New Zealand should show generosity of spirit and apologise to the people of Turkey, writes Pam Warren of Dunedin.
These famous words (right), said by Ataturk Mustafa Kemal, just 16 years after the end of the first world war and the horror of the Gallipoli campaign in which it is said 86,692 Turkish soldiers died, exemplify to me a level of graciousness and generosity of spirit almost beyond comprehension.
Since visiting Gallipoli a few years ago, experiencing the surreal atmosphere of just being there and taking the time to make myself a little more knowledgeable about the history of the campaign, I have often wondered whether, if the circumstances were reversed, and it had been Turkey that had invaded our country, would we be able to be so gracious?
I have always believed the generosity of spirit demonstrated by the people of New Zealand in response to adversity, time and time again, would prevail but equally I have always had grave doubts about the people we seem to elect into positions of power being able to demonstrate that same generosity of spirit.
It has been suggested (ODT, 11.4.15) it would be a humane and befitting gesture for the New Zealand Prime Minister to take the opportunity on April 25 to say ''sorry'' to the people of Turkey.
The Prime Minister has said an outright ''no'' to this proposal.
Who did the Prime Minister consult when saying no, outright?
What did he base this decision on?My message to the Prime Minister is, if you can't at least have a discussion about this with the people you will be representing, please stay at home and let someone else represent us at Gallipoli this year.
What harm could there possibly be in saying the word ''sorry'', 100 years later?
I, for one, find this level of decision-making, with what appears to be no public discussion or debate on the matter, totally obscene. Are there others out there who feel similarly outraged?
If you read this and you do feel my disgust, please support me in making your feelings known to the PM and every MP, of every political persuasion, in your locality.
