As in all things, New Zealand uncritically follows Australia in granting visas after all to the hate-mongering couple who feel compelled to spew their poison around the world. Apparently it was all just an unfortunate misunderstanding. They weren't banned in Britain after all, or maybe they were, but all of a sudden they are no longer of bad character so should be welcomed to our shores. According to the Ministry of Stuff-ups Immigration, at least.

Fortunately, they still can't find a venue, though Phil Goff is being sued over that, so who knows?

I do believe in free speech. Quite passionately, actually, But I don't believe in inviting vampires in. There is plenty of free speech on the Internet for anyone who wants to root in this muck. We don't have to lend it an air of legitimacy by having it staged in this country from a public podium. These people are not just presenting other ideas. They are dispensing lies and hate in shiny wrappers. I strongly believe the free speech advocates are wrong about this. I am also against censorship and I do not think evil should be shrouded, but it needs to be kept in proportion. I would (reluctantly) accept a debate with these creatures so their lies and hate could be held up to scrutiny on the spot. I do not accept their 'right' to speak unchallenged to an audience of the easily persuaded. They have no rights here. Rights in New Zealand are for New Zealand citizens and residents. They have a right to be assisted offshore with a firm boot up the bum.

People like this do not respect rules of law, etiquette, or tradition. They play the system and try to use its weaknesses against it. Free speech, when abused in this manner, is one such weakness. If they were in charge there would be no free speech. So why should we hand them a gun? This is how things have gone so badly wrong in the past. People need to take the threat posed by these individuals seriously. This is what I believe. Naturally, you are 'free' to disagree.