Now there are many reasons I’m going to Party Vote Green this election but to be honest one of the top reasons is to hopefully get this amazing woman, and activist into Parliament.
Over the past year I have had the amazing chance to get to know Mojo, and the privilege to call her my friend. I sit here now and am slightly surprised that at one time she completely terrified me. When I first met her at the Green Party AGM in 2009 she was such a strong, passionate, and outspoken woman I couldn’t help be completely intimidated.
I will be honest when I first met her I held a lot of assumptions about how she would be since she was deaf. Within a few short minutes though Mojo had completely broken through all those assumptions. She didn’t let anyone walk, or talk over her, her disability wasn’t holding her back that was for sure. The more time I spent around her the more I saw what an amazing and persuasive speaker she is, her passion for so many topics, and her love for her daughters(who are amazing women in their own rights)
I have also unfortunately heard some really inane and stupid reasons why she isn’t “suitable” for parliament, all them focused on her disability. One of the key one’s I’ve heard is that Parliament isn’t set up for a deaf Member of Parliament, which is just ignorant and lazy excuse. If we let excuses like this effect our everyday there would be no wheelchair ramps anywhere, our cross walks wouldn’t be accessible to the blind, and allergy information wouldn’t be on food packets. Parliament isn’t set up for a deaf person? Then let’s change that.
I think it is about time we had a Member of Parliament who truly understands what it’s like to be disabled in Society today. One who understands that the disabled community of New Zealand are the most disadvantaged community.
I’m being unfair to Mojo though by just highlighting what she would do for the Disabled Community, for she is very knowledgeable and eloquent on many key Green Party issues. Her passions also include the Impact the Dairy Industry has on our environment and influences on Climate Change.
As a woman with a disability, and is concern by the state of our environment and our world, I cannot think of anyone better to represent me in parliament than Mojo Mathers.
At number 14 on the List the Green Party would need to get just over 12% for her to make it into parliament and I think this is a real possibility this election; and my vote will be cast in her favour.
Please don’t just take my word for it though, here are some great links on Mojo and her complete awesomeness:
Mojo Mathers Green Party Official Page
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