Well I sort of support what Tuhoe are wanting. No I don't have any links with them or condone any of them threatening violence.

But I had been wondering why I had a feeling in the back of my mind that there was something a little bit admirable about what the Tuhoe pepole caught up in alleged terrorist activities were seeking.

 And it is this.

What it sounds like they want is the freedom to run their own lives without interference from government (well the colonial one anyway). To be able to determine their own future and to protect their own property rights.

As well they see nothing wrong with running around with guns all the time (any pro gun lobbyists out there?).

In short this sounds very much like what a libertarian would want. Where it might all go a bit pear- shaped is if they still expect the benefits of the western world including social welfare, a justice system, and defence.

Otherwise I kind of think let them go to it. Have their own little patch and leave everyoone else alone. Trouble is I suspect they would replace one corrupt government with another and not protect "individual" rights.

 The other area where many of these sorts of groups go a bit wrong is forcing their will on other people in the form of violence ie Muslim extremists.

If they all want to run around playing war games and harming no-one but themselves then so what. Where it does get serious is when they start threatening, either explicitly or by implication, other innocent people.

 Interested in peoples thoughts. Suppose I will get shot down in flames. Never mind.

Mark