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Persia persists
Some reflections on the protests in Iran, and exploring the reasons why the usual activists, mainstream media, and others are disturbingly silent…
Jan 13
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Simon O'Connor
41
28
4
Venezuela and moral equivalence
Do we really believe in the rightness of our values or are they just another set of values - morally equivalent as any other? The answer will ultimately…
Jan 5
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Simon O'Connor
54
40
9
Here comes 2026
A few quick reflections on the year that has been, including my most popular Substacks as well as a heartfelt thanks to all who have been part of On…
Dec 22, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
25
15
4
Blood on their hands
For too long, we have tolerated people calling for the very violence that occurred at Bondi Beach last night.
Dec 14, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
71
41
9
Do as I say, not as I do
How did we reach a moment where a Prime Minister saying she wanted to punch another MP in the face is seen as acceptable by many?
Dec 10, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
42
14
7
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The op-ed Stuff won't publish
Jun 10, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
73
27
8
Grotesque
Jan 27, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
70
12
7
Call it what it is
Jun 2, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
68
30
9
Blood on their hands
Dec 14, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
71
41
9
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Now for the excuses
There will be many excuses from Zohran Mamdani once his policies fail, yet until we appreciate the reasons why he won, these excuses will succeed.
Dec 3, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
29
11
6
Cold water
Politically, pouring ‘cold water’ onto challenging issues in New Zealand is common place – be it the recent police scandal or instances of foreign…
Nov 24, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
18
16
5
Policing the police
Recent revelations around how some senior police officers acted is shining a spotlight on much needed reform and changes, including the Harmful Digital…
Nov 12, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
35
5
5
Are whakapapa and citizenship the same?
I explore why one's ancestry and heritage are not the same as citizenship. I also ask, do we need the Waitangi Tribunal anymore?
Nov 4, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
35
15
4
Freedoms exist to be exercised
My contribution to a recent legal symposium on religious freedom and belief, at BYU university in Utah.
Oct 23, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
17
9
2
'Broadcasting' too wide a net
The Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) attempted overreach is just another example of bureaucratic and judicial hubris, and it is time for…
Oct 17, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
25
27
1
A ceasefire of silence ...
When I visited the Gaza envelope earlier this year, I took one critical question with me and now I think I have an answer.
Oct 15, 2025
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Simon O'Connor
60
26
2
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On Point
Musings of a husband, step-father, and longtime student of philosophy and history. Also happen to be a former politician, including chairing New Zealand's Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Committee.
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