Falun Gong has failed in its bid to force its way into Auckland's Santa Parade today.

Good. I'm glad the trust stuck to its guns and refused to cave in to the bullying from this lobby group and I'm glad the judge saw reason.

In his judgment, Justice Tony Randerson said that because of persecution by the Chinese Communist Party, the group had staged worldwide protests to draw attention and mobilise world opinion.

But, he said, it was not appropriate for the Christmas parade to provide a platform for such protests.

Quite. I'm with the judge. I have no problem with members of Falun Gong protesting in public places and staging displays to recruit followers.

But the hysterical supporters of this group don't seem to comprehend logic or reason.

If you don't support their bid to gatecrash the Santa Parade, you are a puppet of the Chinese Government, and as good as condoning the torture and killing of Falun Gong members in China.

Three or four members of the group have taken to standing outside NewsTalk ZB with their banners handing out pamphlets to all and sundry because I refused to support their attempt to get into the Santa Parade.

I repeat: I have no problem with them protesting anywhere, even outside my workplace, provided it's legal.

It would be nice to be able to spend the whole day, standing outside in the sun, making a nuisance of yourself by hectoring people about something you passionately believe in.

Lucky old Falun Gong followers that they don't have to turn up to jobs.

Knock yourselves out.

Protest away.

But in this age of caving in to strident minority groups, it's nice to see that occasionally common sense can reign supreme.

Enjoy the Santa Parade everyone, and I really don't think that the Divine Land Marching Band will be missed by anyone.

(New Zealand Herald, Sunday, November 30, 2008)

Original text from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10545714