What really stands out with these incidents is that all the handwringing against the protests themselves and how they should be 'doing it the right way' is total bullshit.

Turns out direct action (up to and including violence) is justified... If you're delayed getting somewhere in your car by 15 mins. However, nonviolent direct action about our own government dithering on the biggest crisis humanity has ever faced is too much.

I totally understand people getting angry at this sort of thing... I'm 100% behind their cause, not so sure on their tactics.

But it's just a shame that people are not as angry about the inaction on climate change. The inconvenience caused by the protesters is a micro-fraction of the pain that climate change is already causing and will continue to cause.

I didn't see anyone doing jack fucking shit about Brian cult leader Tamaki blocking the motorway, so as far as I can tell, anyone can block the roads and it's totally fine.

Unfortunately it's also only a matter of time before climate change gets worse - we've already seen what's happening in the northern hemisphere. Regardless of who is in the road or what work you need to get to, hitting and carrying a person on the front of your car or assault deserves charges, especially as the cops cleared it in ~15 minutes anyway.

Saying that - protesting is also meant to get people on your side rather than just raise awareness. This one didn't.

It's a bit late now, but what are people's thoughts on whether this is the right community for this? It seems pretty political, even if it's not about a political party.

For future posts, should things like this go in !politics@lemmy.nz or is !newzealand@lemmy.nz ok?

Edit: I think the sense I'm getting is that this would be at home in either community.