Plain Speaking By Oliver Cromwell

Truths and Verities

In New Zealand we have been afflicted with a politician who is well passed his "use by" date.  Winston Peters clings to political power and influence with a never-ebbing passion.  One of the major political parties (National) recently announced that they would not contemplate working with Peters to form a coalition because (in its view) Peters is fundamentally dishonest.  He cannot be trusted.  

One commentator in a local blog said National's stand reminded him of Oliver Cromwell's dismissal of the Rump Parliament.

'It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice.

Ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government.

Ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.

Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess?

Ye have no more religion than my horse. Gold is your God. Which of you have not bartered your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?

Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defiled this sacred place, and turned the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices?

Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation. You were deputed here by the people to get grievances redressed, are yourselves become the greatest grievance.

Your country therefore calls upon me to cleanse this Augean stable, by putting a final period to your iniquitous proceedings in this House; and which by God's help, and the strength he has given me, I am now come to do.

I command ye therefore, upon the peril of your lives, to depart immediately out of this place.

Go, get you out! Make haste! Ye venal slaves be gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors.

In the name of God, go.'

One may hope Winston Peters takes note.  But it would be a hope forlorn.  Where is Oliver Cromwell when he is needed?