NZ The hidden epidemic, family violence

[SueDonim]

I agree about the things we need to teach in schools. So many of today's problems stem from poor parenting, over multiple generations. An important one would also to teach about health with a view to promoting healthy behaviours from an early age. 

I totally disagree that politicians "are & always have been seen as fair game". Disrespecting and persecuting any group of people via unfounded generalisms is unacceptable and the fact that it happens so much is part of our overall problem of an inherent lack of respect for people. 

If you insert any other collective noun, eg racist, ageist, sexist, and it sits badly, then it's equally unacceptable for the group that happens to be called "politicians".

Politiciians have been targets for criticsm, & humour,often in the form of satire for well over a hundred years. At least the 1700's in the UK (Punch magazine being one of the first) &  the USA.


And given some of their actions & consequences of them, I think  thats unlikely to change. 

Unless they do, of course...

I have no problem with satire. It's very cleaver when it's properly done and can "say" far more than simple criticism. I'm familiar with Punch. I have some volumes from the 19thC.

I have no problem with specific criticism of specific politicians for specific actions or intentions - when the actions or intentions quoted are true and are the responsibility of the person being criticised. 

I do have a problem with blindly calling everyone in a group of people bastards whether they are or not and criticising people en masse when some are likely to be there for the express reason of trying to do the right thing for society. They deserve support, guidance and thanks, not to be called bastards just because you disagree with them.