This article raised my attention: “Outrage over MP’s Nats-as-Hitler comment”.
I am utterly shocked by Ms Woods comparison of the National Party with Adolf Hitler.
While I understand that as a member of the Labour Party Ms Woods doesn't necessarily share the political views of the Nats, her comparison is completely inappropriate. Comparing a group of people, even if it is the political opponent, with the biggest mass murder in history is simply unacceptable. This also belittles the sacrifices of the millions of people who have suffered from the suppression by the Hitler regime and even more the millions of people who were murdered at an industrial scale. How could she possibly believe, even in the moment of a heated debate, that this would be acceptable?
In the meantime Ms Woods has apologized through her Twitter feed (see screen shot below). While this was a necessary step, I do not believe that it is sufficient.
We are of German descent and have been living in New Zealand since 2004. We pay taxes, we vote, and we are members of local clubs. We engage in the community to give back to the community the welcome and support we have received. But.... each of our three kids have been called Nazi at least once since we arrived. Ms Woods’ comparison of the Nats with Hitler is just another contribution to the mindset that is the breeding ground for this simple minded racism. I'm sure this is not what the Labour Party stands for.
I think a public apology to the members of the National party would be in order. I don't think a 140 character tweed is enough. This matter is a huge disappointment for a politician and certainly does not help to convince a lot of people giving Labor their vote next time.
