Freedom is too easily misunderstood and too easily taken for granted. If I could draw upon the wisdom of the past, others may call it a cliché, then I would say “we know not what we have until it is gone”. It distresses me greatly to see the kiwi become less the individual for which he claims renown, as I watch that integrity melt into an advancing state. Freedom is not a democratic society, a democratic society is merely the backdrop against which freedom may be secured.

The first requirement of freedom is self discipline. If we do not discipline ourselves, then we ask to be disciplined. If we do not defend the right to discipline our children, then we will have given away what our fore fathers fought so hard for. They left the socialist claws of Europe and travelled the world to find a place in which they could secure their freedom, that they might offer this to their children, and all we have to offer in return is an unforgivable indignity.

Freedom is not the responsibility of the state, it is the responsibility of the individual, each and every one of us.

If we fight for nothing but the satisfaction of our own selfishness, then we teach our children to do the same. Do they mean so little to us that we would sell them into slavery for a few gold coins. Have we become so apathetic that we no longer care for our own freedom let alone that of our children.

The future of our country can no longer survive on the religious and political authorities of the past. It’s success or failure lies in the hands of the individual, should he find righteousness and justice in his heart. I do not see that any change in this world has absolved us of the responsibility of defending our own freedom, and that must start with defending the freedom of our children.

I fear that the men of this country have lost their self respect and pride that they will allow section 59 to removed from our statues. The illusion of the institution has blinded them, they no longer realise that they are required to participate.