Dissapointingly this week the second flag referendum will finally come to an end. Personally I’m rather impartial to either flag, but for the past few months I’ve been increasingly amused by some of the antics and peculiar arguments surrounding the flag change project.
Take for example the story that hit the headlines just last week. One individual, who had an eye for making a quick buck, had become so disgruntled at the flag referendum process that he decided to have a crack at selling his vote on Trade Me to the highest bidder. Sadly though, after topping $97 the page was detected and subsequently pulled by website administrators.
Days later I read that Police are investigating multiple cases in which individuals have decided to steal referendum papers out of mailboxes and used them to cast votes. One intelligent human, to my amusement, even decided he would take to Facebook to declare proudly the fact that he had stolen over 300 voting papers, something that if he was to be convicted of carries a maximum sentence of two years jail or a $40,000 fine.
I am however a little bewildered by those who oppose any idea of changing the flag solely on the basis that John Key has championed it. Basing your decision on whether or not we as a country should change the flag because of your loathing for an individual and their opinion is petty and an exercise in futility. I would have thought that the decision would be governed solely on the basis of whether or not you believed it is time for a new flag and if so, whether or not the proposed design is something that you think represents all New Zealanders.
The argument that some people choose not to vote in this referendum as a protest against the costs involved is also bizarre in my opinion. Regardless of your protest, the project is going ahead and the money is being spent. I know and understand the argument that the money involved could be used in different fields and for better purposes, but the same could be said for a lot of things that are funded with taxpayers’ money.
And then there are the conspiracy theories, which I’m sure that if you’ve read the comments section on any the national news agencies lately you’ll understand what I’m on about.
The United States have theories such as the faked moon landing, 9/11 or who shot JFK for example. Now New Zealand has its own. Some believe that changing the flag is simply the first step in removing our constitutional rights and creating a smokescreen, making it easier to usher in the TPPA.
Whatever the outcome I hope that those from both sides will be able to respect the democratic process and get on board, be it a new flag or the original.
Hugh Baird
Critic Editor