In this episode of Solid Ground, Simon focuses on news coming out of the United Kingdom, from a survey saying that almost half of ‘older white men’ feel they cannot share their opinions; to a twelve year old girl excluded from a cultural day at her school because she was in a dress incorporating the Union Jack. He also discusses New Zealand’s Totora hospice which is the only hospice in New Zealand to allow euthanasia and appears to be paying the cost as fewer people donate to them.
Summary auto-generated by Descript app:
In this episode of Solid Ground, Simon draws attention to recent mainstream media reports on the Israel-Gaza conflict where Hamas is entirely omitted from the discussion, indicating biased journalism. He also delves into a UK school’s punitive response to a student wearing a dress incorporating the UK flag, illustrating issues with cultural inclusion and the irony that those talking about ‘diversity and inclusion’ are also busily excluding people – in this case, a 12 year old girl.
Staying with the United Kingdom, Simon addresses free speech concerns, citing a study that shows older white males in the UK feel marginalised in discussions on immigration, politics, and religion. He links this to growing societal tensions and the rise of politically progressive elitism.
The episode then shifts focus to Totora Hospice in South Auckland which is facing funding issues and accusing the government of not giving them enough money even though they received proportionately more than other hospices. Simon notes this is the only hospice in New Zealand that allows euthanasia/assisted suicide, and has also see a substantial decline in donations, speculating that the two are likely linked.
Simon also discusses the UK’s House of Commons passing an assisted suicide and euthanasia bill, sharing his own opposition and a letter he wrote for the UK newspaper, The Telegraph. The episode also covers a Catholic priest’s decision to deny communion to an MP who supported extreme abortion and euthanasia laws, framing it as a necessary stand for the church’s teachings.
