Casting stones at
those who are deemed to have committed indiscretions, minor offenses or crimes
in this imperfect world of ours is never a particularly smart move. However, scrutiny
is part and parcel for those who seek high office such as a Cabinet Minister and
must expect to have their actions - past and present, placed under the
spotlight. It is also expected of those who exercise their personal judgment, to
be entirely consistent whether they happen to be a judge, a French rugby
referee or part of this thing we call “public opinion”.
The admission of politician Metiria Turei,
co-leader of the Greens to having committed benefit fraud 20 odd years ago, is
a case in point. The discussion seems to have been carefully developed to
excuse and justify Ms Turei’s decision. Ms Turei is seemingly now a victim of
her own actions.
