INDEPENDENT NEWS

Lindsay Perigo: Alas, Poor Herald!

Published: Mon 9 Jul 2001 01:14 PM
Lindsay Perigo and his troublemaking libertarian ideas are broadcast weekdays, midday to 2 PM, on New Zealand's Radio Pacific, and on-line at http://www.freeradical.co.nz
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LINDSAY PERIGO: Alas, Poor Herald!
It's a funny thing, the New Zealand Herald. It used to be called Granny Herald because of its conservatism, & lampooned as the print arm of the National Party. Now it is the print arm of the present Labour/Alliance government, & it pleases me to call it the Daily Marxist. Saturday's edition gave great prominence to two Marxists - cabinet minister Laila Harre & a visiting anti-free trade activist. As it happens, another political activist has just arrived in the country - Jim Peron, from South Africa. He is an accomplished writer & speaker, but it's unlikely you'll find him splashed over the pages of the Daily Marxist anytime soon. You see, Jim's message is not popular with the Herald - it's the same message I shout from the rooftops: individual freedom & its economic corollaries, free trade & free markets. Here is how Jim concluded an article he had published in the Johannesburg Star recently:
"Worldwide the trend is not merely that the rich are getting richer but that most people are getting richer, with the exception of those still living in countries that follow Marxist policies. People today are living longer, healthier lives than did their parents. If poverty were becoming more widespread as wealth concentrates in the hands of a few, this wouldn't be happening.
"The reason for improved conditions is that people have greater economic freedom as more countries liberate citizens from the oppression of autocratic and dictatorial interference in voluntary economic exchanges. Economic freedom allows people to use their innate talents to best advantage. It allows the rich to get richer, and the poor to get richer faster."
Mr Peron WILL feature prominently in the next issue of my own publication, The Free Radical. In the meantime, the Daily Marxist would rather publish the likes of the following, from Laila Harre on Saturday:
"One of my biggest weaknesses is my failure to plan. I think the state should do that."
Well, the Herald is a private publication & is free to publish what it wants, but I do find it odd when free enterprise gives such avid exposure to its enemies. I put it down to the education system having done its work - the young generation has been thoroughly steeped in the bromides of anti-capitalism, big government & Political Correctness, & the new breed of journalists is reflecting that fact. One simple question, though, should give Daily Marxist luminaries cause for pause - would they want their own newspaper to be taken over by the government?
Yes, it's a funny thing, the Herald - but it's no laughing matter.
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The Free Radical Foundation proudly announces details of Jim Peron's speaking tour below. For media interviews with Jim Peron, please contact (025) 861 927.
Tuesday 10 July, ** Was Objectivism a Cult? ** Auckland, evening event with the Centre for Objectivist Studies. Ring (021) 122 1119 for details.
Wednesday 11 July, Guest Speaker, evening with Libertarianz Whangarei candidate, Hooch Helen Hughes. Whangarei. Ring (09) 435 2948 for details.
Friday 13 July, Guest Speaker, evening with Libertarianz Tauranga candidate, Russell Watkins, Kaimai Cafe. Tickets $50 includes Buffet Dinner, Gift pack, String Trio, and Speeches. Ring (07) 543 3136 for details.
Sat 14 July, ** Capitalism & Christianity - Allies or Enemies? ** 9am to 4pm, Seminar at Auckland University Conference Centre, presenting Jim's important new book discussing the conflict between capitalism and Christianity. Tickets $30 each. Attendees will be able to purchase advance copies of Jim's new book at an attractively discounted price. Ring (021) 459 305 for details.
Tuesday 16 July, Guest Speaker, Helengrad. Come and meet Jim in an informal gathering in NZ's capital city. Ring (04) 476 4574 for details.
Sat 21 July, Guest Speaker at all-day Anti-Apartheid Convention, Hamilton Racecourse. Have ~you~ had enough of racist politics in New Zealand? Then ring (07) 849 8323 for details.
Sat 22 July, Libertarianz Party Annual Conference, Hamilton. Ring (09) 373 7599 ex8992 for details.

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