Michael Jackson

Today Michael Jackson died.

All over Twitter and Facebook is R.I.P MJ and what not.

Who actually still cares about him? Given he did a lot more the music industry. But everyone knew he was crazy.

There are people who have died for a lot less. Yes it was a shock, but 15,000 children also died today, from preventable diseases and malnutrition.

Put it into perspective damn it!

Referendum on s.59

"Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?"

Imma vote yes.

There are several reasons why I am going to vote yes;

• It is supported by child advocates such as Barnardos, Plunket, UNICEF, Save The Children and Women's Refuge
• The bill was created to stop the excuse of using reasonable force in child assault cases
• To protect children from assault
• It supports positive parenting
• For the sake of Nia Glassie, the Kahui twins and other New Zealand children that have been murdered
• I'm going to vote yes because it is the right thing to do, violence should never be the answer

The level of child abuse in New Zealand is disgusting. Children are the most vulnerable members of our society and we should be doing everything we can to protect them!

The bill still allows for a light smack as part of child correction. But it is overwhelmingly common that a smack is always the first answer to treating a problem. Other steps aren't always used.

I urge any New Zealand out there, reading this blog to please check out www.voteyes.co.nz

Do it for our kids.