Save the Children research on humanity of children

A couple of weeks ago the Dominion Post published an article on research done on the submissions to Parliament on the anti-smacking debate and concluded that pro-smackers didn't see children as fully human. This complete codswhallop was quickly demolished by ZenTiger here at NZ Conservative.

Now it transpires that Save the Children (a major proponent of banning smacking) was responsible for funding the research. It's a pity that the Dominion Post didn't see fit to mention that fundamental fact and that it needed to be pointed out by a letter to the editor. Here is that letter on page B6 (not even on the main letters page):

Connections are ignored

Children 'not fully human' you trumpet (April 7-8) about a study involving Victoria University researchers and Save the Children. It concludes that opponents of anti-smacking legislation see children as not fully human.

Your article, however, requires balance to avoid being simple propaganda. Though describing the Family First national director as an opponent of the bill, you neglect to note that the research was funded by Save the Children, which is lobbying for repeal of Section 59.

Likewise, you ignore the connection of some of the university researchers to Epoch New Zealand, the stated aim of which is to end physical punishment of children. That the "researchers" then call for a re-evaluation of how people see children with comparisons to "colonisation" should ring alarm bells. You have done readers a disservice by failing to provide balance to your reporting, particularly when the "researchers" have such predetermined positions. Victoria University should be similarly concerned.

Ross Jamieson
Roseneath