Announcement
This Blog Site and the Pro-Government IG Blog Site
Crosbie Walsh 30 Jan 2009

I added a link to the IG blog (Pro-Govt Blog) because IG's views are important and I'm pleased IG responded with a link to my site, which it describes as "neutral".

This mutual inclusion of links does not, of course, mean that we necessarily agree with each other's individual postings. For the record, I am particularly disturbed by the tone and threats in its recent post Double Minded RFN Bloggers.

It is easy, of course, for "armchair outsiders" like myself to call for reasoned and less emotional outbursts from all parties. It is much harder for those directly involved or affected to remain calm in the face of what, from their different perspectives, they see as obstructionism, insult or worse. It is also rather satisfying to "let fly" at opponents. But this does not mean that such an approach is wise or helpful. Indeed, it could be counter-productive. Old "enemies" will not be persuaded (so why bother to insult them), and new friends and those seeking information on the Fiji situation could well be repelled by vindictiveness.

I was repelled by John Key's personal attack at the Port Moresby Forum on Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. I find IG's threats against opponents, including Methodist leaders, Pramod Rae, Kiribati and Tuvalu, equally offensive.

To all parties, my advice would be: state the facts as you see them, try to see your opponents' viewpoint (if only to sharpen yours), present a reasoned argument, and avoid offensive personal attacks, no matter how much you are provoked. Fiji is a small country. One day your son may wish to marry your old "enemy's" daughter!

Footnote:
The opportunity for readers to comment and exchange opinions on postings is an important part of blogging. I have now learnt how to enable this feature and your comments are most welcome -- but do heed the advice noted above. Abusive and personal comments will be blocked.