Baxter to the Wall

One of the favourite tricks of a ruling group, is to use its enemies for its own purposes. A example appeared in the 'Dom' (Sat. 26 June) recently - applicable particularly to Vic students.

It seems that Hansells (NZ) Ltd, and the Vice-chancellor of Vic think it is a fine thing for an ex-student and a famous "writer and poet" (among other things) to be hung on the wall of this establishment - not only to beautify the insides of its ugly buildings, but also remind everyone that stops and examines it, that he was a great man - a man worth remembering.

It causes me great anguish to see these two clowns smiling away, pouring over Baxters portrait. They have at last immobilised this image - but also what he said when he was alive.

That these men should have the sheer audacity to use this man's picture to nulify the message that he tried to give to New Zealanders. These are the people that Baxter spoke out against, through his poetry, plays and the living of his own life.

If these two men really took Baxter seriously then we would expect them to significantly change their own lives, and abandon the positions in which they cause oppression and suffering to many New Zealanders. But no - of course they don't! Instead, they enjoy the wealth and influence that their positions bring them Worse than that - they attempt to pay Lip service and fayn admiration to a man who critised them and identified himself with the poor, the suffering and the humble. What irony - the very thing Baxter wrote and highlighted in his writings.

And what would Hemi think of being hailed to the wall of the establishment that symbolises the rot and contradiction of our society - I daren't think. All I hope is that on viewing him on the wall - people will be moved to read and learn what he was trying to tell us.