everything to know about the case as new evidence unsealed | The Independent
12. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-investigation-trial-evidence-explain-b2623312.html?form=MG0AV3
13. Attorney General James Wins Landmark Victory in Case Against Donald Trump
14. Donald Trump sexual misconduct allegations - Wikipedia
15. NZ is changing faster than the census can keep up – the 4 big trends to watch | RNZ News
16. How The American Media Landscape is Polarizing the Country | The Pardee Atlas Journal of Global Affairs
17. How tech platforms fuel U.S. political polarization and what government can do about it
18. Photo essay: Thousands march in solidarity with Black Lives Matter | RNZ News
19. David Seymour hits out at 'activist judges and bureaucrats' after leaking of draft Treaty of Waitangi principles | Newshub
20. The Disinformation Project - Wikipedia
21. Following HSAC Recommendation, DHS terminates Disinformation Governance Board | Homeland Security
Dr Michael John Schmidt left NZ after completing postgraduate studies at Otago University (BSc, MSc) in molecular biology, virology, and immunology to work in research on human genetics in Australia. Returning to NZ has worked in business development for biotech and pharmacy retail companies and became a member of the NZ Institute of Directors. This article was first published HERE
1. A Man for All Seasons - Wikipedia
2. Thomas Cromwell | Biography, Facts, & Death | Britannica
3. Full speech: Jacinda Ardern addresses UN General Assembly | Newshub
4. Jacinda Ardern admits Covid plan will lead to two-tier society - 'That is what it is' | World | News | Express.co.uk
5. Our Priorities - NZ Labour Party
6. Thomas Cromwell - World History Encyclopedia
7. White House frustration with Garland grows - POLITICO
8. House votes to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for withholding Biden audio - CBS News
9. Donald Trump found guilty of all 34 charges in hush money trial | CNN Politics
10. Federal prosecution of Donald Trump (classified documents case) - Wikipedia
11. Trump’s election interference trial explained: Everything to know about the case as new evidence unsealed | The Independent
12. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-investigation-trial-evidence-explain-b2623312.html?form=MG0AV3
13. Attorney General James Wins Landmark Victory in Case Against Donald Trump
14. Donald Trump sexual misconduct allegations - Wikipedia
15. NZ is changing faster than the census can keep up – the 4 big trends to watch | RNZ News
16. How The American Media Landscape is Polarizing the Country | The Pardee Atlas Journal of Global Affairs
17. How tech platforms fuel U.S. political polarization and what government can do about it
18. Photo essay: Thousands march in solidarity with Black Lives Matter | RNZ News
19. David Seymour hits out at 'activist judges and bureaucrats' after leaking of draft Treaty of Waitangi principles | Newshub
20. The Disinformation Project - Wikipedia
21. Following HSAC Recommendation, DHS terminates Disinformation Governance Board | Homeland Security
Dr Michael John Schmidt left NZ after completing postgraduate studies at Otago University (BSc, MSc) in molecular biology, virology, and immunology to work in research on human genetics in Australia. Returning to NZ has worked in business development for biotech and pharmacy retail companies and became a member of the NZ Institute of Directors. This article was first published HERE
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