Apology expected from White Ribbon for their Abuse and Slander
I have today sent the following letter to Rob McCann, of the Families Commission, and a copy and cover letter to the Minister Paula Bennet, both at her parliament address, and her electorate address:
To Rob McCann:-
Subject: Cyber Bullying and Slander
By White Ribbon Organization
I draw to your attention the article
published on the White Ribbon web site
What happened:
A conflict arose when a number of members of the community (men and women) expressed views on the White Ribbon Facebook page, which challenged some of the material being published by White Ribbon. At NO STAGE was anything said which could remotely be construed as offensive, or bullying.
White Ribbon chose to block all views which did not conform to it’s own belief systems
The public response:-
I then started the facebook page “White Ribbon Day Debate- https://www.facebook.com/groups/391716290877922/
which took off, with contributions from throughout the country condemning the White Ribbon Day campaign. I tried to get some balance by e-mailing a request to the White Ribbon Day web site for some balancing views, but received no reply.
Contributors to the web site menz.org.nz started to also discuss the issue- (Note that all articles on menz.org.nz are published by individual members, with no moderation by the administrator.) There was NO WAY for a web site to “Call on members”- to do anything.
White Ribbon’s response:-
White Ribbon responded with the vitriolic attacks on various individuals, as you will see on your web-site..
The individuals attacked are
all good people,
all active in helping hurt and damaged families,
all hurt and disadvantaged by these attacks,
and all unable to rebut or respond to these attacks.
In summary:-
If I can repeat back to you the words from your own site-
VERBAL ABUSE IS STILL ABUSE
It is not excusable because it is abuse of men
It is not excusable because it comes from the White Ribbon organization
What needs to happen now:-
1 White Ribbon needs to immediately withdraw this offensive material
2 White Ribbon needs to make PUBLIC APOLOGIES to the people who have been verbally abused
3 White Ribbon needs to start listening to the community concerns, and I would suggest starting with dialogue with some of the outspoken workers who have so offended you.
What we will do:-
1 Because this is a very public affair, this letter will be published in every way possible.
2 It will also be sent to the Minister for the Families Commission the Honourable Paula Bennett
3 If the offending material is not withdrawn, and an acceptable public apology to the named people published, I will instruct our Lawyers to lay information with the NZ Police that defamation has occurred.
Yours sincerely
John Brett
To Hon Paula Bennett
Dear Paula
Subject: Letter to Robb McCann, of the Familes Commission re White Ribbon Slander
I enclose a copy of a letter sent to Robb McCann. Many of us who support people in distress tire of the sexist abuse we receive from the likes of the White Ribbon day people.
I would hope for some COMMUNICATION with these self-righteous people!
Having watched and admired your forthright and down-to earth style, I was hoping you might bring them down a peg, and get them to TALK to people who are on the ground dealing with social issues!
Yours sincerely
John Brett
I await their retraction and apology- I hope they will choose to communicate with some of us.
